Use these insights to decide if you’re ready to commit to being an owner-operator.

Are you thinking about making the leap from employed truck driver to owner-operator? Despite the obvious differences of being able to make your own schedule and choose your own loads, there’s also a lot of responsibility that comes with being an owner-operator. Where a lot of freedom is given, much is earned.

At Bennett, we trust and respect our owner-operators in all areas of the business, which has directly contributed to our success. If you’re questioning whether or not the owner-operator lifestyle is for you, there are several factors you should consider before making the leap. Bennett drivers offer the following advice on some aspects of the job you may not have considered.

1. Make Sure You File for a USDOT and MC Number

Before you can become an owner-operator, you’ll need to have a registered USDOT number as well as a Motor Carrier number, which allows you to operate. There is a one-time $300 federal fee for this.

2. Do Your Research

Driver Terri-lynn McNeese says it’s important to do your homework before committing to the owner-operator life. “My husband and I did our research years before jumping in,” McNeese says. “We talked to people who were successful owner-operators to learn from them beforehand.”

McNeese stresses, “No question is a dumb question. Find a mentor in the business and follow their lead.”

3. Understand Your Equipment Costs

As a company driver, a lot of the costs associated with the actual trucks aren’t felt personally. As an owner-operator, this isn’t always the case.

Truman Hardin, a Bennett owner-operator, estimates that 60 percent of his income goes back into his truck. He says, “We make great money, but what a lot of people don’t realize is much of that goes into fuel and maintenance costs.” Nonetheless, for Hardin, being an owner-operator is “a hard yet rewarding job.”

“I’ve been an owner-operator since 1974. I come from a trucking family but didn’t want to drive for anyone. Just make sure you know your limitations when it comes to the laws and be prepared to have some good stories to bring home.”

4. Have Your Finances in Order

Being an owner-operator requires some major financial planning. The truck alone costs thousands of dollars, not including insurance or other costs. McNeese says, “Know how to handle your money. That’s the one thing I would have loved someone to tell me. Know when you’re getting in over your head.”

McNeese also recommends finding a great accountant and saving for emergencies.

“Have yourself a nest egg you can fall back on. You’re doing nothing but accruing bills when you’re on the road. You’ve got to have a solid foundation and be ready for anything to happen. Not a ton of cash, but be prepared for a week or two of down time, plus repair costs if your truck needs repairing.”

5. Paperwork is Involved

Lastly, owner-operators fill out lots of paperwork. Period. Jeffrey Littlejohn, a Bennett owner-operator, says the job requires a lot of behind the scenes work to be successful.

“I like to see the machine run, so I set goals for myself and try to get better every day. Treat this job like a business; save your money and stay on top of your paperwork. It’s the difference between being successful and not.”

If you’re considering a career change, it’s time to think about joining Bennett. If you want to learn more about what it’s like to drive with us, contact one of our recruiters at 800-367-2249!

Whether you’re on the road or at home, here’s how to have a fruitful weekend.

We often think of Memorial Day Weekend as the “beginning” of summer. However, it’s also a time to reflect. In America, Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of May to both remember and honor the fallen members of our armed forces.

There are plenty of ways to both pay your respects and celebrate the holiday simultaneously, including those drivers who might be out on the road. For those who are on the road, we’ve got a few suggestions for you to keep in mind in order to have a safe and happy holiday while driving.

Driving Tips For Memorial Day Weekend

With more than 36.6 million Americans traveling by automobile throughout Memorial Day Weekend, keeping heightened safety in mind is key.

Before you begin a trip, be especially mindful of how much fuel you have, your tire pressure, and other fluid levels. Because travel time is likely to take longer, it’s critical to have your truck prepared for a haul.
Because of the high volume of traffic on the roads, try to minimize the number of times you change lanes, keeping in mind truck lane restrictions.
Since Memorial Day kicks off the summer driving season, now is a good time to check your emergency kit. Make sure you have a fully charged fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, a gallon of both oil and coolant, emergency food and water, and a first-aid kit.
Keep in mind that there are going to be drivers on the road who might be carrying a boat or jet skis who aren’t accustomed to traveling with them. Allow for extra space and room to break in case of an emergency.

