You may remember a month ago that we wrote about the case regarding RhodeWorks, a system of tolls that targeted truckers to raise revenue for infrastructure. One thing we mentioned that is worth repeating is that the $100 million that the RhodeWorks tolls accumulated over the duration of the litigation is theirs to keep. As […]
We are about a month away from total havoc. We were also a month away from no more diesel fuel about a month ago, and the month before, and the month before. This is simply how the lead-time for diesel fuel works. Allow us to explain. Production Vs. Consumption In general, fuels of all types […]
We at TopMark Funding have been busy. So busy, that we skipped a month on posting about monthly jobs in the trucking industry according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This month, we are getting it out of the way immediately so as to not forget. October (and September) 2022 Numbers October 2022’s first […]
History repeats itself. In September, the month prior, the rates for all three forms of freight decreased. October also had decreases for the month, but the extent to which all three decreased was lower than it was before. With the holiday season quickly approaching, is this a sign of a turnaround? DAT Freight & Analytics […]
What’s New? The American Trucking Associations Law Enforcement Advisory Board, which consists of 37 retired and active law enforcement professionals with over 900 combined years of experience, sent letters to the governor’s office and the state department of transportation of all 50 states. The letters urged the states to apply for additional federal funding to […]
What’s New? US Route 212 was awarded $10 million on Sept. 15 from the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America federal funding account. Route 212 is a major corridor that connects Southwest Minnesota and Twin Cities. The corridor spans 161 miles in Minnesota and connects 22,000 square miles of Minnesota and South Dakota. The funds will be […]
What’s New? On October 11, the Biden Administration announced that $60 billion (yes, billion with a “B”) of federal funding would be used to repair transportation corridors nationwide. “America’s roads and bridges are the vital arteries of our transportation system, connecting people and goods across the country,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. On Oct. 13 […]
The trucking industry is ever-changing and the history of trucking is very extensive. What is even more extensive, is the recent influx in regulations pertaining to trucking and overall transportation. We’ve hand-crafted a list of the most influential and relevant regulations to the trucking industry. Some you may be familiar with, and some you may […]
What’s new? Texas Department of Transportation has announced its plan to spend $85 billion on roadways, focusing on congestion, enhanced transportation safety, and improved highways over the next 10 years. The governor gave the stamp of approval on Aug. 30. The 188-page document outlines the planning and development for the Unified Transportation Program, which also […]
What’s New? On Thursday, Sept. 15 U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg announced that the Biden-Harris Administration has awarded $1.5 billion for highway, multimodal freight, and rail projects that will make the nation’s transportation and infrastructure systems safer and more resilient. “Today we are announcing transformative investments in our nation’s roads, bridges, ports, and rail […]
What’s New? Illinois Department of Transportation’s Data-Driven Decisions Tool has selected 13 projects for state investment improvements. The tool was used to determine which projects would benefit the most under the state’s Multi-Year Program (fiscal years 2023 to 2028). The analytics tool was used to assess current infrastructure projects adding highway capacity to a 6-year […]
What’s New? Early on Sept. 15, it was announced that the six Class I railroads and union workers reached a tentative deal with the management council for the rail carriers. The tentative deal prevented about 115,000 conductors, engineers, and other employees from staging a walkout. In a statement by President Biden, he said this deal […]
What’s New? According to the Energy Information Administration, data report released on Sept. 12, diesel fuel dropped 5.1 cents to $5.033 a gallon. The price of diesel fuel jumped on Aug. 29 to $5.115 after being below $5 for nine weeks. Diesel Gas September Predictions According to EIA, based on their Short-Term Energy Outlook Sept. […]
What’s New? The Department of Transportation is giving $513.2 million to 30 states as part of their Emergency Relief Program. The goal of the program is to provide relief to communities after extreme weather and wildfires. “From recent hurricanes that struck the Gulf Coast, to wildfires in California and floods and mudslides in numerous states, […]
What’s New? On Aug. 29, the EIA reported diesel fuel increased by 20.6 cents, ending the nine-week long streak of decline in fuel costs. This increase puts the national average over $5 per gallon. From June 27, after reaching a record high of $5.810, to Aug. 8, diesel prices declined about 10 cents per week, […]
On July 15, President Joe Biden blocked a freight railroad strike in Omaha, Nebraska. This strike would disrupt the already fragile supply chain by delaying the shipment of goods for at least 60 days. The appointed Presidential Emergency Board gave the 12 unions involved a 124-page report outlining the terms they suggest. Both sides have […]
Background On July 15, President Joe Biden blocked a freight railroad strike in Omaha, Nebraska. This strike would disrupt the fragile supply chain by delaying the shipment of goods for at least 60 days. To combat this, President Biden appointed a board of arbitrators, the Presidential Emergency Board, to help the dispute with contract building […]
