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Feb 29, 2024

African Immigrants: Success as Over-the-Road Truckers in the US

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African immigrants have been contributing to the fabric of the United States for decades. They bring a diverse set of skills, culture, and unique perspectives that enrich the nation. Over the years, many of these immigrants have found success in various industries across the country. Among these industries is the trucking sector, where African immigrants have carved a niche as over-the-road truckers.


The trucking industry plays an essential role in the US economy, transporting goods and services across the vast landmass of the country. Over-the-road truckers, in particular, drive long distances to deliver products from coast to coast. They are responsible for making sure that stores have the merchandise on their shelves and factories get the raw materials they need. African immigrants have been increasingly embracing this profession, driven by various factors.


Opportunities for Independence:


Trucking offers an opportunity for immigrants to work as independent contractors or even establish their own trucking companies. African immigrants, in particular, have found a sense of autonomy in this industry, as it allows them to chart their own career paths and enjoy the benefits of self-employment.


Financial Incentives:


The trucking industry offers relatively high pay compared to other sectors available to recent immigrants with limited education or credentials. With the consistent demand for long-haul truckers, immigrants find themselves in a position where they can provide for their families back home or build a future in the US.


Availability of Jobs:


The US trucking industry has faced a shortage of drivers for several years. This deficit means that there are opportunities for individuals willing to take on the challenging job of long-haul trucking. Immigrants from African countries have found these open positions to be a viable way to establish themselves in the US.


Community Support:


As the number of African immigrants in the trucking industry grows, a sense of community has formed. These truckers often share information, help one another with logistics or job leads, and even support each other financially in times of need.


Cultural Values:


African immigrants often come from cultures that prioritize hard work, resilience, and determination. These values align well with the requirements of long-haul trucking, where drivers spend extended periods on the road, often in challenging conditions.


However, the journey to success is not without challenges. Over-the-road truckers often face long hours, time away from family, and the potential for health issues due to sedentary lifestyles. Language barriers and unfamiliarity with the regulatory environment can also pose hurdles for immigrants.


But many African immigrants have overcome these obstacles with determination and support from their communities. They have learned to navigate the intricacies of the US trucking industry and have found success. As their presence in the industry grows, they continue to contribute not only to the US economy but also to the rich tapestry of American culture.


Bloom Services, Inc


Here at Bloom Services, we are 100% OTR trucking. We offer newer trucks, and cover trailer and cargo liability. We do not pay base on mileage, rather we pay 82% gross load. This is beneficial for strong drivers with a decent work ethic, you will earn based on the actual load rather than mere miles. Our drivers average $3,000 plus a week take home pay after all expenses, like fuel, truck rent, etc. If you have Grit, and the endurance to consistently deliver loads and run for at least three weeks at a time, you can take home $150K a year. If you are interested, apply now.

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Double brokering is a term that has gained notoriety within the logistics and transportation industry. While it may not be a familiar term to the public, it has serious implications for those involved in shipping and logistics. This article will delve into the concept of double brokering, its impact on the freight industry, and the potential consequences for those involved. Defining Double Brokering Double brokering occurs when a freight broker or intermediary contracts with a carrier to move a shipment, and then the contracted carrier re-brokers the shipment to another carrier. This practice can be considered unethical and, in some cases, illegal. It essentially involves a middleman within a middleman, which can lead to confusion, increased costs, and compromised shipment quality. Reasons Behind Double Brokering There are various reasons why double brokering may occur in the freight industry, including: Capacity Constraints: During periods of high demand, it can be challenging for carriers to find available capacity. Double brokering may be used to source additional capacity from other carriers. Financial Gain: Some carriers or intermediaries may engage in double brokering to increase their profit margins. By brokering a shipment to a second carrier at a lower rate, they can pocket the difference. Market Fluctuations: Carriers may accept a shipment at a particular rate, only to find that market rates have changed. They may then attempt to re-broker the load to another carrier at a more favorable rate. Impact on the Freight Industry Double brokering can have several negative consequences for the freight industry , including: Increased Costs: As there are multiple intermediaries involved, the cost of the shipment may be inflated due to additional brokerage fees. Reduced Visibility: Shippers may lose visibility into the shipment’s status and the actual carrier responsible for transporting their goods. Compromised Quality: With multiple parties involved in the shipping process, the chances of miscommunication and errors increase, potentially leading to delays, lost shipments, or damaged cargo. Legal and Regulatory Issues: Double brokering can expose shippers, brokers, and carriers to legal liabilities, as it may violate contractual agreements and industry regulations. Preventing Double Brokering To avoid double brokering, both shippers and carriers should take the following steps: Due Diligence: Shippers should thoroughly research freight brokers and carriers to ensure they are reputable and have a history of ethical business practices. Clear Contracts: Shippers and carriers should establish clear contractual agreements that explicitly prohibit double brokering and outline consequences for violations. Monitoring: Shippers should maintain open lines of communication with carriers and request regular updates on shipment status to ensure transparency. Industry Collaboration : Shippers, carriers, and brokers should work together to promote ethical practices within the industry and report instances of double brokering to the relevant authorities. Double brokering is a practice that can lead to increased costs, compromised shipment quality, and legal issues within the freight industry. By understanding the concept and its potential consequences, shippers, carriers, and brokers can take steps to prevent double brokering and promote a more transparent, ethical shipping environment. Bloom Services, Inc. Here at Bloom, we provide both Volvo 860s and Freightliner Cascadias on our Rental and Lease-Purchase Program . If you have a Class A CDL and two years of experience, Bloom Services is hiring OTR truckers. Our drivers take home $3,000 + a week after all expenses.
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