American Smart Trucking https://americansmarttrucking.com Thu, 02 Jun 2022 05:01:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.2 How to Be A Successful Trucking Fleet Dispatcher? https://americansmarttrucking.com/2022/03/15/how-to-be-a-successful-trucking-fleet-dispatcher/ https://americansmarttrucking.com/2022/03/15/how-to-be-a-successful-trucking-fleet-dispatcher/#respond Tue, 15 Mar 2022 06:35:45 +0000 https://americansmarttrucking.com/?p=27522 Digital transportation has continued to be a significant component of the American economy for decades, ensuring customers and businesses have a broad reach to buy and sell goods and products. It is the only reason dispatchers are considered the backbone of trucking businesses. A critical role is played by the trucking dispatcher in helping the […]

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]]> Digital transportation has continued to be a significant component of the American economy for decades, ensuring customers and businesses have a broad reach to buy and sell goods and products. It is the only reason dispatchers are considered the backbone of trucking businesses. A critical role is played by the trucking dispatcher in helping the truck drivers to focus on roadways and highways, and deliver their cargoes safely. Functioning as a trucking dispatcher indicates very focused and long working hours. Trucking dispatchers are solely accountable for organizing drivers and trips and all driver transmissions while they are on the job. A good dispatcher must retain the ability to manage calls and propositions from third-party sellers, their supervisors & operators, handle routes, and coordinate trip schedules.

Here are some tips for how to become a successful trucking fleet dispatcher.

Employ only one communication channel

Rather than transmitting information from multiple channels like (text, radio, email, etc.), you must pick one reliable method and facilitate the communication streams.

You can resolve this issue with the help of truck dispatch management software by simplifying communication and lodging all trip details in a single and easy-to-use application.

Be Genuine

Genuineness and Integrity have to be the cornerstone of your relations with your drivers. The moment you get grabbed just once in a slight white untruth, it gets done. So, maintain ideal working relations because your drivers are the face that supplies the freight to your clients.

Plan Ahead

You can minimize your last moment modifications by planning forward to increase productivity and general workflow. You can save much time by counting subcontractors, arranging geo zones, and making templates when you accept the employment unleashes plenty of time the day you are to execute the task. Therefore, you must disburse 5-10 minutes at the end of the day, securing agendas for the subsequent workday.

Be uniform with everyone

Do not ever think that other drivers are getting preferential treatment. So, never prefer anyone. Instead, sprinkle the sweet with the sour evenly amongst all your drivers. All the owner-operators or drivers who have decided to devour their profession at your organization deserve every prospect you can present them to be prosperous.

Go for a Ride

Dispatchers do not retain comprehensive knowledge of the travel process if they never accomplished a fleet truck dispatch service Colorado ride along. Gaining a front-row hub to what a trucking job (i.e., a dispatch) endures to finalize will significantly help dispatchers allocate tasks and speak with the drivers.

Developing a good connection with your drivers will assist you in better comprehending the communication manners, deals, and habits of every driver. It will increase the workflow, enhance productivity, and underestimate delays or conflict.

Be unrestricted to cooperation and feedback

Develop open channels for feedback and encourage your drivers to employ them. Feedback is a beneficial mechanism that enhances the flow of business and processes while securing those involved feel esteemed and attended. Besides getting feedback, the most important thing is its actual implementation. Consider productive and actionable feedback and apply it to the appropriate procedures.

Understand your market

Understanding your market involves shortcuts & best methods and having a healthy remembrance of current pricing. Regional understanding is one of the most remarkable aids you can hold as a dispatcher. Knowing your market will encourage you to drive the most effective dispatching judgments on the fly – a practical proficiency since time is of spirit for most haulers and contractors.

Set practical expectations

Managing anticipations beforehand with site managers and drivers will make life as a dispatcher much more comfortable. Communication is the most critical element for all forces entangled to accomplish their careers efficiently and with little pressure. Set expectations with site supervisors via on-site resources, providing visibility into trucks and deadlines for day-ending trucking propositions. With sub-contractors and drivers, you can set expectations by speaking about when to expect a dispatch each day.

