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Welcome to your mid-week edition of “Where’s the Freight?,” a free market report from Trucker Tools that helps you maximize your profits by telling you where demand for capacity will be high and low in the coming week. The information that you see in each and every edition of “Where’s the Freight?” is based on real-world data from Trucker Tools’…

Happy Friday! In this end of the week edition of Trucker Tools’ “Where the Freight?,” you’ll discover where demand/rates are projected to be highest, lowest, rising and falling in the next week. With the July 4th Independence Day holiday on Sunday, demand for trucks is expected to remain high this week, particularly for reefer and power only capacity. In today’s…

Welcome to the mid-week edition of Trucker Tools’ “Where the Freight?,” your source for info on where demand and rates are likely to be high and low over the next five to seven days. With the July 4th U.S. Independence Day holiday upcoming, it should come as no surprise that a Southwestern reefer market is projected to be the top…

Welcome to your Monday edition of Trucker Tools’ “Where the Freight?,” where you can find out what to expect from freight markets across North America over the next five to seven day period. The upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend will be driving demand for reefer capacity in two key border cities this week, while one Midwest city’s power only market…

All of us Trucker Tools know that the needs of truckers and carriers like you change and evolve. That’s why we survey you each and every month. We want to know what’s working, what’s not and what you need when you’re on the road. We recently surveyed truckers and carriers like yourself about technology. We asked you about everything from…

Welcome to another edition of Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?,” a three times/week free market report that tells you where demand for trucks will be high and low in the coming week. In this Wednesday edition of “Where’s the Freight?,” reefer makes a come-back, claiming three of the five spots in our Top Five Hottest Markets list. In the coming…

Trucker Tools recently surveyed owner operators, company drivers and carriers like you from across the country to learn more about how you use technology in your day-to-day work. Truckers and carriers were kind enough to respond to our survey, sharing their experiences and thoughts around technology. Of those folks that answered our survey, 40 percent are carriers, 57 percent owner…

According to a recent investigative report from FreightWaves, double-brokering scams have been reported across the nation, including in the Midwest, California, Florida, Oregon and Texas. Co-brokering is a legal practice that allows a freight broker or carrier to work with another broker or carrier to get a load moved. Fraudulent double-brokering is when someone is pretending to co-broker a real…

Welcome to your mid-week edition of Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?,” a free market report that tells you which markets will be the most and least profitable over the next five to seven day period. In today’s edition of “Where’s the Freight?,” you’ll notice that dry van continues to dominate our Top Five Hottest Markets list, claiming four of the…

When trucks are in high demand like they are now, you need to be able to quickly locate loads and book them so you can get back on the road driving and making money. The truth is that using load boards and calling/emailing brokers to find out what they have available for loads takes time. You may have to respond…

It’s Friday! That means a brand new edition of Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?,” your place for finding out where demand for capacity will be high and low over the next five to seven days.   According to FTR, the total number of truck loads in the U.S. is projected to be up eight percent this year as a whole, with…

According to a report released yesterday, transportation capacity tightened even further during the month of May. While this doesn’t come as a huge surprise if you’re in trucking, it’s notable that the report predicts that tight capacity and higher rates are likely to continue for at least the next year.  In this mid-week edition of Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?,”…

Welcome to this Tuesday edition of “Where’s the Freight?,” a free market report from Trucker Tools that tells you where demand for specific types of truck capacity will be highest and lowest over the next five to seven days. With this information, you can make better business decision on loads, avoiding loads where backhauls are projected to be low-paying and…

Happy Friday and welcome to your Memorial Day weekend edition of Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?,” your place to find out where demand for trucks will be high and low over the coming week.  As we head into Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer, demand for trucks, especially spot market dry van, remains high and isn’t expected to…

Join Trucker Tools and FreightWaves on June 9, 2021, for the Small Fleet & Owner Operator Summit! This virtual event for small fleets and owner operators will include presentations, demonstrations, virtual booths, and live interviews from the show. If you’re a new owner operator or carrier interested in building a solid foundation for your business, the 2021 Small Fleet &…

Spot market dry van rates were up last week with the biggest jump in pricing occurring in the Southeast, according to JOC. You’ll see that nation-wide rise in demand for dry van reflected in this mid-week edition of “Where’s the Freight?,” Trucker Tools’ free market report that tells you where demand for trucks will be highest and lowest over the…

