14 Useful Trucking Tools, Equipment & Gear

July 11, 2019 by Paper Transport

Some Helpful Gear to Keep in Your Truck

Carabiner - PTI Equipment — An example of the gear to keep in your truck.

As a Class A CDL truck driver, you need to be prepared for any situation – you never know what’s going to happen on the road! That light bulb that needs changing on a trailer in the middle of the night? You’ll need a flashlight. Can’t get traction in a parking lot in the middle of winter? You’ll need salt to throw down and get going again.

When you’re trucking, there’s basically no way to predict what’s to come. To get you started, here’s a list 14 useful trucking tools, equipment and gear to have around:

Flat jaw vise grips – If there’s a need to fix something, then you’re set. If you blow a brake line, you can clamp the line and back off the brake so you can drive somewhere to get it fixed.
Flashlight – A good flashlight is a definite must for not only using at night, but for when the light is dim and you’re having trouble seeing what you’re working on.
Aluminum Tape – Helpful for making a quick patch when necessary.
Hammer, a few wrenches, and screw drivers – You never know what you might need to fix.
Basic ratchet and socket set – For tightening bolts, screws, and other nuts and bolts that could be loose.
Black electrical tape and a sharp knife – It doesn’t make sense to have one without the other.
Air gage – You’ll need one to track the air pressure in your tires.
Air hose – Can connect it to a glad hand to pump up a tire that’s low.
Broom and dustpan – Cleaning out a trailer is tough without both. To take things a step further, get a whisk broom to make cleaning even easier (or a leaf blower!).
Work Gloves – You need to keep your hands protected. Make sure to buy a good pair.
Coveralls – Perfect for when you need to crawl under a truck or trailer and don’t want to get dirty.
Cleaning Supplies – They come in handy when you’re not near a truck stop and need to clean your windshield.
Zip Ties and Carabiners – Useful for bunching air hoses together and securing trailer doors.
Extra water, oil, and windshield washer fluid – It never hurts to have these items on hand for a quick top-off.

Most of the items on this list of useful trucking tools, equipment and gear were shared by our class a truck drivers at Paper Transport, Inc. They’re very supportive of one another and most will do whatever they can to help their teammates be successful. Don’t believe it? Well, hear it first from one of our drivers:

PT Driver Terrie U — PTI Driver Terrie Ursey.

“What I like about working for PTI is they just don’t look at you as a truck number. When I call in, they call me by my name … And, my coworkers really keep me at the company too. There hasn’t been a time I couldn’t walk up to a PTI driver and ask for help. It means a lot to me that they don’t mind taking the time out of their schedule to help me.” – Terrie Ursey, home weekly Jacksonville dedicated Class A CDL Truck Driver.

If you want to be a member of a supportive team, please call our recruiting team at 1-855-784-5627 or email them at jobs@papertransport.com. Visit our job portal to apply for a driving position with PTI today.

How to Make Your Truck a Home Away from Home

June 20, 2019 by Carla Lee

Some Ideas on How to Make Your Truck Comfy & Cozy

Shown here is the interior of a new PTI Freightliner Cascadia. It’s a blank slate for creativity! The possibilities are endless when it comes to making this space a home away from home!

Over-the-road Class A CDL truck drivers spend a lot of time in their trucks – going days, even weeks, without getting home. That’s why some drivers go to great lengths to turn their rigs into a cozy home away from home.

If you’re an OTR driver, an out-and-back driver, or even a home daily driver looking for some advice on how to do the same, then you’ve come to the right place.

First – Buy supplies and get things organized.
When a driver is assigned a sleeper truck, it typically comes with only a few things including a small storage area, bunk, and a mattress, which is what’s provided at Paper Transport, Inc. For that reason, you’ll need to get other supplies that will last you while you’re on the road. This may include changes of clothes and footwear, bedding, toiletries, cleaning supplies, tools, a first aid kit, and food and snacks (which will be focused on later). After you buy what you need, then it’s important to get it organized. To do so, turn to smaller storage bins and drawers, hanging nets, hangers, and totes to keep things safe from rolling around, neat, and easy to find. (Tip: Secure storage containers with bungee cords to keep in place.)