Nevertheless, if you identify any problems with the outlined anticipations, you must function together to find a solution beforehand.

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]]> https://americansmarttrucking.com/2022/03/15/how-to-be-a-successful-trucking-fleet-dispatcher/feed/ 0 What is the Difference Between Logistics and Transportation? https://americansmarttrucking.com/2021/10/12/what-is-the-difference-between-logistics-and-transportation/ https://americansmarttrucking.com/2021/10/12/what-is-the-difference-between-logistics-and-transportation/#respond Tue, 12 Oct 2021 06:50:36 +0000 https://americansmarttrucking.com/?p=16065 What is the Difference Between Logistics and Transportation?Today, most industries are related to or influenced by the movement of goods from one point to another. For example, talking about the retailers, the transportation and logistics industry plays a major role in their successful operations. Despite this, most of us use the two terms interchangeably without […]

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What is the Difference Between Logistics and Transportation?

Today, most industries are related to or influenced by the movement of goods from one point to another. For example, talking about the retailers, the transportation and logistics industry plays a major role in their successful operations. Despite this, most of us use the two terms interchangeably without understanding the difference between transportation and logistics.
Although both transportation and logistics are crucial in distributing goods, they tackle different things. The transportation industry deals with the movement of goods, while the logistics industry manages the supply chain of transportation from the manufacturer to the consumer.
While both industries work with getting goods and services from one place to another, logistics handles storage integration, packaging, cataloging, handling, and transportation. In simple words, the transportation industry is a subsidiary industry of logistics.

What is logistics management?

Logistics management is all about producing, obtaining, and distributing goods and services to the end-user. The logistics industry deals with managing and implementing procedures for safe and efficient transportation.

What is required for effective logistics management?

  • Planning

Proper planning is imperative in a logistics management system. The logistics industry involves everything from goods, infrastructure, vehicles, and other logistics operations like dispatch management.

  • Automation

The logistics industry is witnessing technological advancements with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation. Automation brings efficiency and optimization, hence increasing numerous opportunities for every transportation company.

  • Warehouse management 

The logistics industry also deals with warehouse management. These types of operations in the logistics industry are dependent on the type of goods as well as the handling manager.

  • Analysis, measurement & feedback

For a logistics network to operate effectively, it needs to be optimized regularly. Whenever new strategies are employed, proper analysis ensures a positive output every time. 

  • Latest trends

The logistics industry is constantly evolving with the latest technological advancements. Keeping up with these trends and implementing them wherever it is appropriate will make sure that your brand remains competitive in the market.

What are transportation services?

The transportation industry is responsible for the movement of goods, people and animals, and services from point A to point B. Transportation deals with different modes such as rail, air, road, cable, or pipeline.
Whenever you are planning a shipment, the transportation method will always get your attention. You will even have to determine costs, time it takes to reach the end-user, weight, and size of goods, and their value.

How logistics & transportation work together?

Logistics can be termed as the brain behind the entire process, while transportation is the muscle that sees it through. Both industries need to work closely in order to increase the efficiency of the operations and lower costs.
For instance, a transportation company that has its operations across the country. It would be its duty to ensure that its truck drivers are consistently driving through the most efficient routes on a daily basis. When considering factors like road closures, traffic, weather, etc, it can become quite complicated. By creating advanced models that use recent and the most up-to-date information can allow the company’s drivers to drive on the most efficient routes.

How technology helps?

As already discussed, the logistics industry requires a very fair degree of planning, while transportation is just a way of putting it into practice. Here are a few things individuals in the logistics industry deal additionally with;

  • Packaging
  • Containerization
  • Storage
  • Documentation
  • Insurance
  • Risk mitigation
  • Leverage partners and vendors

So this was all about the logistics industry and transportation industry. We hope you got to understand the major difference between logistics and transportation. We hope you liked this post. To read more such posts, watch this section of our website closely.

