During a time of global crisis, the employees moving America are uniquely impacted – and uniquely needed. COVID-19 has severely disrupted the supply chain, while demand for medical supplies, food items, and even toilet paper require movement along the lonely roads of America.

As truck drivers transport items across the country on empty streets, how can they stay safe? What best practices should truckers follow? What opportunities for healthcare are currently available? In the content below, we provide a guide for truck drivers on staying safe during the current unprecedented pandemic.

The Coronavirus’ Unique Impact on Truckers

As the backbone of the supply chain, truckers are necessary to move vital supplies across the country. The Department of Transportation suspended some off-road break regulations, adjusting “hours of service” for drivers transporting emergency medical supplies. While demand increases, many state-operated truck stops, including lounges, restaurants, and fitness centers, have shut down. Thus, truck drivers are called upon for more and asked to work with fewer amenities.

The U.S. Xpress director of public affairs, Mary Danielson, rightly called faithful fleet drivers heroes. “They all understand,” she said, “that what they are doing is critical to the country. The majority are reporting to work and getting it done.”

Steps to Contain COVID-19 Spread

As many truck drivers step up and continue transporting freight, efforts to remain safe during the pandemic are ever important.

Of course, fighting to stay personally healthy as a truck driver is of utmost importance. According to Trucking Info, “drivers are uniquely situated to both help the country in its fight to contain the COVID-19 virus – or to facilitate its spread.” Staying healthy is critical for the driver’s personal health – and the health of countless others across the country. Few individuals carry the powerful potential to prevent the spread or promote the spread as much as truckers.

Standard Guidelines

As truckers, following these health guidelines are critical:

• If you feel sick, stay home.
• Wash your hands with soapy water for at least 20 seconds frequently.
• Sanitize surfaces touched frequently.
• Maintain adequate distance from people with respiratory symptoms.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Cover your mouth with tissues when you sneeze, and immediately discard used tissues.
• Wear masks and gloves

The founder of Konexial, Ken Evans, explains how serious trucker safety is:

Not just our company, but our entire nation, needs to be doing everything we can to protect truck drivers. We are at the point where truck drivers having PPE is just as important has healthcare workers in hospitals having that gear. These items are in short supply right now. But I am calling on fleets, the trucking industry, and the federal government to work together in a way to supply PPE to drivers. Simple, day-to-day items like masks, face protectors and gloves can play a major role in helping to contain the spread of this virus.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Beyond personal hygiene, understanding early onset symptoms of COVID-19 will help drivers identify the virus within themselves and take necessary measures. Early symptoms include:

• Sudden loss of smell; change in the way foods taste
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Severe symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Confusion
• Inability to get out of bed
• Bluish lips or face

As a truck driver, you should seek medical attention if experiencing severe symptoms. However, when hundreds of miles from a hospital, drivers face a unique challenge.

One excellent solution, Telemedicine, gives drivers the ability to call a physician anywhere in the country for virtual assistance. Of course, if a more serious medical emergency is taking place, drivers should always call 911.

Prevent Spread by Taking COVID-19 Seriously

Like the rest of the American public, truck drivers can stay safe and prevent spread by taking the virus seriously. Healthcare professionals share that the virus is easily transmittable, with the potential to overwhelm the healthcare system. Thus, ever since the virus entered the U.S., governments have been taking steps to prevent its rapid spread.

One doctor, Jonathan Wiesel, shared that the primary problem with the Coronavirus is its long latency. For example, one may be infected but wait to show symptoms for weeks. In light of the severity of COVID-19, Wiesel strongly suggested a practice of good personal hygiene – “make sure you prevent the spread of the infection to the extent that you can by not shaking hands, and washing your hands religiously and often.”

Testimonials from Truck Drivers Staying Safe During COVID-19

Nate McCarty from Denver, Colorado shared his experience as a truck driver during the COVID-19 pandemic with Fox News. He said he was just as busy as during the summertime; however, the kind of freight being carried is unique as grocery and Amazon deliveries increase dramatically. “Some of the truckload carriers,” Nate commented, “they’re running at capacity.”

Nate explained that many truck drivers have been away from home for months, feeling the need to help other companies and the country. Even though none of Nate’s co-workers were sick during the time of the interview, the cautious truck driver is still taking precautionary measures, like social distancing, to stay healthy while on the road.

