Today’s Job of the Day comes from Danny Herman TruckingDanny Herman Trucking seeks drivers that can contribute to our success and is a company where you can pursue your career productively and enjoyably. As you will quickly discover, our success is based on providing unsurpassed customer service. We have become noteworthy in this industry mainly because of our dedication to safety, central dispatch, driver-focused, and satellite communications. We use E-Logs, have Qualcomm TrackPoint and SkyBitz satellite units in all of our trucks that enable real-time tracking of our equipment and our customer’s loads. Danny Herman Trucking is also a proud Smart-Way Partner and is C-TPAT Certified. The minute you start working here, you become an integral part of the Danny Herman Trucking family and its future. Every job in our company is important, and you will play a key role in the continued growth of our company Currently, Danny Herman Trucking is hiring CDL A OTR Dry Van Company, Team, and Trainee Drivers in Southeast and Southwest states.Highlights & Benefits
Equipment:
Compensation Company Drivers in the Southeast & Southwest
Team Drivers in the Southeast & Southwest
Trainee Drivers in the Southeast & Southwest
Qualifications
Interested in applying for this opportunity?Learn more about the company, the job requirements, compensation, benefits, and more. The post Job of the Day: Danny Herman Trucking appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct
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2019 brought several proposed changes to Hours of Service Rules for truckers. Since then, those proposed HOS changes have been in a long review process with community input. Some of those same rules have already been modified under March’s Emergency Declaration to meet changing demands during COVID-19. Whether you love the changes or hate them, most of the updates from the end of last year are here to stay. The Final RulingsThere are four main changes that were added to the new HOS rules. Ultimately, the goal of each update is to improve safety and offer drivers more flexibility. On June 1, 2020, the final Hours of Service rule updates were released. The new HOS Ruling will officially take effect on September 29, 2020. Until then, the current HOS regulations from the Emergency Declaration will stay in place. “30-minute break” FlexibilityBeforeThe 30-minute break has been hotly debated among drivers since it was first issued. The FMCSA added the rule to improve safety, but it can force drivers to stop at inconvenient times. The old rules stated that drivers had to take a 30-minute break after 8 hours on duty. That time had to be logged as sleeper berth or off-duty. Many drivers don’t love the 30-minute break, but the new rules do bring some improvements. NowUnder the updated Hours of Service Rule, drivers are required to take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving time. You can also now take your break as any combination of Off-Duty, Sleeper Berth, or On-Duty, Not Driving. It still has to be a continuous 30-minute break, but now there are more choices for how you can spend that time. Split-Sleeper BerthBeforeWe’ve voted this rule “Most Likely to Wish You Paid More Attention in Math Class.” The old version of the split-sleeper berth was pretty complicated. About Trucking does a good job explaining the details if you want the full picture. In a nutshell, drivers could split their sleeping time and were able to log driving time either before or after the break. Drivers then had to track how much time they had for the next shift and compare it to the 14-hour work shift clock. That might leave a driver with 5 hours of drive time available, but only 3 hours before hitting their maximum 14 hours. Ouch. NowDrivers can split their 10 off-duty hours into one period of 7+ hours in the sleeper berth and 2+ hours either off-duty or in the sleeper berth.
