*At the time of publication, the bridge has partially opened. In the aftermath of the I-95 bridge collapse in Northeast Philadelphia, the region's trucking community has already been drastically impacted. With this crucial artery cut off for a seemingly undetermined amount of time, it is imperative that truck drivers stay informed, modify their strategies, and adapt their operations to maintain quality service and productivity. Stay Informed While most in the expedite world m...

A major concern for truckers is time that’s being wasted as they forage for a spot to rest their truck, trailer, and self. Load One CEO and immediate past chairman of TCA (Truckload Carriers Association), John Elliott, has been an integral voice speaking on behalf of the beleaguered trucker. John says, “you look at driver satisfaction and safety, the average driver wastes about an hour just looking for a parking spot.” He adds, “you could be the CEO of a company makin...

We’re now eight episodes deep into the “State of the Industry Podcast, with John Elliott” and the ninth installment has already been set and prepared to launch as the summer months are underway. So, set some time aside and prepare for the next episode! Hopefully, there are many of you who have already been tuning in and making this podcast part of your regular listening, or viewing, routine. If not, why?! Obviously, John and I want you to listen to or watch this monthly...

It almost seems a given that driver turnover rates in the trucking industry tend to hover around or above the 100% mark. However, there are some fleets out there that have figured out a way to reduce their turnover rate and provide a better working environment for their drivers. Which has shown to be more beneficial for both driver and company. For those in the back, here are some suggestions for how to go about providing a better atmosphere, while lowering driver turnover. C...

Whether you’re a seasoned owner-operator or an independent contractor looking for your opportunity to get into the expedite industry, choosing the right carrier to run for makes all the difference in the world. And seeing as expedite is but a niche to the overall trucking industry, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got all the information you need before making such a decision. Especially before you even get into the driver’s seat. Here are several thoughts and rules of...

A common conversation topic among drivers, and other like-minded professionals, is the idea of no longer driving for someone else, but rather following their dream of becoming an independent contractor and thus one’s own boss. So, how does one go from career steering wheel jockey to being head honcho? Let’s consider the ways. How It Starts Most folks begin their working lives in a low-key job. Maybe it’s as a server in a sit-down restaurant, or as an order taker in a fa...

Sound the alarm, this week is the International Roadcheck, and it’s best to be ready and prepared for what you can expect! Each year, the CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) holds numerous inspection and enforcement events throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico intended to improve highway safety by cracking down on vehicle and driver violations. This week is the International Roadcheck. It runs from May 16th through the 18th. Roadcheck is the largest targete...

 As with anything in life, there are always going to be ups and downs. Many folks use the idea of rising and falling tides as a metaphor for life’s ebb and flow. Personally, and as I’ve learned through years of rising and falling, I now have a better understanding of what this mindset means. As we experience the highs in our lives, we also should be preparing for the moment when the bottom inevitably drops out from underneath us. Likewise, when we are in the midst of dif...

Over the years, I’ve engaged with many truck drivers attempting to make the jump from company driver to independent contractor. The world of expedite trucking is vastly different from your typical truckload driving career. Instead of a driver’s income being determined by the number of miles run, such as in truckload, expedite is based more on a pay-per-load structure and mentality. Also, in such cases with expedite, most drivers are considered as independent contractors a...

We’re now seven episodes deep into the “State of the Industry Podcast, with John Elliott” and the eighth installment has already been polished and shined as the April showers continue to lay the groundwork for their May flowers. So, set some time aside and prepare for the next episode! Hopefully, there are many of you who have already been tuning in and making this podcast part of your listening, or viewing, routine. If not, why?! Obviously, John and I want you to liste...