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]]> https://americansmarttrucking.com/2021/10/12/what-is-the-difference-between-logistics-and-transportation/feed/ 0 Improve Your Diesel Engine’s Fuel Economy With These Tips https://americansmarttrucking.com/2021/09/07/improve-your-diesel-engines-fuel-economy-with-these-tips/ https://americansmarttrucking.com/2021/09/07/improve-your-diesel-engines-fuel-economy-with-these-tips/#respond Tue, 07 Sep 2021 06:15:39 +0000 https://americansmarttrucking.com/?p=14865 Fuel economy tips are often helpful when you are driving a car or a heavy vehicle. As an owner-operator, the cost of rolling your truck matters. So it always becomes important to improve the diesel efficiency of your truck as fluctuating gas prices are often unpredictable. In this post, we are going to share five […]

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]]> Fuel economy tips are often helpful when you are driving a car or a heavy vehicle. As an owner-operator, the cost of rolling your truck matters. So it always becomes important to improve the diesel efficiency of your truck as fluctuating gas prices are often unpredictable. In this post, we are going to share five fuel-saving tips that can help you maximize the profit from each completed job. 

Five Fuel-Saving Tips

In this section, we have put down some of the most effective tips to improve the diesel efficiency of your trucks. Please read these points carefully.

  • Accelerate gently

We all know that accelerating out trucks as fast as possible can be very tempting when attempting to reach speed. This is one of the fastest ways to burn your fuel. Instead of this, aim for smooth and steady acceleration and increase the speed gradually. Hitting a pedal will cut down only a few seconds from your total journey time, but it will cost you far more than your time-saving in diesel. This is one of the best fuel economy tips.

  • Avoid overloading your truck

Trucks by their nature are very heavy, and therefore, use more fuel. However, it is important to consider not to overload your truck as it can eat your fuel like anything. Make sure you do not carry anything in addition to what you need to deliver; no unnecessary modifications, accessories, etc.

  • Avoid drag 

This is one of the best fuel efficiency driving tips. Most truck drivers often keep their windows open instead of using AC in a pursuit to save some fuel. Opening windows of your truck is best when you are moving at a slow speed. However, as you increase the speed of your truck, the drag increases. It is efficient to keep the windows of your truck closed and use AC.

  • Check your tires

Ensuring good tire pressure can reduce your fuel consumption by as much as 10%, according to NACFE. It is important to ensure good tire pressure before going on a long tour as it makes sure the safety of your truck is on top.

  • Maintaining the oil

Oil plays a vital role in improving your fuel economy. Think about it; your truck is made up of moving parts and oil ensures that all the parts of your truck move smoothly.

So these were the five fuel-saving tips for your trucks that can help you save a lot of fuel when on a long tour. Apart from these tips, make sure you service your trucks often and keep changing their fuel filters. To keep reading awesome trucking blogs, please watch this section closely. To learn about American Smart Trucking’s services, please visit www.americansmarttrucking.com. 

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]]> https://americansmarttrucking.com/2021/09/07/improve-your-diesel-engines-fuel-economy-with-these-tips/feed/ 0 What Insurance Covers Do Truck Drivers Need https://americansmarttrucking.com/2021/09/07/what-insurance-covers-do-truck-drivers-need/ https://americansmarttrucking.com/2021/09/07/what-insurance-covers-do-truck-drivers-need/#respond Tue, 07 Sep 2021 06:04:38 +0000 https://americansmarttrucking.com/?p=14855 Leverage agile frameworks to provide a robust synopsis for high level overviews. Iterative approaches to corporate strategy foster collaborative thinking to further the overall value proposition. Organically grow the holistic world view of disruptive innovation via workplace diversity and empowerment.

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What Insurance Covers Do Truck Drivers Need

Insurance cover for truck drivers is the most important thing that can make or break the business during unpredictable scenarios. For the trucking industry, it is crucial to know what type of insurance covers you need because some types of insurance covers are prescribed in legislation and some are a matter of “common sense”. In this post, we will look at the types of insurance for new drivers who are all set to roll their trucks. 

What insurance covers for truck drivers are mandatory?

