Happy New Year everyone – 2011 has arrived so it’s time to start thinking of the year ahead before we are here again in a year’s time!

2010 has flown by, and 2011 is certain to do more of the same. Business is picking up and demand for Houston truck sales and services is increasing, which many will probably understand from having to work through the holiday season. Before the year really starts, now is the time to take some stock and plan for the forthcoming year instead of charging at 2011 like a bull.

How Well Did You Do in 2010?

If you have a good accounting system you should be able to see how you stand in revenue and also be pretty clear how much profit you made in 2010.  If you can’t see how you made out financially, that is a cue to sort out your accounting system and look to automate your accounts with a software package such as QuickBooks or get yourself a good trucker accountant.

Looking at 2010 – where did you make the most money?  Which customers gave you the most business?  Which were the most profitable?  Who is open to giving you more business this year?

Knowing how well you did last year is crucial for figuring out what you should be aiming to achieve in the current year – set realistic targets for revenue, budget for major cost items as best as you can and look at what you need to do to earn the profit your trucking operation is capable of.  The key is not to work harder but to work smarter!

Focus on Profitable Customers and Profitable Routes

Understanding which customers are the most profitable is important because they may not be the ones who give you the most work.  Remember to use profit for sanity and turnover for vanity – how much your operation is making is not so important as how much net worth you are creating from your efforts.  Profit comes first always.

Once you have identified those profitable customers, you should give some thought as to how you can increase work from them.  You already have an advantage compared to other truckers – these customers are already doing business with you, so they know you and the service you provide.  What you have to do is to ask for more work – as dumb and obvious as that sounds, most of your competitors are not doing that.

An Ounce of Image is Worth a Pound of Performance

Are you the guy who saunters across the customers yard and into their office wearing flip-flops with a shaggy beard and smelling of beer?  Is your rig battered, dirty and covered with plenty of bare, naked ladies? Are you late when you are doing any of this?

Now ask yourself if I came up to you dressed like a scruff, stinking of nicotine and with a surly demeanor how far would I get in asking for your business?  At the same time, doing something unusual with your rig will help make you stand out from the crowd too – take a look at some of the truck art at Media Bum.

It may not matter to you, but it does to customers – image is everything until you have put in enough performance so the buyer knows you can deliver.  Even then, with some customers they are going to need to be assured that when their cargo is on the road, it is in the hands of a professional outfit which not only acts professionally but looks the part.

Driver Etiquette

For some drivers, being alone in a cab can be a much-needed relief from social life. Being alone gives some drivers time to reflect and think that others working 9-5 jobs in cubicles rarely get. But just because drivers are alone in their cabs, this doesn’t mean that they are exempt from extending professional courtesies to their fellow drivers. Like most other jobs, these courtesies are things that can be learned from being on the job. Thankfully, one web site, Newbie Driver , has compassion for the new driver.

According to Newbie Driver, some of these courtesies are slowly dying out, but they are still good ways to show that you are a professional, kind driver. For instance, Newbie Driver states that truckers sometimes wave at each other on two lane roads, reminiscing back to before the CB radio, when truckers would communicate important information.

Many courtesies are designed with safety in mind. For instance, a trucker will flash his or her lights when another truck has passed him or her in order to tell the other trucker that it is OK to re-enter the lane. The passing truck might respond by flashing the taillights or saying “thanks” over the CB radio. Other safety courtesies include using turn signals and four-way flashers to communicate turning, changing lanes, merging, or slow movement.

Other courtesies are intended to relieve frustration and make sure that truckers can get good rest and then get quickly on their ways. These courtesies include keeping headlights off in truck stop parking lots at night, only using the horn in an emergency at a truck stop, and pulling into a parking spot at a truck stop instead of blocking the fuel line.

While many of these things seem like common courtesies, it would be easy for a trucker to break some of these commandments of the road if he or she did not know their importance. Because you probably wouldn’t want a trucker waking you up with a horn or a bright set of lights, it’s good to avoid those kinds of things when encountering other truckers. New truckers can discover more about this topic or unwritten rules of the road at Newbie Driver.

The Truck Driver’s Checklist

Over the road truckers face a difficult challenge when it comes to what to take to work. While they will be traveling, truckers aren’t going on a vacation, and space is often limited. In addition to their personal items, truckers should make sure they have with them the things that they will need to do their jobs well. For instance, truckers will need logbooks, and tools for recording in them properly.

Newbiedriver.com is a great resource for truckers who are not sure what to bring with them on the road. Maybe they’re just starting out in the trucking industry, or maybe they have switched from being a local driver to going on overnight trips. Whatever the case, this great web has the perfect truck driver checklist with suggestions for truckers considering what to bring.

