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Benefits of Being a Van Line Haul Trucker

What Does A Van Haul Trucker Do? 

There are millions of people actively looking for a change in their careers. Many of these individuals attempt to find something that will satisfy them both from a monetary perspective and a career fulfillment perspective. That is why it is a good idea to look into the option to become a van haul driver at this time. 

If you choose to do so, you will be licensed to drive around heavy trucks to transport goods from one part of the country to another. It can be an exciting way to earn a paycheck.

Benefits Of A Truck Driving Career

There are numerous upsides to selecting a truck driving career. Many of the benefits are things that people in other career fields do not enjoy. This includes: 

  • Job Security
  • Employee benefits (such as health insurance)
  • Travel opportunities every day
  • The ability to dive into your career right away
  • Flexible scheduling

Why Is Van Haul Trucking In Demand? 

The current landscape we find ourselves in is the most ideal for trucker drivers in a long time. There is a massive demand for the talents that drivers have at this time, and they can have their pick of which companies they would like to work for as a result. 

The trucking industry is suffering from the impact of an aging workforce. Many drivers are hitting retirement age simultaneously, and it can be a burden to draw in recruits from the ranks that remain. If current trends hold, it is estimated that there will be a shortage of at least 160,000 truck drivers in comparison to the demand generated by increased online shopping. Therefore, anyone considering the profession should understand that they are in a position to potentially do very well for themselves from a job security point of view. 

Job Security

Let’s talk about job security for a moment. There is a significant shortage of people entering the trucking industry, which means that each person who does is highly valued for helping make the industry that much stronger. 

Economic conditions are always uncertain, and they are particularly turbulent at this time. Therefore, it is essential to think about how much job security you have at your job. The more protection you have, the better.

Benefits

Competitors in the trucking industry understand that they must offer practical benefits to attract and retain the drivers they need. It is the case that every company is competing for the same pool of drivers at this time, so it only makes sense that all of those drivers would be in high demand at this time. The healthier the benefits package, the more likely a company will attract drivers. This means that those interested in taking on the trucker life should look for companies that can offer: 

  • 401(k) plans
  • Great health insurance
  • Time home with family
  • PTO
  • And more!

Schedule Flexibility

Perhaps the biggest concern that some people have when they think about getting involved with the trucking industry is if they will have time off that they require to spend with their friends and family. This is a reasonable concern, but it is essential to know that the industry has changed significantly over the years. Many companies offer plenty of flexible scheduling for their drivers. They need to get those drivers in no matter what, and this is a way that they can do it. 

Enjoy Your Solitary Time

Not everyone wants a job where they have to report to an office and interact with co-workers every day. The good news for those people is that truck driving is a very solitary job where one can escape with their thoughts. 

Working For DM Bowman Inc. Is The Right Choice For Truck Driving

DW Bowman Inc. offers all of the above benefits and treats its drivers with respect. You can start a career with them even if you are inexperienced, and they will happily work with you to set you on a path toward the most fruitful experience you can have in the industry. They are hiring right now, and you should give them a call if you are interested in starting your career in the trucking industry.

What Are the Benefits of a Dedicated Fleet Solution to Your Businesses?

Operating a fleet is a challenge to many businesses due to the time, costs and commitment involved. It involves hiring experienced and qualified drivers, managing routes, safety compliance, taxes, insurance, and payrolls, which could interfere with your core business operations. 
However, our dedicated fleet solutions will cover all your transport needs. It’s like outsourcing your shipping to a third-party transport provider. This article explains dedicated fleet solutions and why your business needs them.

What Is a Dedicated Fleet?

Before diving into the benefits of a dedicated fleet solution for your business, let’s start with knowing what a dedicated fleet is and how it works.

A dedicated fleet involves hiring a private third-party service provider to operate your transportation department. The fleet provider is responsible for hiring professional drivers and investing in tractors, trailers, and other equipment to handle your transportation needs. 

Dedicated fleet solutions provide business access to a fleet without equipment maintenance or hiring professional drivers. Additionally, dedicated fleet solutions aren’t shareable, meaning the 3PL offers fleet management solutions to a single business.

How Can a Dedicated Fleet Solution Work for You?

A dedicated fleet is more manageable, cost-effective, and essential to your business’s bottom line. 

The services are particularly crucial for:

  • Sensitive/high value consignments 
  • Large consignments
  • Temperature-sensitive consignments
  • Time-sensitive consignments

Dedicated fleet management solutions allow you to channel time and resources towards core business operations. Let’s discuss the pros of dedicated fleet solutions for your business.

Punctual Picks-Ups, Deliveries, and Reduced Claims

A dedicated fleet only serves your business. The drivers, equipment, trucks, and resources are committed only to your freight, giving you more control. There’s no loading or unloading other shipments along the way. As a result, your business enjoys consistent on-time deliveries, better shipment planning, and timely pickups. Also, the risk of damage to your shipment is minimal when using a dedicated fleet.

