From the TruckMars Blog
Guides on dispatch, rates, compliance, and running a profitable owner-operator business.
Latest Articles
Dispatcher Asking for Your COI? Red Flag
If a dispatcher asks to be added as named insured on your COI, you're one phone call away from a serious problem.
Dispatch Carrier Agreement: What to Look For
Not every dispatch agreement is written in your favor. Here's what a fair one actually looks like.
IFTA Filing Guide for Owner-Operators
IFTA filing isn't complicated once you know what records to keep as you go.
Freight Class Guide: How NMFC Works
Freight class determines your LTL rate. Get it wrong and you'll pay for it after the fact.
What's a Good Cost Per Mile for Trucking?
Your cost per mile is the number every rate decision should be measured against, yet most owner-operators don't actually know theirs.
How to Avoid Deadhead Miles
Deadhead miles are the silent margin killer. Here's how to plan around them.
Percentage vs. Flat Dispatch Fees
The two common dispatch pricing models create very different incentives, so here's how to think about which fits you.
New Authority Checklist: Your First 90 Days
The first 90 days under your own authority are the highest-risk stretch of starting a trucking business, and here's what to get right.
How to Read a Rate Confirmation
A rate confirmation is a contract, so read it like one before you commit your truck.
Detention Pay: How to Actually Get Paid
Detention pay only gets collected when it's documented properly at the dock. Here's how to make sure it does.
Why Brokers Ghost New MC Numbers
It's rarely personal. Most brokers run a blanket policy against new MC numbers regardless of your safety record.
10 Questions to Ask a Truck Dispatcher
A few direct questions upfront save a lot of trouble down the road.
Never Pay a Dispatcher Upfront: Here's Why
A dispatcher who wants payment before finding you a single load is not a dispatcher you want.
How to Leave or Switch Your Dispatcher
Switching dispatchers doesn't have to be messy if you handle the transition the right way.
How to Choose a Truck Dispatcher
The lowest fee isn't always the best deal. Here's what actually separates a good dispatcher from a bad one.
How Fast Can a Dispatcher Get Your First Load?
Most carriers are moving within a couple days of completing onboarding. Here's what affects that timeline.
How Does a Truck Dispatcher Get Paid?
Understanding exactly how a dispatcher earns their fee helps you evaluate whether the arrangement makes sense for you.
Dispatch Service Red Flags to Watch For
Most dispatch scams share the same handful of warning signs. Here's what to watch for before you sign anything.
Carrier Packet Checklist: What You Need
Having your carrier packet ready before you apply is the single fastest way to get your first load booked sooner.
How Dispatch Fees Impact Your Cost Per Mile
A dispatch fee changes your cost per mile less than most carriers assume. Here's the actual math.
Dispatch Contract Clauses Worth Negotiating
Most dispatch agreements have room to negotiate. Here's where it's worth pushing.
Cheap Dispatch Service: What's the Catch?
A dispatch fee well below market rate is rarely just a good deal. Here's what's usually going on.
5% vs. 7% vs. 10% Dispatch Fee: What You Get
The fee percentage alone doesn't tell the whole story. Here's what usually comes with each tier.
Best Free Load Boards for Owner-Operators
Free load boards can work, but they come with real trade-offs against paid options and dispatch.
Owner-Operator Profit Margins in 2026
Margins vary widely by equipment and region. Here's a realistic picture of where things stand.
The Owner-Operator's First Year Guide
The first year sets the pattern for everything after it. Here's what actually matters most.
Hours of Service Rules Explained
HOS rules are simpler than they look once broken into the core limits that actually govern your day.
Trucking Market Outlook: What to Expect in 2026
A few clear trends are shaping the freight market this year. Here's what to watch.
Amazon Relay for Owner-Operators: Worth It?
Amazon Relay offers a different freight model than traditional brokers. Here's what to weigh before signing up.