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Every year hundreds of millions of dollars are stolen through cyber theft. Criminals and hackers devise complicated schemes and programs that can bilk you out of your money. Unfortunately they often do it in such a way that they skim mere pennies from millions of accounts so that no one person is any wiser (remember the algorithm from the movie Office Space?) In the end they make a lot of money, and your account is vulnerable for larger amounts to be stolen. Fortunately there are ways to protect yourself, even if you are driving truck the majority of the time. Here are 5 tips to help keep your cyber identity, and your bank accounts, safe from hackers. Use Your Personal WiFi Any time you access a public WiFi, you are at risk of having your information stolen. In fact, if you talk with someone that really knows what they are doing, they can set up in a coffee shop and use their computer to see exactly what you are doing online. You won’t even know they are watching your online activity. This means if you are accessing your bank account, they can see all of your information. To prevent this, don’t access sensitive sites from a public hotspot. Wait until you are at home with your secured WiFi before you do that. Secure Your WiFi That means that you have to make sure that your wireless internet is encrypted. If you have an open network (that is one without a password) you are inviting just about anyone into your online realm. Even a simple password will help ward off unwanted visitors. Setting up a password varies by company. Some make it very easy to establish a password for your internet, others seem to think we all know technical computer jargon. Here’s a great article to get you started, but you may want to call the customer service number for your router from the get-go. Use Your Data Plan Sometimes when you are on the road, you simply have to get online and access your bank account. While the ideal method is to call the bank and get the information needed that way, it may be after-hours and you can’t call. Instead of accessing their site with a public hotspot, use the data plan on your cell phone. Most smart phones can access websites without a problem; and many of them can be set up as hotspots. You can use the data from your cell phone and access the internet from your computer. If you are an iPhone user, this article explains how to turn your phone into a hotspot. Update Your Windows Windows is constantly creating patches for security loopholes that they discover. Every time a hacker finds a way around one, the engineers at Microsoft patch that hole. But your computer is not going to be secure on its own. You have to do Windows updates to make sure that you have the latest security measures. Most newer operating systems will have popups asking you to update your Windows. Don’t ignore these! It only takes a few minutes so go get a cup of coffee while your machine installs the updates and reboots. Watch What You Post and Where You Browse No matter if you are buying online, posting to Facebook, or just browsing, be careful where you tread. Most of us know not to give out our personal information on public sites, but there are other ways to leak information. Some websites will gather any information you put in, and they can install malware on your machine to track information you put in on other sites. Install MalwareBytes to prevent these little bugs from becoming accomplices to stealing your personal information. Prevention is Key Being on the road you make the most of truck stops that offer free WiFi; it’s faster and it’s free. While the majority of the time you will be safe, there are those moments when you could have your information stolen. It is far easier to prevent those thefts by not accessing important and private websites while using public WiFi. By taking a few minutes to read and apply the tips above, you can rest assured that your information is kept safe while you are driving your truck across the country. This article was originally featured on Teamrunsmart.com. Image Source - https://www.flickr.com/photos/intelfreepress/

The American career path is quickly changing. Americans used to clock in and clock out of the same job for 40+ years and then retire with a good pension and a handshake for a job well done. In today’s job marketplace, Americans are shifting jobs and careers every few years. The climb to the top is no longer a simple ladder up, but a game of chutes and ladders. And more and more Americans are becoming self-employed or starting their own businesses. In 2011, there were over 28 million small businesses and over 22 million people were self-employed across America. Are you currently happy with your job? Do you want to become an owner-operator if you are currently a company driver? Do you want to grow and expand your business? The life of a truck driver is unique from most jobs across America. You are often not in the same place for very long. If you’re looking to bring your truck driving career to the next level or maybe expand your business in the future, there are ways to gain new skills and knowledge while on the road. College Courses Truck drivers don’t need a college degree, which can save you tens of thousands of dollars and put you financially ahead of many of your college graduate friends. However, if you are interested in furthering your knowledge or career then taking college courses might be beneficial to you. Most community colleges and four year universities offer online courses. If earning an associate or bachelor’s degree is something that you really want to do, look into reputable colleges that offer online courses or degrees. If you’re interested in growing your business or transitioning to an owner-operator position then maybe a few select courses in areas such as accounting or computer science might help you develop new skillsets necessary for the transition. College courses can be expensive. Luckily many schools offer alternatives to traditional courses. Continuing Education or Professional Courses Many community colleges and universities and even local town adult education programs offer a variety of continuing education or professional courses or workshops aimed at helping you learn and develop new skill sets. These courses are often available online or completed over a weekend at the school. If you’re looking to start your own or expand your business, then taking a few business or computer related courses might