Staying Healthy on the Road When becoming a truck driver, it can be difficult to make healthy decisions. Whether you’re crunched for time or don’t like the taste of healthier options, hopefully some of these tips can get you on the right track or help you improve even more. Make a Schedule Taking a few minutes a day to plan out when and where you’ll be when you need to make a stop can be pretty beneficial. If you have a plan, it can take away the stress of not knowing when your next meal will be. It can also create a better routine and not have you eating at odd hours throughout ..read more

Shortly after getting your CDL license and/or your carrier authority, you will soon be required to stop at weigh stations. Whether you’re beginning your journey as a driver, or an experienced roadster, here are some tips and other info that’ll answer some questions you may have about going through these stops. What exactly are weigh stations?The definition can be quite literal to the name. Don’t be alarmed, weigh stations are simply roadside areas where DOT officials weigh your tractor and your freight. Typically, they’re stationary areas but sometimes you’ll run across portable ones in som ..read more

Now that winter is close to full swing, Trucking Partners would like to offer some tips and tricks to make driving in harsh conditions a little easier. Driving during the winter can get pretty rough, especially for those of us from the south who may not be used to some of the crazy snow our trucking friends in the north see. Regardless of where you’re from, here are a few pointers to help conquer the snow and chilly weather this winter. Inspect Your Vehicle Before anything, always do a full inspection of your truck and trailer and confirm it’s capable of making the trip. When facing co ..read more

CASH FLOW PLANNING   Why do businesses fail? According to a US bank study, 82% of businesses fail due to poor cash flow.  Not because of their customer base or their service capabilities, but because they had a cash flow problem. As the owner of a small trucking business, you know cash flow trouble will keep you up at night.  It’s a very real problem that all trucking business owners face. Planning and preparing ahead for business cycles are critical to owning a successful business.   Invest in cash flow management Seriously consider investin ..read more

Start A Trucking Company There is a lot to think about when starting your own trucking company.  First, do as much research as possible.  Read everything you can, especially about trucking regulations and about the costs of starting and operating a trucking company.  You’ll need to become familiar with the different requirements prescribed by the FMCSA.  Then speak to someone with actual experience, if you can.  If this isn’t possible, you can surf YouTube and find numerous owner operators discussing various trucking topics.  You can also, call us (Trucking Partners).  We’ve owned and op ..read more

FACTORING vs. QUICK PAY In the trucking industry, it’s normal to wait 5 – 7 weeks to get paid.  And this doesn’t take into account that it may take you a few days, or even a week, before you have time to stop and send an invoice.  Meanwhile, your cash is going out the door every day for things like fuel, tires, repairs and maintenance, etc. and the list goes on and on. Most carriers need a much faster cash flow in order to survive.  So, what are your options?  Most often, it could be a choice between Quick Pay and Factoring. What Is Quick Pay? Some brokers offer qui ..read more

UNDERSTANDING FACTORING TERMS In case you’re new to factoring, we thought an explanation of some common terms might come in handy: Account Debtor: Also known as the customer.  A company that purchases products or services from the factoring client and who will pay the invoice that is factored.  Accounts Receivable: Money owed to a business by its clients, usually by issuing an invoice that is due to be paid within a certain period of time. Accounts Receivable Factoring: Another term for factoring. Advance: This is the amount of money that the factoring compan ..read more

How to Choose a Factoring Company   First, let’s define what factoring is.   What Is Freight Invoice Factoring?  Factoring could provide an immediate solution to your trucking company’s cash flow problem. Factoring is a type of financing in which a trucking company / owner-operator sells its freight invoices to a factoring company. Within hours the factor will advance funds (usually 90% – 100% of invoice amount) via ACH directly into your checking account. If a reserve was held, the factor will rebate the remaining percentage, less any fees, after the invoice has been paid.  Factoring impr ..read more

Thinking About Starting Your Own Trucking Company?  You can do it with just one truck!   The trucking industry is the lifeblood of the U.S. economy.  Without trucks, America stops!  Did you know that almost 90% of all trucking companies are small fleets of six trucks or less? Here are some thoughts, steps, requirements, etc.What kind of company (structure) is best for me?   Sole proprietorship Partnership Limited liability corporation (LLC)  Corporation (C-corp, S-corp, etc.) Each type has different pros and cons, and that varies with each state. You might want ..read more

WHY CHOOSE NON-RECOURSE FACTORING? Trucking Partners has offered non-recourse factoring services for several years.  Non-recourse factoring is the purchase of accounts receivable (freight invoices) for cash. Trucking Partners pioneered the use of non-recourse factoring for small-medium sized motor carriers including many startup companies. Non-Recourse Factoring Benefits Cash Flow: Trucking Partners purchases freight invoices providing motor carriers with immediate cash in return.  Non-recourse invoice factoring clients receive up to 100% of invoice amount (less fac ..read more