Whew. The mental math for hours just got easier. You may have seen the proposal for the “split-duty provision” aka the “14-hour pause” that was initially proposed. After hearing arguments on both sides, this update was ultimately not included in the final ruling due to safety concerns. Adverse Driving ConditionsBeforePrior to the new Hours of Service rule, drivers were getting mixed messages about the policy for adverse driving conditions. Drivers could extend their drive time by up to 2 hours. That said, the 14-hour threshold was still a limiting factor. For example, even if your shipment got delayed due to unforeseen weather conditions and you were 30 minutes from delivering when you hit 14 hours, that’s where you had to stop. NowUnder the updated HOS rules, drivers can extend their drive time AND their 14-hour workday if needed. The extension can be no more than 2 hours but it gives drivers more flexibility in keeping their intended schedule. Even with the added time, pay close attention to road conditions and safety. If the weather gets really bad, make sure you know your rights as a driver. Short Haul ExceptionThe Short Haul Exception applies only to CDL holders who run close to their home terminal AND do not run logbooks. If you don’t fit that description, this last update won’t affect you. BeforeThe previous short haul rule stated that drivers who meet those criteria could drive a maximum of a 12-hour work shift and were limited to a radius of 100 miles from their terminal. NowThe basic ideas behind the short haul exception have not changed. Instead, the time and radius maximums have been expanded. Drivers who meet the criteria of the short haul exception can now work 14 hours on-duty and with a radius of 150 miles. This rule won’t impact all drivers, but it may increase miles for anyone in this category. STAY UPDATED ON INDUSTRY TRENDS AND BEST PRACTICESJoin our community of over 150,000 drivers who receive our updates. The post 4 Things To Know About the Hours Of Service Ruling appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct If you’re a truck driver looking for a challenge, some might say flatbed drivers have the most challenging jobs over the road. Others might even say it is the most dangerous trucking gig out there. But if you’re up for the adventure, flatbed trucking can be a great job. So, when thinking about becoming a flatbed truck driver, here are a few things to know before deciding. 1. Flatbed Driving: The BasicsLet’s start with the basics: to drive a flatbed truck, you need to have a CDL license. In most cases, that requires a Class A or B license. Once you have the license, companies hiring flatbed drivers typically prefer flatbed experience to get started, so finding a company that provides training would be helpful. Flatbed drivers are in high demand and because of this, pay is typically more competitive than other driving jobs. The high demand for flatbed drivers is likely directly linked to the skills required to be a successful flatbed driver. Unlike dry van or reefer jobs, flatbed jobs often require more physical work to safely secure the loads with tarps. We talked to Marian Kulostak, a flatbed driver, and he shared his advice:
Learning how to become a successful flatbed driver takes time as well as experience on the job. Finding other drivers who are willing to help you learn and answer your questions is key to succeeding quicker. 2. Securing Your Cargo is KeyOversized LoadsWhile all flatbed drivers typically need to learn how to secure their load, hauling oversized freight requires even more skill. These flatbed drivers carry unusually shaped freight that does not fit inside the confines of a standard sized trailer. As such, these loads need plenty of support to keep them secure. Check out the handbook from the FMCSA to cover all of the topics of cargo securement. Conestoga TrailersSome flatbed drivers will have a conestoga trailer instead of a typical flatbed trailer. These trucks are unique and often make loading, unloading, and securing much more convenient for the driver as well as provide shelter for your freight without the need of manual tarping. Weather ConditionsNot only do the loads need to be secured, but flatbed drivers also need to make sure freight is protected from weather conditions. We talked to Brittney Mills, an experienced flatbed driver, and she shared her advice:
Securing freight during inclement weather not only protects the load, but it also protects other drivers on the road. Without this extra precaution, the tarps could fly up while driving, causing a major distraction and hazard to other drivers. 3. Additional Safety TipsWhen it comes to loading, unloading, and securing, following specific safety tips is essential. It is highly recommended that drivers avoid attending to freight while on the side of the roadway. Taking time to secure loads while at a truck stop or in a parking lot will provide flatbed drivers with a much safer environment. In addition, wearing the right clothes as a flatbed driver is also key. Investing in shoes with a good, no-slip grip will be helpful, especially during rain or snow. Having something that covers your clothes can also be helpful, especially when loading and unloading freight that potentially has mud or other elements covering it. Overall, flatbed drivers are one-of-a-kind and demand a very specific set of skills. Mastering these will not only allow drivers to flourish in the area, but also start to stand out from the crowd of other drivers. Hiring OTR Conestoga Flatbed DriversLooking to join a family-owned company? E.J. Stutzman is hiring CDL A OTR Conestoga Flatbed drivers 150 miles around Sugarcreek, OH. The post 3 Tips to Know as a Flatbed Driver appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct Stress. Everyone has stress in their lives. But for a truck driver, when stress impacts their life, it can truly be dangerous. If a driver is stressed and it impacts their thinking or decision-making, it is something that needs to be addressed. Immediately. Because truckers are bombarded with distractions all day long while trying to concentrate and drive safely, it can be hard to find ways to reduce added stress from their lives. But we’ve found a few fundamental things that can help. Here are a few ways to easily reduce truck driver stress on the job. Get Some SleepThe best way to reduce your stress levels is to be proactive in getting enough sleep. Without the proper amount of sleep, your body struggles to function well. One of the first things affected is your thinking. Decision making is tougher, and your attention span may shorten. All these things will lead to additional stress over the course of the day.
