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How To Handle A Big Rig Breakdown On The Road

Semi-truck breakdowns are a common occurrence in the trucking industry. Engine failure, oil leaks, electrical, and tire issues can occur anytime, leading to unexpected breakdowns. This can be dangerous, especially if it happens on a busy highway.

To keep yourself and other road users safe when your semi-truck malfunctions, there are a few steps you should take. This quick guide covers how to handle a big rig breakdown by the roadside safely.

Truck Driver Tips For Handling a Big Rig Breakdown

Keep the following tips in mind to properly deal with a truck breakdown:

Be Prepared For the Unexpected

To minimize the impact of potential a big rig breakdown while covering long distances, it’s essential to prepare ahead. Before each trip, identify safe stopping points and nearby repair facilities along your planned routes. Note down their names and contact details, and adjust your GPS accordingly, especially if you’re an owner-operator responsible for your truck’s maintenance.

Being proactive allows you to expedite repairs rather than being stranded on the road waiting for assistance.

If you’re a company driver, familiarize yourself with your company’s procedures for handling breakdowns and know which towing services they use for roadside help. Keep your dispatcher’s after-hours contact handy to avoid being stranded in case of a breakdown outside regular working hours.

Keep Calm

Semi-truck breakdowns can occur unexpectedly, often in challenging conditions like severe weather or unfamiliar locations. In such situations, it’s crucial to remain calm to make safe decisions. Panic can escalate a minor breakdown into a serious incident, so staying composed is essential for ensuring everyone’s safety.

hazard lights

Pull Over For Safety

Most times, professional drivers feel when their semi-truck is about to fail. When the signs of mechanical failure start, ease off the road for safety. Defective equipment is one of the top causes of truck crashes.

Drive your truck to the next exit and off the main road before stopping, if possible. If you can’t and your semi-truck breaks down on the shoulder of a highway, stay vigilant and watch out for speeding traffic to avoid potential trouble.

Ensure That Other Drivers Are Aware Of The Breakdown

A stalled semi-truck on the road becomes a hazard for other motorists, especially considering the prevalence of inattentive driving. The risk of an inattentive driver colliding with your stalled truck is significant and could lead to catastrophic consequences, resulting in fatal accidents.

As a professional driver, it’s imperative to signal clearly when your semi-truck is incapacitated and unable to move. This proactive measure helps alert other drivers to take necessary precautions to steer clear of your vehicle, mitigating the risk of accidents.

To indicate that you’re experiencing a breakdown, do the following:

Turn on Hazard Lights

Inattentive drivers can quickly spot the flashing lights on your semi-truck, signaling that it’s experiencing issues and likely stationary. Upon seeing this, they’ll reduce speed, maintain a safe distance, and steer clear of your vicinity.

Put Out Flares and Triangles

Flares and triangles are warning signs informing other truckers and road users to be aware of a stationary vehicle ahead. Place these behind your truck at 50’-100’-50’ intervals once you’re sure it’s safe to get out of the semi-truck.

open truck hood

Tilt Open the Hood

Tilting open the hood is another effective way to tell other road users that your semi-truck has broken down and might take a while to move.

Call for Help

After taking the necessary steps to ensure everyone is safe, try assessing the problem to see if it requires simple repairs you can work on yourself or whether you’ll need to contact repair services. Common truck breakdowns are because of faulty emission equipment or faulty sending units. These require shop repair as fixing them can be tricky to DIY.

Call the nearby repair facility for assistance if you’re an independent trucker. Doing this should be straightforward if you prepared yourself well. Otherwise, you’ll have to search online to identify the best repair shops in proximity that you can work with.

If you’re a company truck driver, it’s crucial to follow the correct procedure. First, call your dispatcher to inform them about your situation before contacting the company shop foreman. They’ll advise you on the steps you should take.

The company shop foreman might even contact the company’s repair services on your behalf. Also, remember to keep your dispatcher updated throughout the repair process so they can keep the customer informed.

Truck Breakdowns – Emergency Toolkit

Sometimes break downs are caused by simple mechanical issues you can fix yourself. It’s always a good idea to carry supplies to help you handle simple repairs when the situation permits. So you can avoid long waiting and repair times.

A few basic supplies you should carry include:

Standard hand tools, including screwdrivers, nuts, and bolts
Flashlights to improve your nighttime visuals
Duct tape
Extra oil and coolant
Tire depth and air pressure gauge

Check out our other guide on semi-truck driver toolkit essentials for more handy supplies to include in your emergency toolkit.

truck maintenance

Reduce Your Chances of Future Breakdowns

Even though semi-truck breakdowns are inevitable in trucking, you can minimize their odds of occurrence. The best to do this is through preventative maintenance. Perform regular inspections pre-, on-route, and post-trips to ensure your semi-truck is always in tip-top shape.

