What is Last Mile Delivery? Your Complete Overview

The Challenges of Last Mile Delivery and How to Overcome Them

One of the major challenges with last-mile delivery has to do with the logistics involved in the process itself. When a product has reached this part of its journey, it will almost always be delivered via a truck driver. Those van and truck drivers need to deal with not only unpredictable traffic, but also issues like sudden road closures, problems with route planning, quickly evolving weather conditions, and more.

The point is that many of these obstacles are not only beyond the control of the driver, but they’re hard to plan for as well. Drivers will need to adapt to changing conditions almost in real-time to make sure that the shipment gets to its final destination not only efficiently, but quickly to preserve the customer experience as well.

Another one of the major issues with last-mile delivery has to do with what has colloquially become known as the “last-mile problem.” It’s something that many of us have experienced – a package that we’re waiting on sees a status change to “Out for Delivery” early in the morning, but it might be 10 hours or more before we actually receive it.

Typically, this happens because delivery drivers contend with several stops along the way. They have more than one package to deliver, obviously – but things like inefficient route planning or the aforementioned weather conditions can delay things far beyond what anyone is comfortable with.

Not only does the last mile problem tend to harm the customer experience, but it can also lead to increased shipping costs for retailers and other logistics providers as well.

This is a big part of the reason why it’s always important to be as proactive as possible. Routes need to be planned with as much care as possible to at the very least avoid those conditions that you can control like known road closures or upcoming violent storms. At the very least, it makes those sudden changes easier to adapt to.

Freight Factoring for Last Mile Delivery

Freight factoring is particularly important for last-mile delivery organizations as they are the ones that depend so heavily on keeping a consistent cash flow. Last-mile delivery organizations are particularly dependent on not only fluctuating gas prices, but also insurance, delivery vehicle maintenance, and more. It’s hard to complete a last-mile delivery if you suddenly can’t afford to have important repairs made to your van.

In a situation where your cash flow is inherently unpredictable, freight factoring can add a bit of much-needed stability to your enterprise. It can also give you the capital you need to invest in delivery technology that will optimize routes and make your business more profitable. It could even give you the resources you need to hire more delivery personnel, thus eliminating a lot of the aforementioned challenges.

Optimizing Delivery Costs

One of the biggest ways to optimize delivery costs in terms of last-mile delivery involves using route planning to cut delivery times as much as possible.

Take rural areas, for example. On paper, a series of deliveries may not seem like anything special. You’re dealing with just a few deliveries to a few specific houses – how complicated could it be? In reality, those houses could be many miles apart, requiring a major time and fuel commitment for just a few deliveries.

This is also true in urban areas. If routes aren’t optimized to move in a logical, geographic way across a city, drivers could essentially end up driving around in circles all day long. The gas-related costs alone will be enormous – to say nothing of how long it will take for those deliveries to get to their final destinations.

This is why many organizations use not only route planning but also sophisticated fleet management solutions. Organizational leaders can see where trucks and drivers are in real-time, allowing them to pivot if something causes a delay (or requires an adjustment to a plan that may no longer make sense for whatever reason).

Ways Technology Can Help with Last Mile Delivery

Tech-driven solutions like route planning tools can not only go a long way towards reducing service time – they also help minimize labor costs enormously as well.

From the moment you start using a route planning or auto-dispatching tool, you begin saving time almost immediately. The tool is largely automated, meaning that someone no longer has to pour over detailed routes and other resources to complete everything manually. Routes are automatically optimized using all available information, allowing human employees to focus on more important tasks.

Not only that, but routes are also updated in real-time based on changing conditions like new deliveries coming in. This can optimize routes in a way that means you require fewer drivers on the day of the job to complete the set number of deliveries.

Another great way that technology can help with last-mile delivery involves the use of reporting to increase accountability. Keep in mind that there are always opportunities for improvement, especially in a process that is as dependent on human labor as this one.

Once the day is over, you can go back over the reports to help identify any bottlenecks or weaknesses that developed. Why did certain routes take longer to complete than others? Was there anything that could have been done differently? What factors impact your on-time rates or service times that you may have otherwise been unaware of?

All this is critical to know because if you know what isn’t working (or what could be better), you can fix it. You’re not trying anything to “see what sticks” – you’re making intelligent decisions based on accurate, real-time information.

If you’d like to find out more information about last-mile delivery, or if you have any additional questions that you’d like to go over with someone in a bit more detail, please don’t hesitate to contact the Advanced Commercial Capital team today.

A Comprehensive Guide to the Different Types of CDLs

What is a CDL?

Also commonly referred to as a Commercial Driver’s License, a CDL is a type of specialized license that you need to operate any type of large commercial vehicle. This includes not only most large trucks, but also buses, any vehicle that carries hazardous materials, and more.

How Many Types of CDLs Are There?

The purpose of a CDL is to make sure that the driver has the specialized knowledge needed to safely operate the vehicle in question. There are a lot of different types of vehicles that require special skills out there – meaning that there is no “one size fits all” approach to getting your CDL.

Today, there are three main classes to choose from depending on your needs – Class A, Class B, and Class C.

What is a Class A CDL License?

If the vehicle that you’re trying to operate is under 26,000 pounds or won’t be towing anything over 10,000 pounds, you need a Class A CDL license.

How to Obtain a Class A CDL

To obtain a Class A CDL, you’ll first need to make sure that you’re at least 18 years old or are 21 if you’re planning on driving between states. You’ll have to pass a knowledge test that covers things like road signs and best practices, and you’ll have to go through a training program. After passing a skills test, you’ll be able to obtain your Class A CDL.

Salary Outlook for Class A Drivers

While the salary outlook for truck drivers in particular will vary wildly depending on what company you’re working for, where in the country you live, and other factors, truck drivers with a Class A CDL can typically expect to make between $45,000 and $75,000 per year.