House Bill 479 aims to increase fines for truck drivers who park in residential parking, increasing fines up to $2,000. Currently, the bill is waiting on action from Delaware Gov. John Carney after it went through the General Assembly unopposed. “Staff from the governor’s office usually reach out to the chief clerk of the House […]
What’s New? Aug. 30 – Gas prices have fallen for 70 days consecutively. This is the second longest decline in gas prices since January 2015, falling for 117 days. According to AAA, gas prices are averaging about $3.892 per gallon after reaching a record high of $5.016 per gallon in June. Diesel Gas 2023 Predictions […]
What’s new? An American Trucking Association study released on August 10, states that truck driver wages increased by 18% compared to 2019 average wages. Median compensation in 2021 stood at $69,687. This does not include benefits, but it does include bonuses. “In the truckload space, compensation was up 18% from 2019,” ATA Chief Economist Bob […]
As of Aug. 15, the average cost of gasoline has dropped 45 cents over the past three weeks, standing at an average of $4.10 per gallon. Over the past nine weeks, we have seen an 81-cent drop, which is still $1 more than this time last year. San Francisco had the highest recorded gas prices […]
The Federal Bureau of Prisons is expanding its commercial driver’s license program to focus on incarcerated women. “CDL training is a career field which is in high demand throughout the U.S.,” said Donald Murphy, a spokesman for the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Information, Policy and Public Affairs Division, in an interview with Transport Topics. “Inmates […]
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is a scaled-back version of President Biden’s Build Back Better climate change proposal. The Inflation Reduction Act aims to combat severe weather events for infrastructure projects and promote greener sources of energy for transportation networks. The total bill comes to a grand $740 billion and while the bill details […]
What’s New According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, diesel prices have dipped below $5 per gallon. The last time this was seen was in March 2021. After hitting its peak on June 20 with a nationwide average of $5.81 per gallon, we are seeing a decline in both gasoline and diesel prices. Diesel is […]
The Energy Information Administration report on July 25 shows diesel and gasoline prices decline for the fifth week in a row. Diesel prices hit a record high of $5.810 on June 20. Since then prices have declined by 54.2 cents. All 10 of the places EIA spoke with have reported a fall in diesel prices […]
The Energy Information Administration report on August 1 shows diesel and gasoline fuel prices decline for the sixth week in a row. Diesel prices hit a record high of $5.810 on June 20. Since then prices have declined by 67.2 cents. All 10 of the places EIA spoke with have reported a fall in diesel […]
With the ongoing supply chain backup, fleet owners are working harder than ever to buy the parts they need. Many have to shop outside of their normal network and turn to e-commerce. Navigating the e-commerce world can be a little daunting, but these 10 tips will ensure you make a smart, efficient, and accurate purchase. […]
On July 18, protesters blocked the Port of Oakland, as a response to Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), resulting in a 95% decline in operations. Owner-operated truck drivers make up 90% of the Bay Area port operations, but that quickly came to a halt when protesters blocked trucks from getting into the port. The original protest […]
The Interstate 81 Corridor Coalition wants to form a multistate team in order to apply for federal funds to improve truck parking along the interstate highway. Who is the I81CC? The I81CC was originally formed in 2011 to improve driving conditions for freight and passenger transportation along the corridor. This decision came after a roundtable […]
The American trucking Association introduced a new program that aims to focus on uplifting and acknowledging the contributions of female truck drivers. “The trucking industry relies on women – whether in the boardroom, as a technician, or behind the wheel – and we believe that by highlighting the many contributions the women already in trucking […]
On July 15, President Joe Biden blocked a freight railroad strike in Omaha, Nebraska. This strike would disrupt the already fragile supply chain by delaying the shipment of goods for at least 60 days. To combat this, President Biden appointed a board of arbitrators, the Presidential Emergency Board, to help the dispute with contract building […]
On July 20, the House Transportation and Infrastructure approved a bill to increase parking for commercial motor vehicles. The bill aims to “provide parking for commercial motor vehicles and improve the safety of commercial motor vehicle operators.” Sponsored by Mike Bost (R-Ill.), the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act would build and expand safe parking areas […]
After reaching an average record high of $5.1816 per gallon, diesel gas prices decline slightly according to AAA. This price drop comes after President Joe Biden announces a plan for a federal gas tax holiday. As of July 6, the United States average price for diesel gas was $5.716, which is a decline of $0.6 […]
A bulldozer, commonly referred to as a dozer, is a heavy equipment machine that is seen frequently in large and small-scale construction projects, road building, mining, quarrying, farming, heavy industry factories, and even occasionally military applications. Dozers are equipped with a metal blade mounted to the front that is designed for pushing material and are […]