During a pre-trip inspection, check the engine compartment. Specifically, look at:

The belts and hoses’ overall condition
The engine bay for an unusual buildup of oil, dirt, grease, and other materials
Signs of leaking fluids inside the engine compartment or underneath the couch
The alternator to ensure all battery cables are secured, i.e., not chaffed or too loose to rub against other components

On an on-route inspection, focus on:

The condition of your tires and wheels
Checking for leaks and any unusual odors, particularly at the back of the couch close to the engine area

If you notice anything out-of-order, have it checked out at the truck stop you’re in, or call your company for further instructions.

As for post-trip checks, pay attention to the following components to ensure they’re in optimum working condition:

Brakes (service and parking brakes)
Steering mechanism
Tires
Wheels and rims
Lighting devices and reflectors
Emergency equipment

Final Thoughts

As a trucker, it helps to know how to handle a big rig breakdown on the road for your safety and the safety of other road users. All the tips we’ve discussed will help you with this, but the most crucial tip is to stay calm.

Remember that regular maintenance reduces your chances of experiencing breakdowns. So perform your routine checks diligently and ensure all issues you identify during your routine inspections get resolved in time.

If you need help financing your semi-truck repairs, get in touch with us. We offer affordable semi-truck repair loans and can tailor our loan packages to your situation to help you minimize downtime and keep moving.

Start-Up Checklist For Owner Operators

If you’re looking at launching a career in trucking you may want a detailed startup checklist for truck owner-operators to help you start your trucking company on the right foot and set it up to succeed long-term.

Becoming an owner-operator can be overwhelming if you don’t have sound guidance. You must complete lots of paperwork and go through various tests to gather the required documents and meet the safety standards for owner-operator trucking businesses.

Without the required documentation, licenses, and proof of compliance with various federal and state regulations, you’ll sabotage your trucking business before it begins.

What is an Owner-Operator

An owner-operator is a trucker who both owns their rig and manages their own trucking business. They handle client acquisition, route planning, freight transportation, and truck maintenance, while also bearing the risks and expenses of running the business, such as fuel costs and permits.

This contrasts with company truckers, who work for trucking companies and aren’t responsible for business operations.

Owner-Operator Startup & Compliance Checklist

Here’s our step-by-step owner-operator startup checklist you can use as a roadmap to get your own trucking business up and running smoothly.

Determine your business type and create your business plan

To run a successful trucking business, determine your business type and create a business plan first. There are two types of owner-operator trucking businesses.

Leased Owner operator. A leased owner-operator operates their truck under the trucking authority of another company. If you choose this route, you won’t have to get some of the legal documents discussed below.
Owner-operator with own authority. Operating under your own authority means you’re a fully independent trucking business.

Ideally, your business plan should include your trucking business niche, target market, and overall business goals. You also want to evaluate your finances during this step to ensure you have enough budget to begin and run your business well before the profit starts rolling in.

Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

You’ll need to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and relevant endorsements, depending on the type of trucking business you want to start.

There are three main classes of CDL licenses in the trucking industry:

Class A CDL. A class A commercial driver’s license is necessary to operate large commercial vehicles, including combination vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more. These are the most popular types of trucks used by trucking companies – from tractor-trailers and big rigs to 18-wheelers.

Class B CDL. With a Class B CDL, you can only operate single vehicles weighing 26,001 and above. Or, combination vehicles weighing less than 26,001 pounds, such as delivery trucks, dump trucks, and buses.

Class C CDL. A Class C CDL allows you to operate hazmat vehicles and vehicles designed to carry sixteen or more passengers (the driver included).

Besides your commercial driver’s license, you might require special endorsement for specific types of equipment and cargo.

We recommend getting a Class A CDL because it allows you to operate all types of commercial trucks. Check out our quick guide on obtaining your CDL to learn how to get your commercial driver’s license.

Register Your Business

With your business plan and CDL ready, it’s time to register the venture officially with the state, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Department of Transportation (DOT). Doing this allows you to get the official business info you require for obtaining licenses and other crucial documents before you begin your operations.

Your location and the business structure you select will determine the process you’ll follow to register your trucking company. There are four types of business structures you can work with in the trucking industry: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and limited liability company (LLC).

Each business structure is regulated differently. There are tax obligations and various liabilities you’ll be responsible for. So, be keen to choose a structure that will work best for you.

Buy or Lease Your Equipment

To get the best trucking equipment, first, decide whether you want to buy or lease your truck. Purchasing your equipment might seem expensive when starting, but it’s the best option if you plan to commit to your business long-term. Leasing is cheaper in the short term, but you’ll likely pay more in the long run.

If you decide to purchase your truck, you’ll have two options – to buy a new or used semi-truck.

Whichever option you choose, partner with an established truck financing institution to ease the financial burden of purchasing your commercial truck.