What is a Class B CDL?

This is a type of CDL that allows drivers to operate vehicles that weigh 26,000 pounds or more, provided that they’re not towing anything heavier than 10,000 pounds.

How to Obtain a Class B CDL

The process for obtaining your Class B CDL is similar to that of a Class A CDL, with a few key exceptions. All the skills you need will be specific to Class B vehicles, so you can expect both the knowledge test and the training to be geared more towards that direction. Once you successfully pass your driving test while safely operating a Class B vehicle, you’ll be able to apply for your Class B CDL.

Salary Outlook for Class B Drivers

Again, this is something that will vary wildly depending on where you live, what type of vehicle you’re operating, and even how much driving you’ll be doing regularly. Typically, you can make between $35,000 and $60,000 per year as a Class B driver.

What is a Class C CDL?

This is a special type of CDL that allows drivers to have more than 16 passengers at a time, including themselves. This is also the type of CDL you’ll need if you’re going to be transporting hazardous materials or if you are behind the wheel of a vehicle big enough to require placarding.

How to Obtain a Class C CDL

As you would expect, obtaining your Class C CDL will require you to go through specific courses and pass a written test that has been customized for Class C regulations. Once you have the necessary training under your belt, you’ll be able to take that skills test. Once you pass, you can finalize your CDL application and submit it at any DMV in your area – the same as you can with the other types of licenses.

Salary Outlook for Class C Drivers

Because you’re specifically talking about transporting passengers, the salary outlook for Class C drivers is going to fluctuate depending on the industry you’re operating in. Keep in mind that school bus drivers or shuttle service operators need a Class C CDL to operate, too. Because of that, you can usually expect to make between $30,000 and $50,000 per year, once all other variables are accounted for.

What Are CDL Endorsements?

Again, not all commercial vehicles are created in quite the same way, and sometimes to get a job, you’ll need to show that you have additional qualifications beyond what a simple CDL license will provide.

For those situations, you have endorsements, which show that you can operate specific types of vehicles or carry certain types of loads. CDL endorsements can include but are not limited to ones like T, which is used for double or triple trailers, and H, which is used for hazardous materials. The N endorsement is also applicable to tank-based vehicles.

What Are CDL Restrictions?

Based on your skill as a driver or the type of vehicle you have experience working with, you could also find certain restrictions placed on your vehicle. A K restriction means that you’re only able to operate within a specific state, for example. You can’t cross state lines at all, which will limit the types of jobs you can take. An L restriction means that you’re not able to operate vehicles that have air brakes.

What is The Difference Between a CDL & CLP?

A Commercial Learner’s Permit, otherwise known as a CLP for short, means that you’re able to operate a commercial vehicle only under the supervision of someone who actually has a CDL. It’s not too dissimilar to a learner’s permit for a traditional driver’s license in that way.

How Long Does it Take to Get a CDL?

The amount of time it will take you to get your CDL will vary depending on several factors, including the state where you live and the amount of training you need to go through. Usually, people can get theirs in a period of a few weeks to several months, at which point they can start applying for jobs.

How Long Does it Take to Get a CLP?

If you want to get a CLP, on the other hand, know that this is a relatively straightforward process. In most situations, you’ll be able to get yours in a few days or even a week or more. Ultimately, it will come down to the state, but part of the point is to get you on the road as soon as possible.

If you’d like to find out more information about the different types of CDLs that are out there and how they might fall into your own career goals, or if you’d just like to speak about your long-term prospects with a team of professionals in a bit more detail, please don’t hesitate to contact the Advanced Commercial Capital team today.

Understanding Payroll Funding in Freight

In a perfect world, no organization would be in a situation where they need access to cash flow to cover their payroll expenses before their own accounts receivable come in. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world.

Oftentimes, circumstances beyond your control get in the way. Maybe there was a situation where a job didn’t go as expected. Maybe a client is taking too long to pay for their own reasons. Regardless, payroll funding in freight is there to meet your needs so that you can meet your obligations, no matter what.

What is Payroll Funding?

As stated, payroll funding is a type of service that offers companies immediate cash flow to cover payroll expenses as needed. Think of it as a type of short-term financing designed to make sure you’re able to meet your obligations to keep your business moving forward, regardless of what life happens to throw at you.

How Does Payroll Funding Work in Freight?

When you work with a payroll funding provider, the first thing you do is submit the outstanding invoices that you have to your partner of choice. These are invoices for work that you’ve already performed and are awaiting payment from clients, or that are a part of a similar situation.

Your payroll funding partner will then provide you with a percentage of the invoice value in advance. This can be a way to cover not only your payroll needs but other operating costs as well.

When the client pays the invoice, the payment is not directed to your business, but to the payroll funding provider.

At that point, everything can be reconciled, and you can keep things running smoothly. Typically, any fees that you are assessed are calculated based on the amount of the outstanding invoices.

Advantages of Payroll Funding

For smaller organizations in particular, the biggest advantage of payroll funding comes by way of immediate access to cash flow. Payroll obligations don’t wait just because a sudden winter storm hit your area, causing a delay in work. With payroll funding, you can meet your obligations while still giving your clients the time they need to meet theirs.

Flexibility is another major advantage of payroll funding, as it’s an easy way to adapt to ever-changing business conditions. Payroll funding isn’t something you’ll need to leverage every month, or even regularly. But when the need does arise for whatever reason, it’s always an option worth exploring.

This can also lead directly to one of the long-term benefits of payroll funding: superior business growth. With your own cash flow free, you can now invest in other areas of the organization where that money can make the most impact. It can be a way to purchase new equipment, or even to expand your fleet. The point is, that you can suddenly take advantage of opportunities as they arise instead of watching them pass you by.

Another long-term benefit comes by way of the credit improvement your business will often enjoy. Payroll funding is a way to demonstrate that you’re able to reliably keep track of your financial obligations. The longer you’re able to do that, the better your credit rating is – leading to better opportunities as a result.