Finding the best place to shop for bulldozers can be difficult. There are many options out there, but we have gathered a list of the top 5 websites to visit for your heavy equipment needs. Whether it’s a John Deere bulldozer, a Komatsu bulldozer, or a Cat bulldozer that you’re looking for, you’ll be sure […]
The versatility and moveability of backhoes make them extremely popular within the construction equipment market, but finding the right backhoe for your job site can often be challenging. There are a number of factors to take into account, including fuel efficiency, job site terrain, and type of job, ranging from construction to small-scale landscaping jobs. […]
Finding the best place to shop for excavators can be difficult. There are many options out there, but we have gathered a list of the top 6 websites to visit for your heavy equipment needs. Whether it’s a Cat excavator, a Volvo excavator, or a Komatsu excavator you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find […]
Finding the best place to shop for backhoes can be difficult. There are many options out there, but we have gathered a list of the top 6 websites to visit for your heavy equipment needs. Whether it’s a Cat backhoe, a John Deere backhoe, or a JCB backhoe you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to […]
Finding the best place to shop for construction equipment can be difficult. There are many options out there, but we have gathered a list of the top 6 websites to visit for your heavy equipment needs. Whether it’s a wheel loader, an excavator, a backhoe, or a bulldozer you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to […]
If you have been following the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) news for a while now, three names might ring as familiar: Raymond Martinez, Jim Mullen, and Wiley Deck. These three were the deputy administrators of the FMCSA during the Trump Administration, for varying amounts of time. With the transition to the Biden Administration, […]
The United States government operates as an agreement between 50 individual states, as well as the country as a whole, called the federal level. The states help the federal, and the federal helps the states, whenever assistance is needed. On Wednesday, August 19th, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced that it would be […]
The numbers are in. We had written about June trailer sales at approximately this same time last month, and Freight Transportation Research (FTR) has released its latest data for new trailer sales. July 2020 shattered all expectations.By the NumbersIt does not take a trucking industry expert to imagine that the coronavirus pandemic caused new trailer […]
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration state of emergency has been extended for another month. This is the fifth extension, set to last until September 14th, but may be extended yet again.Changes MadeYou can read the declaration in full on the FMCSA declaration’s webpage. In summary, the exemption for hours-of-service has been extended, with a […]
We at TopMark Funding have written before about the obstacles stopping autonomous semi-trucks from becoming the norm. One of the largest was the problem we called “Dynamic Adaptation”: how current autonomous trucks work fine in open, well-maintained highways, but start to struggle when dealing with less optimal scenarios such as road hazards and city streets. […]
Here is something we do not get to write about very often; TopMark Funding finances passenger vehicles as well as cargo vehicles.The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on July 15th that it is removing some old regulations in a cost-saving effort.“This rule will remove outdated and overly burdensome reporting requirements on commercial buses that don’t […]
Autonomous trucks may still be a far way away from becoming the norm, but the journey of a million miles begins with one wheel rotation. A small handful of companies are working together to help lay the groundwork of making it a reality.The TeamThe companies that form this partnership of establishing an autonomous network of […]
On Tuesday, June 23rd, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration chief Jim Mullen said his agency is looking into potential violations regarding rate transparency among brokers. The statement comes from the FMCSA’s session at the Truckload Carrier’s Association’s Virtual Safety and Security Meeting. The event was moved online due to the coronavirus pandemic. The “Changes” We […]
President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order No. 13924,85 FR 31353 on May 19th, 2020. This directed federal agencies, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, to take action in fighting not just the coronavirus pandemic, but the economic damages resulting from the pandemic as well. One way the FMCSA took action was to suspend […]
The numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) are in: the for-hire trucking sector of the U.S. economy lost 1,200 jobs in May. Furthermore, the trucking industry total employment, 1,431,000, was the lowest it has been since November 2014. This is despite the U.S. economy as a whole gaining 2.5 million jobs. By themselves, […]
On March 13th, the Hours-of-Service suspension was to last until April 12th. It was then extended to May 15th, then June 15th, and now the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration extends it once again to July 14th. The Applicable Shipments Not all trucks on the road get the privilege of ignoring hours-of-service until the job […]
At TopMark Funding, we mostly like to report on the facts when it comes to the news and allow our readers to reach their own conclusions. The recent news about the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act may leave truckers worried about how it […]