Consider working with Mission Financial Services to get financial help tailored to your situation. We have suitable loans for first-time buyers of commercial vehicles and can customize our packages further, even if you have bad credit.

Get your MC Number and Trucking Authority

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all truck companies involved in interstate commerce to have a Motor Carrier (MC) number. This step is crucial if you plan to operate independently under your own authority and haul freight across states.

You’ll also have to get insurance coverage as part of your operating authority application process.

If you plan to operate as a leased owner-operator, you can skip this step. You won’t need your own Motor Carrier number because you’ll be working under the MC number and trucking authority of the company you lease under.

Also, skip this step if you have no plans for operating commercial vehicles across state lines. Owner-operators operating within their state don’t require a Motor Carrier number.

File a BOC-3 Form with the FMCSA

Filing a BOC-3 Form is another mandatory Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requirement. It shows you have a designated process agent in the states you operate in. A process agent is an individual or business capable of receiving legal documents on your behalf if people file complaints against you.

The process agent stays on top of all legal communication, helping you avoid unnecessary fines. You can have one process agent representing you in all the regions you operate in to make your work easier.

Obtain Your USDOT Number, IFTA License & HVUT Certificate

Other essential licenses and certificates you require to conduct your operations include:

USDOT Number. Like the MC number, a USDOT number is specific for owner-operators planning to haul goods across state lines. The Department of Transportation will use this number to confirm your trucking business’s registration status, compliance reviews, safety records, ratings, and inspections. Visit FMCSA’s registration portal to get your USDOT and MC number.

International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) License. An IFTA license is mandatory if you operate in multiple states and transport taxable fuel. It allows you to report and pay fuel taxes to one state, simplifying your business processes. To obtain this license, apply through your state’s Department of Revenue.

Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) Certificate. If your commercial vehicles weigh 55,000 pounds or more and operate on public highways, you must have an up-to-date HVUT certificate. It shows you pay the IRS’s annual tax for such commercial vehicles. Visit the IRS website to apply for this certificate.

Owner-Operator Compliance Checklist

To ensure owner-operators comply with all FMCSA regulations, the Department of Transportation conducts unannounced audits periodically. There are four primary types of DOT audits you should anticipate:

New entrant audits. DOT conducts new entrant safety audits to ensure you’re within the safety guidelines as you get your commercial trucking business operations off the ground. Expect these within a year after filing and getting your DOT number.

Security audits. These examine your company’s driver training and safety plan and your security measures.
Hazardous materials audits. When performing a hazardous materials audit, the DOT checks your hazardous material labeling, training, plus shipping documentation.
Compliance review. Commonly known as a targeted DOT audit, this review happens when there’s an indication of poor performance. An indicator could be anything from increased crash rates to citizen complaints. However, FMCSA can also perform random compliance reviews without any cause.

The best practice to ensure you pass all DOT audits and remain in business is to stay on top of your DOT compliance requirements. Some key areas you should focus on being on the safe side include:

Adherence to hours of service regulations
Vehicle maintenance and inspections
Driver qualification and licensing documentation
Hazardous materials compliance requirements
Participating in DOT’s drug and alcohol testing program

Final Thoughts

Running a profitable trucking company as an owner-operator can be rewarding. There’s no cap to how much you make as you enjoy autonomy over your trucking business operations. However, you must set it up correctly for this to be true.

Our owner-operator checklist above is well-organized to ensure your business gets off the ground fast. If you follow it keenly, you’ll legally operate your commercial trucking business in many states and avoid the hefty fines that result from non-compliance.

Remember, you can always reach out to us if you need help purchasing your truck to get started. We’ll work to ensure our flexible commercial loans fit your budget and business goals so you can start your truck company on stable grounds financially.

Best Business Structure For A Trucking Business

Identifying the best business structure is crucial if you’re looking to start a trucking business. Whether you’re planning to venture out as an independent owner-operator or a fleet owner, a good business structure provides the framework under which your trucking business should operate.

Below, we discuss the most common business structures for trucking companies and their advantages and disadvantages to help you choose the perfect setup for the type of trucking company you wish to start.

Common Business Structures for Trucking Companies

Some business structures are designed for small businesses, while others work well for established trucking companies with their own fleet. Here are the four most preferred business structures in the trucking industry:

Sole Proprietor

As a sole proprietor, you own and manage your trucking business entirely. This means you receive all profits but also bear full responsibility for debts and losses, as there’s no legal separation between you and the business.

Starting as a sole proprietorship is the simplest, quickest, and most cost-effective way to establish a trucking company with minimal government involvement. Typically, trucking businesses begin this way before considering other structures.

Setting up a sole proprietorship involves minimal paperwork and fees, often only requiring an operating license in some states. Tax obligations are straightforward, as you report income and expenses on personal tax returns and pay taxes on business profits.

