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 […]
Center for Disease Control [CDC] 04/07/20 – CDC Launches New Weekly COVID-19 Surveillance Report CDC is modifying existing surveillance systems to track COVID-19, and posted the first of what will be a weekly surveillance report called, “COVIDView.” The report, updated each Friday, will summarize and interpret key indicators, including information related to COVID-19 outpatient visits, […]
What Are The Best Bluetooth Headsets? What are the best Bluetooth headsets for truck drivers for 2020? Truck drivers spend countless hours on the road. On average 8 to 14 hours per day depending on if your a short haul or long haul driver. In heavy traffic situations, you need to keep your eyes on […]
Are you looking for a semi-truck for sale and not sure where to shop? We’ve put together this list of the most popular online semi-truck and commercial vehicle classified sites. Here are the top 5 best semi-truck sites. From 5 to 1. 5. Arrow Truck Sales Arrow Truck Sales, Inc. was founded in 1950 and […]
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 […]
Message To Our Dealer Customer’s We hope you and your family are in good health. During this uncertain time related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to assure you TopMark Funding remains open and is actively working to originate transactions and we wanted to provide you with some insight into what we are doing and […]
It seems as though the coronavirus is undoing all of the reporting we did at the beginning of 2020. We wrote in early February that the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) was going to have its annual International Roadcheck event in May, but the event has been postponed until further notice. What is the culprit […]
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 […]
You may recall at what was hopefully the height of the coronavirus hysteria that the state of Pennsylvania made the executive decision to close all of its rest stops in the state, even for parking purposes. After pressure from the negative press for the decision, the state of Pennsylvania has decided to renege on the […]
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 […]
On March 23rd, a coalition of automotive dealers, including the American Truck Dealers (ATD), sent a letter to President Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Cabinet members, and the Governors of all fifty states asking for “essential status” for dealerships in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.The Letter to the GovernmentThe letter outlines the coalition between […]
Every year millions of U.S. businesses utilize some sort of working capital product to help grow or sustain their business when they need additional cash flow to do so. Due to the natural risk that is present when lending what is essentially cash, working capital can be expensive — however, expensive doesn’t mean it can […]
We recently wrote about how Mack and Volvo Group suspended truck production due to COVID-19 fears, now it appears that other truck builders are following in their footsteps. Recently, Paccar and Navistar International announced that they are also halting production. Both have announced two-week shutdowns, with a Paccar representative saying, “[we] will continue to provide […]
We at Topmark Funding have already established that truckers need sleep, but what about taking caffeine as a substitute like coffee, energy drinks, and soda? After all, with the FMCSA suspending most HOS regulations, making deliveries in a timely manner calls for the use of our old friend Joe, right? You might be surprised (or […]
Mack Trucks and Volvo Group both announced on Friday that they were going to cease assembly operations due to the coronavirus. “We have decided to temporarily suspend production as part of the effort to slow the spread of the virus in our communities.” Mary Beth Halprin, vice president of public relations, Volvo Group, said. “During […]
Recently the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced for the first time in history national suspension of certain Hours of Service regulations. This was in response to the coronavirus State of Emergency. This Wednesday on March 18th, the FMCSA has expanded the suspensions further. “Under Secretary Chao’s leadership, FMCSA is providing additional regulatory relief […]
So you are stuck at home, either because you have contracted coronavirus or are told to stay home by authorities. What can you do to help pass the time until this event is over? Here are some ideas to help get you started. While most of them are intended for home use, a savvy trucker […]
Coronavirus news has been ramping up in the past month on how it affects the economy and various industries, and trucking is no different. With the World Health Organization considering COVID-19 the first worldwide pandemic since H1N1 (swine flu), it is a good idea to stay informed on the Coronavirus and how it impacts you, […]
Coronavirus hysteria continues: first it was just a warning, then it was a run on toilet paper, then it was a national emergency. Now Pennsylvania is closing its rest stops because it lacks the ability to clean them effectively in the wake of the pandemic, Effective March 17th at 12:01 AM. The absurdity of the […]
Suspensions of Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are nothing new to the trucking industry, just recently there were two declared in Alabama and Tennessee. What is new is that the FMCSA has announced a nationwide suspension on HOS regulations in regards to commercial vehicle drivers hauling emergency relief across the entire country. The National Emergency […]