In this Monday edition of Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?,” a three times/week free market report for truckers and carriers, we continue to see West Coast port congestion impact demand and rates. As of today, 21 container ships are anchored and waiting to enter the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and another 16 container ships are expected to…

When you can’t find a parking spot for your rig, it’s more than just a minor convenience. Lack of truck parking can cause you to violate HOS rules, park in unsafe locations, experience added stress and fatigue, and reduce your revenue. Despite this, state DOT offices recently reported that not many new public facilities or spaces are currently being developed.…

It’s early in the North American produce season yet demand for reefer capacity is already extremely tight in many parts of the United States, particularly along the southern border. Produce truck rates are up by at least 70 percent compared with last year, which makes it a good time to be in refrigerated trucking. This year’s produce season isn’t without…

Last week, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association sent a letter to the U.S. DOT imploring the Biden administration to make truck parking a bigger priority in future federal funding and infrastructure plans. The reason why truck parking is such a big issue for truckers is certainly no secret: a 2019 parking study by the American Transportation Research Institute found that…

Happy Friday! If you’re looking for information on which freight markets will help you maximize your profit margins over the next week, you’ve come to the right place. Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?” is a free market report that tells you where demand for specific types of trucks will be rising and falling in the next five to seven days.…

Whether you’re a company driver on the hunt for good backhauls or an own operator targeting favorite lanes with preferred brokers, you don’t want to spend tons of time searching for and booking your loads. If it takes you an hour to search for, negotiate the rate on and finalize a load booking with a broker, that’s one less hour…

The U.S. transportation sector has hit its proverbial ceiling, according to a report released by FreightWaves over the weekend. That indicates that there likely will be no end in sight to high demand for trucks for at least the next year.  As you look ahead to the coming week, it’s important to know which markets are likely to be the…

In a recent Trucker Tools survey, we asked company drivers, owner operators and carriers about the current challenges of truck parking, including short term, long term and overnight parking. Eighty-six percent of the nearly 200 truckers who responded to our survey told us that they struggle to find truck parking. Seventy-nine percent of those surveyed also told us that overnight…

The U.S. transportation sector has hit its proverbial ceiling, according to a report released by FreightWaves over the weekend. That indicates that there likely will be no end in sight to high demand for trucks for at least the next year.  As you look ahead to the coming week, it’s important to know which markets are likely to be the…

New orders for trucks and trailers continue to remain high — another reflection of the exceptionally high demand for truck capacity in North American freight markets. Class 8 orders in April of this year were 689 percent higher than in April 2020. It’s unclear at this time when truck and equipment manufacturers will be able to catch up with demand…

According to a report published yesterday, the current transportation capacity environment is one of the tightest ever measured. In the truckload market, that means that carriers still are rejecting one out of every four loads under contract, even though van and reefer rejections have fallen slightly over the last week. For you, that means that demand for trucks isn’t likely…

Jungle Scout’s first quarter 2021 Consumer Trends Report found that 58 percent of the consumers surveyed shop online at least once a week, if not more. Of those that shop on Amazon, 55 percent said they would pay more for faster shipping. These consumer trends reflect just how much pressure consumer spending and expectations are having on freight markets and…

Trucker Tools partners with technology leaders across the transportation industry to simplify how you do business, whether you’re a solo owner operator, company driver, fleet owner, small trucking company, or broker/logistics provider. Trucker Tools’ integration partnerships are all about helping you maximize your productivity and earn more revenue. Our newest integration partnership is with technology company Gorilla Safety, a leader…

According to a recent report from FreightWaves, the current shortage of container capacity, as well as port congestion and delays, will continue to have a major impact on supply chains for the foreseeable future. Most manufactured goods such as medicines, clothing and processed foods are shipped via container. In fact, a whopping 80 percent of consumable goods are shipped via…

The last 12 months have been anything but typical. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on freight and rates, including reefer demand and rates. Port congestion, winter storms, vaccine distribution, COVID-19 outbreaks and unpredictable consumer demand all have put pressure on freight markets. Demand for reefer capacity currently is sky-high and there’s no end in sight, as the…

If you’ve launched a new carrier business in the last year or you’re thinking of doing so, you’re not alone! In 2020, the FMCSA granted common authority to approximately 58,000 motor carriers, a 36 percent increase over the previous year. With this in mind, Trucker Tools recently interviewed two different trucking company owners, Shawn Stewart and Jovanic Bontemps, for their…

