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).

We all know how rewarding being a trucker can be. . . the freedom, independence, and the wide open road full of changing scenery. What more could you ask for? But it can also be a dangerous business.

The following, in no particular order, is a list of the top five hazards the average trucker might face in the course of his or her job. Don‘t despair, though. We’ll point you in the direction for more information on how to avoid those dangers so your travels are smooth and stress is reduced to a minimum!

The most common question I’m asked by my consulting clients (read that ‘small motor carriers’) is, “How do I grow my company?”

Being the newbie trucker can sometimes be hard, from learning how to acquire your CDL license to actually getting behind the wheel and delivering your first load. Are there any unspoken rules you need to know? Any tips for being more efficient in getting to and fro your destination? Yes and yes. Read on for the best advice we can jam into one blog post on how to adjust to the trucker’s lifestyle.

The most important skill a trucker must possess when it comes to finding and ultimately selecting a load is communication: the art of asking questions.

The biggest mistake many truckers make when doing load research is asking the wrong questions to brokers, shippers. Here is a list of incorrect questions:

You should never be cavalier about your personal safety at truck stops, and that applies to both men and women drivers.