help you develop the skills you need to manage a successful business. Many community colleges throughout the country offer short courses or workshops on Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, and even basic computer skills that might help you along the road. Determine knowledge areas that you might be lacking or rusty and research courses or workshops that might help you develop those knowledge areas and skills for a minimum price and time commitment. Industry Conferences and Meetings Industry conferences are great events to attend to learn about the latest technology and trends, attend educational seminars, and an excellent place to network with other likeminded individuals. Attending events like the Mid-America Trucking Show or the Great American Trucking show are always beneficial. Industry Associations Get involved with a trucking association. Many associations offer a range of membership benefits that will help you as a driver and business owner. Take advantage of their webinars and forums to learn from other owner-operators and network. If you are looking for a challenge, get involved in other areas of the association, such as a leadership position or join the policy committee and advocate for the trucking industry at your local and national level. Not only will you learn valuable skills, but you will be helping thousands of others in your industry. Free Online Courses College is expensive and it’s not for everyone. However, maybe college or higher learning is something that you want to participate in, but can’t due to the fact you’re on the road all the time or can’t afford the hefty tuition bill. Many top colleges and universities are now opening their doors and releasing free online courses for anyone across the world. All you need is the internet and the desire to learn. You won’t earn a degree at the end of these courses, but you might learn something new and exciting. Coursera and EDx are two sites that offer free online courses taught by top university professors from schools like Harvard and Stanford ranging in topics from computer programming to medicine to art. Additionally, MIT has created online courses and materials that are very similar to the courses taught in the classrooms on campus. Ever dream of attending MIT? Now’s your chance! Learn a New Language Many trucking companies require you to either have the ability or currently hold a valid passport because some of your routes might bring you over the border to either Mexico or Canada. Knowing at least basic words and phrases in either French (if you drive into the Quebec-region of Canada) or Spanish can help you with your job and potentially grow your clientele and delivery routes into new geographic locations. The workforce is increasingly becoming globalized and being able to speak a second language can not only increase your chance of scoring a client and route, but also increasing your pay. Speaking multiple languages might even help you decrease your chance of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia and even improve your English skills! Rosetta stone and Duolingo are both great and fun ways to learn a new language while on the road. Furthering your career or education while constantly being on the road can be difficult. With the internet and new software and apps being developed on a daily basis, learning new skills and knowledge can be easy. Being a lifelong learner not only will help you further your career, but it can keep you healthy and smart for years to come. Image Source - https://www.flickr.com/photos/merlijnhoek/

Did you know that an average male is composed of 60 percent water and an average female is composed of 58 percent water? Depending on your fitness level, your body will have different levels: If you’re overweight (too many doughnuts and not enough broccoli) your body will have a higher water level; if you’re fit, your body will have about the average level. We lose at about approximately 10-15 cups of water per day. We lose it from urine, breathing, sweating, bowel movements; we even lose 1-2 liters from just breathing! How can lack of water affect my well-being? Believe it or not a lack of hydration from a natural element, like water, can affect our bodies and our minds. Do you find yourself feeling unfocused? Do you feel that you get fatigued easily during the day? Do you feel dazed and confused when doing a simple task? Do you feel like the world is coming to an end, and that the only way you can feel relieved is by testifying your undying love and loyalty to the natural gods of the Earth? Yes, no? Maybe this is just me… Well, if you answered yes to the majority of these, then chances are that you are lacking some water. So, Drink up. Water lubricates our body and brain. Speaking of the brain: Did you know that our brain is made out of 85 percent water? Research studies have found that when your brain depletes 1 percent of water, you’ll likely to have a 5 percent decrease in cognitive/brain function; and for some, this is a lot. Can you imagine depleting your brain of its natural composition? What is even scarier is that sometimes, we substitute water with soda, coffee, and with other artificial drinks. Water is an essential nutrient that our bodies naturally crave. When we start substituting something as simple as water for a sugar filled high fructose drink, or a caffeinated beverage, then our bodies and brain will start reacting to this change. Resulting in other health problems caused by the other additives that were in your drink. In fact, some drinks like carbonated soda makes you even more thirsty - that’s why you keep coming back for refills to your local gas station or mini-mart. Other symptoms of lack of water: Fatigue Memory problems Low and high blood pressure Digestive problems (lack of water will increase the acid levels in your stomach resulting to ulcers, and other digestive related problems). Constipation Early signs of aging What’s my point? I think that it is easy for us to forget the fact that our bodies and our brains need water, and we don’t put priority on fueling ourselves with this natural element so that we can perform better in our jobs. Think about it when you’re driving. You need to be focused on the road and a decrease of about 5 percent of your cognitive function can lead to errors and accidents. Water is good for you. Resist the urge to substitute water with sugary, artificial drinks and you'll see a difference in your mental acuity and also in your health.

