Business: Page 2

Wide loads to a narrow niche: Houseboat hauler and expert diesel mechanic Greg Parks

The story of how a personal need in 2010 brought the longtime diesel shop owner to the ultra-specialized business of houseboat hauling, which is a significant though still part-time portion of his week-in, week-out work out of Camden, Arkansas.

January 10, 2023

Greg Parks' Western Star pulling a houseboat

More weather-related hours of service exemptions issued

Certain drivers in three states are getting HOS relief to help in emergency relief. Also: Convenience store chain discounting diesel through end of January; JX Truck Center reopens Michigan dealership; latest Highway Angels.

January 10, 2023

trucks in winter weather

Heating fuel haulers get HOS relief in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has suspended hours-of-service regs for residential heating fuel haulers in the state. Also: Cross-border truck freight up 13% year-over-year in October; CVSA kicks off Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative; TruckPro acquires Plaza Fleet Parts.

January 9, 2023

300-truck Land Air Express acquired by Forward Air

The Bowling Green, Kentucky-based LTL carrier will be acquired for $56.5 million. Also: Love's signs exclusivity agreement to sell Interstate Batteries; latest Highway Angel recognized for helping at fatal accident scene.

January 6, 2023

Forward Air truck

Owner-operators' 2023 income expectations trend sharply negative

Asked in the final month of 2022 to assess prospects for business income in 2023, 6 in 10 owners saw either a downtick coming or more of the same as the challenging year of 2022. This episode of Overdrive Radio in part offers strategies for dealing.

January 6, 2023

California Weigh Station

DOT announces annual increase to fines for regs violations

Law requires DOT agencies, including FMCSA, to issue annual inflation-based adjustments to fines for violations of regulations. Also: New Peterbilt dealership in Georgia; Women in Trucking launches 2023 gender diversity survey.

January 5, 2023

dollar sign in asphalt

Ways to prepare for the inevitable New Entrant audit

Got authority in recent history? The new entrant audit is in your future -- critical prep areas include driver qualifications, logs, maintenance programs, a filed and up-to-date accident register and written drug and alcohol policies and procedures.

January 4, 2023

truck at scale house

FMCSA proposing new broker, freight forwarder financial responsibility regs

The proposals would ultimately benefit motor carriers, FMCSA said, by making sure brokers and freight forwarders maintain $75,000 in financial security and allowing FMCSA to suspend brokers' authority if not maintained.

January 4, 2023

Trailer backing to a dock

FMCSA again grants hours of service flexibility, paper logs for fireworks haulers around July 4

FMCSA delivered a high degree of duty flexibility around the holiday to 32 of the American Pyrotechnics Association's 45 member companies, also allowing paper logs. Also: NY State Thruway service areas closing in part -- fuel, parking will remain open.

December 30, 2022

Iowa 80 Walcott fireworks

Survive a heart attack, fight freight fraud, button up the business: 2022 on Overdrive Radio

Another day, another year nearly in the books. Today, our annual podcast year-in-review, a big one for trucking as an owner-operator, with absolutely huge challenges. Run back through 2022 to spark a new idea or two, renew old goals.

December 30, 2022

New York fuel tax break ending Jan. 1

The seven-month suspension of excise and state sales taxes on fuel in New York is set to end Sunday. Also: CloudTrucks rolls out new tools for owner-ops using its platform; NTSB renews calls to implement "Most Wanted" safety recommendations.

December 28, 2022

Protect claims history: Be mindful of fine print in broker/customer agreements and contracts

In particular, keep a sharp eye out for any broker or customer’s requirement to provide “additional insured” coverage and/or a “waiver of subrogation” -- both could have big insurance implications in the event of an incident.

December 27, 2022

trucks on highway

Used-truck prices, freight volumes down substantially

Pricing fell with demand for used trucks, as weakening freight markets/the economy have taken some wind out of trucking's sails. Also: FMCSA denies request from large carriers to allow hair drug test results to be reported to Clearinghouse.

December 23, 2022

Ovd paclease Trucks 2019 12 02 14 29

FMCSA grants HOS waivers for heating-fuel haulers in 45 states

Haulers of propane, natural gas and heating oil are waived from the maximum driving time limits. Also: FMCSA denied driver training schools exemptions from regs requiring two years of experience for trainers; fleet's big haul for charities.

December 22, 2022

Robert Dollity 6 Feet Of Lake Effect Snow In Hamburg Ny (2) (800x440)

Toll roads on the rise: What's an operator's best electronic-collections option?

Toll roads are increasing in scope and price, and with fuel prices as high as they've been, it's a calculation every owner-operator should have their eyes on. Here are some of the options these seasoned owner-ops and small fleet owners have chosen.

December 21, 2022

georgia highway 400 old toll booth

Cargo theft indicators flashing red for the holidays

Through the middle of December, cargo thefts are up 40% year-over year, and those numbers are expected to rise through the holidays. Also: Winter weather prompts hours waivers in four states; diesel hits lowest average since February; more.

December 21, 2022

CargoNet holiday 2022 warning

Carriers' conditions in October hit lowest point since April 2020

Skyrocketing fuel and financing costs in October led to the lowest reading of FTR's Trucking Conditions Index since the beginning of the pandemic. Also: Spot rates leveling out to rising last two months; Daimler, Volvo issue truck recalls.

December 20, 2022

Trucks at fuel island

POLL: How do you expect your business income to fare in 2023?

Better than 2022? Worse? Too soon to tell? Whatever the case, it's certain the new year will bring its fair share of challenges. Weight in on your expectations via this poll.

December 20, 2022

Bulk Tankers Highway Road Ahead

Page 2 of 1308

Kelvin Schmidt's 2018 Volvo, parked at home

Always headed home: Owner-op pulls in profit with a single goal in mind

January Trucker of the Month Kelvin Schmidt's decade-plus career as an independent isn't, ultimately, about the trucking or simply making money. His operation's freight and rates consistency delivers profit and time back home where it belongs.

wide view of I-80 44-car pileup

I-80 in Wyoming closes (again) after fatal pile-up

Enter Overdrive's 2023 Trucker of the Year competition

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Trucking like a locomotive in restored 1960s Kenworths

Cummins new for 2023.

Cummins new for 2023.

Trucking like a locomotive in restored 1960s Kenworths

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The Business Manual for Owner-Operators

Overdrive editors and ATBS present the industry’s best manual for prospective and committed owner-operators. You’ll find exceptional depth on many issues in the 2022 edition of Partners in Business.

Partners in Business Issue Cover