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 […]
From January to March (and especially February), when the holidays have passed but it is too early for produce to ripen, the trucking industry has its slow season. Here are our tips to help you survive this troubling time. Slow Season is Hiring Season Because the slow season has a low number of miles to […]
If you have been following trucker news for a while now, you almost certainly have heard that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has sent paperwork regarding changing Hours of Service regulations to the White House. We at TopMark Funding have been hesitant to write an article detailing this news, because here is the […]
There is no denying that coronavirus (COVID-19) hysteria has swept the nation. We at Topmark Funding even wrote an article about how to keep yourself from catching and spreading coronavirus. There was a lot of uncertainty regarding how the coronavirus would impact the trucking industry in the United States of America. As time goes on, […]
Trucking and the transportation industry as a whole have been a hotly-debated topic in the halls of Congress. It looks like we have another discussion on our hands: a truck-only VMT tax.What is a VMT Tax?VMT stands for “vehicle miles traveled”, so a tax on this would be a payment proportional to the miles traveled. […]
Keeping track of a large number of trucks simultaneously was once impossible. Fortunately, modern technology has streamlined live information regarding fleets in an easy to digest format. Using fleet management software is more of an investment than an expense: with due diligence, the money saved on fuel, maintenance, and safety make the systems pay for […]
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 […]
The Women in Trucking (WIT) Association has announced plans to launch a Driver Ambassador program with various trucking businesses to raise awareness and promote career opportunities for women in trucking. WIT has partnered with Schneider National and has named Kellylynn McLaughlin, a trainer with Schneider, to be the first Driver Ambassador for WIT. “Trucking is […]
Chances are you are familiar with the existence of COVID-19, otherwise known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or the coronavirus. There has been lots of media hubbub about coronavirus since the start of 2020, some fact and some fiction. How worried should you be while traveling on the road? If you contract the […]
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 what we mean by “technically”. Not knowing the rules and limitations can get you in trouble with the Department […]
If you have read any article about the transportation industry in the past few years, there is a high chance you have heard about a trucker shortage. Even the American Trucking Association (ATA) has been on record to say that there are not enough people hauling freight. “Over the past 15 years, we’ve watched the […]
Tires without air might not just be a luxury for push lawn mowers anymore. Bridgestone was at the 2020 Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition in Georgia. It announced that it was working on air-free tires for trailers. The design, shown below, is most likely patented with its unique design of […]
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. […]
This February has been a tumultuous time for the state of Alabama. The state has been overrun with rampant flooding. Governor Kay Ivey has declared a State of Emergency. This will temporarily suspend regulations that can get in the way of providing victims with proper disaster relief. “The significant amount of rain that has fallen […]
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 […]
Trucking is a dangerous job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the transportation industry has the second highest fatal work injury rate per 100,000 workers (14), behind only agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (23.4). Additionally, transportation and warehousing has the second highest amount of non-fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers (4500), beaten again by […]
It is no surprise to most people out on the road, regardless of how many wheels are on their vehicle, that one of the biggest obstacles to implementing electric vehicles is the lack of infrastructure. With limited range and even more limited refueling stations across the country, electric vehicles, especially trucks, are hardly viable. Germany-based […]
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 […]
In a move that had truckers across the nation rejoicing, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced on February 13th, 2020 that it would be lowering registration fees for motor carriers starting with registration year 2020 and continuing for the foreseeable future. Unified Carrier Registration Plan The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Plan is no […]
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 […]
Navistar officially started progress on spending $125 million to expand its engine manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama. They held a groundbreaking ceremony on February 11th, 2020. They also hinted that they will use the new space, to build their own powertrains, cooperating with Traton Group to make this a reality.Navistar International Plant ExpansionNavistar Big Bore […]
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?” […]