Lately, we have seen an increasing number of tax fraud cases and identify theft. ATBS is committed to providing you with a tax and accounting experience that protects your personal information. We have built a world-class company with our client’s security in mind and our employees are trained on ATBS- specific security policies and procedures. As a team, we work diligently to protect the integrity of your personal information by employing the following standards: Web Encryption ATBS uses “https” [Hypertext Transfer Protocol over Secure Socket Layer] which was designed by Netscape and gives authentication and encryption for security-sensitive communication. Once you login to the ATBS Secure Client Portal, you will see a key or lock appear in your browser URL. This lock means the information cannot be accessed by anyone other than you and ATBS. Extensive Background Checks ATBS conducts a criminal background check and a financial background check on every team member. We require every employee to log-off at night and remove sensitive paperwork from his or her desks and personal workstations. Partnerships ATBS has world-class partnerships that use the highest level of security available to help protect our networks and data. Document Management We employ regular shredding processes and use a bonded shredding company to ensure all sensitive paperwork is carefully disposed of. Passwords and Automatic Logoff Employee passwords are changed regularly to ensure access to client information is secure. If an employee takes no action on their computer for several minutes, they will be locked out of their computer and a user name and unique password will unlock their system. Audits The IRS and a financial services firm that adheres to the highest security measures have audited ATBS. In both cases, ATBS was found to have secure systems and secure processes. We live in a digital world and personal information can be compromised. It’s important to ask your financial institution how your personal information is secured. With everything we are doing to protect your information, please remember that it is important to take precautions to protect your personal information on your end. Please do not hesitate to ask your ATBS business consultant about data security. ATBS appreciates this opportunity to work with you. Image source - https://www.flickr.com/photos/neccorp/

What if I told you that holding your breath could lead you to become tired, depressed and even sick?  Well, it’s true. By holding your breath you are reducing the oxygen level in your body and increasing the level of stress chemicals and carbon dioxide. This causes the human body to become tired, increases depression and weakens the immune system. By taking slow, deep breaths you can begin to eliminate these negative effects on your body and give yourself more energy to enjoy your day. Below are a few breathing techniques you can use. Adjust Your Posture The average American has less than ideal posture. The majority of us slouch while we sit or walk and it gradually gets worse as we become tired. While you are sitting in your truck, make sure you focus on sitting up straight. This will allow your lungs to fully expand and you will absorb as much oxygen as possible. Breathing out of your mouth is a no-no When I was growing up my parents used to tell me to breathe out of my nose and not my mouth. I never knew why it really mattered.  In fact, there is scientific research that shows breathing out of your nose will help to stimulate your brain. Breathing in through your left nostril activates the right, creative side of your brain. Then breathing in through your right nostril will activate the left, analytical side of your brain. In addition to stimulating your brain, nose breathing also triggers a release of anti-bacterial molecules which will help your immune system by providing you with cleaner air. By making sure you stay as healthy as possible you will allow yourself to log as many miles as possible each week. Practice abdominal breathing techniques Start by placing one hand on your heart and the other on your abdomen. Breath in deep so that you can fully expand your lungs. The goal is to take anywhere from six to ten deep breaths every minute for 10 minutes per day. The effects will be a drop in your heart rate and lower blood pressure. Wrapping it up Stress can add up while you are on the road and being able to find creative ways to overcome it is important. The next time you are feeling the pressures of being able to hit your miles for the month or being able to make your delivery deadline remember these breathing techniques. They will help lead to a happier, healthier you.

