When you're out on the road, you're not always in the best areas of town. And you never know when you're at risk of getting robbed or assaulted, whether you're a solo driver or run as a team. So, what can you do to protect your property--and yourself? Here are five tips to give you greater security and peace of mind when you're on the road. 1. Be aware of your surroundings."The biggest thing is being aware of your surroundings at all times and not letting your defenses down a...

One of the perks of being an expedite owner-operator or driver is that you get to travel the country, usually on someone else's dime. But, more often than not, you might be so focused on the job at hand that you miss opportunities to see really interesting places and have great experiences that help you "enjoy the journey." So, what are some of the top places to go and see throughout the U.S. when you're out on the road and in between loads? EO recently caught up with long-ti...

Recent developments in driverless vehicles could have huge implications on the future of trucking. In April, three autonomous Mercedes-Benz semi trucks completed a cross-border convoy drive from Stuttgart in Germany to Rotterdam in the Netherlands -- about 400 miles -- as a "connected," self-driving platoon. Last month, Uber purchased Otto, a six-month-old startup founded by former high-level Google employees that develops self-driving systems for heavy trucks, signifying the...

If you're looking to become an expedite owner-operator, one of the most important decisions you'll make is the vehicle you'll drive. That's because your vehicle -- whether it's a cargo van, straight truck, or tractor-trailer -- determines which trucking carriers you can sign with, what size and types of loads you can take on, and ultimately how much money you'll be able to make (and keep).  But bigger isn't always better and cheaper isn't always more profitable. So, how do y...

As an expedite owner-operator, your income is generated by your truck. But when you consider that a new truck can cost anywhere from $150,000 to over $200,000, you're making a big investment with significant risks involved. So, how do you minimize your risks and make the best decision for your business and budget? That was the thrust of the workshop on "Straight Talk on Buying a Truck," held on July 15 at Expedite Expo 2016 at the Lexington Center in Lexington, Ky. The sessio...

Driving as a team in expedited trucking offers numerous financial benefits, especially for husband and wife teams, where all income goes to the same household. But you also have to get used to the day-to-day life of two people living in cramped quarters inside the truck for weeks and months at a time, which can create significant challenges, if you're not prepared. Is team driving right for you? What is it really like to operate as team in expedited trucking? How do you capit...

Imagine you could ask for advice from some of the most successful expediters in the business -- all in one setting. That's precisely what attendees at Expedite Expo 2016 at the Lexington Center in Lexington, Ky., got to do during the "kick-off" workshop on July 15. The session titled "What You Need to Know Before Getting into Expedite Trucking" featured moderator John Mueller, president with trucking carrier Premium Transportation Logistics, and panelists A.C. Allen, a fleet ...

As an expedite owner-operator, you spend long hours behind the wheel delivering loads. But you're also a business owner who needs to run a venture as profitably as possible to secure your financial future. So, how can you use all those hours of driving time more productively -- to expand your knowledge, learn new skills, and become a more profitable expediter? With Audible, an Amazon company, you can invest that time in professional development by listening to books wherever ...

When the trumpet player sounded the traditional Kentucky Derby call at 9:00 a.m. on July 15, at the Lexington Center in Lexington, Ky., the 16th annual Expedite Expo was off and running -- a "race" packed with education, networking, and entertainment. And it finished strong the next day with a driver appreciation BBQ at 4:00 p.m. Launched in 2001, Expedite Expo has been the only trade event focused exclusively on the expedited trucking industry, attracting thousands of attend...

Editor's Note: Perhaps you're considering expedited trucking as a new business opportunity where you can break free from the office, travel the country, and take on new and interesting work with each trip. Or, you're a veteran expediter looking for new ideas and advice to help you not only survive but thrive in today's market. Whether you're just starting out or have been in this business for many years, one thing's for sure: knowledge is power. That's why at ExpeditersOnline...