Advantages Of A Sole Proprietorship

There are four primary advantages to sole proprietorships:

Tax benefits: Sole proprietors are subject to one layer of income taxes. Some qualify for a 20% tax reduction following the tax break regulations outlined under 2017’s Tax Cuts And Jobs Act (TCJA). If qualified, you can deduct up to 20% of your taxable business income, helping you save your business profits.
Simple tax process: With a sole proprietorship, filing your taxes is straightforward. Unlike other structures, where business entities need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), you can use your Social Security Number (SSN) to pay taxes.
Easier banking: You don’t require a business checking account and can also use your personal bank account for business purposes.
Easy to set up, run, and dismantle: Getting started with a sole proprietorship business structure is faster. You don’t have to handle a lot of paperwork. It’s also easier to manage your business as there are no ongoing official requirements, such as holding shareholder meetings or an election to vote for directors.
Complete control: As the only owner, you have full authority over all decisions and processes. You don’t have to consult any other party as required in other business structure.

Disadvantages Of A Sole Proprietorship

The business isn’t registered as a separate legal entity in a sole proprietorship. So, you don’t qualify for the legal protections registered businesses enjoy. And because you and your business operate as a single entity, creditors can seize your private assets to recover their money if you face serious business cash flow issues.
Raising capital for a sole proprietorship can be challenging.

Partnerships

A partnership is an unincorporated business with two or more business owners. Parties sign a formal agreement to operate the trucking business as a team and split the profits. Since the business is unincorporated, it’s not a separate legal entity, so all owners and the business entity operate as one.

Two partnership types exist:

General partnership: All owners share financial and legal liability equally. Each partner is personally liable for debts and decisions made by others.
2. Limited partnership: Comprising general partners who manage operations and limited partners, often investors, who have limited liability and minimal involvement in management.

Partnerships don’t pay income taxes; instead, partners report profits and losses on Form 1065 and pay taxes individually, including self-employment taxes based on their share of profits.

Advantages Of Partnerships

The biggest advantage of partnerships is resource pooling. Partners can pool their capital and split purchase and overhead costs, thus reducing the financial load of starting a trucking company. They can also combine their knowledge and expertise to ensure the company succeeds.
Few tax forms. Filing taxes in a partnership business structure is simple, as each partner reports the business’s profits and losses through their personal income tax returns. There’s no need to file business taxes.

Disadvantages Of Partnerships

A partner who doesn’t pull their weight may bring additional liabilities and company debts, which all partners must pay.
Business decisions require consensus, and the chances of disagreeing are high.
Selling the business in the future might be difficult because it’ll require all partners to agree.

Corporations

Corporations differ from partnerships as they are legally distinct entities from their shareholders, offering government protection but with stringent regulation, making them complex to manage.

Operating a corporation entails extensive paperwork, record-keeping, tax compliance, and annual reporting, making it costly and less suitable for small businesses.

There are two main types of corporations: C corporations and S corporations.

C corporations can be closed or open, with limited liability and publicly traded stock.

S corporations are limited to 100 shareholders, issue only common stock, and offer liability protection with additional tax benefits. Profits and losses pass through to shareholders’ personal tax returns, avoiding double taxation associated with C corporations.

Advantages

Liability protection. Because the company is an independent business entity, owners or shareholders aren’t liable for the company’s debts or wrongdoings. So you don’t risk your private assets. You won’t, for example, lose your private property if a company driver causes a fatal accident and the business cannot compensate victims.
Quick capital. Corporations can raise funds fast by selling company stock or offering shares to employees. It’s easy for them to raise funds when in need.
Business continuity. Both types of corporations allow simple ownership transfers. Shareholders can sell their shares if they want to leave the company, and business will continue without disruption.

Disadvantages

Getting started is expensive
There are strict regulations to follow. including holding annual meetings with properly recorded minutes, establishing a formal organizational structure, and conducting extensive accounting activities. These almost always require a tax professional.

Limited Liability Company

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) structure is one of the best business structures for independent contractors and small trucking companies. It combines the advantages of corporations and partnerships, offering business owners adequate liability protection, tax benefits, and operational flexibility.

An LLC protects your personal assets from the liabilities incurred by the company the same way a corporation does. But there are no strict rules to follow to run the business lawfully, as is the case for corporations. Also, unlike S corporations, LLCs can have more than 100 shareholders.

To set up an LLC correctly, you must file articles of your business’s associations in the Secretary of State office of the region you plan to operate in.

The Different LLCs for Transportation Businesses

Several types of LLCs exist to cater to various niches and operational models in the transportation industry, including:

Freight and logistics LLCs – specialize in moving goods and managing shipping, warehousing, and distribution logistics.
Passenger transport LLCs include companies involved in transporting people, such as taxis, ride-sharing services, and charter buses.
Specialty Transport LLCs cover trucking companies hauling specialized goods, including heavy equipment and hazardous materials
Vehicle rental and leasing. These LLCs include companies that rent or lease commercial vehicles to other entities, such as truck leasing businesses and car rental agencies.