Second – Make sure your sleeping space is comfortable.
Spec’d mattresses in your rig may not be enough to keep you sleeping sound when you’re out on the road. Consider it an investment by upgrading that mattress and purchasing some high quality bedding. This was pointed out by one of our drivers:

A good supportive mattress and pillow. Comfortable sheets and blanket. That simple setup right there alone makes a difference. It’s a mental thing I guess. My girlfriend got me my sheets and I use an old blanket that has seen more countries then most have seen states. I can’t tell you the thread count, but I know it’s high enough that it’s close to silk without having to worry about sliding off.”
– PTI OTR driver Justin Underwood

Third – Do a little decorating.
Even though you don’t have a lot of space to decorate in your truck, you can still bring some touches from home with you on the road. A few options include adding some photos of family and friends to the walls in your truck, maybe a few small pieces of artwork, some floor mats or a rug, curtains, a small lamp or light (which is also functional to use at night), a string of LEDs, and hanging up a flag.

Fourth – Ditch the truck stop food and set-up a kitchen area.
If you really want to feel like you’re at home while you’re out of the road, then creating a place to cook your own meals is a definite must for your truck. It’s actually pretty easy to do. Simply follow these steps:

Cooking a gourmet meal is possible in a truck. Check out this awesome meal from PTI Driver Daniel Falls!

Install a fridge to store perishable food and use your other storage for items that won’t spoil.
Add a place to prep food like a small folding table where you could place a cutting board to prep your food. Some trucks also have slide out tables that you could place a cutting board.
Add a single electric burner to the mix along with a small frying pan and you’re good to cook a good meal. You could even add a small microwave to your space and a coffee maker to really feel like you’re at home.

Finally – Don’t forget to have something to do when you’re not sleeping.
Your 10-hour break is time to recharge and reboot your body and mind. Eat, sleep, exercise, and entertain yourself. For your home away from home, install a small TV in your truck or buy a tablet to watch movies or shows on Netflix (download the movies to the device while you’re at home to avoid buffering or exhausting your data plan!). Bring books or magazines to read. Pack small weights and other workout equipment to stay fit and active.

As you can see, there are all kinds of ways to make your truck a home away from home. For other ideas on how to make your truck a home away from home, check out these articles and websites:

If you’re an OTR truck driver who is looking for a company that offers quality equipment, solid pay, and great benefits, then please call our recruiting team at 1-855-784-5627, email jobs@papertransport.com, or visit our job portal to see what driving opportunities we currently have available.

The Benefits of Traveling the Road with a Pet

June 13, 2019 by Carla Lee

Traveling with a Pet is a Plus for Class A CDL Drivers

PTI Driver Bonnie Evans and her pooch Ruby. — PTI dedicated company driver Bonnie Evans and her pooch Ruby.

Life can get pretty lonely on the open road for Class A CDL Truck Drivers. They’re by themselves, away from home, not close to family, and are typically visiting places that can be completely unfamiliar to them. To combat the loneliness, more and more truckers are inviting pets to go along with them for the ride.

“I love having my dog with me in the truck! She is always glad to see me, she is great company, and good protection when we go outside and walk,” shared current Paper Transport, Inc. dedicated company driver Bonnie Evans.

It’s not just dogs who are making the trip. Cats, snakes, and other creatures are getting in the cab with their owners. Why? Because battling loneliness is just one of the many benefits of traveling with a pet. What are the others you ask? Well, here’s a list compiled with the help of Bonnie and a few other drivers PTI:

PTI driver Heather Taylor and her pup Kandee. — PTI dedicated company driver Heather Taylor and her pup Kandee.

Exercise – Most pets, particularly dogs, need to be walked to stretch their legs, get some fresh air, and use the bathroom. This gives drivers a reason to do the same and get in some exercise themselves.
Safety and Security – A four legged friend can help keep you safe, as pointed out by PTI dedicated company driver Heather Taylor. “I was asked one day at a truck stop how a little dog was supposed to protect me. I told the driver her job was not to protect me, but to alert me to possible danger so that I could protect me.”
Improved Mental Health – Having a pet around can help people calm down and relax, which can reduce stress and improve their mental health. For example, consider service dogs that have a soothing, calming effect on their owners.
Reducing Fatigue – Yes, believe it or not pets, can help reduce fatigue. How so? Well, this ties into how they help their owners get exercise. It’s due to the fact that pets need bathroom breaks, so, that means their owners will need to take more breaks. That leads to more time out of the truck and more breaks from having to stay focused for long periods of time on the road.
Social Connections – A pet makes it easier to connect socially with others because it’s a great conversation starter. If you’re shy and still want to have some human interaction, a pet may bring out the curiosity of others, leading to some great conversations and interactions.

At Paper Transport, Inc., we recognize the benefits of drivers bringing a pet along with them. However, we still put safety first and that’s why we have a pet-policy in place to keep everyone protected. This policy states that, “Non-daily drivers may bring up to two pets at a time with them on the road. To ensure their safety, pets must be restrained or kenneled while the truck is moving.”

