4 Major Changes That Affect the Way Truck Drivers Work

The romantic image of a life on the road is one of simplicity: you get in your rig and drive, you haul your cargo and collect your money.

But the reality is that it is a business like any other. And, like any other business, you need to be able to adapt to changes in the industry.

New Markets for Owner Drivers

One of the most enticing changes to the transport realm - and to the way truck drivers work in particular - is the emergence of new markets. Online networks and exchanges have given even independent contractors a capacity to capture the market like never before. You can be sitting in your seat by the side of the road and easily access an online freight exchange through your smartphone, liaising with subcontractors, arranging new clients, or working with freight forwarders.

Added Options for Marketing

Advertising can be a burden to the independent contractor. The way truck drivers work may appear simple, but the long and unpredictable hours can be burdensome. While many rely on others to supply work, to attain the freedom of finding your own set of regular clients you must resort to a marketing strategy. Recent changes in the industry have opened doors for people to adopt a brand and broadcast it effectively. From websites to logos, vetted networks to radio spots, online technology has given operators the chance to create a marketing plan simply and cheaply - given they have a clear plan and a solid reputation.

More Reliable Subcontractor Networks

Many truck drivers work by means of one solitary vehicle. The upside of this is in independence and minimum expenses; the downside is the limited ability to adopt numerous contracts. There is simply a finite amount of time you can be on the road and a restricted amount of routes you can take on. But at the same time, refusing work (especially new clients) can be bad for your reputation. While in the past taking on subcontractors seemed beyond the capacity of an independent contractor, online exchanges and interconnectivity within the industry has changed it for the better.

A Variety of Contracts and Schedules

To be able to network 24 hours a day online while subcontracting jobs and reaching a wider market means you can find many different types of work. This results in diverse schedules; you could find yourself working all manner of routes and hours and may find, if you're successful, you have the luxury of choosing the ones that suit you best.

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for haulage work in the express freight exchange industry. Over 4,000 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.