How much is added flexibility to your driving workday worth to you? House Democrats on Capitol Hill unveiled the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act on Wednesday, May 3rd. The bill is 864 pages long, but the two biggest pieces that should interest truck […]
Truckers driving through Arizona may be relieved to hear that the Arizona Department of Transportation has updated its 511 website to include rest stops. This change details not only the locations of rest stops within the state, but also whether or not they are currently open, and the number of truck parking spots at each […]
TopMark Funding not only finances trucks and trailers, but also other forms of business equipment, such as machines used in construction. The machines we will focus on in this article are not necessary per se, but in terms of time and sweat saved are invaluable to any construction operation.BricklayerFashioning a brick road the old-fashioned way […]
Last week we covered Peterbilt dump truck models currently in production, now we move on to Peterbilt’s brother brand, the Kenworth. Both truck types fall under the Paccar banner, so it will be interesting to see how the Kenworth dump trucks compare. As with the Peterbilt truck models, the Kenworth models are ordered numerically and […]
It might be hard to remember with the coronavirus pandemic suspension (which was recently extended another month to mid-June) that the FMCSA has been planning reform to its hours-of-service regulations. Now the final rule has been published. Despite nobody outside of the FMCSA truly knowing what was going to be in it, it turned out […]
Caterpillar Inc. manufactures dump trucks (lovingly referred to as off-highway trucks), complete with their in-house engines to get the job done. In this article we will be going over the specifications for their most popular engines, that is, those that appear most often in their dump truck models. The full list, complete with over eighty […]
We at TopMark Funding have not been giving you the statistics for average freight rates lately, as we have been writing extensively about more immediate topics such as the Coronavirus. Now that it appears the pandemic is reaching the declining end of the curve, we can get back into the swing of things for normal […]
Heavy-duty 18-wheelers are great, but they are not the only thing TopMark Funding finances. Another popular vehicle to finance is the dump truck. We get asked a lot of questions about financing a dump truck, so we created this article to help answer questions before they arise. How Long Can You Finance a Dump Truck? […]
We understand business owners and drivers don’t have time to sort through all the different news coming out about COVID-19, so TopMark has made a detailed truckers guide to when each state will reopen. Updated regularly, this article will include the newest information on when each and every state plans on lifting or extending their […]
Article originally posted by FreightWaves From quarantine, Canadian truck driver Nicole Folz recounts the scary reality of falling seriously ill hundreds of miles from home during a less-than-truckload run in the United States. Canadian truck driver Nicole Folz began suspecting she had COVID-19 as she prepared to make her final less-than-truckload delivery in South Carolina […]
Anyone who has been on a long drive knows that sometimes, music just doesn’t keep you entertained for hours on end. Podcasts, which are basically episodic talk shows, are a great option for truckers to listen to while killing time on the long hauls. Since the days of talk radio have started to end, podcasts […]
Driving a truck isn’t just a day job. It’s a fulltime lifestyle that has its own culture, Whether you find yourself looking for a film to watch in the back of a sleeper cab or just at home, movies are one of the best ways to wind down after a long haul of driving. If […]
The 50 Best Trucking Songs For most drivers, a semi-truck isn’t just a work vehicle — it’s a way of life. Trucking has its own culture, complete with a unique language, jokes, movies, and, of course, music. When you’re hauling down the highway, few things beat the feeling of rolling with your favorite trucker songs […]
The COVID-19 Pandemic has had a massive impact on trucker’s daily routines. Physicians everywhere are warning people that a key battle against COVID-19 is won by washing your hands, not touching your face, and sanitizing surfaces you’re in contact with. Since over the road truckers spend most of their time in a truck cab, it is […]
Owner-operators looking for quick ways to grow their businesses will often turn to load boards for fast access to work. Online load boards are a good thing for truckers to utilize as they help them find loads effectively with less work. A lot of the top results for load boards are those that charge monthly […]
Whether you’re a truck driver or a fleet owner, the goal is to find loads and get paid! If you don’t have time to search the internet for the top load boards out there, that’s okay! We have done the work for you here with our list of the best load boards every trucker should […]
To Our Valued Customers We hope you and your family are safe and in good health. During this uncertain time related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to assure you that TopMark Funding remains open and ready to serve you. We recognize that with the constantly changing situation around the world, this is an unprecedented […]
In another episode of coronavirus hysteria, Mid-America Trucking Show organizers have announced that they are cancelling the 49th annual event due to the pandemic. The announcement comes two weeks before the event was to take place, March 26th, 27th, and 28th. “It is with a heavy heart and deep regret that we announce the cancellation […]