If you’re a Class A CDL Driver who has a pet and is interested in driving for PTI, please call our recruiting team at 1-855-784-5627 or email them at jobs@papertransport.com. We’d love to have you and your companion on our team with Bonnie and, Jenny and Kandee, and all the other drivers and their pets at PTI.

9 Tips for New Professional Class A CDL Truck Drivers

June 6, 2019 by Carla Lee

Some Advice from PTI to Help Drivers in Their New Career

A group photo taken after orientation of Class A CDL Truck Drivers new to the PTI team!

Starting a new career can be tough, especially if you’re entering into an industry that’s completely new to you. Case in point: starting a new career as a professional Class A CDL Truck Driver. Courtesy of the drivers from the Paper Transport, Inc. fleet, here are 9 tips for new drivers:

1. Ask Questions – When you’re starting out, it’s important to ask questions if you don’t understand something or are unsure about what you might need to do next. As Florida driver Roger Herrington puts it: “The only question that is wrong is the one you did not ask.”

2. Slow Down – It doesn’t pay to run around trying to get tasks done as fast as you possibly can and then having to go back and redo all of your work. Wisconsin driver Joseph Vander Loop Jr. explains “it’s not about how fast you work – it’s how smart you work.” Work smarter, not harder.

3. Be Respectful – In any industry, whether in trucking and transportation or hospitality and beyond, the words “please” and “thank you” go a long, long way. Like the Golden Rule says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” In your career, and life, it will help you go a long way.

4. Plan Ahead – This relates to almost everything a driver does each and every day. Not only should you plan the route you’re going to drive, but where you’re going to take a break, what you’re going to eat, how you’re going to handle any kind of delays, where you might want to stop to use the restroom, and so on and so forth. Wisconsin owner operator Bud Weber shares a line from a friend who said it best: “Expect the unexpected and you will not be surprised.”

5. Stay Positive – We all have our moments where we get down, yet what defines us is how we get through those moments and the best way to do it is to stay positive. Missouri driver Kelly Middleton explains it perfectly: “Always look for the good even in a bad situation.”

6. Put Safety First – If you don’t put safety first, you could run into a lot of problems or worse yet, hurt someone else. Do the job the right way. Wisconsin driver Frank Metzenbauer: “Don’t take shortcuts … on the route or with procedures.”

7. Get Your Rest – When it’s time to take a break, listen to your body and take a break. Getting enough rest is key in doing well and it also applies to your mental state. Florida driver George Dean talks about why this is so important: “Reboot your brain every day. Get a good night’s sleep (as many hours as you possible can) and start over.”

8. Be Open to Learning – In trucking, things change almost daily. For that reason, you have to be open to learning new processes, technology, and change. Perfectly put by Wisconsin driver Stephen Runke: “In this industry, about the only thing you can count on is things will change … Adapt and move forward.”

9. Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help – The biggest mistake that anyone tends to make in a new job is not asking for help. Swallow your pride and reach out if you need it. Missouri driver Kevin Skylar Lewis made very, very clear with this advice: “Never let your pride keep you from asking for help. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been driving.”

These 9 tips from PTI drivers definitely offer some valuable insight on what it takes to be successful as a new Class A driver in the industry. In fact, it’s good advice for any driver with any amount of experience because there’s always room for improvement in everything we do.

If you’re interested in joining a team that cares about what it takes to succeed, as shown by the knowledge offered here, please call our recruiting team at 1-855-784-5627 or email them at jobs@papertransport.com. Visit our job portal to apply for a driving position with PTI today.

Things to Consider Before Becoming an Owner Operator – Ready for a Life Change?

May 23, 2019 by Carla Lee

PTI Owner Operators — Paper Transport, Inc. Owner Operators Jay Brockway, Jeremiah Carson, Bud Weber, and Jesse Singh.

Life is Different as an Owner Operator

In this Paper Transport, Inc. blog series about things to consider when becoming a Class A CDL owner operator, we covered a variety of topics from financing to research and taking stock of your skill set. They’re all important factors in deciding whether or not you want to be an owner op. However, the biggest question that you’ll need to ask yourself overall is:

Are you ready for a life change?