Smoking-related diseases are responsible for over 443,000 deaths in the United States every year. This number includes people who are also affected indirectly such as babies born prematurely due to prenatal maternal smoking and individuals of secondhand smoke exposure. Smoking is expensive. Not only does it take money from your wallet, but it also cost the United States over $193 billion in 2004 from lost in productivity and direct health care expenditures. That number has only gone up in the past ten years. Cigarette smoking has been identified as one of the top sources of preventable diseases and premature death worldwide. According to the American Lung Association, more than 8.6 million people in the United States have at least one serious smoking-related illness. To put that number into perspective, for every one person who dies from a smoking-related disease, an additional 20 people suffer from at least one serious smoking-related illness. Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 different chemicals with 69 of them known to cause cancer. About 90% of lung cancer deaths and about 80%-90% of COPD deaths are attributed to smoking. Smokers on average die between 13 and 14 years younger than nonsmokers. Are you scared yet? Chances are you have tried quitting smoking before. If so, then you’re not alone. Of the 46.6 million smokers in 2009, 46.7% of them stopped smoking for at least one day in attempt to quit smoking completely. Quitting smoking often requires multiple attempts and various methods to become affective and permanent. Nicotine is an extremely addictive drug, but it’s possible to break the habit. Just ask the 40 million former smokers in the United States! Let’s examine some ways to help you break your habit this year. Tips and Tricks to Curb the Smoking Habit for Good Check your health insurance for smoking cessation coverage Currently, some health insurance plans will have a higher premium for smokers, however, with the new Affordable Care Act (ACA) laws coming into play this year, no one knows for sure how the rates will change over the next few years. Most health insurance plans offer tobacco cessation treatment options. The options vary widely according to the type of insurance and may change as well in the coming year due to the ACA. Medicare, which covers people over the age of 65, covers several medications and counseling for two quit attempts per year. Medicaid varies per state, but is required to cover tobacco cessation treatment for pregnant women in 2014. Quitting smoking often takes multiple attempts Don’t get frustrated if you can’t go cold turkey on the first attempt. Millions of people require several attempts before they can finally kick the bad habit for good. It takes on average 7-9 attempts before truly quitting. Nicotine is extremely addictive and many people often return to smoking because of the withdrawal symptoms. There are many different methods to quit smoking so talk to your health care provider for the method that might be best for you. If the first method didn’t work, try something different. Don’t give up! Find the tobacco cessation method that works best for you We all know someone who quit smoking by just going cold turkey one day. It takes a very special person to do that. If that’s not you, that’s okay. Almost everyone needs a little help so don’t be afraid to ask. Some people have success with over-the-counter or prescription nicotine replacement products. Others might find individual, group, or telephone counseling more helpful. Some people benefit from multiple methods at once. Find the inspiration you need to quit Many former smokers will tell you they quit smoking for good because of a health scare or for a family member. We all have our reasons. Find that inspiration for you. Maybe it’s for your health so you can be around to see your children grow up. Perhaps you saw your mother suffer from lung cancer. Whatever your reason, write it down, look at it every day, and every time you feel the need to light up, remember that reason. Find a support system Tell your friends, family, and coworkers that you are trying to quit smoking. Ask for their support. If your friends or family members are smokers too, ask them to not smoke around you. Smoking is often associated with social activities. Find ways to be social without the need to smoke. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for the support you need. Remove all things that remind you of smoking and find a “replacement” activity As truck drivers you often smoke in your trucks while driving. Remove all things that remind you of smoking, such as ashtrays. Clean out your cab and try to get rid of the cigarette smoke smell so you don’t trigger the craving. Many drivers smoke out of boredom. Find something to replace the activity. Try snacking on healthy snacks like fresh fruits or vegetables. Listen to books on tape or something that takes your mind off of smoking. Wrapping it up Quitting smoking may take you multiple times so don’t get frustrated. Nicotine is addictive so ask for help if you need it. The American Lung Association and the CDC both have excellent online sources of information on how to quit smoking. You can also call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for phone counseling and help. Let’s quit smoking for good and take your health back for you and your family! Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/militaryhealth/