In the previous month of February, Alabama was hit with flooding and a State of Emergency was declared. It seems with the new month, natural disasters are heading north to Tennessee, where a tornado hit Nashville in the first few days of March. Like with Alabama, a State of Emergency has been declared that suspends […]
Were you aware that truckers can technically drive while under the influence of marijuana, legally? But before you go lighting up cannabis and driving in your big rig while hauling thousands of pounds, it is important to know what we mean by “technically”. Not knowing the rules and limitations can get you in trouble with […]
It is common knowledge no matter what vehicle you drive that driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is a massive safety hazard that can result in injury or death. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has even established the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a database of such violations to discourage the practice. […]
One consistency in the trucking industry that seems to be as common as the sun rising in the east is that February is the month of the year with the lowest national average spot rates. In a way, it is refreshing to see the average rates in mid-February be only a slight drop, with just […]
When it comes to financing anything from a new truck to a used trailer, your FICO credit score plays an important role in the terms you get. Let us look at the financing statistics for transactions done in 2019 to see just what a better credit score can do for you. The Credit Score of […]
With the ELD Mandate requiring truckers across the country to track and maintain their hours of service automatically, truckers must be especially cautious that they can find a proper overnight parking spot in time. One type of location that works are rest areas that have parking spaces for big rigs. Here are the number of […]
When asked what one thinks is the most common injury a trucker may experience on the job, one might assume that the answer lies in collision-related injuries. The truth, as obtained by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), is a lot less interesting. Truckers’ most common injuries involve muscle sprains. This problem […]
Buying a semi-truck, whether you are buying it for yourself in the jump from company driver to owner-operator, or for an employee as you jump from owner-operator to fleet owner, will be one of the biggest decisions anyone makes in their trucking career. It is not a decision to be taken lightly. It costs money […]
Credit Score and No Down Payment “I want to get financing for my business equipment. My credit is Poor/Fair/Good/Very Good/Excellent, and I want no down payment, or barring that, as low of a down payment as possible. What options are open for me? How high of a credit score is needed for no down payment?” […]
You might remember from last week that we wrote about California Assembly Bill No. 5 and its potential effects on the trucking industry as a whole. The article ended by mentioning other states following suit. Now, the House of Representatives has passed their parallel to AB5, called the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. […]
On September 19th, 2019, the governor of the most populous state in the country signed Assembly Bill No. 5 into law. It went into effect at the beginning of 2020 but has since been blocked by a federal judge as of January 16th. While originally intended to prevent worker exploitation in the new “gig economy”, […]
Every year the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has a three day, seventy-two hour International Roadcheck, where certified inspectors perform inspections on commercial vehicles and trucks across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It’s like a convention, except nationwide and a lot less fun. International Roadcheck 2020 Facts and Conjecture Usually, the International Roadcheck happens […]
At the time of this writing, the year 2020 is still in its infancy. After the tumultuous time of change for the trucking industry in both 2018 and 2019, it is time to make sense of the industry’s health to see if there’s any trends that need addressing. Trucking Isn’t Going Away Amongst the news […]
You know Uber as the app you call when you need to hitch a ride. Professional truck drivers and owner-operators are now going to know it as something else. Uber Freight officially launched its app in late 2017 when they saw a need in the way the trucking industry conducts its business. From there, it’s […]
When you hear the words self-driving semi-truck or driverless trucks you might think you’re talking about the future. You’d very much be talking about the present because driverless semi-trucks are here. As an owner-operator or a truck driver, you’re probably wondering what that will mean for you. Is autonomous semi-trucks or self-driving semi-trucks going to […]
The phrase “no credit check semi-truck financing” sounds like a dream come true for some people looking for a new truck. What it means is an individual was able to get a loan for their vehicle purchase without having the lender looking into their borrowing history. The big question here is… Does no credit check […]
Whether you’re looking to finance a new or used commercial truck or thinking about getting a loan for your business, the lending world can seem overwhelming. A lot of drivers want to get their business needs and want to be organized in a fast efficient way. The spider web that loans, financing, and credit create […]
Every truck should know the weight of diesel fuel. How much does a gallon of diesel fuel weight? When a normal driver passes a truck on the freeway, they don’t really think twice. They might think they want to speed up to pass it, or that they’re getting their view blocked. They don’t think about […]