Disadvantages of Payroll Funding

Of course, none of that is to say that payroll funding in freight is the perfect solution for every business. As always, you need to consider your specific needs when making a decision – especially regarding financial matters.

When you participate in payroll funding, you’ll always have a certain level of dependence on the provider you’ve selected. That’s why it’s so critical to do your due diligence ahead of time to make sure that you’re finding a partner that will operate with your best interest at heart.

Payroll funding is not free, and some companies may have an issue dealing with the long-term costs. But again – this is not something that is intended to be used on anything other than an as-needed basis. If you find that you need payroll funding often enough to where the costs are eating into your ability to function, you likely have issues elsewhere that you’ll want to investigate.

How to Qualify for Payroll Financing

Qualifying for payroll funding is ultimately a straightforward process that isn’t that different from applying for something like a loan.

You’ll need to provide documentation that your business is in sound working order, for example. That includes business licenses, financial statements, proof of outstanding invoices, and more. Your creditworthiness will also be assessed during this time.

The quality of the invoices you’re submitting will also need to be of a certain record. If the invoices you’re submitting are from clients who have an established history of not paying in full, the chances are slim that a payroll funding provider will want to take on that risk.

What to Look for in a Reliable Payroll Fund Provider

When looking for a payroll funding provider, the first thing you’ll want to research is a company’s reputation. Read reviews and, if you can, speak to past clients to make sure you’re finding an organization that you’re comfortable with.

You’ll also want to compare providers in terms of fees, interest rates, and the other elements that go into their terms of service. This is absolutely one of those situations where you need to prioritize transparency above all else.

Customer service is also critical. If you have an issue, you want to make sure that you’re never more than a phone call away from someone who will be able to help.

Finally, you’ll want to look at the speed at which funding will be available to you. Part of the appeal of payroll funding is that it is a fast way to access the cash flow needed to meet your obligations. If a provider isn’t offering the “fast” part of that agreement, you’ll probably be better served elsewhere.

Do You Need Payroll Funding?

Ultimately, the decision of whether you need payroll funding in freight is yours alone to make. If there are other ways to get the money you need with more favorable terms and conditions, you are encouraged to explore them. But for many, payroll funding is a perfect way to meet their obligations, accelerate business growth, and enable financial stability – all at the same time.

If you’d like to find out more information about payroll funding, or if you’d just like to discuss your own needs with a team of passionate and dedicated professionals in a bit more detail, please reach out to the team at Advanced Commercial Capital today.

How the Truck Driver Shortage Impacts Factoring

If you had to make a list of all the professions that are critically important to the United States economy, truck drivers would undoubtedly be right at the top.

Without truck drivers, there would be no supply chain. Essential goods and other items would be unable to make their way across the country, getting into the hands of the people who need them to make the products that will eventually be passed onto consumers.

But as is true in so many other industries, truck drivers are facing a massive shortage that is poised to get worse before it gets better. According to one recent study, about 87% of companies around the world either already have a skills gap that they’re dealing with, or expect to have one within the next few years.

Truck drivers are no different, creating a situation that we would all do well to take seriously while we still have the chance.

Why is There a Truck Driver Shortage in 2024?

The truck driver shortage as it exists in 2024 is actually a long time coming. In 2005, for example, there were an estimated 20,000 positions across the industry that professionals were unable to fill. By 2018, that number had grown to an enormous 60,800 with no end in sight.

As is true with a lot of different industries, there’s no single reason you can point to to explain the truck driver shortage. To fully understand it, you need to view several issues in the context of not only where the industry was and is, but where it is likely headed over the course of the next decade.

Unsafe Working Conditions and Lifestyle Challenges

One of the major reasons why it’s so difficult to find enough people to address the truck driver shortage has to do with lifestyle challenges. Many younger people in particular are taking an increased interest in their health and physical fitness. It’s difficult to argue with a straight face that sitting behind the wheel of a car for eight hours a day on a heavily restricted diet is the healthiest choice you can make.

Unsafe working conditions are also a topic of discussion around the country. Truck drivers can only be behind that wheel for a certain length of time because it’s literally dangerous for them to exceed it. Also, keep in mind that the weather is making things more dangerous in various places. Increasing temperatures and pressure changes have contributed to storms that are so damaging it is almost unheard of.

Unbalanced Pay Scales

Despite how important truck drivers are and how dangerous their profession actually is, many are dealing with unbalanced pay scales – an issue that is certainly not making things look any more attractive to prospects.

According to one recent study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a truck driver was $49,920 in 2022. To put that into perspective, that works out to be about $24 per hour. There are a lot of other professions that you could explore, even with a limited educational background, and still make comparable wages to most entry-level truck driving positions in particular pay.

Poor Benefits

Along the same lines, you have to consider the high cost of living associated with constantly being on the road. You’re incredibly limited in terms of where you can purchase food from, often being forced to deal with expensive prices at truck stops.

This can often make it hard for truck drivers to establish any kind of financial safety net. When you’re also operating as an independent contractor in many situations, enjoying any type of benefits at all is a responsibility that falls exclusively to you.

Less Interest From Younger Workers

One of the major factors that is exacerbating the truck driver shortage has to do with reduced interest from younger workers, particularly when it comes to long-haul projects.

It’s one thing to try to get someone interested in a job that will see them driving a large vehicle around for hours at a time every day. It’s another thing entirely to convince them that they should take days or even weeks away from their families, even if you’re able to address the pay discrepancies outlined above.

Because of this, many carriers are working hard to try to make their driver schedules as flexible as possible. Long-haul trucking is just as essential as it ever was, but many providers are trying to get their truckers home as often as possible so that they can raise a family and maintain a healthy work/life balance.

How Does This Shortage Affect Factoring?