“It’s made me a lot more aware of the place that I go on my trip and everything that I’m touching. I’ve always used antibacterial wipes on the truck and the hotel that I stay in,” he said, “and I wipe everything down on the room and now I’m wearing rubber gloves.”

Nate described his struggle in finding places to eat due to the increase in carryout-only restaurants. Despite the regular challenges faced on the road, the truck driver from Colorado described the comradery experienced between truckers, even greater now during this time of crisis. “The motoring public,” Nate continued, “had been expressing gratefulness as well, holding up thank-you signs, passing cards, and waving.”

Tony Spero of Connecticut agreed with Nate McCarty’s experience. He has been able to maintain his regular route despite additional safety measures. Tony shared, “We’re doing what we got to do to keep this country supplied. And we’re going to keep on doing it, and we’re going to do it as safe as possible.”

Advanced Commercial Capital

At Advanced Commercial Capital, we are concerned for your trucking company and the safety of your fleet. During a time of global turmoil and unpleasant surprises, we offer consistent freight factoring services, providing you with the immediate cash you need.

To get in contact with our team, give us a call at 855.465.4655 or via our online contact form.

Many people take on the role of a professional truck driver for their own reasons. Whether they need the income, or they just like driving, becoming a truck driver has many benefits. In the content below, we list out the top nine reasons you should become a truck driver.

1. Truckers Support the Economy

Drivers are the backbone of American commerce. Whether transporting food, lumber, or medical equipment, over 80% of the products Americans purchase are delivered by trucks. As a professional truck driver, you contribute to supporting the everyday lives of Americans.

2. Rewarding Income Potential

A great reason to become a truck driver pertains to the substantial income potential. In the trucking industry, a first-year truck driver earns an average annual salary of $35,000. Additionally, some companies may also offer signing bonuses, safe-driving bonuses, and raises the longer you stay with the company. As for trucking company owners and operators, you can receive an annual income of about $184,803.

3. Truck Driver Benefits

Although steady paychecks may attract you to the industry, truck drivers can also experience benefits packages from their employers. Benefits can include health insurance, retirement plans, and performance pay.

Additionally, some trucking companies may pay for the miles their van drivers accrue and offer a paid percentage to flatbed drivers. For example, flatbed drivers could earn between 24-32% of what a customer pays your company. Furthermore, since it is incentive-based, drivers can earn a better payment percentage with a more efficient performance and satisfied client.

4. Job Security

When assessing the current unemployment rate, you could assume that many industries appear to be failing – except truck driving. No matter the state of the economy, America will always rely on truck drivers to deliver goods and transport necessary materials.

Truthfully, there are more trucking jobs in demand than there are available truckers to supply the need. Over the next ten years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that truck driving jobs may grow by five percent. Therefore, transportation companies are always looking for reliable, responsible, safe drivers.

5. Multiple Career Options

Perhaps you’ve been laid off from your current job. Maybe you are looking for a change of pace and ready to try something different. Regardless, professional truck driving proves to be a wonderful career and will provide you with excitement and a sense of accomplishment.

Advancement Opportunities

It is rare to find another industry that offers this kind of job security and quantity of career advancement opportunities. No matter where you live, it’s always possible to get a professional truck driving job. Even in the event you want to relocate, trucking proves to be a dependable career option. Below are just a few avenues in which you could advance your truck driving career.

• Trucking Company Executive
• Driver Manager
• Commercial Driving Instructor
• Recruiter
• Logistics Management
• Owner Operator

6. Easy Access to Training

Many individuals learn best through “hands-on” experience. During your Class A CDL training, you’ll receive lessons about road safety and effective truck driver procedures. These courses are available nationwide through numerous trucking companies, community colleges, and commercial motor vehicle programs.

Four Weeks vs Four Years

Because truck driving doesn’t require a college degree, you no longer need to worry about the cost of a college education. Often, a truck driver can complete the entire training in as little as four weeks. Some programs help with tuition assistance and job placement after graduation. Would you rather pay for four years of college or complete just four weeks of motor carrier safety training?

Affordable Training Rates

Depending on the license class you wish to obtain, trucking school fees range between $3,000 and $7,000. However, federal grants, loans, tuition reimbursement, and other financial aid are widely accessible to help pay for your CDL training.

