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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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 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.

What is a Freight Truck?

If you had to make a list of all the industries in this country that many people take for granted, transportation and logistics would undoubtedly be right at the top. Most of us don’t spend too much time thinking about the origins of that new furniture we bought, or that car, or all those items we ordered on Amazon. We just enjoy them. But without logistics professionals, they never would have made it into our lives.

In terms of the transportation industry itself, freight trucks are crucial. They’re designed to transport items safely and efficiently, no matter what. But obviously, different types of items have different requirements. You wouldn’t be able to haul gasoline to the local gas station for a refill using the same type of freight truck you would to get all those dairy items down to the local grocery store. You’d use freight trucks in both situations – just two different kinds.

When people talk about the sensitive nature of supply chain operations, not only in this country but around the world, understand that freight trucks of all shapes, sizes, and types are an integral part of that.

8 Types of Freight Trucks

All told freight trucks have a variety of intended purposes depending on what type you’re talking about. Some look very different from the next and many require specific types of experience to safely operate. They all have the same overall purpose, however: to make sure important items get where they need to be, no matter what.

1. Dry Van

A dry van is the type of freight truck that most people are familiar with. Indeed, if you’ve ever ridden on the highway for any appreciable length of time, you’ve likely passed more than a few of these. Dry vans have 53-foot-long trailers and are not temperature-controlled. If you’ve ever worked in a warehouse and had to unload pallets or even furniture, the chances are high that it all arrived at your destination via a dry van.

2. Refrigerated (Reefer)

Refrigerated trucks are sometimes called reefer trucks. They look similar to a traditional dry van, except the trailer itself is temperature-controlled. This makes it perfect for hauling items that need to stay within a precise temperature range, with food and beverages being the top example. Many pharmaceuticals and even sensitive chemicals are often hauled this way, too.

3. Flatbed

Flatbed trucks don’t carry their loads in an enclosed trailer. Instead, as the name implies, they use a flat, open trailer. There are no sides or even a roof. This is what makes them perfect for oversized cargo in particular. They’re easier to load than a traditional truck and can carry the type of weight that you’d be hard-pressed to match elsewhere.

4. Step Deck (Drop Deck)

Also commonly referred to as a drop deck, a step deck trailer is not too dissimilar to a flatbed truck. You still have a flat, open space with which to store items. However, the unique construction of a step deck makes it the ideal solution for tall cargo in particular. Not only do they have more overhead clearance, but they’re also easier to load and unload as well because they’re closer to the ground.

5. Tanker

Tanker trucks are designed very precisely to carry the types of loads that would largely be impossible to transport in any other way. A lot of construction materials make it to their destination this way – like sand or even concrete.

Here, there are two main types of tankers that you’re talking about. The first are dry bulk tankers, which can carry items like sugar and grain. Liquid tankers are also available, which are great for hauling beverages or even chemicals like gasoline. Most of these have different compartments to keep multiple loads separated from one another. They are both equally challenging to load and operate, albeit in their own unique ways.

6. Dump

Dump trailers, also commonly referred to as dump trucks, are designed to easily transport loose materials. One might be used to remove debris from a construction site, for example. Another might take essential materials like gravel to that same construction site. They’re also regularly used in the landscaping and agricultural sectors. The point is that whatever you’re hauling, you can do so quickly and efficiently. A dump truck is open on the top so whatever you’re hauling will be exposed to the elements to a certain extent, but that likely won’t matter.

7. Auto-Transporter (Car Hauler)

Auto-transporters are a type of freight truck designed for a single purpose: to safely carry multiple vehicles at one time. They’re built in a way that makes loading them easy – you essentially just drive the car right into an enclosed space, at which point it is secured. Depending on the size of the vehicles, it’s not unusual to see a car hauler with six or more cars at one time. These auto-transporters typically get used by car dealerships, for example, to transfer cars from one location to another. Regardless, if you need to transport vehicles over long distances, and you don’t want to actually drive them, an auto-transporter is likely how you’re going to get the job done.

8. Double Trailer

Finally, we arrive at double trailers. They’re essentially two dry trailers that are being pulled by a single truck. In terms of their design, think of them a bit like a train, only on the road. Multiple trailers are all being pulled via a locomotive, only in this case it’s a standard truck. You often see a lot of these carrying around large quantities of items in the retail or e-commerce industry. Some package delivery services also use them when they need to move high volumes of goods. Regardless, double trailers are understandably difficult to operate, which is why it takes an experienced driver to make sure things get where they’re going as safely and as efficiently as possible.

In the end, the type of freight truck you should use will vary depending on exactly what type of cargo you’re hauling. Typically, the job itself will dictate what type of truck is required. If something must be temperature controlled, you begin to narrow down your transportation options fairly quickly. If you’re having a hard time deciding, don’t worry – the team at Advanced Commercial Capital is happy to help.

