For independent truckers and owner/operators, the largest single cost of being in the business isn’t truck financing or lease payments, nor is it even beef jerky and Red Bull. It’s actually the fuel costs, which easily stretch into thousands of dollars per month. Diesel isn’t cheap, and long hauls take a lot of it. That’s why some of the primary hobbies of independents and O/Os include tracking miles per tank and pushing their rigs to beat previous bests. Read on →

Every driver starts out with a lot to learn. You pick things up from your trainer, other drivers and the school of hard knocks. Learning on the job is definitely the chief way most drivers figure it all out, from how to stay comfortable on long hauls to how to spot a tire that’s about to cause you problems. In the interest of giving you a head-start if you’re a rookie, here are some tips that may come in handy as you hit the road: Read on →

Just like your rig needs quality fuel, your body needs the proper fuel to keep going through the many miles ahead of you. And just like you shouldn’t fill truck’s tank up with sugar, you shouldn’t just dump into your body whatever cheap sugar and carbs are set out on the shelves near the register at the truck stop. Keeping your energy up and your mind sharp as you roll down the highway takes good nutrition, including foods that give you a boost and keep you full. Read on →

Driving a car hauler can be an expensive proposition. Between maintenance, insurance, brokers’ fees, tolls and countless other costs, there can be enough red ink to fill a tanker. That can create a real challenge for an O/O trying to make it alone. Fortunately, if you’re in that group, there are some things you can do to cut some of your unavoidable expenses. Specifically, a few simple changes to the way you drive can help you make your trips more efficiently. Read on →

Being hot on a haul can make for a miserable day. With the sun pouring in every window, even keeping the air conditioner on at full blast isn’t always enough to keep you comfortable. If you find yourself sweating on the road, here are some tips for keeping your cool. How to Stay Cooler While Driving Drive more when it’s cooler, if possible. We know this may not be possible when you don’t dictate your schedule and even when you do but have dock times to meet. Read on →

We all know truckers are a different breed, capable of doing things that would make mere mortals cry for mercy, like maneuvering a 75-foot-long vehicle through city traffic or spending nights on off-ramps. Another of those amazing skills is sitting through hours of driving every day. While people generally think of sitting as something they do to relax, those who drive for a living know it can sap your body and leave you as achy as a session of strenuous exercise does. Read on →