Advantages Of LLCs

Limited liability. Shareholders aren’t liable for the business’s shortcomings.
Increased stakeholder participation. There’s no limit to the number of stakeholders who join an LLC.
Pass-through taxation. Owners report the business’s profits and losses through their individual returns. There’s no paying corporate taxes.
Flexible distribution of business profits. Profit distribution in an LLC can follow a shareholder’s contribution. Shareholders who contributed the most during the startup process can get more profits.

Disadvantages Of LLCs

There’s lots of paperwork to fill out when starting, although it’s not as much as the paperwork required for setting up a corporation

Are You Required To Create a Business Entity for a Trucking Company?

You don’t need to set up a separate business entity to start your trucking company in several states.

However, without registering a business entity, the state automatically assumes you’re a sole proprietor, and there’s no distinction between you and the trucking business. As a result, you forfeit legal protection and put your private assets at risk.

It’s advisable to consider all the unexpected threats trucking businesses face when their trucks are on the road. So, you can carefully weigh whether you want to create a business entity to protect your personal assets or leave everything to chance.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking of starting a trucking company, it pays to invest enough time and effort in choosing the perfect business structure. It’ll make a difference in your business profits.

A few factors to consider when choosing a business structure include capital for investment, liabilities, tax obligations, flexibility, and the complexity of managing your business.

Once you’ve identified your business structure and are ready to execute your business plan, reach out to us. We’ll customize our commercial loans to your needs to help you purchase your first truck hassle-free.

How To Create A Business Plan For A Trucking Company

If you’re going to start any kind of truck-driving business, then your first step is to create a comprehensive business plan for trucking.

A good business plan is essential for the success of your business. Without one, you won’t have a clear direction, and you’ll probably run into problems that you never expected. With a proper business plan, you’ll be fully prepared for a profitable venture.

Ready to create your trucking business plan? We’ll show you how and answer your trucking business plan FAQs in this actionable guide.

What is a Trucking Business Plan?

A trucking business plan is a document that outlines all the aspects of starting and running a trucking company. It’s an essential blueprint you need to create when starting your business, to help you understand how you’ll get your business off the ground and how your trucking services will work.

Your trucking business plan should include detailed information about your company’s goals, target market, services, financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational plans. We’ll get into more detail in the sections below.

Essentially, it’s a roadmap that guides you on how to establish and grow your trucking business strategically.

Why Do You Need a Trucking Business Plan?

You need a trucking business plan because it acts as an actionable guide for your company’s success.

Around 70% of businesses that survive for five years follow a strategic business plan. And, entrepreneurs who have a business plan in place are 260% more likely to launch their own trucking business.

So, a proper business plan will make it a lot easier to start, manage, and grow a successful business in the trucking industry.

Your business plan helps you clarify your goals, understand your target market, and plan your finances effectively. With a solid plan in place, you can identify potential challenges that your trucking company might face, and develop strategies to overcome them. You’ll also have a clear idea of how you can implement a marketing and sales strategy, and get customers from day one.

Plus, having a well-thought-out business plan makes it easier to secure funding from investors or lenders.

Overall, your business plan provides direction, focus, and a roadmap for building and growing your trucking business.

What to Know Before Creating Your Trucking Business Plan

Before you build your trucking company business plan, you’ll need to have a good understanding of the industry and what’s required to run a successful trucking company. This will ensure your business plan is realistic and includes all the right information.

Make sure that you have a solid understanding of the legal requirements and regulations of the trucking industry. This includes things like obtaining the right permits, licenses, and commercial insurance coverage needed to operate trucking companies.

It’s also important to have both business knowledge and industry knowledge. The more research you do before writing your trucking business plan, the more strategic and realistic your business plan will be for establishing a successful business.

Conduct thorough research to understand the competitive landscape, market trends, and customer needs. Knowing your competition and target market will help you position your trucking business more strategically and identify unique selling points.

You’ll also need to understand the costs associated with purchasing or leasing trucks, maintaining them, fuel expenses, and overhead costs. Having a clear understanding of your financials will enable you to set realistic goals and develop a more sustainable business model.

Consider chatting with other industry professionals who can provide valuable insights and guidance as you develop your trucking business plan.

Ultimately, by doing more research into the industry, you’ll be able to develop a more comprehensive business plan that’s more useful when starting a business.

What to Include in a Trucking Company Business Plan

When setting up a business plan for your own trucking company, you’ll want the plan to be as detailed as possible – covering everything you’ll need to know about how to set up and grow your business.