As you get back to work on this Monday, Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?” has all the information you need to make this week a profitable one. “Where’s the Freight?” tells you where demand for specific types of trucks will be high and low, as well as where demand for trucks is expected to rise and fall in the coming…

With produce season kicking into high gear, vaccine distribution increasing and consumer demand high, it’s certainly a good time to be in the trucking industry! Freight volumes and demand for trucks remain elevated across much of the country. Federal COVID-19 stimulus programs, which have included expanded unemployment benefits and direct to consumer stimulus payments, and a manufacturing sector that continues…

“Where’s the Freight?” is Trucker Tools’ three times/week market report that tells you in advance where demand for trucks will be highest and lowest over the coming week. You can use this valuable information when you’re deciding on which loads to accept or reject. “Where’s the Freight?” helps you maximize your revenue and avoid taking loads into areas where there…

So far, April is proving to be just as busy as the month of March was for truckers and carriers like you. Demand for flatbed and reefer capacity remains elevated, as evidenced in today’s Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?” five hottest markets list, which is dominated by reefer and flatbed markets. In the coming week, you can expect demand for…

With the North American produce season just kicking off, we surveyed truckers and carriers like you to find out what you can do as a reefer driver to ensure that your produce loads run as smoothly as possible. Seventy percent of the truckers and carriers we surveyed said that moving produce can be challenging and that the biggest issue right…

In the current freight market, you can afford to be selective with which loads you take and which you pass on. Trucker Tools’ market report, “Where’s the Freight?,” is there with the assist to help you identify which markets are likely to be the most and least profitable for you in the coming week. The information contained in “Where’s the…

In Tuesday’s Midday Market Update, FreightWaves reported that at least one out of every four loads in the United States is being rejected by carriers, which is much higher than normal for this time of year. Tender rejection rates, which measure demand, haven’t been below 25 percent since February, reflecting red hot freight markets and tight capacity across most of…

In this Monday edition of Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?,” find out where demand and rates are likely to be high and low over the next week. With more than 1 million truckers using the Trucker Tools driver app, 145,000+ fleets on Trucker Tools’ free carrier software platform and the most popular brokers and 3PLs using Trucker Tools’ software platforms,…

High volumes of imported goods from China, record-breaking home construction and the rebounding manufacturing sector continue to fuel demand for flatbed truck capacity across North America. That’s why you’ll see in today’s edition of “Where’s the Freight?” that four of the five hottest markets for truckers in the coming week will be flatbed markets. Over the next five to seven…

In this your Wednesday edition of Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?,” you’ll gain an advantage over your competitors with insights into which markets are likely to be hot and cold over the next five to seven day period. According to the most recent data from Trucker Tools’ software platforms, flatbed and reefer remain red hot, which is why you’ll see…

During the entire month of March, Trucker Tools is bringing you the stories of women from across the transportation industry, from company drivers and owner operators to executives and transportation entrepreneurs. We’re celebrating Women’s History Month by highlighting women who are literally making history, paving the way for other women inside and outside the transportation industry. We recently spoke with…

In this Level Up Your Trucking Business blog series, we’re providing you with tips and best practices for running an owner operator business that is profitable and self-sustaining. We recently spoke with Barry Fowler, president and founder of Trucker Tax Tools, to learn more about some of the most common financial mistakes that owner operators make with bookkeeping, taxes and…

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and federal stimulus payments are contributing to elevated consumer demand for durable goods, including items such as home furnishings, clothing and electronics. On Saturday, FreightWaves reported that consumers spent 22 percent more on goods in January and 17 percent more on goods in February when compared with 2020. At the national level, demand for flatbed capacity…

It’s March, which means produce season is kicking off in southern Florida and Texas. At the same time, produce imports are flowing into the country across the border from Mexico right now and reefer capacity continues to be in high demand because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Needless to say, it’s a good time to be a reefer driver. Trucker Tools…

As an owner operator, you wear two hats: driver and small business owner. One of the biggest challenges you’ll face as driver and small business owner is balancing your expenses and your profit margins on loads. According to Indeed, the average gross pay for an independent owner operator is about $280,000 each year, which sounds like a great salary. Keep…

Happy Friday! As construction and manufacturing have gained steam across the country, so has the demand for flatbed capacity. Today’s edition of Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?” includes three different flatbed markets in our top five freight markets in North America list. You’ll also notice that for the first time in four months, there isn’t a reefer market in our…