Choosing your career is, obviously, a big decision. Your career isn’t just another job, it’s something you might do for the rest of your entire life. When you’re trying to see if you should start a truck driving career, you’ve got to know where to begin with such a big decision. Where do you start? […]
What Are The Best Semi Truck Brands We get asked this question all the time, what is the best semi-truck? Or what’s the most popular semi-truck? To help answer those questions we’ve put together a guide to the best semi-truck brands in the United States. We’ve also included a guide of the different styles of […]
How much money do truck drivers make per year? When you’re considering a job, perhaps the most important question of all is how much money you will make. The same goes for the trucking industry, and the answer is a little less straightforward than a simple salary amount. There are about 3.5 million truck drivers […]
Discover the extensive network of highways and interstates that crisscross the United States with our comprehensive list of the top 10 longest routes, ranked by total miles covered. For truck drivers and road enthusiasts alike, these iconic highways are more than just routes; they are lifelines that connect cities, facilitate commerce, and shape the American […]
The cornerstone of trucking is finding loads to haul and having a consistent list of customers to haul for. That being said, load boards can be a vital resource for truckers to find work easily without the stress of person to person networking, outreach, and contracts. So, what are the best load boards for truck […]
What are the most popular semi-trucks in America? This list is the top-selling brand based on market share and commercial vehicles sold in the United States. Read this article to learn more about the different trucking brands. Please comment below and let us know which is your favorite semi-truck brand. Freightliner Freightliner Trucks is an […]
Automatic vs Manual transmission for semi-trucks – What Do You Prefer to Drive? Perhaps the most crucial part of a semi-truck is its transmission. In 2018 for the automotive industry, only 2 percent of the cars that were sold were manual. While manual transmissions are much more prevalent in semi-trucks, there’s still a movement toward […]
We’ve put together a list of the top 11 trucking apps in 2019. These are the best apps for trucks. Every truck driver should have these apps. And most of them are for free! If you’re looking for the best trucking apps to make your life easier, we’ve got that list for you. Instead of […]
What are the different types of commercial trucks and vehicles? This article will cover the most popular and common commercial vehicles on the road today in the USA. Semi-Trailer Truck A semi-trailer truck more commonly known as a semi-truck or simply “semi” is the combination of a tractor unit and one or more semi-trailers to […]
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Publishes Hours of Service Proposal to Improve Safety and Increase Flexibility for Commercial Drivers WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on changes to hours of service (HOS) rules to increase safety on America’s roadways by […]
Amazon Vs the Trucking Industry Free two-day shipping was just turned into free one-day shipping. It seems almost too good to be true, but it is what Amazon Prime is offering its members. While they were unveiling their new speedy shipping, Amazon discreetly unveiled their freight brokerage platform. You can see the new service at […]
![Hot Topics in Trucking [2019]](https://www.topmarkfunding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Orange-Truck-Mountains-1024x576-1160x665.jpg "Orange-Truck-Mountains")
If you want to get ahead in the trucking game, you have to know the ins and outs of the industry. As an owner-operator, you especially need to keep your head in the game with the news of hot topics in trucking. That way, you can always be creating a strategy for your business. Of […]
Find The Best Loan For Your Business: The Basics Small business owners know the struggle that can possibly come with finding the best loan for your company. If you’re a business owner, you may have already attempted to go through your local bank to try to secure a loan. The result? Maybe you were hit […]
Gas prices. Few things can make you groan, like passing by a gas station and seeing that high price tag on gas. If you run a semi-truck or want to finance one, the same goes for you, but double. Big Rigs aren’t known for their fuel efficiency.A decade ago, truckers didn’t have to put much […]
The Sneaky Tips of Starting a Small Business Starting a small business. Overwhelming might be the understatement of the century. But you’re out there doing it – and that’s more than can be said for most people. You’ve probably searched the internet extensively for tips on how to start and run your small business. […]
The Small Business Lending Index has some good news for you as a small business owner. Small business loans have reached their highest approval rate yet. The strong economy and overall optimism for small businesses is to thank, and your probability of getting a loan has never been better. Biz2Credit CEO Rohit Arora directs […]
People have been dreaming up the self-driving car since the 1920’s, with the first semi-automated car actually coming into the picture in 1977 in Japan. This car could go 19 miles per hour supported by an elevated rail, and needed to run on specially marked streets. From then to now in 2019, you have probably […]
You need new equipment. You have a tight budget. But you can’t work with outdated machines. What are you supposed to do? There comes a point for every business where you eventually have to think about leasing, financing, or taking out a business loan. It’s time to think about why you should consider equipment leasing. Top […]