Each current and former owner operator we talked to said that you need to be – plus, you also need to be determined and ready to take on whatever comes your way. Here’s what they had to say:

At the end of the day remember, you could be an excellent driver, but that doesn’t always mean you would make a successful owner operator. There is just so much more involved that a lot of drivers don’t see or realize. The thing I cannot stress enough is patience. The first year or two is always the longest and hardest, staying disciplined and patient will go a long way. And never assume you’re done learning and you know it all. This is when mistakes can happen and major things can be missed or downplayed, all of which can really hurt you financially,” explained Jay Brockway, PTI Intermodal Owner Operator.

The change from company driver to owner op is fairly drastic. The owner op is responsible not only for the expenses and upkeep of his equipment, but also the business side of things such as taxes, health insurance, etc.,” said Jeremiah Carson, PTI Dedicated Regional Owner Operator.

The difference between a company driver and an owner operator is massive! First, there is the responsibility of the tractor. The monthly payment, insurance, licensing, and tolls. A company driver doesn’t have these burdens. Second, maintenance and breakdowns! The expense of maintenance and breakdowns can severely affect an owner operator’s bottom line … The trade-off is that a good Owner Operator can earn 4 to 5 times the earnings of a company driver. When I say a good Owner Operator, I mean one that maintains their equipment, is available to take loads every day. A driver that is responsible, safe, and reliable,” stated Bud Weber, PTI Intermodal Owner Operator

Tips for new owner operators are: work smart not hard, control your expenses, and have a financial plan where you are able to save money,” said Jesse Singh, PTI Intermodal Owner Operator.

After reading the Things to Consider Before Becoming an Owner Operator, do you think you’re ready to become an owner operator? Feeling good about your finances, your skills, the research you’ve done, and about a life change? If so, and if you’re interested in our program or simply have questions about it, please call our recruiting team at 1-855-784-5627, email them at jobs@papertransport.com, or visit our owner operator page.

Things to Consider Before Becoming an Owner Operator – Do Your Research

May 16, 2019 by Carla Lee

Photo provided by current PTI Owner Operator Dave Luepke.

It’s Important to Know What’s to Come as an Owner Operator

In the first two parts of Things to Consider Before Becoming an Owner Operator, we focused on the subjects of finances and the skill sets of a would-be owner operators.

Today, we’re focusing on understanding what you’re getting in to. There’s the idea in your head about something and then there’s the real facts. Right now, here are a few tips to help you determine if being an owner operator is right for you:

Reach out to current owner operators – Ask other truck owners what they like and dislike about being on their own vs. a Company Driver. Their honest opinions could provide you with some good insight on if it will be a good fit for you.

Talk to lease-to-own companies – There are different trucking companies that help Class A truck drivers become owner operators. These companies have programs in place where drivers lease a truck from the company, or a bank or credit union, and make payments to eventually own that truck. Make it a point to talk with different ones to understand how they operate and what they can offer potential owner ops.

Head to your local truck dealer – Truck dealers are where owner ops typically purchase their trucks if they’re not going the lease-to-own company route. These dealerships are filled with a lot of knowledge about owning a truck and the industry itself if they’re willing to share.

Ask questions on trucking forums – If you’re reading this article, you are already doing general research online. Take it a step further: Go to Class A Trucking websites that house forums. It’s a great opportunity ask questions and connect with others.

Learn from other business owners – There is a lot that can be learned from business owners who aren’t owner ops. They can give you valuable advice on what it takes to run a successful company, which you can apply to owning your own truck.

Here’s advice from current owner operator leased on with PTI stresses why it’s so important to really investigate what it means to be an owner operator:

“Do your research so you are prepared, whether it’s researching online or asking random owner ops on the road. Being prepared for what’s to come will make planning how to be successful that much easier. So, ask as many questions as you can know matter how stupid a question may seem. Remember this is your career and a life change so get all the knowledge you can.”
Jay Brockway, PTI Current Owner Operator

By doing the above research, you should be able to get some good information on what it takes to be an owner operator. Remember, making the choice to be one shouldn’t be taken lightly and you really need to be sure before you make the leap. If you’d like to learn more about PTI’s Owner Operator program, or simply have questions about being one in general, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Please call our recruiting team at 1-855-784-5627, email them at jobs@papertransport.com, or visit our owner operator page.

Check back next week for the final part of this blog series. And, learn more about the first two parts by visiting Part One: Finances and Part Two: Knowing Your Skills Set.

Things to Consider Before Becoming an Owner Operator – Know Your Skill Set

May 9, 2019 by Carla Lee

Having a Well-Rounded Skill Set is Key for Owner Operators

In the first part of the Things to Consider Before Becoming an Owner Operator series, we focused on the financial aspect of starting your own business. Today, we’re going to focus on the skills that you should have in order to be successful.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Are you a chameleon?
How well do you deal with being alone and in charge? Can you promote yourself and your business when you need to? Are you able to shift from one to the other in the blink of an eye? Owner Operators must be able to adapt to the present situation and see opportunity.

