One converted semi-truck is bringing a whole new meaning to the trucking phrase, “Stay in your own lane.”   You see, this 18-wheeler has been miraculously transformed into the world’s first mobile bowling alley. 

Dubbed “Luxury Strike Bowling”, the first surfaced this past summer in Michigan.  The creator, Terrence Jackson Jr., who hails from Southfield.

Terrence says he was inspired by other mobile businesses, like Uber, Grub Hub, and Amazon which are all flourishing in the current economy.  He realized what they all had in common was that they offered convenience by bringing their services to the customer.  So that was exactly what he decided to do – deliver some fun and entertainment.  

When interviewed by The Detroit News, Terrence told the reporter that he wanted in with the companies [...]

 

The Department of Labor is geared up to define the scope of work that will determine if a worker is an independent contractor or a company employee.  The decision to become involved comes on the heels of California regulations that have some truckers in a tailspin.  A five-point test is being set as the ultimate clarification factor as the rulings proceed. 

While the legalities involve the workforce as a whole, drivers in the trucking industry are feeling the blow more than most as the distinction between owner-operators and employee status looms in the gray area.

The Legalities

California was the forerunner in the legislation, surfacing last year to call for regulation in the classification of independent contractors such as the highly restrictive AB 5, also known as the “gig worker bill”.

The bill [...]

 

 

If you have a dump truck, believe it or not, there are a ton of things you can do with it besides your traditional dump jobs.  From towing to toting, get a load of some of these new uses you may find for your trusty truck:

Hauling

Think about what a dump truck is – a truck with a large, powerful engine that has an open bed in the back. It’s ideal for hauling large and awkward items.  You can clean out the garage, move things to a storage unit, or even tote appliances and heavy furniture from here to there.  Once you’re finished moving your own belongings, you can hire out your services.

Construction

Construction sites are always needing to haul loads in and out.  Dirt, gravel, supplies, trash, and many [...]

 

 

Winter’s just around the bend and some commercial truck owners are anticipating the opportunity to make some good cold cash.  Where some freeze up when it comes to the snow and ice that will be hitting cold climate regions soon, others are dreaming of a white winter.

“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,” Mike Brownlee laughed.  “I make my living off the white stuff, so the more, the better.”

Mike began his snow removal business two years ago when his wife fell ill and his truck driving job with a national company was no longer possible.  “I simply couldn’t be away from home for weeks at a time,” he explained.

Mike purchased a Dump Truck and [...]

With the uncertainty of today’s economy, it’s hard to know which trucking niche to choose.  If you are looking to make some decent cold cash and to be relatively safe when unexpected tough times hit, you may want to consider branching off into the refrigeration truck field. 

2021 is predicted to be a hot year for the refrigerated freight industry as the demand for temperature-controlled trucking continues to soar. In a recent report published by Allied Market Research, it was revealed that the global refrigerated trailer market will be valued at $7.658 billion by 2022 – a steep rise from the $5.588 billion is was valued at in 2015.  The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% by 2022 which comes as welcome news for those contemplating getting into temperature-controlled transporting. 

The refrigerated truck niche underwent a [...]

 

 

If you’re looking to rustle up some work as an independent truck driver in a new field, you might want to consider hauling livestock.  After all, who doesn’t want to make big bucks being a cowboy on wheels?

Cattle haulers earn a national average of around $77,750 per year.  For owner-operators the pay is usually higher.  Cattle-producing states, like Texas, Colorado, Minnesota, and Iowa typically offer top pay and plenty of opportunities.

What Cattle Hauling Entails

Cattle and livestock haulers are responsible to transporting large loads of cattle and/or livestock from place to place.  Generally, the trips involve going from a farm or auction location to a slaughterhouse.  Sometimes, however, the cattle are just being moved from one grazing ground or geographical location to another.

Other Livestock Hauling

All types [...]

 

 

 

 

With over 1.3 million in the trucking industry still on unemployment, many drivers are looking for a new road to take. Some are turning to specialized trucking services and are faring quite well, especially those who choose fields that have several niches within it – like Moving Companies that accommodate residential and business moving as well as delivering furniture and/or appliances for stores.

“Flexibility is the name of the game,” stated Tim McGee, a former truck driver who is now running a long haul moving service.  “I feel a lot more secure now that my eggs aren’t all in one basket.” 

While Tim is presently doing remarkably [...]

 

 

According to IBIS World report, the annual revenue of the Earth Moving and Excavation Contractors industry in 2020 is $54.9 billion and the year isn’t even over yet.  If you are considering jumping in the business, now is the time.

What Does Excavation Entail?

Excavation is the removal of large amounts of earth.  Most construction companies turn to Earth Moving Companies when they need dirt moved.  While many can actually do the job themselves, they typically prefer to have professional excavators do it for them so the job is done quickly and efficiently and so they don’t have to mess with it.

Why Get Into Earth Moving?

Earth Moving is the ideal niche for anyone who wants to get into the construction service industry with a reasonably small [...]

 

As National Truck Driver Appreciation Week comes to a close, many are reflecting on the crucial role truck drivers play in America.  As the glory fades and the nation’s trucks and drivers blend back into the highway scenery, their heroic actions never take a “brake”. 

A Burning Desire to Make a Difference

Even today, while hundreds of drivers are desperately trying to flee or avoid the fires that are engulfing the Western United States, some truckers are in a fury rushing to them. 

Earlier this month, the Oregon Department of Transportation shut down heavily-traveled I-5 just short of the California/Oregon border due to the Glendower Fire.  Truckers attempting to travel north were forced to go turn around and go back into California from wince they came. 

Along with the heartbreaking humanitarian side [...]

 

Do you have a recovery or wrecking service or plan to start one?  Did you know you can easily and affordably convert a Flatbed Truck to tow a vehicle?  In fact, a Flatbed Tow Truck is ideal because the towed vehicle’s wheels never have to touch the ground so you never have to worry about damaging tires, transmissions, or 4-wheel drive systems.

There’s a lot of money to be made in the car hauling industry.  From transporting new cars to vehicle recovery and towing wrecked cars and trucks, there is a myriad of niches you can get into when you have access to a car hauler.  

About Flatbed Car Haulers

There are many step-by-step detailed instructions on [...]