Assembly Bill 321 was approved by California Governor Gavin Newsom on September 5th, 2019. It amends Section 63889.5 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code to expand the Sales and Use Tax exemption to certain new, used, and reworked trucks and trailers. It sounds good on paper, but the state of California has made obtaining […]
Paid CDL training, is it too good to be true? On the surface, getting paid to train in a CDL program might seem like a dream come true: you get paid to be able to get paid. The logic seems airtight, but like most major decisions in life, it is a good idea to take […]
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. […]
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) works hard to use the power of technology to increase transportation industry safety nationwide, but sometimes their speed of implementation falls short of expectation. The implementation of this rule has been pushed back two years from February 7th, 2020 to 2022. What is the Entry-Level Driver Training Rule? […]
One benefit of being a trucker is that your company might allow you to take a furry friend with you. If you are considering getting a four-legged driving buddy, here are some tips to get you started. Pet Friendly Companies The first thing you should do if you are employed already is to check to […]
Truckers starting out in hauling across state lines might be shocked to find out that some states have different speed limits for cars and heavy-duty trucks. These are for a few reasons: a semi-truck crashing at a higher speed limit can cause more damage, and a big rig traveling faster uses more fuel and generates […]
Though USMCA may sound like the acronym for an offshoot of the Marine Corps, in this context it stands for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The shipping of goods between the United States, Canada, and Mexico is bound to affect the trucking industry. History of the USMCA Before we understand USMCA, we must first know the […]
We here at TopMark Funding covered WEX fuel cards as one of the best fuel cards in the market, but it appears there is a downside to being the most popular fuel card in the country. On the night of February 4th, 2020, WEX cards were not accepted at diesel pumps across the country. Hitting […]
According to current federal law in the continental United States, a truck driver must be over the age of 21 to haul freight across state lines. With a trucker shortage hitting the United States, Congress is debating the Drive Safe Act, which would allow commercial drivers under the age of 21 to drive across state […]
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”, […]
Vehicles are constantly vilified in the media, or at least so it would seem. Every day there is news about its impacts on the environment: air quality, greenhouse gases, and other effects. Another less mentioned but still valid crisis is that various forms of fossil fuels are not a renewable resource: humans use them at […]
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 […]
In early 2019, Volvo Group, the parent company of Mack Trucks, started mysteriously posting job listings to hire engineers in the Salem/Roanoke area of Virginia. Volvo declined to comment about the job listings other than to say they would fulfill “future business needs”, but Jon Harris of the Morning Call predicted that Mack Trucks may […]
To many in the trucking industry, a semi-truck that gets 10 miles per gallon (MPG) at a full load seems like a fantastic pipedream. Of course, in the early years of the trucking industry, when trucks received 2 to 3 miles per gallon, the idea of 5 miles on a gallon of diesel also seemed […]
What are the semi-truck financing requirements? We get asked this question every day. (Makes sense, we’re a semi-truck financing company). We’ve put together this article about semi-truck financing to answer the top 10 semi-truck financing frequently asked questions and you’ve been probably wondering about. What Are The Semi-truck Financing Requirements? What Credit Score Do You […]
In our last article, we talked about the change in total revenue and weight hauled over time in the trucking industry. To compile that data took deep-diving into the American Trucking Associations’ article posts, years into the past. Today, we at TopMark Funding are saving even more time than before, going deep into DAT Solutions’ […]
Millions of truckers employed across America have dedicated their careers to the trucking industry, hauling freight from coast to coast. As technology and regulations change around them with scares of driver shortages and self-driving trucks, commercial truck drivers may fear that the industry will upend them and terminate their livelihoods. We at TopMark Funding are […]
Adam McCann of WalletHub has released a list of the best and worst states to drive in 2020. He compiled his results studying data from over 15 different sources, including the U.S. Department of Energy and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you were to simply look at the list itself, you might wonder […]
NEED SEMI-TRUCK FINANCING? Get a No-Obligation Semi-Truck Financing Quote Looking to Buy a Semi-Truck & Need Semi-Truck Financing? TopMark Funding® Can Help! Get Pre-Approved in Minutes. #1 Rated Semi-Truck Financing Company. Helping Business Owners Like You Grow Your Fleet and Increase Your Revenue! Get Approved For Up To $250K Within 24 Hours Application Only! Guaranteed […]