When you’re just starting out, the business world is a scary place. You have marketing plans, employees, insurance, money, and just about everything on your mind. Equipment financing should be easy and simple. And it shouldn’t be something that you skip out on due to fearing that it will take too long or […]
Trucking Facts: What You Don’t Know The trucking industry is worth an estimated 7 billion dollars! It’s a huge, sprawling business. Without a doubt, there are some pieces of information and trucking facts about the industry that you haven’t heard yet. The United States is extremely dependent on the trucking industry; the truck drivers […]
Short Term Business loans. What kind of associations do you make when you think of them? Five years, ten years of contract? Or one that you feel like you’re going to be paying back for as long as you live. So, what would a short term business loan mean for you? These are loans that […]
Time to Focus on Getting a Business Loan There are a lot of ups and downs in the small business lending market. There are recessions, recoveries, and times of increase. But through it all, you need a business loan you can trust. Luckily, the landscape right now is looking good. It’s a great time […]
Avoid Business Loan Rejections: Your financial standings are the most crucial part of your business. You know you need to be set up to get a business loan. As a small business owner, there are probably some things already standing in your way. But don’t let yourself be your own worst enemy. There are many […]
If there are 1.8 million drivers insisting there’s a truck driver shortage, it would be easily taken as fact. But what about the truck drivers looking at their huge force and saying, what shortage? But if you’ve been listening to the news, everyone else is saying that the truck driver shortage in America is […]
What do drivers need to think about their personal conveyance time? And how does ELD laws effect that time? Well, they’re being told not to overthink. Which is a good thing. Personal conveyance time is time that a driver is spent traveling to a location to rest, moving a truck during off-duty time if it’s […]
The Methods of an Effective Loan Borrower Congrats, you got your business loan! Now, you want to be the most effective loan borrower that you can be. That way, when you go to borrow in the future, you’ll be approved right away because you were so successful with your last venture. You’ve already got […]
You’ve heard the news: the trucking industry is growing low on drivers. With life-long truckers nearing retiring age, the drivers in the field are starting to dwindle. Not only that, young people aren’t stepping up to replace the jobs of the retirees. Even with huge bumps in salary offered to them, the long hours […]
Equipment Loan Myths Busted: There’s a lot of conflicting information out there. When it comes to getting the equipment loans your business needs, you want to get right to the heart of the matter. So, let’s take some time to sort through all these equipment loan myths and tales. Hey, you might think you know […]
It’s safe to say a lot of people wouldn’t hesitate to take a job that pays $300k a year. Do you want that opportunity? This is the question that Amazon is now asking. They’re asking everyone! Why? To find more people to deliver their packages. From experienced truckers to someone whose never operated heavy equipment […]
Truckers Need to Save More Fuel Gas. It’s the thing that we all think about when we drive for a long time (or even a short amount of time). What gas mileage do you get? How much is it going to cost in gas? How often will we have to stop? And what can be […]
Operating a vehicle (especially a large semi truck) comes with a lot of responsibility. Often, the main focus for semi-truck drivers is ensuring safety while handling such heavy equipment. Watching blind spots, dealing wind pushing your possibly hazardous equipment, and little cars zipping around? It’s a dangerous place on the roads. Manufacturers are looking to […]
Your company is doing well. Sales are coming in. Production is in progress. Clients are calling. And you’re going to keep growing. You need a business loan to keep growing. But it’s in the back of your mind: you’ve got a low credit score. Try as you might to not think about it, when you go to […]
The time has never been better to look into fleet financing. Low-interest rates and high approval rates? That should be music to your ears. This is an optimal time to get your business the equipment it needs. Especially if you’re looking to expand your fleet, it’s almost impossible to fund your vehicles all on your […]
What’s on the horizon for the construction industry? New laws and political agendas are constantly affecting the way that the industry has to be run, the projects available, and the amount of money that construction workers are given by the government. The future of the industry is bright, though. Construction is about 14.7% of […]
Small Business Financing: The First Step The first sign you’re probably ready to apply for small business financing is probably the fact that you’re looking at this article. If it’s on your mind that you might need extra capital to expand your business, congrats! It just might be time. Almost all small businesses apply for […]
In what world do Uber and freight trucking go together in the same sentence? This one, Uber Freight. In late 2016, Uber officially announced that it was breaking into the trucking game. The Uber Freight platform allows drivers to find loads and drop them off. It basically matches carriers with shippers and streamlines a process […]
Working capital It’s the capital in your business that’s used for day to day operations. It’s a measure of the efficiency of the company and its financial health in the short term. In other words, it your companies assets minus your company’s current liabilities. Yes, working capital is very important. So how do you keep your […]