If you cannot afford it, a trucking firm might offer to pay in exchange for your commitment to work for them. However, approval for driving programs is often based on your driving record, work history, and criminal background check.

7. Community

Many truckers describe their job as their lifestyle. No one truly understands what you experience every day on the job quite like another truck driver. Much like a military unit, commercial drivers form a closely connected community.

When beginning your new career as a professional truck driver, you’ll meet other trainees with the same goals in mind. Therefore, you’ll begin building a new community with your instructors and future coworkers.

8. Freedom from the Desk

Are you looking to break free from punching in, attending long meetings, answering emails, and dealing with office politics? One of the greatest reasons for becoming a truck driver is that you will never be stuck behind a desk! Prepare for meeting new people, seeing new things on a daily basis, experiencing a flexible schedule, and being your own boss.

Say Goodbye to the Office

No one likes having the boss constantly looking over your shoulder and watching that you complete your tasks and reporting. How does escaping the office sound? As a professional truck driver, you’ll only receive support from your team via phone or on-board dispatch.

Although, the career of a truck driver doesn’t free you from all accountability and responsibility. You must follow your company’s “hours of service” rules. However, you’re also in a position to set your own schedule and time spent driving.

What full-time desk job offers you that type of freedom? As a professional truck driver, your company will rely on you to complete the task at hand.

9. Travel Along the Open Road

How many jobs pay you to drive through scenic national parks, mountains, the countryside, tropics, and city skylines? Most truck drivers agree that the best views of the United States are from behind the wheel of their big rig. As a truck driver, you have a front-row view of the country, all from the comfort of your truck. Additionally, you can get paid to travel while listening to music or an audiobook and taking breaks whenever convenient.

Help Your Trucking Company Thrive with Advanced Capital Commercial

Have you recently started your own trucking company? At Advanced Commercial Capital, we are dedicated to helping your trucking company thrive. When dealing with the high demand for trucked deliveries, we tailor our solutions to the cash needs of the trucker.

We understand the unique needs and challenges trucking companies face. From paying for fuel to truck maintenance and payroll, it’s hard to wait on delinquent customer payments. To get in touch, contact us today at 855.465.4655 or via our online contact form! We look forward to walking beside your company and watching it thrive.

Maintaining a fleet of commercial trucks is of absolute importance to a thriving transportation company. Both company fleets and driver-owned commercial trucks are often neglected due to the time commitment demanded by regular maintenance. However, any extraneous time spent repairing commercial trucks is far outweighed by the positive results. In the content below, we explore the importance of commercial truck maintenance – outlining a checklist to simplify the process for you and your fleet!

Commercial truck maintenance impacts a company’s bottom line, proving cost-effective for a plethora of reasons. Thus, regular preventative maintenance should be a routine element to your company strategy.

1.) Fewer Unexpected Breakdowns

Regular commercial truck maintenance reduces the number of vehicle breakdowns. Unexpected time spent off the road and in the shop dramatically outweighs moments spent performing maintenance on your fleet. Furthermore, breakdowns produce unexpected disruptions in your operations schedule, causing shipments to fall behind. After identifying an issue, do not wait to fix it! Perform a minor repair in preference to delaying it, allowing the issue to compound until major damages eliminate your truck from action for an extended period.

2.) Fewer Accidents

According to the United States Department of Transportation, there are approximately 500,000 truck accidents – supplying nearly 2.5% of all vehicle accidents in the country. Although passenger vehicle drivers majorly contribute to this shocking statistic, the poor condition of commercial trucks also plays a significant role.

Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected tragedy. For example, brakes should be regularly examined and maintained. Waiting to examine brakes until grinding, squeaking, whining, or complete failure occurs renders the vehicle extremely dangerous – unfair to fleet drivers and surrounding vehicles. Simply put, performing routine maintenance always results in fewer accidents and smoother daily operations.

3.) Reduced Operating Cost

Lessening the number of major repairs is one important facet of reduced operating cost. Maintained commercial trucks, operating at optimal functionality, also lower both your business fuel expenses and insurance bill. Furthermore, lengthening the life of your commercial truck compounds your initial vehicle investment.

4.) Increased Customer Satisfaction

As mentioned, unexpected breakdowns disrupt business operations, resulting in inconsistent, unpredictable delivery times. In the worst case, a simple breakdown potentially results in the loss of a large client. A dissatisfied client may turn to a competitor who delivers consistently, on-time, and without unexpected repairs.