If anything, the truck driver shortage makes factoring even more important because labor shortages mean invoices will likely take longer to get paid. This can cause you to not have critical funds when you need them, forcing you to let opportunities for growth and other success pass you by.

How Trucking Companies are Combatting the Trucker Shortage

One of the biggest ways in which trucking companies are combatting the trucker shortage involves increased pay and benefits. This is creating a ripple effect in that not only does better pay attract more drivers, but better benefits also help with retention as well. A higher base pay won’t entirely solve the problem, but it will make sure companies are headed in the right direction.

Enhanced training programs can relieve pressure in other areas, too. Not only does this help reduce the number of unqualified drivers you’re dealing with, but it can also make sure they have the knowledge needed to operate as safely as possible while on the open road.

Technology and automation are also regularly being employed, not to replace human truck driver jobs but to support and empower them. The more a company uses automation, the more often a truck driver can be home with his or her family – precisely the way it should be.

Factoring Made Easy with Advanced Commercial Capital

At Advanced Commercial Capital, we understand how important it is to keep money coming in the door of your trucking company. This is especially true when you’re dealing with supply chain disruptions and other elements like the uncertain economic times we’re all living in.

That’s why we want to make factoring as easy as possible, all so that you can worry less about getting paid and more about attracting the talent you need to run the most successful business you can.

If you’d like to find out more information about how the truck driver shortage impacts factoring and other aspects of the industry, or if you’d just like to talk to someone about your own needs in a bit more detail, please don’t hesitate to contact the Advanced Commercial Capital team today.

An Owner Operator Guide to Load Boards & Freight Factoring

If you’re an owner/operator, keeping your truck on the road is always a top priority. You’re a business owner, after all – you need to find enough work to always go from one job to the next. The more you work, the more you earn.

Yet at the same time, this is often a lot easier said than done. Thankfully, load boards exist that are designed to make owners/operators not only more efficient but more profitable as well.

What Are Load Boards?

A load board is a type of online platform that connects shippers, brokers, and carriers together. Each of these parties has its own unique needs, but sometimes figuring out how best to meet them can be a challenge. Load boards try to make that easier by allowing carriers to find loads, discuss the best rates, and keep their trucks moving – no matter what.

Think of it a bit like a message board that is dedicated exclusively to helping people ship goods and find carriers that best meet their unique needs.

How Does a Load Board Work?

Ultimately, using a load board is relatively straightforward for everyone involved. A shipper or broker will list any loads they have available, providing as many details as possible. These details include pickup and delivery locations, the type of load, the overall weight, and any special requirements they might have.

Owners/operators can then search for loads that meet their own needs. Not everyone will be available to travel to all destinations, for example. At that point, the parties can contact one another and bidding and/or negotiation can get started. Once that process is complete, booking and confirmation occur, at which point the owner/operator can begin work.

How Do Owner Operators Use Load Boards?

The number one way that owners/operators use load boards is to find loads. An owner/operator is someone who runs their own trucking business. Any day when they don’t have a load is a day they’re not working. Based on the specific routes they like to travel along with their capacity and other preferences, they can use load boards to find suitable jobs to take.

Owners/operators also use load boards in several other ways. Many use them to manage their availability, for example. Load boards are also valuable in terms of optimizing routes.

In addition, the importance of load boards in building relationships is something that cannot be overstated. The type of connections that you make on load boards can easily turn into recurring work and long-lasting relationships if all parties are satisfied with the job that has been done.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Load Board

It is key to understand that not all load boards are created equally. Some load boards are inherently more valuable than others, so when it comes to finding one that meets your needs, there are many factors to keep in mind.

Types of Loads Available

Naturally, the types of loads that are available will be a big thing to look at when choosing a load board. If you’re an owner/operator who prefers FTL (full truckload) jobs, you wouldn’t want to spend much time on a load board that only offers LTL (less than truckload) opportunities. If most of the jobs on a particular board require specialty handling that you can’t match, it reduces the potential that the board has to offer. Be sure to find the load board that fits your hauling needs.

User-Friendliness

You’ll want to make sure that your load board has an intuitive user interface. This will save you time in the long run. If you have to spend hours trying to figure out how to navigate a load board just to find a job, you’re only causing yourself a lot of stress and frustration you could avoid.

Real-Time Status

A load board worth your attention should offer real-time updates on availability, status, and trucking. This is all useful in terms of effective logistics management.

Transparent Load Details & Payment Terms

When viewing loads on a load board, you should never be left guessing about key aspects of a load like payment terms. The more transparency you have, the less likely there is to be a misunderstanding later on.

Customer Service

In the unfortunate event that an issue does arise, you want to know that the load board’s customer service capabilities will be able to step in and lend a hand. At the very least, you shouldn’t have to wait days for responses to simple questions. You should always have a way to get clear details on rates, payment methods, additional fees, and more.

How Load Boards Impact Freight Factoring for Owner-Operators

Load boards impact freight factoring for owners/operators primarily by streamlining processes. Invoicing and payment processing become far easier, meaning that workers can get paid quickly, and the administrative burden is reduced for all involved. This is a great way to improve cash flow for all parties.

Load boards also help make owners/operators who may be new to the world of logistics aware of how certain fees are structured. If nothing else, it can act as an invaluable lesson about how to break down your own costs when using load boards to find and book work for the future.

In the end, load boards give owners/operators the information they need to make the most informed decisions possible. At that point, they can optimize their business and become the most successful entrepreneurs that they can be.

Factoring is Simple with Advanced Commercial Capital. Call Us Today!

At Advanced Commercial Capital, we pride ourselves on our ability to protect you – and your business – from unpaid freight invoices. It doesn’t matter whether they’re the result of fraud, bankruptcy, delinquency, or something else entirely – we offer a non-recourse approach so that we own all the risk, not you.