In this blog series, Level Up Your Trucking Business, you can learn how to reduce your expenses, be more efficient and establish sound business practices now to help your owner operator business grow in the future. As an owner operator, your approach toward digital load tracking can have a significant impact on your relationships with brokers and logistics providers. In…

In this Wednesday edition of Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?” Winnipeg, Manitoba, is projected to be the most favorable reefer market for truckers and carriers over the next five to seven days. If you’re a regular reader of “Where’s the Freight?” this is notable because it’s the first time in nearly four months that the top reefer market in North…

Just when you thought spring was here, winter continues to hang around. Several snowstorms are expected to drop up to 36 inches of snow across the Northwest, Rockies and Southwestern Canada this week. The good news is that the snowstorms forecast for this week for the most part will be confined to high elevations in these regions. These storms come…

One of the greatest challenges you face particularly as a new owner operator is knowing which loads to accept and which ones to pass on. In this blog, which is part of our “Level Up Your Trucking Business” series for owner operators, you’ll discover how you can use free, digital tools to make better decisions on loads. With the free…

Last week, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan, which includes emergency rental and homeowner assistance, small business assistance, extension of unemployment benefits and tax credits, and individual recovery rebates. Many consumers received their $1,400 rebates this week, which is expected to further boost consumer spending, though to what extent this will impact freight markets remains to be seen. In today’s…

Wouldn’t it be valuable if you knew where demand for trucks will be high and low in the next week? Armed with this knowledge, you could maximize your earnings by passing on loads that would take you into areas where rates are projected to be low. Instead, you could make markets where demand will be high a top priority. Trucker…

In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Trucker Tools is highlighting female leaders in transportation throughout the entire month of March. We recently spoke with trucker Kim Loescher, a 14-year veteran of the industry, about her experiences as a female trucker and the changes she’s seen in the industry over the last 14 years. In our conversation,…

In today’s edition of Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?” you’ll see how several months of port congestion around Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif., is impacting other port markets such as Savannah, Ga., San Diego and Jacksonville, Fla. Just how busy was the month of February for West Coast ports? The Port of Long Beach had its busiest February ever…

Even though February is the shortest month of the year, we loaded up the Trucker Tools blog with lots of timely tips on dealing with winter weather, advice on how to grow your business and interviews with truckers from all across the nation. If you missed out on some of these February blogs, don’t worry — we’ve got your back.…

Orders for trailers in February were up by 82 percent when compared to last year, indicating that demand for trucks and capacity remains red hot across the nation. Major delays at U.S. ports, a driver shortage, sky-high demand for consumer goods and a boom in new home construction are driving freight markets and sustained demand for truck capacity. In today’s…

Congress is expected to pass at $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill later today, which is likely to trigger a surge in consumer spending and freight volumes in the coming weeks and days. Truck capacity is already in high demand, as vaccine distribution increases and some states are in the process of relaxing their pandemic stay at home orders.  In today’s…

To celebrate Black History Month in the month of February, we’re bringing you this interview series with Black professionals from around the transportation industry, from truckers and trucking company owners to brokers, logistics providers and transportation entrepreneurs. In this final blog in the series, we spoke with Jovanic Bontemps, owner of Atlanta-based FR8UP Logistics and FR8UP Transportation Services, the lease…

Our goal here at Trucker Tools is to provide truckers like you with absolutely everything that you need during your busy days in the cab. That’s why Trucker Tools has partnered with TVC Pro-Driver, a company that’s been serving truckers for more than 30 years. TVC Pro-Driver offers CDL legal protection to truckers through its network of more than 7,000…

According to a new report from Logistics Mangers’ Index, port congestion and consumer demand for durable goods increased demand and rates for truck capacity in the month of February, a trend that we’re seeing continue in March. On Saturday, FreightWaves reported that outbound tender volumes are up 16 percent year-over-year and that capacity is particularly scarce across the Midwest.  In…

Residential construction, consumer demand and an increase in U.S. oil drilling all are driving the sustained demand for flatbed capacity across the country. That’s why in today’s edition of “Where’s the Freight?” three of the top five markets for truckers and carriers in the coming week will be flatbed markets. Rapid City, S.D., will continue to be one of the…

Wouldn’t you like to know where demand for trucks will be highest and lowest across the country over the next five to seven days? If so, Trucker Tools has you covered! Our three times/week “Where’s the Freight?” market report tells you where rates are on the rise and where they’re expected to be low in the coming week. The beauty…