Celebrating on the Road

A cookout might be one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of the holiday. Whether it’s hosting a terminal barbecue or grilling on your own, there are options. If you’re searching for a grill you can pack away and take on the road with you, here are some of the best:

Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared Grill: At 20 pounds, this 14,000 BTU infrared grill packs the most heat of any portable grill.
Napoleon TravelQ TQ285 Portable Gas Grill: Both lightweight and compact, this grill can be carried with one hand.
Weber Jumbo Joe Portable Charcoal Grill: At only $70, this charcoal grill is big enough for a full-sized cookout in a portable container.

Watch a Parade

Plenty of small towns and cities have annual Memorial Day parades. Check the local paper if you’re taking your reset hours on the road to stop by and enjoy while traveling.

Visit a Cemetery

Along the road, you’ll find plenty of veterans’ cemeteries where you can place flags on graves to pay respect to those who have lost their lives fighting for our country.

Eat Some BBQ

If you don’t have a grill or don’t feel like making a mess while on the road, check to see if one these Top 25 Best Barbecue spots in America is along your route.

Enjoy Time Off

If you happen to be a driver who isn’t hauling freight on Memorial Day, use the weekend to spend time with the ones you love the most. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend with your entire family.

Whether you’re making the usual family rounds or working at home in between family visits, there are so many ways to enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend as a truck driver.
To learn more about Bennett Motor Express and our drivers, check out www.drive4bme.com.

Save thousands on truck tires each year by avoiding these 4 common mistakes.

Truck tires play a significant role when it comes to hauling freight. In fact, they are one of the most important assets of your truck. Truck tires significantly contribute to fleet operating costs and fuel consumption. A good tire management program can end up saving you thousands as a small business owner, helping you keep more money in your pocket.

Truck tires found on commercial vehicles usually weigh more than 10,000 pounds in Gross Vehicle Weight. Generally constructed of a single steel body ply with three or four steel belts under the tread, truck tires are designed to last hundreds of thousands of miles on their original tread. Afterwards, they can be retreaded and put back into service for many more miles.

More importantly, tires for big trucks play different roles depending on their mounting position. The front tires are used for steering, the trailer tires bear the payload, and the rear tires on the trailer help shoulder the weight of heavier loads while equally distributing energy onto the road itself. Therefore, when a tire is scrapped, it’s usually not a result of the tire itself. It’s often due to preventable problems.

The following includes the suspects of premature tire death, and what you can do to ensure you get the most out of yours.

1. Underinflated Truck Tires

This is the most common factor in tires that are ruined prematurely. According to the American Trucking Associations’ Technology and Maintenance Council, you should be checking your tire pressure once a week. This should take you no longer than 20 minutes and could save you lots of money in the long run.

Just 10 percent underinflation will shorten tread life by approximately 9 to 16 percent. When tires are underinflated, there’s not enough air to properly support the load, which causes heat buildup and results in the softening of the rubber.

To get the most out of your tires, experts suggest tire inflation monitors or using an accurately calibrated tire gauge. Some companies even offer ways to help drivers offset the costs of tires over time. Here at Bennett, we understand the importance of preserving tires for as long as possible, which is why we also offer exclusive tire discounts for our owner-operators.

2. Road Hazards

Unfortunately, the most unpredictable road hazards are the most difficult to manage when it comes to tires. Curb strikes and glass or a nail in the tire often results in having to purchase a replacement. However, you can moderate this issue by getting the proper repairs when applicable. Inspect your tires for this type of damage to prevent a roadside service call.

3. Duels That Don’t Match

Mismatched duels can cause early wear and tear on your truck tires. If there’s an inflation mismatch greater than 5 psi, this means the larger tire will drag the smaller one; for roughly 246 miles for every 100,000 miles driven. The larger tire does the heavy lifting, while the underinflated tire doesn’t make proper contact with the road. This ultimately cases the tire to wear faster. Once again, this problem can be prevented by using a tire gauge to ensure even pressure on the duels.