So you want to obtain semi-truck financing, either for a lease or a loan. Chances are you have lots of questions about the process. Fortunately for you, we here at TopMark Funding have answers to help you get the ideal semi-truck financing for you and your trucking company. If you are interested in obtaining semi-truck […]
Just when you thought the FMCSA was done regulating, they toss on even more regulations. This time it’s with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. The website is loaded with information on the new database, and you really should go there if you want to obtain a full understanding of the program. For those who […]
In an earlier article, we discussed the credit statistics of owner-operators who apply for credit and the connection between FICO score and the likelihood of an owner-operator getting the deal they want. We are going to ramp things up this time around and compare the credit and funding of owner-operators versus fleet owners and see […]
When it comes to getting a loan, there are numerous factors. The factor that impacts the other factors the most, however, has to be credit score. A credit score can be the difference between a double-digit and a single-digit loan on your truck, or the difference as to whether or not you get a loan […]
With fuel costs being one of the largest costs in the transportation industry, diesel fuel may be approaching its decline. Companies are racing to be the first to bring about a revolution of fueling to reap the rewards. Many alternative power systems are being researched, but none has caught the public’s eye quite like electric […]
In 2016, Uber delivered 50,000 cans of beer over 120 miles of highway without any driver intervention. But two years later, Uber closed down its self-driving semi-trucks division to focus on self-driving cars instead. The trucking profession is huge, over five percent of all American jobs are in truck transportation. When self-driving trucks progress far […]
The worst time to think about getting a dash cam is after an accident. Whether you are an owner-operator or have dozens of trucks in your fleet, having a dash cam record video evidence of what happened before the crash can be vindicating and save you lots of money. Here are our top picks for […]
The first thing every up-and-coming trucker should know is that their semi-truck takes diesel fuel, not gasoline. What even some experienced truckers may not know are the nuances between diesel and gasoline, and why there is a distinction. Here, we go over the differences between the two. Origins Back in the 19th century, when automobiles […]
Did You Know There’s 13 Styles of Dump Trucks?What are the different types of dump trucks? As you’ll read below, there’s a bunch of different types of dump trucks. They come in all shapes and sizes. From monstrous heavy haul Cat’s designed for mining to “smaller” everyday standard dump trucks. A dump truck, also known as […]
Dump truck leasing and dump truck financing are different from traditional vehicle financing and leasing. Traditional truck loans typically require your credit, business revenue, and time in business to determine if you’re qualified. When it comes to leasing a dump truck, the truck you decide to purchase becomes the collateral, which helps to limit the […]
Provided by: TruckSite.com CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT TRUCKING ARTICLES How to Get Truck Financing Best Semi-Trucks Section 179 Deduction [2020] Best Dump Trucks ABOUT TOPMARK FUNDING TopMark Funding is a top-rated truck financing and equipment financing company located in Roseville, CA. We specialize in commercial trucking and heavy equipment. Our mission is to become your long-term financial partner by […]
We get asked this question all the time, what are the best dump trucks? Or what’s the most popular dump truck brand? To help answer those questions we’ve put together a guide of the best dump trucks manufacturers in the United States. We’ve also included a guide of the different types of dump trucks. There […]
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 […]
There seems to be no stopping Tesla. The technological giant currently has a market capitalization more than twice over Ford. Recently, Tesla has decided to step into the semi-truck market with their new Tesla Semi, set to be released by the end of this year, 2020. Here’s a rundown of all of Elon Musk’s individual […]
Some know the Volvo Group as a maker of luxury cars; others know Volvo as a maker of heavy-duty vehicles. What you might not know is that in their heavy-duty trucks, they mostly use powertrains they have built in-house. As of right now, these are the components of Volvo diesel powertrains that are produced. Engines […]
It is no surprise that Detroit Diesel powertrains most frequently appear in Freightliner and Western Star trucks. After all, all three companies are owned by the same parent company, Daimler Trucks North America LLC. Founded in 1938 in Detroit, Michigan, Detroit Diesel manufactures six different engine models. Each member of the engine family is numbered […]
Founded in 1905, PACCAR Inc. touts itself as “a global leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality premium trucks.” Even if you are not aware of the name of their company, it is unlikely you do not know the names of their most popular brands in North America: Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks. […]
Founded in 1919, Cummins is a Fortune 500 company that sells Cummins powertrains for a variety of different applications, including heavy-duty trucking. They do not make their own big rigs, and instead you can find Cummins powertrains in a variety of brands, such as in a Freightliner, Peterbilt, Volvo and more. On their website, Cummins […]