Get the best sleep by keeping up with your bedtime routine. Reduce lights and distractions once it’s bed time. Put away your electronics before you get into bed for the night. So that once your head hits the pillow, all you need to do is close your eyes and fall asleep. Eat to Reduce Truck Driver StressStress eating is a real thing. But what about eating to reduce stress? There are plenty of foods that are known to reduce stress. Foods chock full of vitamins and minerals are known to help fuel your body and help improve your mood. Counter to this, foods without any real nutritional value can have the opposite effect.
Avoid foods with short-term effects, and stick with foods that will help you stay healthy for the long haul. Keeping a good balance of foods that taste good and are good for you is a great way to keep stress at bay on the road. Clear Your Mind with a StoryConcentrating on the road and traffic all day can take a toll on your nerves. Many drivers like to listen to podcasts or stories during the day to help pass the time. Some drivers prefer to listen once the workday is done.
Once you are parked for the night, get comfortable, close your eyes, and press play. Transport yourself into a story about history, science fiction, crime dramas, or something light and happy. You can find any number of apps for your phone or tablet to play the audiobooks. Advice from a TruckerWe asked our Drive My Way Facebook followers to let us know what helps them reduce stress. Tim Petruccio mentioned a few different things that help him:
Keeping family and friends close in your mind really can help too. It’s always good to know that no matter how tough your day is, there’s always a way to make the next day better. Let us know what you think. Sound off on our Facebook post and let us know what you do to help reduce your truck driver stress. We’d love to share your best ideas with our readers! The Ultimate Guide for Truck Drivers to Maintain 3 Healthy Habits Over the RoadDownload the complete guide for tips to easily maintain healthy habits over the road. The post How to Easily Reduce Truck Driver Stress on the Job appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct The new per diem regulations were passed in December of 2017 and took effect for the next year’s tax season. Even though that was 4 years ago, there’s still a lot of confusion about changes in per diem for truck drivers. There’s a lot of information and mis-information out there, so we’re here to make it a little simpler. The per diem rules are all about costs on the road and how you get paid back. You work hard to make a living, and every dollar counts. Make sure you understand per diem for truck drivers to keep money in your pocket. Whether you’ve never been clear on how per diem works or you want a refresh, this is for you. 1. DefinitionIn a nutshell, per diem is money given for any place you stay overnight, meals, and other incidental expenses. Literally, per diem means “per day,” and you can think of it as a set amount that you will be reimbursed for certain expenses per day. The updated per diem regulations come from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. 2. How does Per Diem Actually Work?Per diem is a form of reimbursement. If your company has a per diem allowance, you probably have to pay for meals on the road, and then they will reimburse you for that cost in your next paycheck. The money usually comes as a set amount or in proportion to the number of miles driven. Since you paid for those meals (or lodging, etc.) out of pocket, and your company is simply paying you back, that money is not considered taxable income. Good news for you! That distinction between per diem (which is a reimbursement) and income is important. It means that your adjusted gross income will be lower when it’s time to file taxes. And a lower adjusted gross income means that you will likely owe less in taxes or get a bigger refund. 3. Impact for Company Drivers vs. Owner OperatorsCompany DriversUnder the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, per diem for truck drivers has changed the most for company drivers. If you’re a company driver, you can no longer itemize deductions for your taxes. In other words, drivers cannot show all of the expenses that come from being on the road in the same way that you used to. Don’t worry though. You can often still receive per diem for the nights you’re away from home. There are two ways the money you spend for your job comes back to you. First, most company drivers will make up a lot of that money by claiming the standard deduction, which doubled under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. For single tax filers, the standard deduction went from $6,300 to $12,000 and for couples filing jointly, it increased from $12,000 to $24,000. Second, some companies have increased their per diem wage.