4. Misalignment

There are several different types of tire problemsthat result from misalignment including toe-in wear, toe-out wear, full shoulder wear, one-sided wear, feather wear and thrust angle-induced full shoulder wear. Alignment refers to more than just the various angles of the steer axle geometry, but also includes the trailer and tracking of all axles on the vehicle.

In order to check trailers for accurate alignment, you must first measure from the kingpin to the front axle, and then from the front axle to the rear. If the dimensions are nearly identical, this means your truck is properly aligned. Check out this helpful video to see how to properly measure your trailer alignment.

Overall, your truck tires need some TLC to get the most use out of them. However, when you do need new tires, Bennett has great discounts with several of the most well-known manufacturers. Our discount tire brands include Continental, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Michelin, Double Coin and Yokohama.

If you’re considering a career change, it’s time to think about joining Bennett. To learn more about what it’s like to drive with us, or if you’d just like more information about Bennett Motor Express, visit www.bennettig.com, or contact one of our recruiters at 800-367-2249!

Truck drivers, owner-operators and fleet managers share why Bennett is the ideal trucking company to grow your career.

It’s common to see many truck drivers stay in the trucking industry for several years. Because of this, there are plenty of lessons to be learned, places to be explored and perks of the job that keep drivers coming back year after year. In many ways, being a driver is more than just a job – it’s a lifestyle.

From benefits to noteworthy advice, drivers explain why Bennett provides them with opportunities they simply can’t find anywhere else. Read on to hear what drivers enjoy most about their jobs and why so many of them have stayed in their roles for the long haul.

1. Learn Life Lessons

Spending a lot of time on the road allows for plenty of self-reflection and learning on the go. James Fisher, who recently retired from Bennett, says he’s learned patience during his long tenure with the company.

“If you can’t be patient, you’ll never have success as a driver,” says Fisher. “Having patience on the road translated over into other aspects of my life even when I wasn’t driving. It’s a great quality to have.”

Current driver Morgan Tiedemann agrees he’s learned patience, but says he’s also learned to truly appreciate spending time with his family.

“Being a driver has made me appreciate the importance of family. Getting home is one of my favorite parts of driving because it means I get to spend quality time with my family. I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Tiedemann says.

Driver Timothy Weber says he’s learned to be more independent. Because truck driving requires you to Due to the seclusive nature of the job, Weber says truck driving has taught him to take care of himself first and foremost.

“Driving has made me really independent,” says Weber. “It’s important to watch your back and look out for yourself. I think more people need to learn this in life. It’s truly one of the most important lessons when it comes to making sure you’re focused on your goals moving forward.”

2. Travel the Country

One of the most appealing aspects of being a truck driver is getting to drive across the United States when delivering loads. For Frank Yanicki, there’s nothing better than reveling in the beauty of the country. He admits he’s never seen anything as amazing as the Oregon and Washington Coast.

“I wish other people got to see what I’ve witnessed as a driver. There are some amazing sights to see in the United States and working in this industry has allowed me to experience a lot of them,” says Yanicki.

While veteran driver J.W. Jackson has spent many years traveling along the west coast, he now prefers to stick around the Southeast region. “I used to love traveling to California and getting to see the coast, but now I enjoy the Southeast. The countryside and its quietness can be really nice.”

3. Lots of Freedom & Independence

Typical 9-5 jobs with set hours and strict schedules can feel stifling, but as an owner-operator, you get to pick and choose when you work. Driver David Jackson enjoys not having to abide by a forced dispatch.

“There’s never going to be an issue of the company saying, ‘Surprise! This is the load you’re taking and this is where you must go,’ Jackson says. “Instead, I have full freedom to pick from the load board.”

Also, because Bennett has several different business units offering various types of services to diverse clientele around the world, you’re not only limited to being a truck driver. You can drive for Bennett’s DriveAway Program, our HeavyHaul division,

Driver Donald Robb says he feels “totally independent” as a driver with Bennett. Working for the company has provided him many good agents who offer good advice for how to pick his loads. Being independent in his job has become one of the most critical factors to achieving success in the trucking industry throughout the years.

4. Meet New People

Delivering loads means you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the people you’re transporting goods to. Many owner-operators agree that interacting with consignees and other personnel along the way is one of the most enjoyable parts of the job.