5.) Abide by the Law

Surprisingly, most commercial vehicles do not meet the proper, required road safety standards. Performing regular maintenance and minor repairs ensures high probability in passing the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Tests (CVRT) upon first inspection.

Commercial Maintenance Checklist

Commercial truck fleet managers are not obliged to create a proper maintenance checklist. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – the U.S. Department of Transportation’s federal agency supervising commercial truck operations – outlines an excellent pre-trip vehicle check.

Pre-Trip Maintenance Checklist

These simple pre-trip maintenance checklist items can easily be performed by the truck driver. FMCSA’s pre-trip checklist includes:

– Check all truck tires. The FMCSA states that tires account for nearly one-third of commercial truck maintenance costs. Thus, careful inspection is crucial. The truck driver should especially examine air pressure and tire tread.
– Check all fluids. Checking fluids includes both searching for leakage and inspecting for adequate amounts of fluid. Pay attention to coolant, antifreeze, fuel, and oil. Finally, the driver should start the truck and ensure all dashboards lights confirm his or her conclusion.
– Check the brakes. The driver should examine the standard and parking brakes. Drivers should find proper lining, a leak-free air pressure system, auto-engaging parking brakes, a functioning low-pressure alarm, and proper air pressure rates.
– Check all electrical systems. All electrical components and wires should be verified for proper functioning, including brake lights, headlights, turn signals, flashers, clearance lights, and warning lights.
Taking ten to thirty minutes reviewing the aforementioned items dramatically helps reduce the risk of unexpected breakdown and accidents.

Scheduled Maintenance Checklist

Along with regular pre-trip maintenance, be sure to schedule in-depth maintenance checks on your trucks. If a series of effective, preventive maintenance is scheduled to occur, follow-through is highly probable! As an individual driver, it is up to you to schedule or perform regular inspections. However, if an issue arises, notify the appropriate individuals. Furthermore, companies with a large fleet of commercial trucks should hire or outsource professional technicians to perform regular maintenance, usually inside a facility. Of course, the maintenance checklist should be completed, documented, and filed. JB Tools, an automotive repair supply provider, provides a helpful checklist, including:

– Engine oil and filter changed
– Transmission fluid checked
– Fuel and cooling systems, including leaks
– Engine and transmission mounts
– Drive shafts or CV joints
– Belts and hoses
– Various tune-ups
– Aforementioned electrical system components
– Brakes
– Steering and suspension system
– Tires, wheels, and rims
– Exhaust system
– Undercarriage and frame
– Exterior and interior lights
– Body, glass, and mirrors
– Windshield wiper system
– Horn
– Seat belts and seat structure
– Auxiliary systems

Summer & Winter Maintenance Checklist

Specific maintenance should be performed during the intense heat of summer and the frigid cold of winter, as applicable to location. During summer maintenance, emphasize the cooling system by inspecting for radiator corrosion, examining the coolant system for adequate pressure, and monitoring the water pumps for leaks to assure the engine maintains proper temperature.

The winter also demands extra preventative precautions, emphasizing truck parts that may be affected by snow, ice, and extreme cold. Winter maintenance inspections may include the following: engine heaters, coolant levels, glow plug operation, exhaust system, radiator, tires, and heated mirrors.

Taking the extra precaution to perform proactive maintenance year-round – and during extreme seasons – pays off for private commercial truck drivers and companies commanding entire fleets.

Advanced Commercial Capital

At Advanced Commercial Capital, we understand that – even with the best preventative maintenance plan in place – emergencies happen, and trucking companies require extra cash. We provide excellent freight factoring services with quick funding and valuable benefits. We never surprise our customers with hidden fees or required long-term contracts.

Our clients love working with our team, and we would love to talk to you about a future partnership! To get in touch, call toll free at 855.465.4655 or reach out via our online contact form.

Transportation businesses are acutely aware of freight costs, often a burden during periods of potential growth and profitability. At the same time, freight costs are often a bit of a mystery. They exist – but businesses may not know how to take control, evaluate avenues of expense, and refocus to reduce spending. In the content below, we explore 9 strategic practices to reduce international freight costs.

