Guides
Practical guides for truckers who run their own operation
No filler. Straight answers on cost per mile, IFTA filing, rate negotiations, getting paid by brokers, and choosing software that doesn't cost more than your insurance.
How to Calculate Your Trucking Cost Per Mile
Cost per mile is the one number every owner-operator must know cold. Here is how to calculate it correctly, what to include, and how to use it to stop hauling loads at a loss.
June 25, 2026 · 8 min read
How to File IFTA: A Step-by-Step Quarterly Guide for Owner-Operators
IFTA filing doesn't have to be a quarterly headache. This plain walkthrough covers tracking, calculating net gallons by jurisdiction, and submitting your return on time.
June 20, 2026 · 9 min read
What Is a Good Rate Per Mile in 2026? Van, Reefer, and Flatbed Compared
Spot rates shift week to week, but the logic behind what makes a load profitable stays the same. Here is how to judge whether a rate is worth hauling in 2026.
June 15, 2026 · 8 min read
How to Read a Rate Confirmation and Spot a Bad Load
The rate con is a binding contract. Know what every line means, what's missing, and which red flags tell you to walk away before you're 600 miles in with no recourse.
June 10, 2026 · 7 min read
Deadhead Miles: What They Cost You and How to Cut Them
Every empty mile burns fuel, wears your truck, and eats your hours of service with nothing coming back. Here is how to calculate the real cost and run fewer of them.
June 5, 2026 · 7 min read
How to Start a Trucking Company and Get Your Own Authority
A straight walkthrough of the real steps to get your MC number, DOT number, and operating authority, plus what it actually costs and how long it takes.
May 31, 2026 · 10 min read
Owner-Operator vs Company Driver: The Real Math
The gross numbers look better as an owner-operator. The net is more complicated. Here is an honest side-by-side with actual numbers so you can make the call for your situation.
May 26, 2026 · 9 min read
Fuel Surcharge Explained: How FSC Works and How to Calculate It
Fuel surcharges show up on almost every rate confirmation, but how they're calculated varies wildly. Here is how FSC actually works and how to make sure you're getting paid correctly.
May 21, 2026 · 7 min read
Best Dispatch Software for Small Trucking Companies: What to Look For
Legacy TMS platforms cost thousands per month and were built for fleets of 50 or more. Here is what small carriers actually need and what options exist in 2026.
May 16, 2026 · 8 min read
Flatbed Rates Per Mile: What to Charge and Why
Flatbed pays a premium over dry van, but that premium only helps you if you understand the extra costs it's meant to offset. Here is how to price flatbed loads correctly.
May 11, 2026 · 7 min read
Reefer Rates Per Mile and the True Cost of Running Cold
Reefer pays more than dry van, but the extra costs are real. Here is an honest look at reefer rates, what drives them, and how to calculate whether the premium is worth it for your operation.
May 6, 2026 · 8 min read
How to Invoice a Broker and Get Paid Faster
Most payment delays come down to missing documents and sloppy invoices. Here is exactly what to put on a freight invoice, when to send it, and whether factoring, quick-pay, or net-30 is the right fit for your cash flow.
May 1, 2026 · 8 min read
Put your back-office in the cab
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