The decisions you make now impact not only how your business fares today, but also how it will fare in the future. In this blog series entitled “Level Up Your Trucking Business,” you’ll learn how you can use Trucker Tools’ free technology to reduce your expenses, maximize your drive time and create a profitable, self-sustaining owner operator trucking business. This…

The winter storms that hit Texas and other parts of the country over the past two weeks continue to impact demand for trucks across the nation. In today’s edition of “Where’s the Freight?” you’ll notice that two markets where demand for flatbed capacity is projected to rise this week are in Texas, reflecting fallout from these storms. Outbound tender rejections,…

Happy Friday! In your Friday edition of “Where’s the Freight?” you’ll see that three of the five hottest markets in the next week will be flatbed markets, reflecting a nation-wide increase in demand for flatbed capacity. Construction and manufacturing are driving the increase in demand and rates for flatbed capacity. You’ll also find that Little Rock, Ark., is making its…

In Trucker Tools’ new blog series “Level Up Your Trucking Business,” you’ll receive insights on how you can use the Trucker Tools app and free carrier platform to reduce your expenses, maximize your revenue and position yourself for future growth. In this first blog in the series, you’ll learn about the expenses associated with load boards, with are probably greater…

With Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?” you know where trucks will be in the highest demand over the next five to seven days. Armed with this information, you can get your truck(s) into these hot markets before they heat up to capitalize on high demand and rates. You also can use “Where’s the Freight?” to know whether it makes good…

As part of our celebration of Black History Month, we’re highlighting Black leaders in the transportation industry, from company drivers and owner ops to freight brokers and 3PL owners. We recently had the opportunity to speak with Pinkie Dabney, a company driver and social media influencer with more than 57,000 followers on her YouTube channel, Keeping it 100 Experiences. In…

An arctic cold front recently moved across the South and Southeastern United States, bringing ice, snow, whiteouts and treacherous driving to regions that don’t typically get much snow. Roads in many places are still covered in snow and ice across the Southern Plains and the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee valleys. With this recent severe winter weather in mind, we spoke…

Published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?” tells you where demand for trucks will be high and low over the next five to seven days. The predictions you see in each edition of “Where’s the Freight?” are based on real truck and load data from the Trucker Tools driver app and broker platforms. Using this data,…

In today’s edition of Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?” you’ll see that demand for flatbed capacity will remain elevated across several markets in the Plains states. Four of the five markets that are projected to be the most favorable to truckers in the coming week are flatbed markets, reflecting higher than normal flatbed volumes for this time of year. In…

Trucker Tools is celebrating Black History by highlighting Black voices from across the transportation industry, from brokers and truckers to entrepreneurs and 3PL-owners. One of those voices is Larry Cothran, who started his trucking career in 2007 as a company driver for Swift. Today Larry is an active YouTuber who shares the knowledge he’s gained over the years both as…

Trucker Tools’ “Where’s the Freight?” tells you where demand and rates are likely to be high and low in the next seven day period. “Where’s the Freight?” is published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the Trucker Tools blog and on our social media channels. The information you see in “Where’s the Freight?” is based on real data from our…

Trucker Tools recently surveyed truckers like you about your health, fitness and wellness challenges and how you stay healthy on the road. You may have even answered our survey. If so, thank you! We wanted to find out what you need help with when it comes to health and fitness. We also wanted to find out how you cope with…

In Today’s Trucker Tools Market Index Report, you’ll see that demand for flatbed will continue to be elevated over the next week. In fact, the Trucker Tools Market Index shows that four of the five hottest markets in the coming week will be flatbed markets, reflecting a nation-wide surge in demand for flatbed. It’s no huge surprise that Tucson, Ariz.,…

The Trucker Tools driver app has been downloaded more than 1 million times. The reason why is simple: it delivers on its promise of saving truckers like you time and money. What makes the Trucker Tools driver app different from other trucker apps is that it’s an all-in-one tool. Instead of flipping between four or five different apps, you can…

It’s that time of year! Winter weather currently is impacting demand and rates across several markets in the Southeast and Midwest. Another powerful storm is expected to start today in the Pacific Northwest and hit southern states over the weekend. Today’s Trucker Tools Market Index Report shows high demand for flatbed capacity in the Plains states and several East Coast…

Today’s Trucker Tools Market Index shows that demand for flatbed capacity in several Midwest and Plains markets will be high in the next five to seven days, while Tucson, Ariz., will continue to be a hot spot for reefer in the coming week. You also can expect rates for the Southwestern, Ontario, van market and Mobile, Ala., power only market…