A Private Fleet at a Lower Cost

Owning a fleet is expensive. Think of the administrative and operational support, maintenance costs, driver compensation, technology, and more. With a dedicated fleet, you won’t incur added costs of fleet management and maintenance. 

The fleet provider will take care of the fleet upkeep, equipment maintenance, driver recruitment, and everything needed to keep your products moving. Your business does not provide any resources for freight transportation.

Guaranteed Capacity

A dedicated fleet solution can handle all your shipping needs. Whether shipping locally or internationally, you’ll get your products to customers within the stipulated time. Additionally, dedicated fleet solutions allow businesses to make use of contract pricing. 

Since the carrier can transport your products to desired destinations, you can agree on a contract price, usually applicable for a year. Also, you’ll be operating at capacity within the contract period hence maximizing contract rates.

Will a Dedicated Fleet Work for Your Business? 

A dedicated fleet might not be an ideal option for every business. However, most companies can benefit from it if they have a growing line of products and a large customer base. So before you opt for dedicated fleet solutions for your business, it’s essential to examine some factors. 

Directions of Freight Flows

You’ll benefit from dedicated fleet solutions if you have networks with outstanding inbound or outbound flows. Although those with exclusive inbound or outbound flows can still use a dedicated fleet, they won’t benefit as much. Thus, it’s essential to consider the direction of your freight flows before choosing a dedicated fleet solution for your business. 

Freight Flow Seasons

If seasonality is an issue for your networks, you might under-utilize dedicated fleet resources during off-peak seasons. This scenario could be worse if a change in seasonality affects all your network’s lanes. However, dedicated fleet solutions will be ideal for your business if seasonality isn’t an issue. 

Local, Regional, or Long Haul Deliveries

Common carriers apply minimal charges if your local transportation requirements don’t exceed 100 miles. However, you won’t have to pay these charges if you use a dedicated fleet. 

Depending on the haul length, some regional deliveries may benefit from dedicated fleet solutions. Ideally, regional and long haul deliveries will benefit from using a dedicated fleet if there are haul-back opportunities. 

Simplify Your Business

Many businesses can benefit from dedicated fleet solutions. A dedicated fleet is similar to a low-cost private fleet. You have guaranteed capacity to transport your products to any place, locally and internationally. However, before opting for a dedicated fleet, businesses should consider the direction of freight flows and freight flow seasons, among other factors. 
If you’re looking for a company to provide fleet management solutions, trust DM Bowman Inc. for your dedicated fleet needs. Visit our corporate office or contact us by filling out this form. We also have multiple flatbed job positions. If you’re a qualified driver, check out (and apply for) our dedicated fleet solutions jobs on our site.

Top Benefits for Short-haul vs. Long-haul Trucking Load Jobs

Flatbed trucks carry construction materials, steel, heavy machinery, and more. They are crucial to the shipping industry and American business. Many supply chains rely on flatbed trucks to carry their raw materials and finished goods to factories and markets.

There is no denying that flatbed truckers drive big rigs, but it may be a more accessible position than you think. What makes a good flatbed truck driver? It might just be the right career for you. 

What It Means To Be a Flatbed Trucker

Flatbread truckers haul oversize cargo with a 53′ long x 102″ wide trailer. They carry everything that does not need protection from the elements or cannot be carried in a closed trailer. Some flatbed trailers do have drop decks, but the common feature among all of them is that they are not enclosed.

Skills Required to Be a Flatbed Trucker

Besides satisfying regulatory requirements, like having a driving license or truck driver endorsement, flatbed trucking requires some particular skills, including:

Loading and Unloading

Flatbed truckers must understand how to load up for maximum stability. While most loads will not require driver assistance, some jobs may require a driver operating forklifts, cranes, or pulleys to load the flatbed on some occasions.

Securing Loads

Securing loads on a trailer and ensuring that they do not shift as the trailer moves is a gained skill. Drivers have to understand the regulatory frameworks, the demands of the load, and how to put it on their own trucks for security and stability.

Advantages of Being a Flatbed Trucker

Here are the perks of being a flatbed trucker:

Income Potential

Some industry analysts estimate that a flatbed trucker can earn up to $13,000 more than regular truckers. Flatbed truckers are often paid more because the stakes are higher due to exposed cargo, but also because flatbed trucking is a physically and mentally demanding, skill-reliant job. The combination of these three factors means that flatbed drivers will earn more per mile to match the task at hand.

Flatbed trucking also transports some of the highest value commodities. So, employers will typically compensate the drivers more to match the risk of transporting such commodities. Besides these, flatbed truckers do not need a degree to operate. Drivers can start earning almost as soon as they meet all regulatory and experience requirements.