Here’s a basic overview of the main sections your business plan should cover:

Company description: Explain what your company is about and what makes it special. Describe who manages the company (in an executive summary) and why they’re qualified.
Operational plan: Explain how your company will operate and what exactly you will do. Lay out specific, achievable goals to help your company grow.
Services: Describe what your company offers to customers, including any special services that might give you a competitive advantage.
Target market: Identify the customers you want to reach or the areas you want to serve. Explaining your target customers is a key part of any business plan.
Market analysis: Look at what’s happening in the trucking industry. Understand what customers want and where they’re located. A thorough competitive analysis is essential.
Sales and marketing strategies: Explain how you plan to attract customers and sell your services.
Financial projections: Show how much money you expect to make and spend.
Funding: Figure out how you’ll get the money you need to start and run your business.

In the section below, we’ll go into more detail about how to write these sections and what information they need to include.

How to Write a Trucking Business Plan

Ready to plan your trucking company? Then follow this business plan template to make sure you cover all your bases before setting up your business.

Picking a Name

The first step in planning out your business is deciding on a name for it.

Choose a name that reflects your trucking business’s identity and values. Make sure it’s memorable, easy to spell, and relevant to your specific niche in the trucking industry.

Company Description

Describe your trucking business, including its mission, vision, and core values. Highlight what sets your company apart from competitors and how you plan to deliver exceptional service to your customers.

This can be a brief description – you’ll go into more detail about each area later on in the business plan.

Management and Personnel

Outline the management structure of your trucking company, including key team members and their roles. If you’re starting an owner-operator venture, then this could just be you.

Emphasize the experience and qualifications of your team members (or just your experience) to instill confidence in potential investors and partners.

Operational Plan (Using SMART Goals)

An essential part of creating a business plan is outlining your operations. Detail how your business will operate on a day-to-day basis.

Try to be as comprehensive as possible here, outlining things like where your truck will park, how it will get serviced, who will drive it, who will manage client liaisons, and so on.

An important part of establishing an operational plan is also setting goals for it. Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals for your trucking business.

This could include increasing the number of clients by a certain percentage within six months or reducing delivery times by implementing new technology within a year. These goals will help keep your business on an upward path.

Services

Detail the range of services your trucking company offers, such as long-haul transportation, freight forwarding, or specialized logistics solutions.

Highlight any unique features or advantages your services provide to customers.

Selecting a Target Market

Identify the specific industries or geographical areas you plan to target with your trucking services. Consider factors such as demand, competition, and potential for growth when selecting your target market.

Of course, your target market will need to align with the trucking services your business offers.

Market Analysis

A major part of any trucking business plan involves in-depth market analysis. The more this section covers, the better.

Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the trucking industry to identify key trends, such as the increasing demand for last-mile delivery services and the adoption of sustainable transportation practices.

Understand the demands of buyers, including their preferences for on-time delivery, cost-effectiveness, and transparency in tracking shipments. Consider geographical considerations such as population density, infrastructure, and regulatory requirements in different regions to tailor your services to them.

Develop sales and marketing strategies based on your market analysis, focusing on building strong relationships with potential clients, leveraging digital platforms for outreach, and showcasing your company’s reliability and efficiency in meeting customer needs.

Financial Projections

Prepare detailed financial projections for your trucking business, including revenue forecasts, expenses, and projected profits.

Use historical data, market research, and industry benchmarks to make realistic projections for the future.

Funding

Explore various funding options for your trucking business, such as grants, self-funding, or crowdfunding.

Determine the amount of capital you need to start and operate your business successfully and create a plan to secure funding from investors or lenders.

Final Thoughts

No matter how experienced you are in the trucking industry, you’ll struggle to get a successful business off the ground without a clear plan. The more detailed and well-researched your trucking business plan is, the greater your business’s chances of success will be.

As mentioned above, a key part of any business plan is funding and financing. Speak to us at Mission Financial to see how we can help you get easy financing for your semi-truck.

Understanding Apportioned License Plates

If you’re a commercial truck driver who regularly crosses state borders, then you might need to get apportioned license plates. It’s also important that you understand IFTA and IRP registration.

This might sound like a lot of admin, but it can make your life a lot easier with managing your vehicle and tax reports. Registration is also a straightforward process. Plus, if your vehicle qualifies for these registrations, it is a legal requirement.

Still confused about what this all means and how it might affect you? We’ll answer everything you need to know about apportioned registration in the guide below.

Apportioned Registration and IRP Registration

Apportioned registration and IRP (International Registration Plan) registration cover what are called “apportioned plates.” Apportioned really just means divided or distributed – which applies to the area where the vehicle is registered.

When you see a semi-truck driver using apportioned plates, it means the owner has registered the truck to operate in multiple jurisdictions, making interstate or international travel a lot easier.

Apportioned plates allow commercial vehicles, like trucks and buses, to travel between different states. These plates distribute the registration fees among whatever jurisdictions the vehicle operates, based on the percentage of miles traveled in each area.