In the commercial trucking industry, “diabetes” is a fearful word. For many years there was a blanket ban that prevented anyone with diabetes who used insulin from driving commercial trucks in interstate commerce. However, in 2003, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced its plan to remove the blanket ban and begin accepting waivers in its Diabetes Exemption Program. This program allows diabetic drivers to operate commercial vehicles if they meet certain criteria. As of November 8, 2014, the FMCSA recommends that drivers have an A1C between 7-10% to meet requirements for an exemption. Diabetes can be a hard disease to manage at home, and when your “home” is on wheels that travel hundreds of miles a week on the interstates of America, it can be even more difficult. A 2009 study found that commercial truck drivers have a 50% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to the general population and 87% of truck drivers have hypertension or pre-hypertension. Commercial truck driving is a hard job, especially with work long hours to meet tight schedules and deadlines. The food options along the road are unhealthy with high-sodium fast food being the most available choices. The high stress, lack of physical activity and normal sleep, and an unhealthy diet can lead to numerous health issues, including diabetes. Diabetic commercial truck drivers face unique challenges because of a work lifestyle that limits healthy food choices and affords little time for physical activity. However, with a little forethought managing diabetes and truck driving is possible. Managing Diabetes and Truck Driving Make your medical appointments a priority Being on the road all the time makes it tough to keep appointments. Often times doctor and dentist appointments are tossed to the side to meet work deadlines, especially if driving is your sole income. However, when you have serious medical conditions such as diabetes, medical appointments need to be a priority. If you can’t make your appointment, call and reschedule for a time when you will be home. Many practices have diabetes nurses or care coordinators that can help you on road via phone. Don’t be afraid to utilize these services. If you’re on the road and need care, check out one of the Convenient Care Clinics, which includes a network of organizations such as CVS/Minute Clinic and Walmart. Convenient Care Clinics created a national network of Department of Transportation (DOT) clinics that offers DOT exams and aims to provide wellness services for truck drivers. Carry your medical records with you First, if you are diabetic or have other serious medical conditions you should wear a medical bracelet to identify you as diabetic in case of emergency. Emergency responders are trained to look for these items. Secondly, carry your medical records with you. Most health care providers use electronic health records and can print you a copy of your records including current medications and lab results. You can carry your records in a folder with you or ask to have your files added to a USB drive (or both!). If you see another health provider in a different state, having your health records with you will be very helpful for the new doctor and could potentially save your life in case of an emergency. Additionally, many larger medical practices will offer patient portals for their patients. You can log in to your patient portal via the Internet and see parts or all of your health records as well. Make time for physical activity If you have a smartphone or tablet, there are many amazing fitness apps available for free that you’d be crazy not to download and try a few. Apps such as MapMyFitness can help you locate walking trails wherever you may be. You can also track your activity and what you eat for the day. Perhaps technology is not your thing - that’s okay too! On your next stop, try walking around the parking lot a few times before you hop into your rig and continue driving. Start with small goals. For example, every time you stop for food or a bathroom break, walk around for at least 10 minutes. If you stop 3 times in one day, that equals to 30 minutes of exercise. Choose healthy food options Most food options on the road are unhealthy. The American highways are dominated by fast food joints. If you are diabetic, it is important to work with your diabetes nurse/coach and quite possibly a dietitian. There are many resources out there to help you identify healthy options that can help you manage your diabetes. The American Diabetes Association is a wonderful resource of information on food and what you should eat as a diabetic. It is important to choose foods with a low glycemic index (GI), such as beans, dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and berries. Before starting any new diet, consult with your health care provider to determine what’s best for you. Be proactive Living with diabetes on the road takes planning. You need to ensure that you always carry enough medication and supplies, such as your glucose meter and test strips, with you in your truck. If you can, plan snacks and meals ahead of time. A cooler full of healthy, low GI snacks will help keep your blood sugar stable and your tummy happy. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) recommends working with your health care provider to develop a meal schedule to help you maintain stable blood sugar throughout the day. Being on the road and working under tight deadlines can make managing a schedule difficult, but it is important that your health comes first. If your diabetes becomes out of control, you may not be able to drive and you could lose your main source of income. Diabetes doesn’t have to be a career ending diagnosis. Every day, more and more Americans are diagnosed with diabetes – to the tune of about 1.7 million new diagnoses every year. Most Americans don’t face potentially losing their job over diabetes like commercial truck drivers. Prior to 2003, diabetics could not drive commercial trucks, but today you may qualify for an exemption. Eating a healthy diet, making time for physical activity, and prioritizing your health, will make managing diabetes on the road easier - and keep you in the driver's seat for a very long time!