Getting started is easy – all you need to do is fill out the form on our website to learn more about our freight factoring solutions. After you apply and get approved, we will begin the lightning-fast setup process – which involves giving you access to our online tools.

Once you’re funded, you can rest easy knowing that all your needs are taken care of – allowing you to get back on the road and focus on the task at hand, exactly as it should be.

If you’re interested in finding out more about load boards and freight factoring, or if you have any additional questions that you’re eager to talk to someone about in a bit more detail, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Advanced Commercial Capital today.

Ultimate Guide to Tax Deductions for Truck Drivers

When you think about all the various jobs that might earn you a lot of tax deductions, truck drivers probably wouldn’t be on your list. After all – the chances are high that someone else owns your truck, and you’re already getting reimbursed for gas. What more could there possibly be to claim once tax season rolls around?

The answer, as it turns out, is quite a lot. If you want to make sure that you’re making the most out of your truck driver tax deductions, there are a few in particular you won’t want to miss.

Insurance Premiums

By far, one of the most important tax deductions that truck drivers should always take advantage of comes down to insurance premiums. Know that not only can you deduct the premiums for any health insurance that you need to buy if it isn’t provided by your employer, but you can also deduct business-related insurance, too. That includes both liability and vehicle insurance, if applicable.

Medical Expenses

Another common type of tax deduction that many truck drivers take has to do with medical expenses that they incur throughout their lives. This includes both any out-of-pocket costs that they need to pay, as well as any other medical costs that are directly related to their life and career as a truck driver.

Work Clothing & Meals

Just because you spend all day on the open road doesn’t mean you don’t have to buy something like a uniform now and again. Not only do you get to deduct the cost of that uniform, but you can also deduct any work-related meals during a long haul. Note that there are specific IRS rules pertaining to this that you’ll want to research further before you file.

Tools & Equipment

Again – a lot of people who are on the outside of this industry looking inward don’t necessarily realize that truck drivers have to purchase their own tools and equipment, similar to other professions. Some truck driver tax deductions can include the cost of those tools and supplies, as well as expenses related to any other equipment that you have to buy to aid in your trucking duties.

Travel Expenses

This is where most people assume that the majority of a truck driver’s potential deductions will rest. This won’t necessarily apply quite as much to someone who works for the same company all day and who makes it back to their own home at the end of the night. But if you’re the type of truck driver who takes long trips that have you away from home for days or even weeks at a time, know that at the bare minimum, you can deduct costs related to any hotel stays or other lodging that you need, meals, and other transportation-related costs. That might mean taking a cab from the airport to your employer if you’re flying away from home and driving back to your original destination. It will obviously vary depending on the situation.

Personal Products

Many truck drivers don’t realize that they can also deduct the cost of a lot of personal products that they purchase, especially since they become essential items while you’re on the road for long periods. That can include any hygiene products that are necessary for trucking purposes. Some of the most obvious examples of this include but are not limited to things like hand sanitizers, shaving cream, and toothbrushes/toothpaste.

Vehicle Costs

Another major source of truck driver tax deductions comes by way of vehicle costs. This is especially true if you’re the type of truck driver who owns your own vehicle. You can get deductions for not only fuel but also any maintenance that may be necessary to keep you on the road. You can also take depreciation-related deductions relating to the truck as well.

Education

Sometimes, you may need to invest in specific training related to your trucking duties so that you can advance your professional career. In those situations, a lot of the expenses are likely tax deductible. Therefore, if this is a step that you’ve always wanted to take but hadn’t up to this point because you were concerned about the cost, it might not be the big issue you thought it was.

Association Dues

Depending on the area of the country that you’re based out of or even the types of clients that you take on, you may need to be part of a professional trucking organization. That organization may charge membership dues – exactly what that money goes to will likely be outlined in its charter. The good news is that those membership dues are generally deductible, especially considering that they’re directly related to the job you’re being asked to perform.

Office Expenses

Last but not least, just because you don’t have what most people would call a traditional office doesn’t mean that you can’t deduct a lot of office-related expenses from your taxes as a truck driver. The chances are high that you probably need to have a cell phone to stay informed while you’re on the go. The cost of that phone is deductible. The same is true of any laptop you need to buy, which is getting more and more common these days. Other office supplies that are used for not only trucking, but running a trucking-related business, can be deducted.

These are just a few of the examples of truck driving tax deductions that you should take full advantage of. Rest assured that there are many more, and you’ll always want to consult the help of a seasoned tax professional so that you don’t miss any.

If you’re interested in finding out more information about how to use truck driver tax deductions to your advantage, or if you’d just like to speak to someone about making sure that your career on the road is headed in the direction you’d always hoped it would be, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Advanced Commercial Capital today.

10 Common Pitfalls of Rookie Truck Drivers

Being a truck driver is a career decision that brings a wide range of different benefits that cannot be ignored. In addition to the fact that there is a low barrier to entry in that, there is no degree required, truck drivers usually have a tremendous amount of job security. The transportation industry and truck drivers, in particular, are the essential backbone of the United States economy, after all.

Becoming a truck driver offers tremendous opportunities for career advancement, gives people access to a highly competitive salary, and, of course, gives them a chance to travel in ways that they might not otherwise have access to. It’s no wonder it’s become so appealing to so many.

But there are several common pitfalls that brand-new truck drivers in particular tend to make in their first days and weeks on the job. Understanding what they are is the key to avoiding them in your own situation moving forward.

Rookie Truck Drivers Tend to Speed

In a lot of ways, new truck drivers tend to be a lot like their rookie contemporaries in that they have a “heavier foot” than most. Especially when you’re on the job, you always need to follow the speed limit. Be mindful of traffic laws and remember that you’re not just a driver anymore – you’re also performing an important service and are representing a business, too.