The FMCSA puts forward the following types of insurance covers before it will issue any authority to operate. Please look below;

  • Public liability insurance 

When you come across situations like bodily injury, damage to property, and damage to your vehicle, this type of cover not only covers the truck driver but also the third parties involved. In simple words, this type of insurance covers your personal damage and damage to public property as well. For best commercial truck insurance, you can get help through the Internet. You will come across multiple options with truck driver insurance cost.

  • Cargo insurance

This type of insurance focuses on damage or loss related to the shipment, including abandonment, theft, inappropriate packing, rejection at Customs, and employee errors. The FMCSA makes it compulsory for you to get cargo insurance coverage in the amount of $5,000 per vehicle to $10,000 per occurrence.

  • Misc. covers

For truck drivers, Surety Bond or Trust Fund Agreement in the amount of $75,000 is required.

Health insurance for truck drivers

As with most professions, your income depends on your ability to work. It is always better to be prepared for the worst. In many cases, truck drivers are covered by the company’s insurance policies, which is the best. When considering health insurance for truck drivers, there is something more that you should consider; people who are your dependent. Getting your health insurance is a very good idea as it ensures that if you fall ill or suffer injuries, you can get the medical care you need in order to get back to work as soon as you can.

So this post wall all about the types of insurance covers for truck drivers which are set forth as compulsory by FMCSA. For more such types of articles, please follow this section of American Smart Trucking closely.

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]]> https://americansmarttrucking.com/2021/09/07/what-insurance-covers-do-truck-drivers-need/feed/ 0 How Long Does It Take To Get A CDL For Truck Driver https://americansmarttrucking.com/2017/05/17/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-cdl-for-truck-driver/ https://americansmarttrucking.com/2017/05/17/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-cdl-for-truck-driver/#respond Wed, 17 May 2017 07:17:42 +0000 https://enovathemes.com/globax/infinitum/main/?p=3353 Leverage agile frameworks to provide a robust synopsis for high level overviews. Iterative approaches to corporate strategy foster collaborative thinking to further the overall value proposition. Organically grow the holistic world view of disruptive innovation via workplace diversity and empowerment.

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]]> How long it takes to get a CDL depends on how you decide to go about it, but usually, it takes about 3-7 weeks on average to get a CDL or commercial driver’s license. There are a number of factors that affect how long it will take in your state.

What type of CDL license are you getting?

A Class A CDL is compulsory if you want to drive a flatbed, tank vehicle, tractor-trailer, or livestock carrier. Class B CDL is compulsory if you want to drive a straight truck, dump truck, box truck, and large passenger or segmented bus. Class C is for small HazMat vehicles or vehicles transporting more than 16 occupants. Among these three CDL classes, Class A enables you to drive a bigger variety of vehicles and tow bigger loads.

How much practice do you need?

You are required to drive a certain number of practice hours with a licensed CDL driver as a part of the CDL process in some states. In case you think your driving ability needs more polishing or mastering truck driving seems harder than you originally expected, you should definitely log in more practice hours, even if it means ultimately taking longer to get the CDL.

What kind of training are you taking?

Truck driving training programs are usually offered by private driving schools and some community colleges. Some trucking companies in the United States even operate their own driving schools. Program lengths of course may vary, and the number of classroom hours required may vary according to the state you are living or training. Depending on the CDL class taken and whether you take the training on a full-time or part-time basis, it may even take you up to six months to complete the program.

The CDL Process 

Before taking your CDL road test, you should consider enrolling yourself in a CDL training course and practicing driving with someone who has a CDL. Typically, it takes between 14 days and up to 7 months to become a truck driver with a CDL when you take into account all the factors we have discussed earlier. How long it takes to get a CDL will depend on how you go about learning how to drive the commercial vehicles you are considering. Based on your existing skills and driving instincts, you should consider taking the time to master your truck driving skills.

So this was all about the question how long it takes to get CDL. We hope this post helped you learn all the aspects of getting a CDL. If you want to read more articles related to trucking, please watch this section closely.

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