Driver John Cain says he’s confident the trucking industry is one of the friendliest. “There are a lot of good people in this industry. Everyone wants to help everyone, which makes it a good field to work in.”

J.W. Jackson says meeting new people every single day is something he enjoys most because it keeps his job interesting by getting a chance to hear the stories and experiences of those he may interact with.

Whether it’s dropping off a load or interacting directly with Bennett employees, drivers enjoy the opportunity to work with great people on a daily, weekly, and sometimes monthly basis.”

5. Enjoy Great Benefits

Bennett provides its owner-operators with some of the best benefits in the industry. According to Donald Robb, same day pay is his favorite part of being a partner here at Bennett.

“For lots of folks, they have to wait a week or two before they get a paycheck. Not me. I get my money right away.”

Harold Miller confirms, “The pay is great. Being a truck driver gives me the opportunity to keep moving while still getting paid.”

If you’re considering a career change, it’s time to think about joining Bennett. To learn more about what it’s like to drive with us, or for more information, visit www.drive4bme.com, or contact one of our recruiters at: 800-367-2249.

Driver Jimmy Wright shares live video drone footage of complex, heavy haul slug catchers transport.

Heavy haul trucking may not be the most glamourous, but it’s surely a sight to see. Bennett Motor Express driver Jimmy Wright recently put his high-tech video drone to use to capture live video footage of a massive move involving two slug catchers; huge steel vessels that separate natural gas and oil to remove “slug” or unwanted particles. Slug catchers are the first step in cleaning natural gas and provide a cleaner gas product for the second stage of the conversion process.

“A lot of people think natural gas is already pure and clean when it comes out the ground,” Jimmy says, “but it has to go through multiple stages, separators and compressors before it can be clean enough for us to use.”

Jimmy is a pro at hauling massive pieces of equipment like slug catchers. Throughout his career, he’s successfully completed over a hundred heavy haul transports weighing hundreds of tons all across the country. This particular move required the assistance of Bennett’s sister company, BOSS Crane & Rigging. BOSS provided a 330-ton capacity Liebherr LR 1300SX crawler crane to lift the units from the trailers and mount them for installation. There were 4 riggers and operators used for each lift.

We were fortunate enough to get a first-hand look at the move in action. Check out the video below for highlights from this amazing transport:

While Jimmy and the Boss Crane & Rigging teams make it look easy, transporting slug catchers is no easy feat. A move like this involves months of planning and preparation and a dedicated team of professionals. From state permits and local police escorts, to external bridge engineers and crane riggers and operators, it takes a true team effort to cover every inch of the route.

When asked about the most difficult part of executing moves like these, Jimmy responded, “It’s all in the planning. You’ve got to have the correct planning. Once you plan out your move, you select your equipment and start moving forward with the process.” He also credits his experienced team to the success of each trip.

“I can do these types of moves because of the people who work for and with me. If I don’t have the right people in the truck along with the right support crew, it’s not gonna’ move.”

Jimmy’s been working with his crew for 15 plus years, and each individual is responsible for various parts of the move. In addition to holding safety meetings every morning, reviewing routes for potential obstacles and ensuring the proper technicians are in place, Jimmy says it is vital to work with a group he can trust.

Bennett drivers share their top must-have items for life on the road.

As a driver, the cab of your truck is like a second home. Many drivers have found some creative ways to make those long hours spent on the road more enjoyable. In fact, some drivers attest to a few accessories or necessities they simply can’t go without while traveling. One of the benefits of being an owner operator is the ability to customize your truck to create an enjoyable ride that’s uniquely your own.

We asked Bennett drivers across the nation what some of their favorite must-have items were for the road. Read on to find out how drivers stay entertained and comfortable for even the longest hauls.

Entertainment On The Go

Pandora Radio: Driver Kenneth Roper says he wouldn’t be able to drive without Pandora. This music-streaming service allows listeners to pick a genre, song or artist to create custom radio stations or playlists that queue up similar music selections along the way. Roper’s personal favorite station is Platinum Blonde, a Canadian based new wave band. The Pandora app is available for both Android and iOS devices.