This system simplifies registration for vehicles that often cross state lines.

What is the Difference Between IFTA and IRP?

The main difference between IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) and IRP (International Registration Plan) is what they cover. In the most simple terms, IFTA deals with fuel taxes, and IRP deals with registration for vehicles traveling across different jurisdictions.

IFTA is an agreement between the lower 48 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces, used to report and distribute fuel taxes paid by interstate motor carriers.

IRP is an agreement between U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canadian provinces. It allows commercial vehicles to register in their base jurisdiction and travel across state or provincial lines.

Commercial vehicles that frequently cross these borders will have both registration credentials to make travel a lot easier.

What is the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)?

The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is an agreement between the lower 48 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces. It simplifies the reporting and distribution of fuel taxes paid by interstate motor carriers.

Under IFTA, carriers file quarterly fuel tax reports. These reports indicate the amount of fuel purchased and the number of miles traveled in each jurisdiction. Based on this, tax authorities can distribute taxes to the right jurisdictions.

This agreement makes it a lot easier to comply with fuel tax obligations. It also streamlines the tax reporting process for any motor carriers operating in two or more jurisdictions.

Who Must Register Under IRP and IFTA?

Not all trucks that cross state lines need to register under the IRP and IFTA. So, before taking the steps to get an apportioned license plate, make sure that your vehicle first qualifies for the registration reciprocity agreement.

Under the IRP, any commercial vehicle that crosses state lines and has a gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds, or has three or more axles, must register.

The IFTA requires registration for any motor carrier that operates qualifying vehicles in more than one jurisdiction.

If your vehicle falls under these categories, you must register under IRP and IFTA to operate legally across different states or provinces.

What’s the Difference Between Apportioned Plates and Commercial Plates?

The main difference between apportioned plates and commercial plates is where the vehicle can operate.

Apportioned plates are for vehicles, typically trucks or buses, that travel across state lines. Commercial plates are for vehicles that operate only within a single state. They do not have the design for interstate travel.

In simple terms, apportioned plates allow vehicles to operate across different states or provinces legally, while commercial plates are for vehicles that operate solely within one state.

If you’re a motor carrier, you need to have commercial plates, but you don’t necessarily need apportioned registration. Apportioned registration is also always commercial.

How Do I Get Apportioned Plates?

Follow these steps if you think your vehicle needs to apply for an apportioned license plate.

Confirm Your Eligibility

Before starting the registration process, ensure your vehicle qualifies for apportioned plates.

Vehicles that travel across state lines and meet certain weight or axle requirements are eligible.Typically, you can confirm this through your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Register with IRP

If your vehicle needs apportioned plates, the first step in getting them is registering your vehicle with the IRP. You can do this through your state’s DMV.

Fill out the apportioned plate application form provided by your state’s DMV. You’ll need to provide detailed information about your vehicle, including its weight, type, and other relevant details.

This information helps determine the proper allocation of registration fees among the states where your vehicle operates.

Submit Supporting Documents

Along with the application forms, you’ll also need to submit a few documents. This includes your proof of insurance, vehicle registration documents, and other required paperwork.

Double-check the specific requirements of your state or province, as the exact documents needed can differ.

Pay Your Fees

Once you’ve got all the documentation in place, you’ll need to pay the required registration fees.

The amount you need to pay will vary depending on your vehicle’s weight, type, and the states in which you will be operating. Be prepared to cover the costs associated with the apportioned plates.

Wait for Approval

After submitting your application and documents, you’ll need to wait for approval.

The approval process can take some time, so it’s essential to submit everything correctly and be patient.

Once your application is approved, and all fees are paid, you’ll receive your apportioned plates. Make sure you install the plates properly on your vehicle according to the regulations of your state or province.

Final Thoughts

A big part of operating any kind of trucking business is making sure that your vehicle complies with all regulations in any state it travels. Getting apportioned registration is actually a really easy way to stay on top of this.

Properly registering your vehicle ensures that you are operating legally across borders and makes any kind of reporting you need to do a lot more streamlined.

Are you considering purchasing a new commercial vehicle? Then you’ll need to get the right financing partner on board. At Mission Financial Services, we make this process easy by helping all truck drivers get financing for their perfect vehicle. Access your simple credit application today.

A Guide To Ice Road Driving For Semi Trucks

Ice road driving is one of the most specialized areas of trucking. It’s dangerous and requires plenty of knowledge and experience driving in harsh conditions.

If you’ve ever been ice fishing, then you understand just how different it is to drive over frozen bodies of water. Even a small lake can pose a major challenge for a heavily loaded truck.

While ice driving is scary, ice road truckers can also be some of the highest-paid semi-truck drivers. Let’s explore exactly what ice road trucking is and how semi-truck drivers can safely navigate ice roads.

What is Ice Road Driving for Semi Trucks?