It can be hard enough dealing with winter weather when out on the road. But with the addition of shorter days and longer nights, wintertime can cause trouble with your health as well. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition that affects around 10-20% of Americans during the winter months. Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder Usually symptoms are similar to those of depression, and can include: ​Fatigue and low-energy Increased sleep Weight gain Irritability Anxiety Trouble concentrating Withdrawal from social activities, or normal routines Causes of SAD Due to the lack of sunlight, there is a dip in serotonin – the neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, appetite, memory, libido, and sleep.  Genetics can play a factor as well if there is a family history of mood disorders, and women tend to be affected more than men. Luckily there are plenty of easy ways to beat seasonal affective disorder. If you know that you have a tendency to get down in the dumps during this time of year, take a preventative approach. You prep your truck, garden, or house for seasonal changes, so why not your body too? Coping with the Winter Blues Get some natural light. One of the simplest ways to cheer up is to get as much sunlight as possible. Whether it’s being sure to open your blinds in the morning, or just getting out and going for a walk, getting those natural rays of sunlight will help boost your mood. Exercise for positive vibes. Not only can doing a quick workout help with depression, but it also boosts endorphins. These endorphins give you a natural high that will keep your spirits lifted, and also maintain good health. Here are some great workouts to do around your truck. Eat healthier. There are some great healthy snack ideas out there that will keep you going through the colder months. Cutting back on sugar can help too, since it has been linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety. Having a well-rounded and healthy diet will keep you going with a more sustained energy burn, rather than the quick boost (then crash) you get from sugars and carbohydrates. Be sure you’re getting good amounts of protein and fiber, and lots of vegetables. Keep your routine. Don’t get rid of your regular habits just because the cold weather makes you want to hibernate. If you usually stop to go for a walk, bundle up, and do it! If you have meetings or gatherings to attend, go to them. You’ll feel better maintaining those hobbies and be happier in the long run. Get outside. Along those same lines, bundle up, and get some fresh air. Don’t just roll down the window, but really get out and enjoy the crisp winter air. A walk will boost your spirits, and it will feel good to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. You could even find a nearby ice skating rink, or find your inner child at the nearest sledding hill. Getting outside will also get you more sunlight and boost serotonin! Breathe and relax. Reducing your stress and learning how to meditate will really help with depression and anxiety. Try just sitting quietly with your eyes closed, and taking some deep breaths. Count to five with each inhale, and five with each exhale. Do this for 5 minutes each day. Try some basic yoga stretches to go even further! Take a break. Taking a vacation means taking time for yourself, which is excellent for mental health. Try taking time off when freight has lulled (in January and February), then make the most of the busier months when you get back. Remember not to depend on a vacation to be the ultimate pick-me-up since it’s the more expensive option. If you haven’t given yourself a break in a while though, it’s important to turn off work from time to time and recharge. Although this time of year can be difficult, it can also be a great opportunity to get back on track with your health and wellness. The cold winter months may make us feel like hibernating, but focusing on staying positive will improve mood and sustain health well into spring! Sources: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/neurological_institute/center-for-behavorial-health/disease-conditions/hic-seasonal-depression http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/06/seasonal-affective-disorder_n_6255780.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063 Image Source 1: https://www.flickr.com/photos/paszczak000/ Image Source 2: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hrobertsson/

If you’re considering making the jump from being a company driver to an owner-operator truck driver there are several things that you can do to help become more successful. Start by creating a business plan. Before you decide to go out and purchase or lease a truck, take the time to put your personal finances and financial goals down on paper. Understanding and knowing where you are financially is extremely important. Next, you need to operate from the mindset of a business owner. This is your truck, this is your business, and responsibility now falls on you. Last but not least your driving habits need to be fine-tuned. The little things matter more now and every detail has the potential to affect your bottom line. Changing from A Company Driver to An Owner-Operator Truck Driver Create a business plan Creating a business plan is one of the most important steps you will take as a successful owner-operator. The plan you create serves as a financial road map that allows you to track your income and expenses over time. When you know your operating cost per mile, you are able to calculate how many miles you need to drive each week to cover your expenses in order to break even. This is known as your breakeven point, the point where your business expenses along with your personal expenses are covered and every mile driven over that point puts money in your pocket. Change your mindset Too many drivers try to make the transition from being a company driver to an owner-operator and fail to run their truck like a business. These drivers are caught in the “company driver mindset.” They think they are just a truck