A higher per diem wage means that your salary stays the same, but you will pay less in taxes. Companies should, however, be very careful to avoid wage recharacterization. Owner OperatorsTax season for owner operators hasn’t changed as much in terms of per diem. Owner Operators can continue to claim per diem expenses more or less as usual. What is the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on owner operators? Actually, it’s a huge benefit. As an owner operator, you can continue claiming per diem and use the higher standard deduction rate. To do that, keep careful track of your work expenses. If you claim per diem for truck drivers in your taxes, you will need to individually list out, or itemize, all your costs. A little organization early on goes a long way when tax season rolls around. 4. So… Do Company Drivers get Per Diem Benefits?In short, it depends on your company. If your company reimburses costs with a flat rate or a cpm increase in your salary, then yes—you are getting per diem benefits. If your company does not offer a flat rate or cpm increase for overnight stays, you can no longer claim those expenses as lost income on your taxes. You can claim the new standard deduction which is much higher and will help offset the money spent for food and lodging while on the road. 5. EligibilityPer diem programs can vary significantly by company. When you consider joining a new company, ask about their per diem policy. Our friend Leah Shaver, President & CEO of The National Transportation Institute (NTI), works closely with industry experts to track driver compensation, including per diem.
Not all companies have a per diem plan, but these programs can be a benefit for both company drivers and owner operators. If there is a per diem program, find out whether you are eligible. This eligibility may be based on the number of miles you’ve driven, how long you’ve been with the company, or other similar criteria. Then, if you’re eligible, decide if joining the per diem program makes sense for you. 6. When you get the money (Owner Operators)Choosing to claim per diem for truck drivers as an owner operator can change when you will get the money for the costs of being on the road. Essentially: Do you pay for expenses and then get reimbursed in your next paycheck? Or Do you claim per diem in taxes (owner operators only) and get a bigger tax refund? If you participate in a company’s per diem program, you will be reimbursed throughout the year in your paychecks. If there is no per diem program or you choose to claim those expenses on your taxes, you will get a bigger tax return. At the end of the day, your take home pay (after all taxes) should be very similar. Think of per diem as a decision of when to get the money and in what form, not of how much money you will get. Get Matched to CDL JobsDrive My Way matches drivers with jobs based on their qualifications and lifestyle preferences. The post 6 Facts About Per Diem for Truck Drivers appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct For many drivers, becoming an Owner Operator is the gold standard of the trucking industry. Lease Purchase programs can be a great way to move toward that goal, but they’re not for everyone. If you’re considering a lease purchase program, make sure you read the fine print. Details are everything. Here’s what you need to know. What and WhenFirst things first: a lease purchase program is a program that allows drivers to buy a truck through an established carrier. Remember, lease purchase programs are not the same as lease programs.
Lease Purchase programs can be a great stepping stone on the way to becoming an owner operator. Take time to get to know the pros and cons of lease purchase programs. Ultimately, that will help you make the choice that is right for you. Pros of Lease Purchase ProgramsFinancesIf you’re looking for a way to end up with a truck of your own, but aren’t ready to buy a rig outright, lease purchase is a good option. You will own your truck at the end and will have smaller down payments compared to buying a truck directly. Trucker Nae Nae notes that drivers can expect down payments of $10,000-14,000. While not small, that’s much more affordable than buying a used truck outright at an average cost of just over $40,000!