Newbies Often Ignore Safety

People who have never been truck drivers before are often surprised by the enormous checklist of things you need to do before you can even think about starting the engine, let alone driving. But it’s all critical and those safety checks should not be neglected. They could save your life or the life of someone else on the road one day.

New Truck Drivers are Often Overconfident

Overconfidence can come in many forms. Sometimes, a new truck driver simply thinks they’re able to work for longer periods than they actually can. Other times, they think that safety rules don’t apply to them because “skill” will always win out in the end. No matter what, you need to be mindful of your own limitations and act accordingly.

Physical & Mental Health Are Often Neglected

Being a truck driver is a sedentary lifestyle, and you need to be mindful of that moving forward. If you’re going to be sitting for at least eight hours a day you can’t just eat whatever you want. Likewise, you need to use every opportunity you have to get up and go for a walk at truck stops. Neglecting your mental health is also a bad idea. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep at night and seek professional help should you feel that you need it.

New Truck Drivers Tend to Neglect Relationship Building

As is true with any other industry, success in terms of being a truck driver comes down to your ability to build a relationship. Yes, it’s true that truck drivers spend a lot of time by themselves. But when you drop off a load you’ll still be interacting with people. People who might be able to help you out one day or otherwise advance your career. It would be a shame to waste that type of opportunity just because you don’t see the point of relationship building in the present day.

Many Rookie Drivers Think They Know Everything

Many rookie truck drivers think that “being a good driver” and “being a good truck driver” are interchangeable. In reality, you don’t know everything – and that’s a positive thing. Always take advantage of opportunities to learn new things and continue to develop yourself. It’s what will always keep the job as fresh and as interesting as possible.

Think about it like this. In a traditional job, the moment you feel like you’ve “learned enough” or are “as good as you can be” is the moment you start to plateau. You’d get bored with that job pretty quickly. Why would you then want to add something as physically and mentally demanding as truck driving on top of that?

Most New Drivers Have Unrealistic Expectations

Not every moment behind the wheel of a truck is going to be stellar. You will experience traffic delays, even if you didn’t today. You will hit a construction zone, even if you didn’t today. Unfortunate circumstances happen all the time and if you don’t start mentally preparing for them now, you’ll have a hard time dealing with them down the road (no pun intended).

Many Rookies Lack Organization Skills

Many rookie truck drivers make the mistake of assuming that since the cab of a truck is small, it isn’t really possible to be too terribly disorganized. However, when you consider the receipts that you have to manage and items that need to be both scanned and organized, it’s easy for your lack of organizational skills to fail you fairly quickly.

Newbies Often Avoid Asking for Help

Just because you’re a new truck driver who is on the road by yourself doesn’t mean you have to do everything on your own. When you pull into a truck stop, for example, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals. On the road, you can use your radio to communicate with just about anyone. If you need help, ask for help – it truly is as simple as that.

Lots of Rookie Truck Drivers Switch Jobs Too Early

Finally, one of the biggest mistakes that rookie truck drivers seem to make involves switching companies too early in their careers.

There are a lot of trucking companies out there and each has something unique to offer. But at the same time, you need to focus on the development of your own personal skills to make yourself as attractive as possible in the marketplace. As a general rule, most professional truck drivers say that you shouldn’t switch to a new company within the first year after you’ve been on the road. Trucking is all about long-term commitment, and you may be doing more harm than good if you can’t show potential future employers that you’re willing to stick to it and won’t leave them at the drop of a proverbial hat.

If you’d like to find out even more information about the types of rookie truck driver mistakes that your organization would do well to avoid at all costs, or if you just have any additional questions that you’d like to speak to someone about in a bit more detail, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Advanced Commercial Capital today .

2024 Guide to Truck Driver Salaries

If you had to list some industries that are literally the backbone of the United States economy, the trucking industry would no doubt be right at the top.

Without the shipping and logistics services provided by these passionate, dedicated, and highly skilled individuals, essential goods and other products would not be transported across the country and the continent. Without them, our store shelves would be bare. Our grocery stores wouldn’t have the food we need to thrive on a daily basis. The list goes on and on.

Of course, this begs the question – how much do truckers make? Naturally, the answer to that question requires you to keep a few key things in mind.

What is the Average Trucker Salary in America?

According to one recent study, the average trucker in the United States brings home a salary of roughly $83,000 per year. Keep in mind, however, that this will vary depending on a wide range of different factors – some of which are under the control of the truck driving professional and some of which are not.

What Factors Influence a Trucker’s Salary?

One of the major factors that influence how much a truck driver makes has to do with whether they are owner-operators or if they work directly for a company. As the name implies, an owner-operator is someone who owns their own truck the same way you might a piece of property. They tend to bring home an average of almost $323,900 per year. This makes sense, though, when you consider what an enormous investment the truck itself was originally.

A truck driver who works with a trucking company, on the other hand, doesn’t have to make that investment to start their career or to take matters into their own hands. For that reason, they tend to make approximately $59,400 per year.

Several other factors will influence a truck driver’s salary, too. Where a truck driver lives, for example, will play a big role. Salaries for any profession tend to reflect the cost of living in a particular area and some areas have higher costs of living than others.

The specific type of truck they’re driving will also influence how much they make, as certain types of trucks require specialized skills that companies are willing to pay more for. This ties directly into their overall level of expertise. The more experienced you are, the more money you can expect to take home.

Driving routes are also a big influence in terms of how much someone will make. If your route is particularly long or complicated, you’ll make more money than if you just handled straightforward jobs all day. It’s like any profession – the more complex it is, the higher your salary tends to be.

Which States are the Best for Trucking?

The states that tend to be the best for truck drivers and people who want to pursue this type of career include Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. Not only is the average truck driver’s salary high in these locations, but there are also a large number of trucker positions available.

Other states that are great for trucking include Delaware, Mississippi, Ohio, and Oklahoma.

Which States are the Worst for Trucking?