SiriusXM: SiriusXM is by far the most popular choice among Bennett drivers. SiriusXM offers three satellite and online radio subscription services: Sirius Satellite Radio, XM Satellite Radio and SiriusXM Radio. You can enjoy commercial-free music from every genre and easily listen to live play-by-play sports, news, talk shows and more 24/7.

Drivers Jerald Skinner and Carl Lawrence both agree that Old Time Classics radio on Channel 148 is unbeatable. “Us old timers grew up on the radio,” says Lawrence, “so it’s nice to go back and listen to the songs that remind us of our childhood memories.”

SiriusXM delivers for drivers like Skinner who enjoy staying current on the latest news, as well as sports junkies such as Steve Boozer who swears by New England Patriots radio, and Donald Weathers who prefers to switch it up between NASCAR radio and Prime Country. “SiriusXM has gotten me through lots of long nights and early mornings,” says Weathers. With over 175 available channels, SiriusXM has something for everyone.

Satellite TV: Driver Darren McClure swears by his satellite television. “When you’re driving in a truck all day, you sometimes lose touch with what’s going on in the world,” McClure says. “I like satellite TV because it offers several channels to choose from and provides access to the outside world.”

There are quite a few satellite TV providers to choose from and some have even been created specifically for truckers. Satellite TV is another great way for drivers to stay connected and entertained while on the road.

Comfort is Key

Drivers know there’s nothing worse than being cold. Any accessory that brings overnight comfort for the nights you sleep in your truck is crucial. Driver Robert Wilbur’s new favorite accessory is his Espar Bunk Heater. Bunk heaters allow you to stay warm without running your truck, saving you lots of fuel. “That heater is the best thing that’s ever happened to me” says Wilbur. “I’ve ran the heater at 15 degrees and it keeps me warm. That bunk heater is a game changer.”

Over the course of Jerry Boyd’s almost twenty years with Bennett, he’s learned that comfort is key. His two favorite accessories are his bed and air conditioning; basic yet vital for ultimate comfort.

Interconnected Travel

Mobile Phones: Before the era of cell phones, it wasn’t uncommon for drivers to go a full day without talking to their families. “I used to have to wait on a telephone booth to call my wife” says driver Darren McClure. “I’d call her on Tuesday night to tell her I was fine, then again on Thursday night. I don’t know what I would do without my phone now.”

Driver James Shaffer agrees, but for a different reason. “My cell phone makes communication with the dispatchers effortless. I rely on it for all methods of communication with the terminal managers, and everything else in between.” Whether it’s to stay connected with loved ones or to make your jobs more seamless, mobile phones have surely become a necessity for most drivers.

Reliable GPS: David Hammond still swears by his GPS after 14 years with Bennett. “I’ve got a Rand McNally GPS, and it’s my survival tool. I’m on round-trip routes, so I rely on it instead of always having to look at my phone for directions.”

Eating Well on the Road

Wacky schedules and irregular meal times make eating on the road a hazard in and among itself which is why many drivers prefer to bring their own food. Amos Miller has been driving with Bennett since 1986 and says his refrigerator is his go-to accessory. “My girlfriend makes meatloaf and pork chops and freezes them for me. I put them in my fridge and eat them while I’m on the road. It cuts back on the number of times I have to stop, and it helps me eat healthier.”

Dow Woolsiher says his microwave is his favorite accessory. “I just had to buy a new one, in fact. My wife always gives me our leftovers to take on the road to heat up,” said Woolhiser. It can be difficult to find healthy snacks on the go, but it’s always a good idea to keep a few travel snacks, such as granola bars, nuts or even dry fruit and cereal for times where you may run into unexpected delays.

There are many ways to ensure a comfortable, entertaining, yet safe trip. Finding the right items and accessories for your truck can make a huge difference in your driving experience and help set you up for success.

To learn more about Bennett Motor Express and our drivers, check out http://www.drive4bme.com/testimonials/

Bennett welcomes 5 new drivers to our growing fleet. From left to right: Joey Veal, Jermaine Jackson, Michael Mcbride, David Allen, and Brand Nielsan. David Allen and Brand Nielsan are both retired veterans. Welcome to the Bennett family!

