Expert advice for owner-operators and small fleets — from the dispatchers who negotiate rates, book loads, and support carriers every single day.
Rate forecasts, capacity trends, the Supreme Court tariff ruling, FMCSA enforcement impact, and the 7 profit levers every owner-operator needs to pull in 2026. Data from FTR, C.H. Robinson, ACT Research, and more — plus actionable strategies to protect your margins in a shifting market.
Read Full Analysis →Reefer, flatbed, hazmat, oversized, tanker, and expedited freight compared with real earnings, startup costs, and requirements. The math on why dry van is a starting point, not an end point.
DAT, Truckstop, and 123Loadboard compared — real costs, features, pros and cons. Which load board is actually worth paying for?
Load boards, GPS navigation, fuel savings, ELD compliance, accounting, and business management — the 10 apps every owner-operator needs on their phone.
Real tax breakdowns at $80K, $120K, and $180K net profit. Self-employment tax, federal brackets, quarterly payment dates, and the 25-30% rule for setting money aside.
Week-by-week game plan for new authorities. Cash flow management, first loads, broker setup, compliance checklist, and the 7 mistakes that kill new trucking companies before they start.
You got your authority — now what? 7 proven methods for finding freight, from load boards to direct shippers to dispatch services. Plus a 30-day game plan for your first month.
Insurance is the #1 expense that catches new carriers off guard. Real 2026 rates, required coverage types, how to lower premiums, and the mistakes that cost new authorities thousands.
Section-by-section guide with free outline, startup cost breakdown, monthly operating budget, financial projections, and the 5 mistakes that get business plans rejected by lenders.
Every deduction for the 2025 tax year — updated per diem rate ($80/day), Section 179, fuel, insurance, and 50+ write-offs most truckers miss. Includes per diem calculator and real savings examples.
The step-by-step checklist for getting your MC authority — FMCSA application, BOC-3, insurance, UCR, IFTA, drug testing, and setting up with brokers. Includes a full cost breakdown table and timeline from application to first load.
Your cost per mile is the single most important number in your trucking business. If you don't know it, you're guessing whether loads are profitable. Learn how to calculate fixed costs, variable costs, and your true break-even rate per mile — so you never accept a load that loses money.
Cash flow is king in trucking. Compare freight factoring companies and broker quick pay programs side-by-side — fees, speed, flexibility, and which makes more financial sense depending on your situation, load volume, and how fast you need to get paid.
Stop accepting the first rate a broker offers. Learn 5 proven negotiation strategies with word-for-word scripts used by professional dispatchers. Includes when to push back, when to walk away, and how to build relationships that lead to better rates long-term.
IFTA doesn't have to be confusing. This guide explains the International Fuel Tax Agreement in simple terms — how it works, what you need to track, quarterly deadlines, and step-by-step filing instructions so you never pay late penalties or get fined at a weigh station.
Thinking about using a truck dispatch service? Learn exactly what dispatchers do, how they find and negotiate loads, typical fee structures, what to look for in a good dispatch company, and how to tell if dispatching is worth the cost for your specific operation.
Build your carrier packet, vet brokers before you haul, set up on load boards, and negotiate rates that actually pay what you're worth — with word-for-word scripts.
American Truckers LLC finds high-paying loads, negotiates top rates, and handles your paperwork — so you focus on driving. 5% fee, no contracts, 24/7 support.
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