The truck driver’s checklist includes one of the most important categories of items that truckers should not forget which is their personal items. Of course, this does include toiletry items like soap and other items that you will need for the shower including flip-flops, but it also includes those items that you can’t live without. This means your pillow, your sheets, your blankets, etc.

While you’ve probably gotten used to packing these kinds of items when you’ve gone camping or on trips, you’ll also need a few things that are specific to the life of a truck driver. For instance, you’ll need some tools, such as a wrench, bungee cords, electrical tape, and flashlights in case you need to fix something on your truck yourself.

Also, as a trucker, you’ll need to complete various forms for your company. If you aren’t used to doing all that paperwork, you should know that it is very easy to loose papers, especially while you are driving in a truck. For that reason, you should keep extra sheets and pens handy, as well as briefcase of folder to hold them. An organizer is also a great idea. Finally, when packing everything, you need to realize that conditions will vary on the road. This means that you should prepare for as many circumstances as possible while still trying to keep a limit on what you are packing. Visiting Newbiedriver will give you a good idea of how to start that packing process, as well as some lists.

Home Security and Surveillance Systems

 Although you’re on the road a lot as a trucker, you probably have a home that means quite a bit to you. Whether or not you have a family waiting for you in that home, you want to make sure its safe when you return. Because you are gone for days at a time, it’s sometimes hard to keep track of what’s going on at home. And although neighborhood watches are great, they’re not always everything you need them to be.

 But with Hanscom business and home surveillance models, you can rest assured that your home is safe. These systems use cameras, DVRs, and screens to allow you to monitor your home when you are away. While you can choose from a wide range of setups, Hanscom is there to help you sleep better at night.

But you may be wondering why you would want a home security and surveillance systems  if you won’t be home to catch what your DVR records. With Hanscom, however, you can check out your home remotely over the Internet. That’s right, by using Hanscom’s systems, you can use the Ethernet port option to take a glimpse of what is going on at home even when you’re on the road. And because home is now just a phone call away, you can have the police to your house within seconds.

I’m sure many of you have seen the footage of recent burglars stopped by a woman who was monitoring her home via her office computer. Now, that woman’s success story can be your success story. When you buy a Hanscom monitoring system, you’re not just investing in high-quality electronic equipment, but you’re investing in peace of mind. You never have to worry about coming home in the middle of the night to a robbed house again.

Whether you’re looking to monitor your home while you are away or you have a garage or business that you would rather keep an eye on, Hanscom business and home surveillance systems allow you to keep everything under control, even when you’re across the nation.

Buy Trucks

The road to buying a used semi-truck can be filled with many potholes of disappointment.  First comes the search through classified ads, dealerships, and even bulletins in truck stops.  Once you narrow your search to a few promising trucks, you may discover that they are no longer available or are not as described.  This search does not include the hours spent finding a certified mechanic to check out the trucks or the time it will take you to do research on the used vehicle.  At the end of the search, you may feel exhausted, and you might not even have a new truck to show for your efforts!

With TruckertoTrucker.com, this process becomes much simpler.  This website is a popular resource for truckers and those interested in the transportation industry, which offers listings from  individual truckers and also dealers.  Relaxing in your home or while on the road, this site enables you to view each listing’s detailed description and as many as 20 color photos of each truck, which have been uploaded by the owner of the equipment.  Trucker to Trucker offers an easy to use interface that allows you to search via a variety of criteria or simply browse the categories available—trucks, trailers, trucking equipment, and parts.  The clear photos visible on the web site are almost as good as being there, so truckers can clearly see a good representation of the truck’s condition.  If a dealer sells the truck, potential buyers have a chance to use Trucker toTrucker to view the seller’s web site and contact information.

But that’s not all, truckers looking to buy trucks, trailers, and equipment can even apply to finance trucks through the website, making it a one-stop-shop!  Instead of going to agency after agency looking for used trucks, equipment, and financing, truckers can do it all here, and because this is a site that truckers frequent often, truckers looking to buy, know that they can trust the management.

In addition, using the Trucker toTrucker website to buy your used truck will ensure that you find the trucks that are best for you!  Instead of looking at a dealer in one geographical area or in a classified paper with limited listings, you are able to look at the trucks of those who are passionate about the industry throughout the United States.  This way, you’re more likely to find the truck that is really right for you.  And if you still can’t find that truck, you always have the option to use the site’s “want to buy” tab, where you can fill out a form to get dealers across the country started on looking for your perfect truck.

So why waste the time searching the classifieds or going to the dealers when you can use TruckertoTrucker.com to find the best results in the comfort of your own home?

Buying Used Trucks

For many truckers and those looking to become involved in the trucking industry, a used truck is a cost-effective and practical way of getting into or investing in the trucking business. But although many web sites hale the benefits of buying a used truck, truckers who choose this option should act with care. While good deals are certainly to be found, truckers should not be hasty. The fact of the matter is that trucking is a specialized field, and many trucks are specialized, which might make them difficult to apply to your business. Also, many used trucks have been run hard and constantly, so being sure that you get a truck with a lot of life still in it is important.