Founded in 1919, Cummins is a Fortune 500 company that sells engines for a variety of different applications, including heavy-duty trucking. They do not make their own trucks, and instead you can find their engines in a variety of brands, such as in a Freightliner, Peterbilt, or Volvo. On their website, Cummins advertises engines ranging […]
Unless you are purchasing a truck for the brand name, the engine that goes into a truck should be your first priority in your purchasing decision. Here we break down the engines from various manufacturers to compare and contrast them so you may make an educated decision on the inner workings of your future vehicle. […]
What Every Business Owner Needs to Know Section 179 is a very simple part of the tax code. Even if you do not know its name, if you have ever done taxes for a business you own, you most likely have already claimed a Section 179 Deduction. In this article, we will go over Section […]
International is a subsidiary of Navistar International, a holding company founded in 1902 as International Harvester Company and based in the United States. International primarily makes trucks, but aside from sourcing some of their engines from Cummins, International also makes some of its engines in-house. They currently manufacture two engines, one for heavy-duty and severe-duty […]
Here’s your guide to semi-truck financing. Semi-truck financing is a vital piece of the trucking industry puzzle. Correctly leveraging your credit and having the proper equipment and truck financing is critical to managing cash flow, increasing revenue and growing your trucking company. Whether you’re looking to buy a Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth or any other popular […]
The trucking industry is a huge industry with millions of drivers, with many federal and state laws and regulations. Just like many other large industries the trucking industry has several great associations. These trucking associations were formed to help effectively advocate for owner-operators, fleets owners and trucking businesses. We’ve put together a list of the […]
Founded in 1905, PACCAR Incorporated touts itself as “a global leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality premium trucks.” Even if you are not aware of the name of their company, it is almost impossible you do not know the names of their most popular brands in North America: Kenworth and Peterbilt […]
With changes in technology come changes in regulation. The trucking industry is no different. By December 2019, all non-exempt trucks must have an ELD certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). In this article, we will talk about ELDs, their purpose, exemptions, and more important information. What is an ELD? An Electronic Logging […]
A trucking company that is not growing is essentially dying. Sooner or later, you will hit a wall where you cannot do anymore with your time. There are too many loads, too many negotiations, too much time purchasing assets. When that time comes, it’s time to expand your trucking business and add more trucks and […]
Complete Guide to Commercial Truck & Vehicle Financing Every truck company owner and fleet owner needs to know how to get commercial truck financing. Trucking is a necessary operation within the United States. Roughly 80% of all goods in the US are transported by semi-truck, and that does not consider other commercial truck use such […]
Here at TopMark, we like to celebrate the holidays the right way. Which way is that? By posting 12 cool truck pics of the year. Every day til Christmas we will post one of our favorite classic and modern truck pics right here! You can see our latest additions at the top, while the older […]
What Are the Best Job Websites for Truckers? You have your CDL, but you don’t know where to start your career. Your place of business downsized and let you go. You hate your current position and want to work somewhere else. Whatever your scenario, here is our list of job websites and job boards for […]
20 Best Life Hacks for Truck Drivers When you or your employee is driving for over eight hours each day, it’s a good idea to take any advantage possible to make trucking more enjoyable. Fortunately, we have trucker hacks to help you. From organizing your dashboard to carrying spare supplies and beating the heat, here […]
Understanding Trucker Talk & CB 10 Codes The trucking industry like many other industries has its own language, terminology, lingo, and slang. Understanding trucker lingo while watching classic trucker movies like Smokey and the Bandit or Convoy will truly give you an understanding of what’s going on. If you’re in the trucking industry you should […]
A Guide to Trucker Lingo & Slang CB Radio is how truckers communicate with one another on the open road. If you turn one on and tune, you may be confused from all the trucker slang you hear. Here is a list of various terms CB radio lingo and trucker slang use on the road. […]
CB Slang for Cities We’ve covered CB 10 codes in a previous article, but there’s more to CB radio slang than just a string of numbers. Here is a list of terms for various cities across continental North America. Term – City The Big A – Atlanta, Georgia Air Capital – Wichita, Kansas Armadillo – […]
Truckers might haul goods across the country, but memes haul funny ideas across the internet. Why not combine the two and have a laugh at some truck memes? Here is our compilation of the best trucker memes, our spiciest of which are Swift driver memes.