2. How do you feel about planning, preparation, and looking for companies to haul freight for?
To be successful, you need to have a plan in place about how you’re going to run your business. Like a brick and mortar business owner, successful owner operators develop a business plan so they have a guide to follow on what their goals are and what they need to do to accomplish those goals. If you’re not all that fond of planning and preparation, you might want to reconsider being an owner operator or seek professional help in building a plan you can stick to.

3. Do you like or dislike doing paperwork?
Much like planning and preparation, there is a lot of office work that’s required as an owner op. For example, there are bills of lading that you need to submit to companies for payment, receipts to keep in order for tax time, and bank accounts to keep track of.

4. Do you have the skills to be a mechanic?
It costs money to maintain your tractor and one way to save on money is to learn how to do things yourself. If you have some decent skills as a mechanic, you have the opportunity to keep your truck running without having to pay someone else to do it for you.

Here’s a current PTI owner operator’s advice about the skill set you should have:

“Having common mechanical skills will be greatly beneficial as an owner operator … Being prepared with tools and simple parts and having the knowledge to use all of them can save you hundreds and maybe even thousands. Fixing small things early yourself could prevent larger expensive repairs down the road.” – Jay Brockway (shown to the left)

And, a take on the skills needed from another current PTI owner operator:

“I don’t think it’s as important to have mechanic skills than it is to have have an understanding of the mechanics itself. If you understand the make-up of the equipment you can explain your problem to someone more mechanically inclined than yourself and can avoid being ripped off.”
– Jeremiah Carson (shown to the right)

Just having a good understanding of your finances, knowing your skill set (and whether or not it’s developed enough) is something you should think about before becoming an owner operator. PTI’s owner operator program offers access to our maintenance facility at reduced prices, discounts on fuel, and help with trip planning and preparation. If you’re interested in our program, please call our recruiting team at 1-855-784-5627, email them at jobs@papertransport.com, or visit our owner operator page.

Check in next week for part three of this blog series, which will focus on doing your research before becoming an owner op.

Main photo provided by current PTI Owner Operator Bud Weber.

Things to Consider Before Becoming an Owner Operator – What Are Your Finances?

April 29, 2019 by Carla Lee

Owner Operators Need to Stay on Top of Their Finances

In the trucking industry, there are two main ways to earn an income as a Class A CDL Truck Driver. The first is by working for someone else as a company truck driver. This is a solid way to earn a paycheck, but there are some drivers who more control over everything they do, what they drive, and how they operate. This brings us to the second way to earn money as a Class A CDL Driver: Becoming an owner operator. The major benefit of becoming one is that you’re in charge and the decision to go your own way is something that should be taken very, very seriously.

To see if becoming an owner operator is the right decision for you, Paper Transport, Inc. will be sharing a series about things to consider before becoming an owner operator. Today, we’ll be focusing finances.

When it comes to finances, there are two big things to think about before taking the leap to own your own truck and run your own business.

Do you have the capital to start? In order to own your own truck, you need to invest in yourself and your business as an owner operator. That means, you need to have enough money to start your business to properly fund the lease or purchase of your truck. Other considerations include insurance (both for yourself and your business), your USDOT, and Motor Carrier Number from the FMCSA, and many other expenses.
What about a cash reserve? Even if you have the capital to start, it’s also important to have a cash reserve to pay for unexpected things that come up when you’re on the road. Are you ready for truck maintenance or tows if your truck happens to break down? Without that extra money in the bank, you might be forced to extend your credit and that will put you in a financial hole that could be hard to get out of.

Jeff Clark, 18-year Owner Operator and contributor to the TeamRunSmart blog, shared the following thoughts with us on finances:

“It is important for an owner operator to be on solid personal financial ground when they start. An 800 credit rating is more important than $10,000 in the bank. They should have the capability of obtaining bank financing. Too many owner ops start out with a poor credit score and become subject to predatory lending. They are about 95% likely to fail.”

As you can see, finances are a big thing to consider when becoming an owner operator. At PTI, we have many regional or dedicated opportunities that offer consistent freight and weekly pay. If you own your own truck that’s a 2000 model or newer and you’re interested in our program, please call our recruiting team at 1-855-784-5627, email them at jobs@papertransport.com or visit our owner operator page.

Check back next week where we discuss Knowing Your Skill Set in our series Things to Consider Before Becoming and Owner Operator.