For instance, box trucks are usually available with hydraulic lifts, ramps, and other accessories that might be beneficial or necessary to you. If you’re searching for a used truck you want to make sure that the truck is not so old that these accessories are not standard if you need them. In addition, you will need to make compromises when you purchase a used truck, but you must be sure that these compromises that are not essential to what you need in your truck. In other words, don’t get carried away by the price and advertisements, but make sure you actually get what you need.

Trucks also have other amenities, like heated seats, air conditioning, and stereo options that are a good place to start saving. Like cars, trucks that don’t have these amenities are usually cheaper, even when purchased used. It’s even cheaper, from time to time, to add your own features to the truck after the purchase than to buy them on a used model.

While used car sales are high, used truck sales aren’t quite as booming. That’s because many trucks are specialized, and truckers know that trucks are often run until they can barely limp by their previous owners. That being said, there are many good used trucks out there, and buying a used truck is probably the best bet for many truckers, but truckers need to be cautious when examining this option.

Repo Trucks for Sale

Can you find the perfect truck with just a search engine like Yahoo or Google? Most would say probably not, but knowing where you can find repossessed trucks is a good way to start your search for a new truck, and a search engine can help you learn about and find repossessed trucks.

Many types of trucks are repossessed, from semi sleeper cabs to dump trucks to heavy farm equipment. These vehicles are repossessed for many reasons. Probably the most frequent one, though, is the repossession that occurs when a driver can no longer pay for his or her truck or other type of vehicle. Because of this economic downturn, the time to look for a repossessed truck is now.

Although you’ll need to examine repossessed trucks just as closely as you would examine any other used truck model, repossessed trucks can sometimes be in better condition than other used trucks. Often, people who cannot make their payments on trucks realize this quickly into their lease. Other trucks, however, may have been used for quite some time.

Like the used truck market, the repossessed truck market encompasses many models, years, and types. Just because you’re looking for a good deal doesn’t mean there aren’t certain characteristics that you can’t live without. While repossessed trucks may represent a smaller segment of the used truck market, they are often versatile.

A repossessed truck can often be the best solution for truckers who want a relatively new truck at a low price. Repossessed trucks cross many brands, types, and characteristics, but you need to be sure you’re on your guard when you’re looking at the trucks. Make sure you have adequate time to learn about the trucks you’re thinking of buying before you make a decision.

Logbook Regulations

 If you’re a trucker who’s tired of filling out logbooks and worrying about whether your entries are correct, then Road Tracking Services LLC is there for you. In fact, their new books will help you keep track of the important parts of your journey without violating a law.

When you decided to join the transportation industry, you probably didn’t think about the paperwork. In fact, one of the reasons that you’re sitting in the cab instead of at a desk is probably because you’re sick of the office lifestyle. But modern life requires records, and trucking is no different. Without properly maintained logbooks, you’re likely to incur violations, or at least confusion and frustration from your employer. Even though you might be making mistakes out of ignorance, you can still be held responsible for them. That’s where Logbooks Made Simple: A Trucker’s Guide To Better Logs comes in.

This easy-to-use guidebook instructs truckers on how to keep better logs in order to avoid fines and penalties, keep logbooks in compliance, and prevent out of service violations. The author, Darleen Reed, is a former driver who has become a log auditor. Because she used to drive along the highway, Reed can easily inform drivers on how to keep consistent logs with trucker language. Her experience as a log auditor, however, allows truckers to be sure they’re making the right decisions. In addition, Reed owns Road Trucking Services. According to the company’s web site, the author has worked with many drivers to explain violations and why they occur. Because of this, the former driver is experienced in helping other drivers understand the complex realm of logbook regulations.

According to Logbooks Made Simple, the government has introduced even more complex logbook regulations in recent years. These regulations are difficult to understand, so owning a comprehensive guide to keeping logs is now more important than ever. Reed suggests that her lengthy career and interest in the industry gives her the credibility to be your log adviser.

Available from the website, the guide to keeping effective logs is available in single or mass orders, with a discount for mass orders. Because it s new, the book is currently being sold with free shipping, so truckers who can’t wait to make great logbooks should order a copy right away!

Houston Scene

 Whether you’ve been on the road for a few hours or a few days, you deserve a break when it comes to quitting time, and while Houston has become a hot spot for the transportation industry, it’s also a hot spot for entertainment. So, when the work is done, check out some of these happening Houston attractions to cool off for a bit before you head back out to the road.