In addition, drivers don’t need to establish an individual line of credit because the lease purchase agreement is through a carrier. Choose Your Own TruckLease Purchase programs are the first step to completely owning your trucking career! As you consider what tractor to purchase, decide what type of hauls you want. Choose the truck that fits the direction of your career as well as your personal equipment preferences. As you narrow down your list of potential lease purchase companies, make sure your top choices have enough loads for you. It’s critical that you get enough miles to support yourself, so choose a program that can prove they have sufficient loads for you. Build A Strong ReputationAs an owner operator, one of your most important assets will be your reputation. Carrying freight for a lease purchase company is a great way to build a reputation as a reliable carrier. Some companies allow drivers to contract for other companies while under the lease purchase agreement. Start building your list of connections while working under the lease purchase agreement. By the time you own your own truck, you can apply for contracts with confidence and a good name. PermitsGetting your own truck on the road is so much more than buying a rig. For one thing, all trucks have a series of required permits. Lease purchase programs typically provide those permits for anyone in their program. It’s a great way to save yourself from jumping through a few extra hoops. In addition, getting your permits through a company will get you on the road a little faster. Get the PerksIf your lease purchase program is full service, ask about service and maintenance benefits! Some companies will keep a maintenance account for you. They may fully or partially cover the cost of preventative maintenance, training, or performance reporting. Read the contract on maintenance costs and perks particularly closely. If the leasing company does not offer a full-service program, be very clear on who is responsible for maintenance. If you are responsible, CDL Life recommends setting aside 15-25% of each paycheck to offset the cost. Cons of Lease Purchase ProgramsMaking It Add UpWhen you start the lease purchase journey, income might feel like a big question mark. First of all, your pay is likely to fluctuate as you adjust to the new position. And, you’re now responsible for making payments on the new lease! A Truth About Trucking survey found that many drivers were promised more miles than they actually received. Make sure your contract clearly states how many miles you can expect, so you can be confident that it meets your needs. Navigating ContractsUnfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all contract that companies use for lease purchase agreements. There can be some pretty big differences between carriers, so make sure you read the fine print. When possible, get a second opinion from an attorney or other legal professional. Repairs and maintenance are two of the biggest costs – review these sections with a fine-tooth comb. Before you sign, make sure you understand the contract inside out. If you’re not sure about something, ask questions. Only agree to the contract when you feel confident that you understand the agreement. Common Red FlagsIf the lease purchase contract seems off for any reason, get a second opinion. When you look at the contract, there are a few common red flags to watch for.
If you review a contract with any of these red flags and the company seems unwilling to negotiate, step away. There are many lease purchase companies to choose from, and you are likely saving yourself from trouble down the road. The TakeawayLease Purchase Programs are a great way to make the leap to becoming an owner operator. When you choose a company, get to know the details. Look for carriers that allow you the freedom to run as you see fit (not tied to a central dispatcher). Also, check load boards to make sure they will have ample freight for you. As you consider lease purchase programs, don’t forget about the business side. Are you ready to run your own company? Make sure you feel confident with your bookkeeping, taxes (don’t forget the 2290 Highway Use Tax), and other necessary paperwork. Similarly, understand how your payment for the lease purchase is made. Have you done your research and talked with drivers who have successfully completed the lease purchase program? Listen for any hesitation they might have as well as positive reviews of the program. Whether to pursue a lease purchase program is a big decision. Ultimately, it will impact you as well as your family, especially if you are a parent.
At the end of the day, this is a very personal decision. Remember, if anything seems not quite right, don’t sign the contract yet. You can walk away from a bad deal. Know your priorities going in, and you’ll find a program that is a great fit for you! Find a Lease Purchase JobDrive My Way matches drivers with jobs based on their qualifications and lifestyle preferences. The post Lease Purchase Programs Are Confusing! Here’s What to Know appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct |
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