According to the ATA, Driver turnover for large fleets dipped in the 4th quarter of 2012 from 104% to 90 %. The ATA says the 14% dip is a surprise, but suggests a, “weakened economy and overall freight volumes” as reasoning. ATA chief Economists Bob Costello states, “as freight volumes slid a bit at the end of 2012, we saw turnover follow suit.”... Read More

Have you ever heard the saying, “the customer is always right?” There’s a reason vendors feel that your opinion matters. However, how often do you actually tell a company whether you like or dislike their product?

As a professional driver, you are an influential customer. You buy fuel and supplies at truck stops, clothing and food at retail and grocery stores, and you purchase services from your tax preparer to your dog groomer.... Read More

There is an old tale in which a young man in New York City asks a newsvendor how to get to Carnegie Hall. “Practice, my boy,” answers the news-stand owner. “Practice.”

Last week, I talked about substantial changes MAP -21 will have on the transportation industry. We looked at 10 of the 20 most significant regulations that will be implemented through September 20, 2014. Here’s a look at the remaining most impactful regulations and implementations:... Read More

MAP-21,, also known as the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (P.L. 112-141), was signed into law by President Obama on July 6, 2012. This legislation will go into full effect through September 20, 2014, and will bring a wave of changes to the transportation industry.... Read More

Have you been trucking since 1912 or earlier? If so, you are a true trucking pioneer, have an incredible fitness regimen and once earned an income without paying the Internal Revenue Service a dime! That’s right. It wasn’t until 1913 that income tax was made a permanent hassle by the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. That means 2013 marks the 100th anniversary of the IRS.... Read More

Last week I referred to the American Transportation Research Institute study, in part one of this blog, from October 12 that referenced the major concern for carriers in 2012, behind the economy as the #2 concern, is the new Hours of Service (HOS). We left off with the importance of the value of time and today we’ll pick up with what else affects the value of time for a professional driver.... Read More

Advocacy is, “the act of pleading for, supporting, or recommending,” or the act of “attempting to influence a decision.” An advocate is someone who acts on your behalf.

This is the reason associations were formed. An association is a group of people who join together for a purpose. The value in coming together for a common goal gives the group greater insight and ultimately greater power.... Read More

Many years ago I used to watch a show called “Beat the Clock.” Participants were required to perform tasks (called "problems’) within a certain time limit, which was counted down on a huge 60-second clock. If the participant was successful, they were said to have "beaten the clock"; otherwise, "the clock was declared the winner". The successful participants won prizes, while unsuccessful participants were left with no winnings.... Read More

I recently facilitated and sat in on a number of DataQs at the ATA Safety & Loss Prevention Management Council (S&LPMC) meetings in Kansas City. There were lots of valuable ideas and thoughts shared there, and I wanted to summarize the key points I took away from the meetings.... Read More