Knowing where demand for trucks will be high in the future is priceless. When you know in advance which markets are likely to pay higher rates, you have time to get your truck(s) into those regions to capitalize on high demand. The same holds true for markets where demand and rates are low or decreasing. Knowing in advance where rates…

If you missed out on any of Trucker Tools’ blogs last month, this is your chance to get all caught up. In January, we published the results from our health and fitness survey on the Trucker Tools blog. A big thank you to the nearly 200 truckers who responded to our health and fitness survey. We also interviewed truckers to…

As we head into the weekend, today’s Trucker Tools Market Index Report shows that demand for trucks will continue to be high in several Southern and Midwest markets in the next week. We’ll see surges in demand for power only capacity in Texas and Florida, while reefer demand will remain elevated in and out of Tucson, Ariz. Port congestion will…

The winter season certainly can be a challenging one for truckers like you. Icy roads, snow, blizzards, whiteout conditions and low temperatures can cause accidents, slow travel, lost revenue, delays and more. With these challenges in mind, Trucker Tools recently surveyed truckers from across the country about how to cope with winter driving. Nearly 200 drivers responded to our survey…

Demand for trucks continues to outpace available capacity in markets across the country. On Saturday, FreightWaves reported that national outbound tender rejections, which measure demand for trucks, increased slightly. Overall freight volumes are up by 21 percent when compared with 2020.  In today’s Trucker Tools Market Index Report, you’ll see that Austin, Texas, will be among the hottest markets for…

Trucker Tools recently interviewed owner operator Wayne Cragg to learn more about his life on the road as a flatbedder and about his career in trucking. Wayne is a veteran of the U.S. Navy who mostly hauls glass and steel. He often has to deal with snow and ice on his runs across the country. During our conversation, Wayne shared…

Happy February, truckers! In today’s Trucker Tools Market Index Report, we see that demand for trucks remains elevated for this time of year across many parts of the country. Freight volumes at both East Coast and West Coast ports continue to trend up, which is impacting demand and rates on both coasts. A Nor’easter is bringing heavy snow and wind…

To grow any business, you need to be able to reduce your expenses and increase profit margins. In the simplest of terms, you want more money coming into your business and less going out of it. Using technology to make your operations more efficient is one of the most economical ways to reduce your spend and grow revenue. In many…

In today’s Trucker Tools Market Index Report, you’ll see some new names on our hot and cold markets list, as well as some familiar faces. For the eighth consecutive week in a row, Tucson, Ariz., will remain the hottest reefer market in the country for those of you who pull refrigerated freight. Wheeling, W. Va., today makes its first appearance…

After careers in the U.S. Navy and hospitality management, Wayne Cragg got into the trucking industry based on a recommendation from a friend who ran a trucking school at the time. Eight years later, Wayne is hauling flatbed for a trucking company based out of Redmond, Ore.,and blogging about his life as a truckerfor CDL training company Driver Solutions. Wayne’s…

There are most certainly seasonal trends in the freight business. The first few months of the year usually are slow ones for truckers, as retail sales drop off after Christmas and the start of the new year. Freight rates usually are lower in the first quarter of the year, January through March, as a result. In this blog, we take…

If you’re waiting for the usual post-holiday dip in volume and rates, you may be waiting for quite some time! FreightWaves recently reported that tender volumes currently are 23 percent higher than they were at this time last year. Rates in many markets continue to be elevated to levels not usually seen at this time of year, which is great…

Nationwide demand for trucks has fallen in the last week. Demand and rates for both dry van and reefer capacity have fallen in the month of January, as well. However, demand and rates for both dry van and reefer still favor carriers and are high for this time of year. Today’s Trucker Tools Market Index Report shows that the reefer…

In today’s Trucker Tools Market Index Report, we see capacity tightening in some Northeastern markets, while the Tucson, Ariz., reefer market continues to be one of the hottest reefer market in the country. Imports from China to the West Coast continue to surge, creating a traffic jam of container ships around Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif., which is impacting…

It’s that time of year when it seems like there’s a new blizzard moving across the country every week, dumping several inches of snow and creating whiteout conditions, which makes driving difficult. Trucker Tools recently surveyed truckers and carriers like yourself about winter driving and how to deal with winter weather challenges. Nearly 200 drivers and carriers responded to our…