The states that are the worst for trucking tend to be those that are the opposite of those outlined above – meaning that not only salary comparatively on the lower side, but there also isn’t a lot of opportunity.

Take Hawaii, for example. In addition to salaries being on the low side, there aren’t many opportunities because Hawaii is quite small compared to a state like Oklahoma. Not only that, but the cost of living in Hawaii is also quite high – a bad combination if there ever was one.

Other states that would make this list include but are not limited to ones like Alaska, Florida, Idaho, Texas, and Oregon.

Trucker Salary Based on Trailer Type

Trucks that require specialized skills to operate tend to come with higher salaries than those that don’t. An oversized load driver, for example, typically commands about $96,000 per year.

Trucker Salary Based on Route Type

An OTR (over-the-road) driver would be at the top of the list for salaries based on route type. They tend to bring in about $99,000 per year, although it can be more in some situations.

Trucker Salary Based on Operating Models

As previously mentioned, the owner-operator model commands the highest salary based on the operating model. Others that are high on the list include lease operators, team truck drivers, and solo truck drivers.

Trucker Salary FAQs

What is the Highest Paying Trucking Job?

The highest paying trucking job tends to be owner/operator. Because they own their truck outright, as opposed to using one that has been issued by their employer, they tend to make more than $300,000 per year on average. Keep in mind, however, that you do have to make that large initial upfront investment.

What Type of Trucking is Most in Demand?

Because the trailer type is highly specialized, oversized load drivers tend to be in the highest demand. They also command the highest annual salary as a result. The same concept holds true for things like fuel tanker drivers and crude oil drivers.

Is it a Good Time to Get Into Trucking?

It’s always a good time to get into trucking, provided that your expectations are in order. Simply go into the situation knowing that where you live will absolutely impact how much you make, as well as other factors like your skill level. Have a plan in place for yourself so that your career can develop in the direction you want it to go in.

If you’re wondering how much do truckers make and want to find out more information, or if you’re eager to begin an exciting and rewarding career like this on your own terms, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Advanced Commercial Capital today.

Freight Forwarder vs Broker: What’s the Difference?

What is a Freight Forwarder?

For the sake of example, say you’re shipping important freight halfway across the country. You need it to arrive at its final destination precisely at a certain time in order to appease your own customers and guarantee future success for your business.

One of the people you would enlist during this time is called a freight forwarder. They’re the person (or organization) that takes possession of your important items. They store them, pack them, ship them, and help make sure that everything gets exactly where it needs to go on-time and in full.

The Main Responsibilities of Freight Forwarders

Because a freight forwarder is handling your important shipment, they take a very direct role in everything that happens. In most situations, they’ll be responsible for covering your shipment by way of insurance. If something goes wrong, it is their responsibility to make it right.

While a freight forwarder won’t necessarily transport your important goods or other items directly, they will find the company that can. It’s a highly specialized job that comes with its own requirements, like the fact that any freight forwarder needs to be licensed under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Also commonly referred to as the FMCSA for short, this is for both interstate and foreign freight.

Always ask to make sure that a company is licensed before you choose any particular one to work with.

What are the Benefits of Using Freight Forwarders?

In a general sense, the biggest benefit that comes with using freight forwarders has to do with how you get to leverage someone else’s years of experience to your advantage.

You’re an expert at running a business – you’re not necessarily (nor are you expected to be) adept at the finer points of shipping and logistics. A freight forwarder, on the other hand, is. That’s why they can help break up or even consolidate goods in storage in a way that makes them easier to ship while saving you both time and money at the same time.

They can extend those cost-savings into packaging and routing freight in unique and forward-thinking ways. Your freight still gets exactly where it needs to go, but in a way that saves money so that you can funnel it back into other areas of your business where it can do the most good.

Freight forwarders are also a tremendously efficient way to save as much of your time as possible. They handle all matters pertaining to customs, for example. Export or import issues can take a significant amount of time to resolve but thanks to a freight forwarder, that’s not something you have to worry about.

Along the same lines, freight forwarders will also help make sure that all of your essential paperwork is in order. This includes but is certainly not limited to any commercial invoices that you’re working with, the bill of lading, and certificates of origin (for international matters). This again frees up as much of your valuable time as possible so that you can focus on anything that you deem more important.

What is a Freight Broker?

In the world of logistics, a freight broker is an experienced professional who coordinates the connection between A) shippers, and B) carriers. It’s important to note that they do not handle freight directly. They simply act as something of a “middleman” between two parties during this important process.

The Main Responsibilities of Freight Brokers

Because of the nature of their position, the number one responsibility of a freight broker is to help you secure the best rate possible. Freight brokers often have pre-existing relationships with multiple carriers that they can leverage. Rather than trying to negotiate something on your own, they can help match you up with the right shipper and negotiate the best possible contract to help save you money.

Again, freight brokers only act as a “middleman” between a shipper and a carrier. They’re not responsible for any part of the right handling process. They will, however, track shipments to help make sure that all key stakeholders are up-to-date should any conditions arise that need their attention.

What are the Benefits of Using Freight Brokers?

To that end, one of the key benefits of using a freight broker is the increased visibility into your shipment that they bring with them. A freight broker will help keep track of freight and fuel rates, will keep tabs on regulations that you need to know about, and can even help stay up-to-date on all emerging industry trends. This is all insight that they will then share with both the shipper and the carrier so that all parties can make the best decisions possible moving forward.

But overall, freight brokers also have a reputation for helping to save everyone involved as much money as possible. For carriers, they can help optimize routes in a way that eliminates inefficiencies and that helps increase important qualities like accuracy and even safety. For businesses, they can help negotiate the best rates to save as much money as possible on the actual shipment itself.

In a lot of ways, a freight broker is like an accountant. Not only are they supposed to save you money, but the amount they end up saving will more than cover the associated costs of choosing one in the first place.