Physically and Mentally Satisfying

Flatbed trucking is active work. The driver is responsible for keeping the load securely covered and sometimes helping with loading and unloading. To move the heavy rig, the driver must be in the best physical condition because some aspects like tarping will require the driver to do some physical work. 

Drivers who enjoy a challenge will enjoy flatbed tracking because each job presents a new set of challenges to overcome. You will require unique skills for each job, and this will keep you sharp, continuously engaged, and leave you feeling accomplished in the end.

Travel Potential

Many truck drivers will agree that there is no better way to see the nation than from a flatbed cabin. Truck driving is a grueling job, but one upside is that you get to travel far and wide, meet new people, discover fresh adventures, and acquire new perspectives. The position will probably take you to the same place more than once, but you will also drive many other routes and explore the country.

Career Advancement 

Flatbed trucking gives you the experience of hauling odd-sized cargo, each with different skill requirements. This experience is a gateway for carrying other types of demanding cargo, i.e., hazmat loads and tanker loads, further boosting a driver’s potential income.

Want To Become a Flatbed Trucker?

There has never been a better time to be a flatbed trucker. The American Truckers Association (ATA) estimates that there will be a shortage of 175,000 trucking jobs. At the same time, the Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees a 6% annual growth in trucking jobs for the next decade. Are you interested in flatbed trucker jobs? Check out the DM Bowman flatbed trucker jobs site, fill out the online application and become a member of the DM Bowman family.

Advantages of Being a Flatbed Trucker

Flatbed trucks carry construction materials, steel, heavy machinery, and more. They are crucial to the shipping industry and American business. Many supply chains rely on flatbed trucks to carry their raw materials and finished goods to factories and markets.

There is no denying that flatbed truckers drive big rigs, but it may be a more accessible position than you think. What makes a good flatbed truck driver? It might just be the right career for you. 

What It Means To Be a Flatbed Trucker

Flatbread truckers haul oversize cargo with a 53′ long x 102″ wide trailer. They carry everything that does not need protection from the elements or cannot be carried in a closed trailer. Some flatbed trailers do have drop decks, but the common feature among all of them is that they are not enclosed.

Skills Required to Be a Flatbed Trucker

Besides satisfying regulatory requirements, like having a driving license or truck driver endorsement, flatbed trucking requires some particular skills, including:

Loading and Unloading

Flatbed truckers must understand how to load up for maximum stability. While most loads will not require driver assistance, some jobs may require a driver operating forklifts, cranes, or pulleys to load the flatbed on some occasions.

Securing Loads

Securing loads on a trailer and ensuring that they do not shift as the trailer moves is a gained skill. Drivers have to understand the regulatory frameworks, the demands of the load, and how to put it on their own trucks for security and stability.

Advantages of Being a Flatbed Trucker

Here are the perks of being a flatbed trucker:

Income Potential

Some industry analysts estimate that a flatbed trucker can earn up to $13,000 more than regular truckers. Flatbed truckers are often paid more because the stakes are higher due to exposed cargo, but also because flatbed trucking is a physically and mentally demanding, skill-reliant job. The combination of these three factors means that flatbed drivers will earn more per mile to match the task at hand.

Flatbed trucking also transports some of the highest value commodities. So, employers will typically compensate the drivers more to match the risk of transporting such commodities. Besides these, flatbed truckers do not need a degree to operate. Drivers can start earning almost as soon as they meet all regulatory and experience requirements.

Physically and Mentally Satisfying

Flatbed trucking is active work. The driver is responsible for keeping the load securely covered and sometimes helping with loading and unloading. To move the heavy rig, the driver must be in the best physical condition because some aspects like tarping will require the driver to do some physical work. 

Drivers who enjoy a challenge will enjoy flatbed tracking because each job presents a new set of challenges to overcome. You will require unique skills for each job, and this will keep you sharp, continuously engaged, and leave you feeling accomplished in the end.

Travel Potential

Many truck drivers will agree that there is no better way to see the nation than from a flatbed cabin. Truck driving is a grueling job, but one upside is that you get to travel far and wide, meet new people, discover fresh adventures, and acquire new perspectives. The position will probably take you to the same place more than once, but you will also drive many other routes and explore the country.

Career Advancement 

Flatbed trucking gives you the experience of hauling odd-sized cargo, each with different skill requirements. This experience is a gateway for carrying other types of demanding cargo, i.e., hazmat loads and tanker loads, further boosting a driver’s potential income.

Want To Become a Flatbed Trucker?

There has never been a better time to be a flatbed trucker. The American Truckers Association (ATA) estimates that there will be a shortage of 175,000 trucking jobs. At the same time, the Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees a 6% annual growth in trucking jobs for the next decade. Are you interested in flatbed trucker jobs? Check out the DM Bowman flatbed trucker jobs site, fill out the online application and become a member of the DM Bowman family.