Nationwide reefer tender rejection rates went up slightly last week, as did reefer freight volumes. This reflects high demand and per mile rates for reefer capacity across many parts of the country. On the other side of the coin, dry van spot rates are trending down this week, which is as expected at this time of year. In today’s Trucker…

Since we created the first version of the Trucker Tools free app for truckers, we’ve added over a dozen new tools and features that help you save time and money on the road. From in-app cargo insurance and CDL legal protection options to reserved parking and a crowdsourced weigh scale locator, the Trucker Tools driver app has everything you need.…

Read Time: 5 minutes This how to guide will walk you through how to save load searches in the Trucker Tools app. You can quickly and easily search for your preferred type of load, loads for your preferred lanes, loads at specific locations, etc., the next time you enter the app. In this video, I will show you how to…

This is usually one of the slowest times of the year in trucking. Not this year, however. Distribution of several different COVID-19 vaccines, an increase in volumes at ports and the possibility of a second stimulus are all driving sustained demand for trucks. Companies have developed better systems and protocols for dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks, which has helped manufacturing rebound.…

It’s hard to believe it, but that’s another year in the books! In the last month of 2020, Trucker Tools’ blogs tackled some big topics to help you succeed in the new year. We interviewed driver Kim Loescher about how she maintains her health on the road and spoke with trucker Roni Bender for our top tips for new truckers…

Knowing where rates and demand will be high and where they’ll be low in the future is valuable information. When you can access this information in advance, you have time to get your truck(s) into hot markets before they heat up and out of cooling markets before they go cold. Trucker Tools’ newly launched Market Index Reports provide truckers and…

Trucker Tools recently surveyed truckers like you to find out more about how the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting you and your livelihood. We conducted the same survey back in April at the beginning of the pandemic. The truckers we surveyed recently say that they continue to struggle with reduced income, reduced hours at truck stops, extended detention time, increased restrictions…

If you’re looking for information on where to go for the highest rates, you’ve found it! Trucker Tools’ Market Index Report uses information from our driver app, broker software platforms and other sources to predict where rates and demand will be highest and lowest in the coming week. Unlike many rate/demand prediction tools, our Market Index Report is free for…

During a busy season like this, it may be difficult for you to make time for exercise or even for stretching your legs for a few minutes. Sitting too long and not moving enough, however, can cause injuries to your back, high blood pressure and even blood clots, depending on your health and family history. Movement also gets your blood…

Trucker Tools’ Market Index Report is a three times/week report that tells truckers like you where capacity will be most needed and where rates will declining in the coming week. Armed with this knowledge, you can get your truck(s) into hot markets in time to take advantage of high demand and rates — and avoid taking loads into areas where…

If you’re like most truckers, you struggle to keep your diet healthy and to find time to get in some exercise. What you may not know is that the average life expectancy for you as a trucker is 16 years less than it is for the rest of the population. It’s also true that the longer you work in the…

In today’s Trucker Tools Market Index Report, you’ll see that demand for flatbed capacity will remain high in industrial and manufacturing centers across the nation over the next week. Reefer demand also will stay elevated for border and port cities. As expected, demand and rates for dry van have decreased in many areas, as we enter a post-holiday lull for…

As a trucker, you do more than drive a truck and trailer. You also have to be a smart businessperson. You have to find loads, track loads for brokers, manage your expenses, navigate traffic and weather, deal with damaged or lost freight, find parking and lots more. Having the right tools on hand helps you manage all of these responsibilities,…

January is traditionally a slow month for freight, following the Christmas and New Year holidays. This year, however, may be a bit different given the events of 2020 and the continuing Covid-19 pandemic. Rates and demand have cooled slightly, but not by as much as in previous Januarys. Outbound tender volumes remain relatively high. Today’s Trucker Tools Market Index Report…

Happy New Year! As we turn the page on 2020 and enter our first week of the new year, Trucker Tools Market Index shows sustained demand for all types of capacity, but especially high demand for reefer. Outbound reefer tender rejection rates peaked at approximately 46 percent just before Christmas, and last week reefer rejection rates in some areas hit…

The Trucker Tools Market Index Report provides truckers and carriers like you with accurate information on where demand and rates are likely to be high in the next five to seven days. Our Market Index predicts capacity demand on a seven-day cycle, which gives you time to get your truck(s) into these hot markets to take advantage of high rates.…

We recently spoke with trucker health and fitness coach Mark Manera about his business, The Trucking Fitness Company, which helps truckers become more physically active. Mark and the co-owners of his company have launched an app and created an online health and fitness coaching system designed specifically for truckers. All of the exercises in the program can be done with…