It wouldn’t be an 18-wheeler without 18 tires. Considering how tires are a large part of maintenance expenses, it pays to know more about them and how to use them properly for maximum benefit. Here is information regarding tires you might have never thought about, or may just need a refresher. Standard Versus Commercial When […]
10 Best Fuel Cards for Truck Drivers If you own a fleet with multiple employees and multiple trucks, you owe it to yourself to have a system of fuel cards. Fuel cards (also known as fleet cards or fleet fuel cards) provide a variety of benefits, and there are many types to fit different needs. […]
What is Truck Insurance? Why Do You Need It? You decide to become a truck driver. You’re looking to finance or lease your new semi-truck. But before you can get approved for truck financing you need to have commercial truck or semi-truck insurance. There are several types of commercial truck insurance. We will cover everything […]
Guide to Commercial Truck Financing Semi-truck financing should be easy. As a truck driver you need to be on the road in your new or used semi-truck generating revenue, and not having to worry about financing options, and which leasing company to deal with. At TopMark Funding we understand that. We have decades of financing […]
Truck Driver Jokes The best humor is more personal, such as hearing trucker jokes to help liven up the trip. Here is our list of the best jokes for truckers. Tell these to your spouse, your fellow team driver, or your dog. Have a trucker joke you want to share with your fellow truck drivers? […]
Complete Guide for Dump Trucks What is a Dump Truck A dump truck, also known as a dumper truck or tipper truck, is used for taking dumps such as sand, gravel, or demolition waste for construction. A typical dump truck is equipped with an open-box bed, which is hinged at the rear and equipped with […]
Are you looking to buy a box truck and need truck financing? We’ve put together a guide on how to get a box truck lease and financing. Box truck leasing and commercial truck financing are different from traditional vehicle financing and leasing. Traditional truck loans typically require your credit, business revenue, and time in business […]
Navistar International Corporation (formerly International Harvester Company) is an American holding company that owns the manufacturer of International brand commercial trucks, IC Bus school and commercial buses, Workhorse brand chassis for motorhomes and step vans, and is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van, and SUV markets. The company […]
Western Star Trucks Sales, Inc., commonly designated Western Star, is an American truck manufacturer headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America, in turn, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the German Daimler AG. Western Star produces a range of Class 8 commercial vehicles for both highway and off-road use. Western Star specializes […]
Mack Trucks, Inc., is an American truck manufacturing company and a former manufacturer of buses and trolleybuses. Founded in 1900 as the Mack Brothers Company, it manufactured its first truck in 1907 and adopted its present name in 1922. Mack Trucks is a subsidiary of AB Volvo which purchased Mack along with Renault Trucks in […]
Top GPS Units for Truckers Having a good GPS unit is crucial to finding your way to your next destination. Top-quality Global Positioning Systems have several great features such as weather, lifetime maps, live traffic updates, dashcams, and more. Your GPS should have a few key features to make it worth buying. Here’s a list […]
Top 5 Bluetooth Headsets for Truck Drivers What are the best Bluetooth headsets for truck drivers? Truck drivers spend countless hours on the road. On average 8 to 14 hours per day depending on if your a short haul or long haul driver. In heavy traffic situations, you need to keep your eyes on the […]
Volvo Trucks Volvo Trucks is one of the leading heavy truck and engine manufacturers in the world. Today, Volvo Trucks manufactures a broad line of on-highway and vocational Class 8 vehicles. Each new or used purchase is supported by a strong dealer network and by industry-leading parts and service programs to smooth your ride on […]
Peterbilt Motors Company, founded in 1939, is an American manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. A subsidiary of Paccar, which also owns fellow heavy-duty truck manufacturer Kenworth. For 80 years, Peterbilt has supplied the North American commercial vehicle market with the industry’s most rugged, reliable and efficient products. Based in Denton, Texas, Peterbilt manufactures on the […]
Lease vs Buying a Semi-Truck Semi-truck leasing is a popular alternative to purchasing a semi-truck, financed or otherwise. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of a semi-truck leasing, and why it is such a popular option. How much does it cost to lease a semi-truck? While purchasing a truck has a general range […]
Kenworth is an American manufacturer of medium and heavy-duty Class 8 trucks with offices based in Kirkland, Washington, a suburb of Seattle. Kenworth is one of three major truck divisions and brands under parent company PACCAR. Founded in 1912 by the brothers George T. and Louis Gerlinger JR as a car and truck dealership known […]
Since 1942 Freightliner has been manufacturing semi-trucks and heavy-duty trucks. Freightliner Trucks is an American truck manufacturer and a division of Daimler Trucks North America. The division is known mainly for the heavy-duty class 8 diesel trucks it offers, as well as class 5–7 trucks. Freightliner is the best selling semi-truck in America today. They […]
The American Truck Simulator Experience To celebrate the release of their Utah expansion, SCS Software, the company behind the development of American Truck Simulator, allowed anyone to try American Truck Simulator for free during a weekend. I gave it a swing and here’s what I found. The Game is Approachable From Many Angles When you […]
The Only Trucking Game You Need to Play? Some video games avoid realism, such as Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing. Other video games embrace it, like American Truck Simulator. American Truck Simulator was released in February 2016 to cash in on the video game simulator craze that included Farming Simulator, Train Simulator, and Flight […]