9th Annual Jone Bowman Memorial Golf Tournament

Friday September 9, 2022 Greencastle Greens Golf Course, Greencastle, PA

Registration Starts at 7AM and Shotgun Starts at 8AM

It is that time of year again – Spring will be upon us soon and it will be time to get outside and start swinging those clubs!

The 9th Annual Jone Bowman Memorial Charity Golf Tournament has been scheduled and registration is open.  We hope that you will be able to join us to participate in our event this year.  If you are unable to participate but would still like to contribute, please consider a sponsorship.  Details regarding sponsorship are included in this mailing.

Our goal is to have fun while raising money for a worthy cause, and to celebrate the memory of Jone Bowman.  We invite you to join us for the tournament on Friday September 9, 2022, at Greencastle Greens Golf Course in Greencastle, PA.

Sponsorship of this fundraising event allows us to help individuals in our community.  All proceeds raised by the event will go to the American Cancer Society of Washington County, MD.

2022-Golf-Tournament-RegistrationDownload

Advice and Resources for Women in Trucking

Woman truck driver standing in front of blue trucks

Truck driving has been male-dominated for the longest time. However, there has been a decline in the uptake of truck driving jobs amongst men recently. This has opened up opportunities for women heavily affected by layoffs because of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically in the housekeeping and service sectors. 

According to the Labor Department’s recent data, the pay has also risen by over 5% to an average of $27.50 per hour. This has made truck driving a lucrative job for women compared to other service jobs. To keep up with the sector, below are the tips and resources women in trucking should know. 

Always plan your route in advance

Trip planning is an integral part of safety for women in trucking. Planning saves time and helps you avoid challenges. Ensure you begin by mapping your route, and be sure to plan and schedule stopovers for meals, rest periods, or bathroom breaks. Early planning also gives you a chance to reroute in case of challenges. Ensure you pick a style and stick to it to avoid being caught off guard by situations that can bring challenges. 

Ensure your cell phone is always charged and easily accessible

A charged cell phone is a must for truck drivers. Talking to family, friends, and colleagues about your trip allows you to share experiences and avoid challenges that may come up during your trip. An adequately charged phone will also come in handy when you need to quickly contact a colleague or your logistics manager for resources or help if problems arise mid-route. 

Work for a company that values you

Some trucking companies have a culture that is not conducive to the well-being of their female drivers. Before deciding that any company is a great fit, below are the things to look for:

  • An honest recruiter who will not lie to you about what your job entails and what it pays
  • A company that does not tolerate bullying or harassment of their drivers
  • A company that does not require you to work longer than your contract says you must
  • A company that cares about your physical and mental well-being by providing the necessary resources, like rest areas and fuel discounts, so you can take care of yourself on the road
  • A company that respects your personal time and allows you to take time off work to visit your family

Stay up to date with current events

Truck driving is influenced by current events such as traffic laws and regulations, weather alerts, school closings, road construction updates, and many more. Knowing such information can help save time and money while keeping you protected from any serious risks. 

Pack adequate supplies

The rule of thumb for women in trucking is to always ensure that all your supplies are packed so that they are easily accessible while you are out on the road. 

Ensure you have the following on hand:

  • Emergency roadside kit: At least one of the following items should be found in your roadside kit: a flashlight, warning triangles and flares, reflective vest and blanket, first aid kit, and repair tools
  • Cell phone charger: This is especially important if you have a long-haul drive ahead of you
  • Blankets: A blanket will come in handy for both comfort purposes and emergencies
  • Spare clothes: You can never know when your clothes will get dirty
  • Personal hygiene products: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and conditioner
  • Bottled water/non-perishable snacks: For when you get hungry or thirsty on the road
  • Medicine: In case you need to take medication to suppress a minor ailment
  • Maps: You never know when you’ll get lost and need to find your way again
  • First aid kit: This is essential for all long-distance trips as it can save your life during an emergency

Join a women’s trucking association

Ensure you associate yourself with associations for women in trucking, such as Women in Trucking. These associations are a great way to network with other female truck drivers, get advice from professionals and people in your field, and attend conferences and events. You can also join Real Women in Trucking to enjoy various outreach programs, mentorship, networking, and truck emergency assistance responders.

Take it easy 

Ensure you practice relaxation techniques whenever you find yourself stressed out by driving. Meditation, deep breathing, exercise, and listening to music can help alleviate the effects of everyday stressors like traffic jams, low fuel, or a bad weather forecast.

Relaxation also allows you to think more clearly when planning and dealing with challenges as they arise.

Reach out to D.M. Bowman

Even though women in trucking go through a lot to make ends meet, in the long run, the job is rewarding. At D.M. Bowman, we aim to make it easier for you to find trucking supplies delivered to your selected destination by our pro-female drivers. Get in touch with us today for simplified delivery service.

Image Source: Aleksandar Malivuk / Shutterstock