If you’d like to find out more information about the different types of freight trucks, or if you’d just like to discuss your business’ own needs with someone in a bit more detail, please don’t hesitate to contact Advanced Commercial Capital today.

What is Over the Road (OTR) Trucking?

Also commonly referred to as OTR for short, over-the-road trucking is exactly what it sounds like. As a logistics professional, you’ll be tasked with hauling cargo over long distances, typically crossing state lines. You may even venture into other countries depending on the nature of the freight you’re carrying.

Over-the-road truck drivers can spend three to four weeks on the open road sometimes, seeing the best that Mother Nature has to offer while also making a satisfying living for themselves at the same time. They can sleep in either the cabin of their truck or at a nearby hotel or motel depending on their preferences.

Indeed, OTR truck driving professionals are the backbone of logistics in this country – they’re a significant contributor to the way our economy functions. But what is OTR in a general sense, and how does it differ from regional or even local truck driving? The answers to questions like those require you to keep a number of important things in mind.

How Much do Over the Road Truckers Make?

OTR (over the road) truckers typically earn between $45,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, employer, and mileage driven. Some experienced truckers with specialized skills or hauling hazardous materials can earn upwards of $80,000 annually. Additionally, many OTR truckers receive benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, enhancing their overall compensation package.

OTR vs. Regional vs. Local Trucking

It’s entirely possible for over-the-road, regional, and local truck drivers to be carrying similar types of freight at a given time. It’s just that beyond this, the nature of their job (and the length of each commitment) can vary wildly.

Local trucking is exactly that – short-range trucking that likely involves hauling cargo from one part of a city to another. Most of these truck drivers work a typical 9-to-5 work day, or at the very least have something that resembles a traditional hourly job. A local truck driver might pick up a load of goods at a warehouse and take it to a specific business, for example. They’ll also likely drive smaller trucks simply due to the nature of their job.

Regional truck driving kicks things up a notch by breaking free of the confines of one particular area. Here, truck drivers will travel an entire region which can involve multiple states depending on the logistics network someone is a part of.

Most larger organizations that do a lot of shipping break the country up into a series of smaller states. Each of those collections of states is called a region and a regional truck driver could find themselves in various locations across the Northeast, Midwest, Southwest, or more depending on the day.

Regional truck driving is a bit more time-consuming and labor-intensive than local truck driving, but not nearly to the extent that OTR trucking is. Regional truck drivers could be engaged in one job for a few days at a time, but they’ll still get to spend more time with their friends and family members than their OTR counterparts. They regularly find themselves away from home, but never too far away from home.

As stated. OTR truck drivers can find themselves on-the-road for literally weeks at a time. It’s not inconceivable that they could have to haul a load from one corner of the country to another, or from Washington state across the border into Mexico. It all depends on who they’re working for and what the needs of the job are. Anywhere you can get to on the continent via truck is a place that an OTR truck driver could find themselves in at some point.

OTR Trucking Job Requirements

The number one OTR trucking job requirement to concern yourself with has to do with a CDL, or commercial driver’s license. Just like you need a driver’s license to operate your personal motor vehicle to show that you have the skills and judgment necessary to do so safely, the same is true of commercial trucks.

There are three main classes of CDL to choose from depending on your needs. These include:

It’s also important to note that the actual licensing process you’ll go through varies depending on which state you’re in. They all, at a minimum, will require you to take both a written test and a practical one. To that end, it will be not unlike when you got your regular driver’s license as a teenager, albeit on a much larger scale.

In an over-arching sense, you’ll always have to prove that you’re capable of safely operating the vehicle that you’ll be driving and that you’re capable of adhering to state and federal regulations. It’s just that some states are a bit more intense when it comes to proving exactly that.

Advantages of OTR Trucking

By far, one of the biggest advantages that comes with OTR trucking has to do with earnings potential. Yes, it’s a significant time commitment, and you’re almost guaranteed to spend a lot of time away from your friends and family members. But according to one recent study, the average starting salary for drivers is about $64,000 per year. Depending on the amount of experience you have, coupled with certain endorsements, you could easily make $120,000 or more.

All this and you also have more job security than most people get to enjoy. Right now, there is actually a truck driver shortage in this country – a problem that is only expected to get worse as time goes on. Over the next decade companies will be so desperate for truck drivers that you essentially never have to worry about being out of work for too long. You’ll also likely get perks like a fuel card while over the road trucking so you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to get from one location to another.

Many people also enjoy the fact that there are few requirements needed in order to begin a career (only the aforementioned licensing), and professionals often cite the decidedly unique lifestyle they get to live as a major selling point.

If you’re interested in finding out more information about over-the-road truck driving and why it might be an ideal career choice for you, or if you just have any additional questions that you’d like to discuss with someone in a bit more detail, please don’t delay – contact the team at Advanced Commercial Capital today.