So you need a business loan. Hey, that’s a good thing! Your business is growing. It’s time to get the capital you need to keep the progress going. But you might find yourself a little bit stuck. What are the business loan requirements ahead of you? Maybe you don’t even know the first step of […]
The new year has arrived and 2019 is upon us. With an eventful year behind us, it’s safe to say that the upcoming twelve months have a lot in store. What does that mean for your business in the trucking industry? Here are the Trucking Forecasts in 2019. Stay on top of the trends. That […]
EPA? Cleaner Truck Initiative? Pollution? Through all the new policies and voices, truck drivers and individuals in the transportation industry are feeling the strain of new regulations on their equipment. Poor air quality from traffic can take a toll on the health and wellness of everyone. Currently, pollution from heavy duty trucks is just one issue […]
What is the DRIVE-Safe Act? Is it necessary? Well, something’s happening in the trucking industry: fewer and fewer people are signing up. There’s a huge shortage of truck drivers that’s been steadily climbing, and doesn’t show signs of stopping. Drivers earn on average about 80,000 dollars. But still, no one wants to do it. The lifestyle […]
The New Construction Technology As the world around us changes and becomes more technologically and electronically efficient, so does the construction industry. If you’re involved in this industry, you’re well aware of how much it’s advanced in the past few decades alone. And we’re right on the cusp of even more new construction technology that’s […]
You know Tesla as the sleek electric cars you see zipping around on the freeways. You know they’re state of the art, all-electric, and sometimes have doors that open upwards – falcon-wing doors. What you probably don’t think of when you think of Tesla is electric semi trucks. But Tesla has indeed rolled out all-electric […]
Bulldozers. Dumpers. Concrete pumps. Forklifts, excavators, backhoes, loaders, jackhammers. This is just a short list of things business owners in the construction field may need. All that equipment can get expensive… And if you own your own business, there’s a lot of factors for you to consider when it comes to getting the equipment that […]
6 Equipment Leasing and Financing Tips Whether you decide to lease or finance your equipment, you need the funds to do it. While it’s exciting that your company needs new equipment, you might be dreading the process. What are the steps you should take? What are the equipment leasing and financing tips and tricks you […]
It’s something that no one wants to hear: gas prices are rising. Perhaps you’re fixing that tire on your bike or gearing up to buy yourself an electric car. But rising oil prices are affecting more than just your daily commute to work. For people in the trucking industry, almost their entire job is driving. That […]
There’s a new federal rule out there that’s making waves in the commercial trucking industry. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, FMCSA, first proposed the rule in 2014. Even then, it was met with controversy. The law requires that anyone driving a commercial truck must use an electronic logging device, or an […]
It’s a four letter word that strikes fear and makes people’s stomachs sink, no matter who you are: debt. But there’s a big word that small businesses especially fear: bankruptcy. If you’re a small business owner and you’re looking at a lot of debt, this could be a reality that you’re trying to find anything to […]
So your business has reached that point, and you need semi trucks! Things are looking good, and business is really starting to ramp up. But sometimes that means you need a truck with a ramp. So how can semi truck financing help me? You may be excited, but you also probably have a lot of […]
The Big Question: Do I Buy New Or Used Equipment? When it comes to decisions for your business, you always want to make the most financially sound decision possible. Purchasing large equipment such as semi trucks can be an overwhelming decision unless you do your research. When you know exactly what to buy and have […]
So it’s come to the point where you need to look into financing heavy equipment, great! That means your company is growing. But the process can be a bit confusing for those initially. Where do you even begin? Financing Heavy Equipment: Getting Started The first thing that you want to do is get […]
Tax Deductions? Yes please! There are few things in life that people agree on; the fact that taxes elicit a general feeling of “blahhh” is one of them. But then, most people would all agree that they love their tax return. And what about tax deductions? Those aren’t too shabby, either. If you’re a small […]
Diving head first into the world of commercial financing is something that can be compared to jumping off a cliff into a body of water. Before you jump, there are quite a few things you’ll want to check on, right? How deep is the water? How many feet have you put between yourself and the […]
We all know the phrase, “Never buy with credit what you can buy with cash” or “cash is king”. This may seem like a good idea in theory, but it may not be the right choice for you and your business. Commercial equipment and heavy equipment are expensive, specifically semi trucks. There is a […]
Cash is king. This expression, some say a favorite expression of self-made billionaire Alex Spanos, can not be understated nor can it likely be disputed by anyone that has ever been responsible for running a business. This blog is going to discuss the consequences of businesses having a lack of cash and in what circumstances […]