 As a trucker, you’ve probably never kept normal hours, and you’re probably wishing that more businesses cater to your schedule. Houston has nightclubs that are built around you,  after hours venue for fun and entertainment that are open even when you pull into town in the middle of the night. Featuring some of the hottest modern music presented both by DJs and live shows, and psychedelic lighting effects to back them up, these clubs have style. So if you’re looking for a late-night venue that’s a little more interesting than Taco Bell, these Houston hotspots will be waiting for you.

Of course, all of those hours on the high way may leave you needing a laugh more than a drink. In that case, Houston’s selection of comedy clubs might warrant your presence. In particular, The Improv is sure to arouse laughs from even the most road-weary trucker. Called America’s premiere comedy showcase and restaurant, the club serves up dinner, drinks, and appetizers and the comedians serve up the laughs. Information regarding upcoming performances can be found by visiting the club’s web site.

But if you’re a believe that in Rome you have to do as the Romans do, than in Houston you’ll need to pick up a cowboy hat and some boot and head to the closest country western club. Although there are several country western clubs in the Houston area, Wild West has the best of the north-of-the-border flavor. From food to country western music and dancing to pool tables, the Wild West is a great place for the trucker looking to experience a little bit of Houston-flavor country.

For truckers traveling with families, however, nightclubs, country bars, and even comedy clubs might be unsuitable for all members of the family. Not to worry, though, as Houston has tons of attractions for the little ones that might be enjoying a cab ride with mom or dad. For instance, the Children’s Museum of Houstonis a great attraction for people of all ages. With permanent attractions like a learning to live eco-friendly lab and traveling exhibits and performances including traveling science shows and dancers, the museum is a great attraction at any time of year.

Of course, you can’t think about Houston attractions without considering NASA. The space-exploration headquarters offers tours and exhibits at a visitor’s center. When a shuttle is launching from the neighboring Kennedy Space Center in Florida can watch the event from a visitor’s center in Houston.

 So whether you’re ready to dance to some country tunes, have a drink and a laugh at a comedy club or learn more about space exploration through NASA’s visitor’s center, truckers traveling to the transportation hotspot of Houston can find plenty to do in their down time.

Healthy Living Habits

As summer turns into fall, allergies and hot days and cool nights, along with the thought of winter coming, make most think about their health. For most truckers, staying healthy on the road isn’t easy. Long hours with little rest, sleeping in positions that give you aches and pains, and the stress of loading and unloading cargo are just a few factors that make great health a difficult thing for truckers to attain. Though some think trying to eat right, stay healthy, and avoid habits like drinking or smoking just aren’t worth the less than pleasurable lifestyle they incur, most—especially those working tough jobs—are beginning to realize that staying healthy is key to both success and happiness. To stay healthy on the road, doing research and following doctors’ advice is key, but here are a few steps to get you started.

1. Bring plenty of healthy snacks from home or frequent truck stops near grocery stores/fresh food markets

According to Wayne Parker, a fatherhood columnist for About.com, relying on travel-type snacks is never good for your health. Greasy truck stop cuisine and snack machine fare is a quick way to feeling less than at your best. Coolers packed with fresh fruit and veggies as well as lunchmeat sandwiches make for better eating and better health while you’re on the go.

    2.  Avoid drastic changes in schedule

Even if you’re staying in the same time zone, it’s still possible to feel jet lag. Any time you drastically change your schedule, for instance by getting up much earlier or staying up much later than you are used to, you are subject to feeling the effects on your health, according to Parker.

    3.  Stay Active

Sitting in the driver’s seat all day can take a toll on the muscles in your legs and back. And though it’s tempting to spend breaks lounging in your cab watching television, cruising the net, or even taking a nap, working out or even taking a walk can improve your overall health and the way you feel. Medical science has confirmed the importance of staying active, and even though you have a sedentary job, making time to move is a great way to stay healthy on the road.

    4.  Take Preventative Medication

In addition to eating healthy and staying active, there are several ways to prevent sickness on the road. Taking vitamins, like vitamin C to ward off colds, is one way to make sure you are in your best shape whenever you’re on the road. Other medications, like Airborne, are designed to build up immune systems, making you less susceptible to air born infections. As a truck driver, the amount and variety of your travel exposes you to more germs than most. But preventing succumbing to those illnesses can be as easy as popping a pill.

    5.  Get plenty of sleep

It might he hard, but not only is sleep important to your safety on the road, it’s also important to your health. Sleep depravation weakens the immune system, and can leave you feeling awful, even if you’re the picture of health. If you find sleep hard to achieve, Linda Dessau’s article “10 ways to get a good night’s sleep” points out that starting to calm down an hour before bed, relaxing your muscles, and using imagery to stop a racing mind are some great ways to find rest without counting those sleep.

Though your health might just seem like another thing to worry about while you’re on the long haul, it’s one of the most important factors to consider in your daily routine. Unhealthy drivers feel miserable while they work, and at times, are unable to work at all. For happiness and career success, paying attention to your health is of the utmost importance.