CB 10 Codes (And What They ACTUALLY Mean) Citizens Band Radio (CB Radio) was used for long-range communication before the invention of email and cellular phones. Primarily used by truckers wanting to communicate with each other to pass the time on long commutes, CB radio is still used today. Over the decades, truckers have developed […]
Invariably, a trucker is going to have to do some form of waiting outside of his truck. Whether waiting for truck repairs or waiting for food at a restaurant, give your ears a break from listening to podcasts and grab a magazine. Here are our picks for the top trucker magazines. #7 Fleet Owner Fleet […]
What is a Soft Credit Pull? In regards to credit checks, you have probably heard of soft credit checks and hard credit checks. What are the differences between them? Soft Credit Inquiries Are Private When a person or organization obtains a soft credit pull, only they (and anyone they tell) will know it ever happened […]
Whether in the back of a sleeper cab or in a motel room, a movie is a great way to wind down after a long haul of driving. These are our best trucker movies every trucker should watch. We have the top trucking movies listed from 10 to 1. Let us know what you think […]
Podcasts for Truckers Driving on the road can get, frankly, boring. Podcasts, episodic talk shows, can help mitigate that boredom and even make driving across the country fun. Here are our top picks of podcasts to help truckers get to point B. Podcasts About Trucking It is important to stay up to date within the […]
Step-by-Step Guide to Truck Financing Semi-truck financing is different from traditional truck financing and leasing. Traditional truck loans typically require your credit, business revenue, and time in business to determine if you’re qualified. When it comes to semi-truck financing, the big rig you decide to purchase becomes the collateral, which helps to limit the lender’s […]
What Every Business Owner Needs to Know The IRS tax code is extremely complicated, fortunately, Section 179 is not. If you have ever done taxes for a business you own, you most likely have already claimed a Section 179 Deduction and simply do not know its name. In this article, we will go over Section […]
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 […]
You’ve heard about the money to be made by becoming a truck driver. Stop at any truck stop and you’ll notice that there are countless trucking job magazines filled with advertisements from trucking companies looking for truck drivers. Many companies are advertising the possibility of making up to $100,000 per year as an owner-operator. 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 […]
The truckers guide to understanding credit. Whether you’re looking to finance a new or used commercial truck or thinking about getting a loan for your business, the credit 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 […]
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? Where […]
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 of the best semi trucks brands in the United States. We’ve also included a guide of the different styles […]
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 […]
Ever wonder what the longest highways in the United States are? We put together a list of the 10 longest highway & interstates in America based on miles covered. As a trucker driver that spends countless hours hauling freight and goods all over the nation, you’ll probably be very familiar with these historic highways. Heck, […]
What is a semi truck? In North America, the combination vehicles made up of a powered truck and one or more semi-trailers are known as “semis”, “semi-trailers”, “tractor-trailers”, “big rigs”, “semi-trucks”, “18-wheelers”, or “semi-tractor trailers” and “semi-trailer trucks”. The tractor unit typically has two or three axles; those built for hauling heavy-duty commercial construction machinery […]
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. 1. Freightliner Freightliner Trucks is […]
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 […]
Best Trucker Songs Truck driving isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle, it’s a passion, it’s a culture. Truckers have their own language, movies, jokes, and even music. So when it comes to trucker music, there are few things better than being on the open road with your favorite song turned up. To honor that, […]
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 […]
This article will cover the different types of trailers for semi-trucks. So, what is a trailer? What are the different types of trailers for semi-trucks? A semi-trailer is a trailer without a front axle. In the United States, the term is also used to refer to the combination of a truck and a trailer also […]
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 […]
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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. There are few things that can make you groan as much as passing by a gas station and seeing that high price tag on gas. If you run a semi truck or are looking to finance one, the same goes for you, but double. Big Rigs aren’t known for their fuel efficiency. Just […]
Are the current trends in the trucking industry going to change the way that you do business? Whether you like it or not, it probably will. Pausing between your day to day operations to study the current semi truck industry trends will make your day to day operations more smooth. When you’re ahead of the […]
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 […]
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 it to everyone! Why? To find more people to deliver their packages. From experienced truckers, to someone whose never operated […]
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 2o19. Stay on top of the trends. That way, […]
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 – 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 questions. How […]
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 business, […]
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. 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 reason that […]
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 […]
