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TRUCKING TIPS, GUIDES & INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Expert advice for owner-operators and small fleets — from the dispatchers who negotiate rates, book loads, and support carriers every single day.

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2026 FREIGHT
MARKET OUTLOOK

⭐ Featured Analysis
📅 Feb 23, 2026 ⏱ 18 min read 📖 Market Analysis

2026 Freight Market Outlook: How Owner-Operators Can Stay Profitable

Rate forecasts, capacity trends, the Supreme Court tariff ruling, FMCSA enforcement impact, and the 7 profit levers every owner-operator needs to pull in 2026. Data from FTR, C.H. Robinson, ACT Research, and more — plus actionable strategies to protect your margins in a shifting market.

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New Authority

How to Get Your Trucking Authority in 2026 (Complete Checklist)

The step-by-step checklist for getting your MC authority — FMCSA application, BOC-3, insurance, UCR, IFTA, drug testing, and setting up with brokers. Includes a full cost breakdown table and timeline from application to first load.

Feb 21, 2026 20 min read
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Money & Rates

How to Calculate Your Cost Per Mile as an Owner-Operator

Your cost per mile is the single most important number in your trucking business. If you don't know it, you're guessing whether loads are profitable. Learn how to calculate fixed costs, variable costs, and your true break-even rate per mile — so you never accept a load that loses money.

Feb 5, 2026 12 min read
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Money & Rates

Freight Factoring vs Quick Pay: Which Is Better for Truckers in 2026?

Cash flow is king in trucking. Compare freight factoring companies and broker quick pay programs side-by-side — fees, speed, flexibility, and which makes more financial sense depending on your situation, load volume, and how fast you need to get paid.

Jan 28, 2026 10 min read
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Money & Rates

How to Negotiate Freight Rates With Brokers: Scripts That Work

Stop accepting the first rate a broker offers. Learn 5 proven negotiation strategies with word-for-word scripts used by professional dispatchers. Includes when to push back, when to walk away, and how to build relationships that lead to better rates long-term.

Jan 20, 2026 14 min read
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Compliance

IFTA Filing for Beginners: A Plain-English Guide for Owner-Operators

IFTA doesn't have to be confusing. This guide explains the International Fuel Tax Agreement in simple terms — how it works, what you need to track, quarterly deadlines, and step-by-step filing instructions so you never pay late penalties or get fined at a weigh station.

Jan 12, 2026 11 min read
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Dispatch

Truck Dispatch Services Explained: What a Dispatcher Actually Does for You

Thinking about using a truck dispatch service? Learn exactly what dispatchers do, how they find and negotiate loads, typical fee structures, what to look for in a good dispatch company, and how to tell if dispatching is worth the cost for your specific operation.

Jan 5, 2026 9 min read
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Broker Setup

How to Set Up With Freight Brokers as a New Carrier

Build your carrier packet, vet brokers before you haul, set up on load boards, and negotiate rates that actually pay what you're worth — with word-for-word scripts.

Feb 21, 2026 11 min read

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How dispatch works, choosing one

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