Key Differences: Freight Forwarder vs Broker

The main difference between a freight forwarder vs broker is one of responsibility. The freight forwarder is always responsible to the shipper in any logistics situation. A carrier, on the other hand, is responsible to the forwarder. The carrier is not directly responsible to the shipper. That’s what a freight forwarder is for.

This mainly comes into play should any legal issues arise during the shipping process. Freight brokers do not take physical possession of the important goods and other products being shipped. Freight forwarders do.

How to Choose Which to Use

In most scenarios, if you can only pick between a freight forwarder and a broker, choosing a broker is the way to go. They play a critical role in domestic shipping in particular and can help save you time and money. Many organizations find a great deal of success using both at the same time, however. It will simply come down to which option makes the most sense given the goals that you’re trying to accomplish.

If you’d like to find out more information about the differences between a freight forwarder and a freight broker, or if you just have any additional questions you’d like to go over with someone in a bit more detail, please don’t delay – contact the team at Advanced Commercial Capital today.

What Are Lumper Fees in Trucking?

What is the Purpose of Lumpers?

If you had to make a list of some of the positions that are crucial to the trucking industry, lumpers would undoubtedly be right at the top.

Essentially, a lumper is a person who unloads cargo when it arrives at a warehouse. A driver picks up a shipment from its point of origin and takes it to its destination. The business representing that destination has likely hired a team of third-party individuals to safely unload that truck. These would be lumpers.

A lumper is particularly valuable in situations where specialized skills are needed to ensure the safe handling of goods. This is why you’ll see a lot of grocery store chains hire lumpers, for example, as unloading perishable goods in a way that keeps everything safe until it reaches store shelves isn’t necessarily a task you can assign to just anyone.

A lumper is often trained to be able to accomplish their job not only quickly, but accurately and (most importantly) safely as well.

Depending on the exact company they’re working for, lumpers could be involved in a wide range of different types of freight. They can handle the aforementioned grocery store inventory items to household furniture and other large products, for example. They don’t just load and unload in a general sense. They stack, organize, and more. This is what separates them from any average employee who may be hired by a warehouse to perform similar duties. By profession, a lumper is dedicated to offering a level of care and attention-to-detail that it is difficult to match through other means.

What are Lumper Fees?

In the trucking industry, a lumper fee is a charge relating to freight deliveries that equates to the value of the labor that was necessary to both load and unload the cargo in question.

Sometimes, a company will need to hire a third-party worker to move a shipment from one place to the next. Naturally, that will mean loading and/or unloading a truck, which is physical work to be performed. A lumper fee helps to cover the costs associated with that action.

What Is a Typical Fee?

Lumper fees will vary depending on the job because there are so many different factors involved. In addition to base wages, a lumper fee is also meant to provide assistance with any tools, materials, or other supplies that may be required. Generally speaking, a lumper fee will range from $100 to $500 depending on these conditions.

What are Lumper Receipts?

As the term implies, a lumper fee receipt is simply proof that payment has been made. Sometimes this can come in the form of a paper receipt, or it may be in a digital format. Regardless, it will have the same basic information including the date and time that the work was performed, as well as an overview of the services.

Who Pays Lumpers?

Oftentimes, freight brokers will make it a requirement as part of their contract that drivers use lumper services. This is done to guarantee the safety of the shipment, as well as all involved. The broker will be responsible for paying the lumper fee. If they don’t do so directly and the driver does, the driver will eventually be reimbursed.

In certain situations, it’s possible to get a lumper fee advance – as is true when drivers partner with OTR solutions like the team at Advanced Commercial Capital. If a driver is being told that they must pay the lumper fee up front, they can get an advance from Advanced Commercial Capital to cover those costs. That way, they don’t have to worry about any financial strain or potential payment delays when the work has been completed.

Laws Surrounding Lumpers

The major law surrounding lumpers is Title 49 of the United States Code 14103. It expressly states that the shipper or receiver (depending on the agreement between these two parties) is responsible for all costs associated with paying a lumper and their fees.

Of course, not every driver is necessarily aware that the law is on their side – meaning that they could fall victim to scams if they’re not careful. If you’re a driver that is expressly told by your freight broker that you are responsible for the fee, or that you have to pay upfront and will not be reimbursed, this is likely a scam. It could be that the broker is attempting to essentially trick you into reimbursing them for a fee they’ve already paid, allowing them to look legally compliant on the surface while getting back the lumper fee in the end. The same would be true if they insist on taking money to cover some or all of the lumper fee out of your eventual payment.

Pro’s & Con’s of Hiring Lumpers

For most organizations, the major benefit of hiring lumpers comes by way of the money they save in the long run.

The alternative to lumpers would involve hiring your own permanent team of staff members to accomplish the same task. You might think this would be easy, but again – many types of freight require specialized skills to handle properly. Finding the sheer volume of these employees that you would need to avoid delays isn’t just expensive – it’s also incredibly time-consuming.

Not only that, but when you hire lumpers, you don’t need to concern yourself with things like payroll taxes or workers’ compensation insurance. This alone can make it a cost-effective way for mid-sized organizations in particular to get this important job done.

One of the potential cons of hiring lumpers ultimately has to do with a lot of the criticism they regularly receive from those in the industry. If the events of the last few years taught us anything, it’s that the supply chain is inherently fragile. On the one hand, things have grown to the point where it’s now possible for even small businesses to operate on a global scale. However, anything you add to the supply chain increases its complexity, which also represents another potential point of failure moving forward.

Because of this, lumpers are seen by some as an unneeded addition to a supply chain that has already grown far too large over time. Whether that will impact your own business remains to be seen, but it is something that people have discussed in the recent past.

If you’d like to find out more information about the intricacies of lumper fees in the world of trucking, or if you have any additional questions that you’d like to go over with someone in a bit more detail, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Advanced Commercial Capital today.