Ice road driving is when semi trucks drive on frozen bodies of water, like frozen lakes or rivers, that have turned into solid ice during the winter. These frozen roads are like temporary highways, connecting isolated communities in cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

While driving over black ice is challenging enough, true ice road truckers take this even further by covering long distances over entire frozen bodies of water.

Importance of Ice Roads in Certain Regions

Ice roads are crucial in certain regions because they provide the only means for transporting goods and supplies to isolated communities during the winter months.

These frozen highways, built on thick ice over lakes and rivers, connect remote areas that are otherwise cut off from the rest of the world.

Ice Thickness Requirements

The most important requirement for ice driving is having the right ice thickness for semi trucks.

The minimum ice thickness required to support heavy vehicles is typically around 30 inches. This is for a 70-ton vehicle. You only need 3 inches of ice to support a single person, and a very light truck could navigate 8-inch ice. Of course, thicker ice is best if you’re driving a large or medium truck.

However, this can vary based on factors like air temperature, pressure, and other variables that influence the strength of the ice. Colder temperatures and higher pressures make the ice stronger.

To determine how thick the ice is, you’ll need to use methods like drilling, using an ice auger, or even using ice radar and sonar.

The Dangers of Ice Road Driving

Driving over lake ice in a semi-truck, or even a small truck, comes with plenty of dangers. Here’s what you need to be aware of.

Slippery Surfaces

Driving on ice is a challenge due to the slippery surface. Even with studded tires and chains, traction is limited.

Trucks can easily lose control, so drivers need to be extra cautious, maintaining slow and steady speeds to reduce the risk of skidding or sliding.

Limited Visibility

Snow and ice can severely reduce visibility on ice roads. Blowing snow, fog, and blizzards makes it hard for drivers to see the road ahead.

Unpredictable Conditions

Weather and road conditions on ice roads can change suddenly and without warning. Sudden blizzards, strong winds, and shifting ice can make driving extremely dangerous.

This is why it’s vital to constantly monitor weather forecasts and road reports, and consult local authorities on the weather to avoid getting caught in dangerous situations.

Increased Braking Distance

Braking on ice roads is much more difficult due to decreased friction. Ice increases the braking distance significantly, making it harder for trucks to stop quickly.

Driver Isolation – Slow Speeds, Long Trips

Ice road driving is all about slow speeds and long trips, which leads to driver isolation. The remote locations and the long, monotonous stretches of road can be mentally challenging.

Drivers must be prepared for the isolation, ensuring they have enough supplies, including food, water, and emergency equipment, to stay safe during the journey.

Why Ice Roads are Necessary

Ice road trucking might seem crazy, but it’s an important job in many isolated regions. Here’s why.

Remote Access to Far Off Places

Ice roads provide vital transportation links to isolated communities.

In remote regions, where regular roads are impractical or impossible to build, ice roads offer a lifeline. They ensure that isolated communities have access to necessary resources during the winter months.

Economic Benefits

Ice roads allow for resources to be moved and economic development to continue throughout winter in remote regions.

Environmental Considerations

Compared to alternative transport routes, ice road driving has a much smaller environmental impact.

Constructing permanent roads can be seriously environmentally damaging. Ice roads, however, are temporary. They require no land clearing or construction.

Safety Precautions for Ice Road Driving

Moving water, cracks, and melting ice are some of the biggest safety concerns for ice road truck driving. Here are some essential tactics to help you stay safe.

Check the Ice Thickness

Before driving on an ice road, always check the ice conditions and thickness. Ensure it meets safety standards and is thick enough to support the weight of your vehicle.

Reduce Your Speed

Maintain slow and steady speeds to reduce the risk of skidding on ice or sliding through snow cover.

Even with studded tires and chains, traction is limited. Applying defensive driving techniques is always good practice.

Know the Route

Familiarize yourself with the ice road route before starting your journey. Be aware of any potential hazards, such as areas with thin ice, and carefully plan your journey.

Safety Equipment

Make sure your truck is equipped with all the right gear. This includes things like strong fog lights, reflective markers, tire chains, and suitable ice-driving tires. You’ll also need an ice pick or ice chisel, an auger, and a tape measure to check ice thickness.

Equip your truck with safety essentials like emergency flares, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a life jacket, and a survival kit in case of an emergency. Of course, a proper semi-truck tool kit is also a necessity.

Regular Maintenance

Keep your vehicle well-maintained, including checking tire pressure, ensuring all lights are working, and the brakes are in good condition.

Final Thoughts

Even on thick ice, navigating these routes with the weight of a semi-truck is an enormous challenge. This is why it’s crucial for ice road drivers to be properly prepared and experienced in navigating icy routes.

Of course, ice road driving can only be done with the right, reliable vehicle. Get in touch with us at Mission Financial Services if you’re looking for the best solution for financing a new semi-truck.