driver and as long as they drive the miles everything will be alright. Operating from the mindset of a business owner means recognizing the challenges you may encounter and having a plan in place to handle them. Saving receipts and tracking every expense, sending in quarterly estimated tax payments, and planning ahead for potential events such as weather, breakdowns, and tires are just some of the obstacles you may need to plan for. Someone can be business minded with excellent intentions, but without a plan of how to execute your intentions, you are setting yourself up to fail. Create good habits Don’t judge the performance of your business by the size of your settlement check. There are always ways to improve your business’s performance. Changing some habits might put more money in your pocket while running the same amount of miles. Try sacrificing a few MPH for RPMs. In other words, slow down and ease off the fuel pedal to maximize your fuel efficiency. You now pay for fuel, and slowing down just might put some cash back in your pocket. Driving slower also means less wear and tear on your tractor. Take the time to do a really good pre-trip and post trip evaluation of your tractor trailer. The sooner you notice a problem that can be fixed, you can prevent a bigger breakdown later on. This will help to minimize down time, and avoid more extensive maintenance expenses. If you check things thoroughly and regularly, you can schedule repairs during home time and save your drive hours to be on the road and not waiting in the shop. Change happens slowly but surely The transition from company driver to owner-operator is not something that happens overnight. As an owner-operator your primary goal is to make more money. With a business plan in place you can make educated business decisions based on numbers. You’re going to have a lot more expenses and accounting for them will only help plan for the difficult times. Knowing your expenses, being business minded, and practicing good daily driving habits will allow you to create a solid foundation on which to build your business as a successful owner-operator.

Stress is something in life that is almost always unavoidable, especially in the trucking industry where unpredictability is a common theme. Truckers are constantly fighting bad weather, distracted drivers, dealing with difficult shipping and receiving personnel as well as unrealistic deadlines, all of which cause some truck driver stress. Not only does stress cause the calmest person to become impatient and frustrated, but also affects your body and the way it functions! Stress is your body’s way of dealing with any change that requires a response. Stress becomes a negative thing when while facing constant daily challenges, you don’t take time to relax and unwind. Stress can have a tremendous effect on your body and you might not even realize it. Here are a few of the most common symptoms of stress: Headaches Upset stomach Elevated blood pressure Chest pain & shortness of breath Sleeping problems Fatigue Anxiety and depression If you are currently battling an illness or have a pre-existing condition then stress can make the situation even worse. Besides getting extra rest, exercise is one of the most important things you can do to help reduce and manage your stress levels. Any exercise ranging from high-impact cardio to yoga can help you reduce the negative effect stress has on your body. Here are some ways in which regular physical activity helps reduce the effects of stress It pumps up the production of endorphins, your brain’s “feel good” neurotransmitters. This is often referred to as the “runners high”. It gives you a better outlook on managing your circumstances and helps you forget the day’s minor frustrations. It improves your overall mood, self-confidence, and sense of well-being. It helps lower symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. It improves your quality of sleep. There is no question that adding physical activity to your daily routine is a plus. Along with helping to relieve and manage stress, you will have more energy, self-confidence, feel stronger, and have a more positive attitude. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started Always consult your doctor before starting an exercise routine. Build up your fitness level gradually. You don’t want to overdo it and hurt yourself. Do something you enjoy like running, swimming, biking, weight training, or yoga. If you like what you’re doing, you have a better chance of sticking to it for the long haul. Make the time. This is a hard one, especially in the trucking industry. As I said before, if you have to break your exercise time into smaller intervals to fit them in, then do it! Stick with it. Some tools to help you stick with a routine are setting goals for yourself, connecting with friends to help motivate each other, and changing up your workouts to keep it interesting. I hope these tips help you to have a better understanding of how stress affects your body and the benefits of incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. As always, keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down and make healthy choices! Author: Derek McClain. This article was originally featured on The Healthy Trucker. Image source 1 (and thumbnail): https://www.flickr.com/photos/senoranderson/ Image source 2: https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelloudon/

