The typical response to even the idea of increasing hauling rates is that, “Truckers don’t set the rates, the brokers and shippers do.” But in reality, the market place and the laws of supply and demand are what determine hauling rates. In the current trucking environment, estimates show there are between 250,000 to 300,000 more trucks available to haul loads than there are loads to be hauled.

A recent survey reports that long-haul truckers are infected with high rates of hepatitis C (inflammation of the liver), but are mostly unaware they have the virus.

This year’s 2009 Truck Show Latino ¾ billed as the only major U.S. truck show for Hispanic/Latino truckers ¾ will be held at the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif. on October 17 and 18.

Diesel prices in the U.S. have fallen for the fifth straight week. Can you say “Hooray!”? Back during the week of August 31, the average price of diesel was $2.64 per gallon; this week, it’s $2.58. Almost exactly a year ago, prices were just coming down from the highs of summer, dropping to $3.87 per gallon.

It’s that dreaded time of year again ⎯ flu season. And with the H1N1 “swine” flu in the news, it’s probably a good idea to be extra aware of how to take precautions against the illness to keep it from spreading. The federal government is one step ahead on that front; they’ve issued a set of guidelines for how to effectively and safely clean truck cabs when drivers become stricken with the virus.

The American Transportation Research Institute has released its 2009 “Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry Report“, and guess what the top issue of concern is? Right on! The economy. What else?

Last year, the economy was ranked number two. This year, over 51% of survey respondents pretty much said “It’s the economy, stupid.”

The future of their trucking operation is the concern of many small motor carriers today as the economy continues to flounder, fuel prices seem headed to the stratosphere again and freight rates are in the sub-basement. However, with a bit of effort, fortitude and an ounce or two of tenacity each trucking company owner can turn this plight into an opportunity for more revenue and greater profits.

A seemingly endless number of Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and regulations govern the daily lives of truckers. But safety and security are top concerns in this business, and as such, federal laws must be followed. Non-compliance can be costly; you could not only lose your job or business, but also face stiff penalties for not observing DOT laws and guidelines.

The past two years have been a virtual roller coaster ride of bewilderment as far as the price of gas goes. One summer, prices shoot into the unprecedented $4/gallon range; the next, prices are a more moderate and easygoing $2.50/gallon. Who knows what price fluctuations next year will bring as new environmental regulations kick in and winter takes hold (a time when demand for fuel is highest).

Next year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will launch a new program aimed at making highways safer. The new system, based on updated and proactive procedures for monitoring and correcting safety concerns, is called The Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 (CSA 2010).