There’s never a dull moment in the trucking industry, that’s for sure. Blizzard and high winds warnings are in effect for the Interstate 29 corridor and portions of I-90 and I-94 in the Midwest. This storm is expected to move across the Midwest and Great Lakes into the Northeast tomorrow and into Friday. This incoming storm, as well as increased…

Trucker Tools’ three times/week Market Index Reports tell you exactly where to expect the highest demand and rates for flatbed, reefer, power only, van and other types of capacity over the next week. Our Market Index Report gives drivers and carriers like you the opportunity to take loads into these hot markets before they get hot, keeping you moving quality…

Why should you be reading every single one of Trucker Tools’ Market Index Reports? Simply put, our Market Index Reports help you stay ahead of rate and demand changes so that you can maximize your earnings. Instead of taking loads into markets where rates for reloads are low, check Trucker Tools’ Market Index Reports before you book your loads. Unlike…

It’s hard to believe it, but we’re nearing the end of 2020! With this being an even busier peak season than usual, many of you are running as many loads as you can right now to make up for the lull earlier in this roller coaster of a year. If you missed out on some of Trucker Tools’ November blogs…

For truckers like you, peak shipping season really is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the season when many retailers record the bulk of their sales and when rates are often at their highest. Demand for truck capacity is even more intense than usual right now because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many manufacturers also have ramped up their…

Knowing in advance where rates will be high over the next week can help you get your truck(s) into hot markets to capitalize on demand. That’s true whether you’re an owner operator or a trucking company. Trucker Tools’ Market Index Report does just that. Using the data from our broker software platforms and digital tools for drivers and carriers, we…

In today’s Trucker Tools Market Index Report, you’ll find out which cities and regions will be hot or cold over the next five to seven day period. Our Market Index Report uses real-time load and transaction data from Trucker Tools’ broker software platforms, free carrier platform and driver app to predict where demand for trucks will highest in the coming…

“As truck drivers, we often don’t take our health seriously enough,” notes Kim Loescher,  a company driver with Classic Carriers out of Ohio. “We’re on the road so much. We have to be aware of our health and we need to take it more seriously —and exercise and eating habits all play a role.” “As truck drivers, we often don’t…

Let’s face it — sometimes things don’t go as planned. Even your best laid plans can be ruined when something goes sideways. Perhaps your load is damaged in transport or your driver is involved in an accident. Maybe you’re the victim of a theft, a severe weather event or a mechanical failure that results in breakage. Losing a load or…

Today’s Trucker Tools Market Index Report gives you insight into which locations and markets will be hot or cold over the next five to seven day period. This Market Index Report is based on real-time load and transaction data pulled from Trucker Tools’ broker software platforms, free carrier platform and driver app.  What makes our Market Index Report different from…

We recently had the pleasure of speaking to company driver Roni Bender, a mother of two and grandmom to one. After a career in customer service, Roni made the transition to trucking a few years ago and hasn’t looked back since. Roni is based in Nashville. She is an OTR driver with Schneider in the Southeast and is loving it.…

Welcome to Trucker Tools’ Market Index Reports! This is the first edition of our new market index report that tells you which locations and markets will be hot or cold for truckers and carriers over the next five to seven days. All of us at Trucker Tools are excited about our new market index because of what it offers owner…

It takes time to get into markets where rates are high. By the time you get there, the rates in that region may have gone down. Trucker Tools’ new Market Report helps you get into hot markets faster and stay one step ahead of the competition. Our new market reports don’t tell you where rates and volumes are high right…

While he was in school studying to get his physical therapy degree, Mark Manera interned at a health clinic in Southern Missouri. During his internship, Mark saw many OTR truckers as patients who were struggling to exercise and eat healthy. The average life expectancy of a trucker is 16 years less than the rest of the population. Many of the…

When you’re at the end of a long day on the road, you want the peace of mind of having a safe place to park your rig for the night. The reality, though, is that finding overnight parking continues to be major problem. According to a DOT survey conducted a few years ago, 90 percent of truck drivers have problems…

If you’re like most truckers, finding parking, particularly safe and secure overnight parking, is an ongoing problem. On average, truckers spend about an hour each day looking for parking, which adds up to thousands of dollars of lost revenue in a given year. The good news is that you have a new, convenient way to find and reserve parking in…