If you’re an owner-operator, it’s easy to see why you’d sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed. You probably have new equipment purchases to make or save for, important schedules to keep, and bills to pay. You’re moving across multiple functions on any given day. It’s no wonder that keeping things straight is challenging. So how can you increase your productivity and make your life a little easier? Here are 7 tried and true time management and productivity tips for owner-operators: Don’t multitask. Yes, you wear tons of hats, but don’t try to wear them all at the same time. If you’re on task, stay on that task until it’s complete and finished. The quality of your work suffers when you don’t devote your full attention to the task at hand. Don’t procrastinate. It’s a simple win to check off all the easy tasks on your daily to-do list, but don’t put off those difficult or daunting tasks because they’re unpleasant. Tackle them head on and complete it. It will make you feel good, accomplished, and relieved to get it off your list and get it done! Plan your work; work your plan. Create a list of tasks you need to accomplish each morning. Make the list realistic. Prioritize those tasks and then start with number one and work through your list. Sounds simple enough, but all too often distractions get in the way and before you know it you’re multitasking (see point one). Check email only after completing a task. It’s very easy to get distracted if you check your email after every email notification alert. While it may be hard to do at first, try ignoring those alerts until you’ve finished the task at hand, and only then review your inbox. Use the calendar feature of your email system. Google and Outlook both have integrated calendar features that allow you to plan your schedule. Don’t just plan your meetings. Put placeholders in for the tasks you need to accomplish, including the obvious like stops or breaks. These calendars have mobile apps as well, allowing you to access your calendar on the go. Plan for contingencies. Try to build time into your schedule for the unexpected, such as traffic, weather, or maintenance stops. Planning your route ahead of time or checking weather online will ease your mind, and reduce stress. That extra little bit of prep time can be valuable. Make the best use of your breaks. Try not to just sit in your truck when you’re on a break. Find a trail to walk and enjoy some fresh air. Use the time to get a workout in, or spend time doing good long stretches. Using your breaks to move your muscles will not only help your mind focus when you return to work, but also increase your energy levels. As an owner-operator, your productivity and time management are paramount in running your business. These 7 tips will help you stay focused and manage your all-important workday. Image 1 source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelloudon/ Image 2 source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/klash/

If you’re a small business owner, it’s easy to see why you sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed. You may have some employees helping in finance, sales, marketing, or operations, but at the end of the day, they report to you. You likely sign the checks, sign off on the sales and marketing plan, and have the final say on new equipment purchases. You’re moving 100 miles an hour across multiple functions on any given day. It’s no wonder that keeping things straight is challenging. So how can you increase your productivity and make your life a little easier? Here are eight tried and true time management and productivity tips for small business owners: Don’t multitask. Yes, you wear tons of hats but don’t try to wear them all at the same time. If you’re on task, stay on that task until it’s complete and finished. The quality of your work suffers when you don’t devote your full attention to the task at hand. Don’t procrastinate. It’s a simple win to check off all the easy tasks on your daily to-do list but don’t put off those difficult or daunting tasks because they’re unpleasant. Tackle them head-on and complete it. It will make you feel good, accomplished, and relieved to get it off your list and get it done! Plan your work; work your plan. Create a list of tasks you need to accomplish each morning. Make the list realistic. Prioritize those tasks and then start with number one and work through your list. Sounds simple enough, but all too often distractions get in the way and before you know it you’re multitasking (see point one). Check email only after completing a task. It’s very easy to get distracted if you check your email after every email notification alert. While it may be hard to do at first, try ignoring those alerts until you’ve finished the task at hand, and only then review your inbox. Use the calendar feature of your email system. Google and Outlook both have integrated calendar features that allow you to plan your schedule. Don’t just plan your meetings. Put placeholders in for the tasks you need to accomplish, including the obvious like lunch or breaks. These calendars have mobile apps as well, allowing you to access your calendar on the go. Plan for contingencies. You need to build time into your schedule for the unexpected. If it takes you 30 minutes normally to drive to a meeting location, you might want to factor in 15-20 minutes for things like traffic or finding a place to park. Being late for business meetings is not a healthy habit. Plus, getting to your meeting a little early allows you to take a deep breath and focus on the meeting outcome. That extra little bit of prep time can be valuable. Unless it's business-related, social media fun comes after work. It’s easy to get distracted on social media today, with Twitter and Facebook streams sharing all that much-needed information (insert sarcasm). Sure it’s good to catch up on family and friend happenings, but doing it after work will keep you focused on more important matters. Take a lunch and breaks. When you’re on a roll, it’s easy to simply work through lunch or eat at your desk. Unless you’re on a deadline, don’t do it. Get up and get out of the office for lunch. Take a walk or short drive to clear your head. While this may seem counterintuitive, these breaks will help you refocus and increase your energy levels. As a small business owner, your productivity and time management are paramount. We hope these eight tips help you stay focused and manage your all-important workday. You might also find these other recent posts helpful in your role as well, so be sure to check them out. Image 1 source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelloudon/ Image 2 source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/klash/