1. Evaluate Your Budget

As with any business, understanding where the bulk of your budget is allotted to every month is hugely important. Every time a truck is sent out, how much money are you making? Have you created a profit-loss statement recently? Tracking expenses is the beginning of taking control of your freight business finance and reducing costs. For example, are you spending an extraordinary amount on a full-time accountant? Perhaps consider outsourcing accounting services or utilizing software and tackling the task in-house.

2. Inspect Intangible Costs

Intangible costs are extraneous charges that are not apparent in a profit-loss statement. A lack of communication, workplace dissatisfaction, or poor attitudes can severely cripple efficiency and productivity – ultimately wasting resources. Spend time motivating employees, expressing a desire to communicate well, and building a high-quality team. These intangibles will impact freight costs in the long run.

3. Evaluate Trailer Loading Efficiency

When was the last time you paused to evaluate your packing freight efficiency? Packing efficiency is one of the simplest, quickest ways to reduce freight costs. Reducing the amount of dead space between freight will immediately lower rates – packaging plays a significant role in loading efficiency. Is your packaging optimal for efficiency? Cory Levins, Director of Business Development for a packaging agency, writes:

Packaging should be designed earlier in the process to adjust for transportation and warehousing needs. While dunnage, blocking, and bracing are necessary to ensure the products arrive safely, especially for a long journey, they can sometimes be used in excess. Work with your packaging supply to use the appropriate amount of dunnage for safe transportation.

4. Ship Less, in Bulk

Transporting a specific volume of goods in a single, bulk shipment is more cost-effective than sending the same volume in multiple, small deliveries. Consumers understand the significance of purchasing in bulk, demonstrated by the existence of Costco and similar suppliers. Shipping regularly, regardless of order size, often results in time wasted processing, loading, and unloading. For transportation businesses, shipping large orders in bulk – or multiple shipments combined into one – closer to the point of sale allows for greater shipment efficiency.

5. Ship Off-Peak, if Possible

Unless your transportation business deals with perishable goods, shipping off-peak is a simple way to reduce freight costs. Significant savings can be achieved by adjusting a day or even an hour or two later. Fridays and Mondays are two off-peak days.

Pursuing backhaul shipping is yet another cost-effective transportation option. Carriers should make an effort to fill empty trucks on their way back to base, always checking for extra backhaul capacity. Carriers are often most willing to backhaul during evening hours to avoid mid-day conflicts.

6. Utilize Modern Management Systems

Inventory management systems are an insightful tool for transportation business owners. Data received can be utilized to identify weaknesses within the shipping system. For example, do certain carriers average higher late delivery rates? Are specific routes prone to increased breakage? Evaluate the results and make adjustments as necessary.

7. Outsource Where Possible

Staying faithful to your niche is hugely important for a business aiming to remain profitable in the long run. If other needs arise, outsource. Ultimately, the more services and skills you attempt to tackle, the more difficult it can be to remain excellent in each. If you must get involved in other niches, or learn a new skill, it is often best to outsource to a professional.

8. Perform Regular Maintenance on Equipment

Every trucking company owner fully understands the costs associated with truck upkeep. However, surprise repairs incurred when something breaks down cost significantly more. Performing regular maintenance is cost-effective in the long-run, ultimately proving more effective than waiting for something to stop working. Furthermore, a severe repair may remove a truck from commission for an extended period of time, crippling your workflow and bottom line.

9. Freight Factoring

Freight factoring is an incredible resource available to trucking companies in need of capital – instead of waiting for payments. Factoring means immediate cash without waiting for money, ultimately allowing companies the resources necessary to grow and expand without being pressed for payments. Advanced Commercial Capital’s freight factoring program provides freight companies peace of mind – your rate will never change, and you won’t be responsible to buy back uncollected invoices. Furthermore, Advanced Commercial Capital doesn’t lock clients into long-term contracts. Freight businesses can utilize factoring services while profitable and choose to stop at any point without enormous fees.

Advanced Commercial Capital

At Advanced Commercial Capital, we are dedicated to making freight factoring as simple and easy as possible, providing every client the precise service they need. Because of our dedication to excellence and passion for the success of our clients, we have become one of the leading freight bill factoring companies in the U.S. Furthermore, your ability to qualify for factoring services is primarily based on the creditworthiness of you customers, not you – an excellent option for new companies without a robust credit history.

To learn more about our services, contact us today at 435.673.4655 or via our online contact form!