Yes, you can download and print the PDF application, and mail or fax it in to our recruiting department.

Bennett Motor Express Printable Application

This week Bennett added 5 new drivers to our fleet. From left to right: Dennis Walker, Howard Hayward, Angel Montano, Otis Edwards, and Donald Huberd. Welcome to the Bennett family!

It’s no secret that the trucking industry provides an opportunity to make good money, along with quality benefits and time spent at home. Despite this, being self-employed as an owner-operator truck driver also means you’ll have to learn how to successfully conquer the challenges of taxes. To ensure success as an owner-operator, it’s critical that you learn how to effectively manage your money by planning for taxes and keeping accurate records. You’d be surprised at the amount of money you’ll save when you do all these things. Use the following suggestions to help you prepare for tax filing season:

Plan Ahead

Keeping track of your costs is arguably the most important element when it comes to taxes. Learning where you can reduce spending is also helpful. ATBS is a great resource for this.

On December 20, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became a law that affects both individuals and businesses – including owner-operators. While nothing will change with per diem reporting, owner-operators can now deduct 20 percent of business profit before paying taxes, including sole proprietorship, LLC, S-Corp, and Partnerships.

A second aspect of planning ahead includes taking the time to prepare a budget. By having a system in place, you’ll find that keeping track of your expenses and incomes isn’t so hard after all.

Watch the Bennett and ATBS Road2Success Teleforum on Taxes for more great info.

Know Your Expenses and Deductions

True expenses can be determined by figuring out your minimum cost to operate. In order to avoid any mishaps, it’s a good idea to set aside 10 percent of your income for emergencies. Another solid piece of advice is to allow for both planned and unplanned maintenance. Oil changes are expected, but you never know when you might pop a tire on some unexpected debris.

Your tax deductions that result from being an owner-operator are defined as “ordinary and necessary” expenses. However, this doesn’t mean that anything useless or extravagant will be counted as a legitimate deduction. Deductible expenses include:

Diesel
Oil
Coolant
Tired
Replacement parts
Costs for maintenance
Fees related to servicing, installation, and delivery
Repairs (if you perform them yourself, you can only deduct for parts, but not for time)

While the cost to maintain your tractor trailer counts toward tax deductions, so do many of the costs associated with being an actual driver. One of the largest deductions for trucking employees include per diem for meals, which varies by state. Over-the-road drivers who are away from home for a certain number of days can claim standard meal deductions on his or her taxes. With the new tax law, owner-operator rates for 2018 are $63 per full day and $47.25 for a partial day within U.S. borders.

Other deductions directly related to you include:

Office supplies and maintenance for an in-home work space that meets the requirements of the IRS as a designated area
Shower facility costs and laundry services
Work clothing and safety equipment
Any supplies geared towards the business side of trucking

To avoid triggering an audit, you should make sure not to claim too much. The following list includes non-deductible expenses that should be left off:

Reimbursed expenses
Clothing that counts as everyday wear
Home phone
Interest on personal loans
Personal vacations
Student loan interest or principle

Keep Detailed Records

All it takes is a little bit of organization to accurately reflect what you spend versus take in when it comes time to do your taxes. Make your own worksheet that incorporates fixed costs. These are costs that remain the same from month-to-month such as truck payments, insurance costs, medical insurance, licenses, permits, and highway use taxes. Next, don’t forget to include variable costs that are subject to change. Some of these might be fuel costs, tools and supplies, repairs, parts, and cell phone costs.

Lastly, know your cost per mile. This can be the difference between success and failure. Keep track of your miles each month, and then divide your costs by your number of miles driven to get your CPM result. Determining this number is a good representation of how well you are doing.

Being an owner-operator obviously has its benefits when it comes to taxes and expenses, but it’s important to stay on top of your records. Aside from this, it’s probably a smart idea to work with a tax preparer who is knowledgeable about the industry in order to help with any changes to the law that could affect you.

If you’re looking to make a change in your career as an owner operator, or if you’d just like more information about Bennett, contact one of our recruiters at 800-367-2249!