According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 231,000 job openings projected for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers over the next decade. The logistics and distribution industry is thriving, with employment expected to grow by 6% by 2030. With so many opportunities available, how do you find the best CDL driver position? Meet Josh, a seasoned driver, who shares why working at Full Tilt in the Reno logistics sector is a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
Josh, like many others, was stuck in a low-paying job with long hours and little fulfillment. He sought a better life, more independence, and the opportunity to see the country. After attending an intensive truck school in Idaho, Josh joined Full Tilt and has been driving with them for over four years. "I was intimidated at first, but it felt great to be on the road," he says. "Driving gives me the freedom to explore and pursue my hobbies like photography. I get to see and capture sights most people never will." Josh stays disciplined with his fitness routine, including stretching, TRX, and calisthenics, which helps him maintain focus and health on long hauls. Listening to podcasts and audiobooks keeps his mind sharp during cross-country trips.
Josh chose Full Tilt after considering other companies, including large carriers. He was drawn to Full Tilt’s personalized, small-company feel. "Full Tilt values its drivers. They know me by name, and the team genuinely cares. Stephanie is efficient and supportive, and Kim always asks for driver input," he explains.
Josh appreciates that Full Tilt keeps him rolling with consistent coast-to-coast long-haul runs. The company invests in top-notch trucks that feel more like "traveling condos," equipped with spacious and comfortable interiors, allowing for cooking and standing space—perfect for weeks on the road. "Full Tilt ensures we have the best tools to get the job done. Their trucks are quiet, comfortable, and reliable."
Safety is a cornerstone of Full Tilt’s operation. Josh highlights the importance of programs like Truckers Against Trafficking, which raise awareness and help drivers recognize and respond to potential trafficking situations. "At a truck stop near LA, I noticed a young girl in a troubling situation. I contacted security, and they handled it. Drivers are a crucial part of the supply chain and often go above and beyond to help others," Josh shares. Full Tilt also utilizes advanced technology and ensures drivers are prepared for any challenges they might face on the road.
For Josh, the best part of the job is the independence and breathtaking views. "It's like exploring—seeing things 99% of people don’t. If you want to understand, listen to the song Outskirts by Montgomery Gentry." The biggest challenge? Time away from home. However, Josh has learned to appreciate his time at home more and values the financial rewards of long-haul runs.
Josh begins his day with a detailed route plan, using tools like GPS and Google Maps. After ensuring his truck is clean and presentable, he picks up and delivers loads, staying in communication with the office and other drivers to navigate any issues. Security and preparation are priorities. Josh ensures his trailer is locked and parked in safe, well-lit areas. He also handles minor repairs and fuel logistics efficiently, with support from Full Tilt’s office. "Fuel costs are high, but Full Tilt reimburses promptly, and repairs are handled quickly to get us back on the road."
Driving for Full Tilt is more than just a job—it’s about being a key part of the supply chain and a community of professional drivers who take pride in their work. Unlike "steering wheel holders," Full Tilt drivers respect each other and embody old-school values like helping others and maintaining a strong work ethic.
As a logistics and distribution company built on integrity, Full Tilt is committed to supporting its drivers and achieving success together. Whether you’re an experienced driver or looking to start your career in logistics, Full Tilt offers the tools, support, and opportunities you need to thrive. Ready to explore a career in Reno logistics? Contact Full Tilt today to learn more about the benefits of joining our team and how you can become part of a company that truly values its drivers.
Cris Novich, Managing Director of Full Tilt Transportation, recently participated in a three-person expert panel discussing supply chain issues effecting the global, national, and local economies. The event was sponsored by the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) organization and brought together experts to discuss supply chain issues.
The worldwide supply chain has been severely disrupted due to several factors including supply chain shortcomings, increased fuel costs, winter weather and COVID. The phenomena has been called The Everything Shortage and has resulted in product scarcity and increased prices. It’s also spurned innovation in utilizing alternate sources and a movement from offshoring to onshoring.
The panelists discussed the current state of the supply chain and what they predict for the immediate and long-term future of the shipping and delivery market. Audience participation included many questions and comments. Full Tilt Logistics and Transportation continues to be an innovative and forward thinking industry leader that customers look to for solutions.
With Full Tilt’s asset based transportation division or the extensive brokerage capabilities of our brokerage division contact Full Tilt Logistics today for all your transportation needs.
The peak season for logistics companies is near and this year we’re noticing new logistics insights and supply chain trends. While consumption of products continues to increase, the need for reliable logistics and transportation is more present than ever within the supply chain. However, there are several obstacles that present themselves this season that are hindering many logistics companies’ ability to deliver.
Full Tilt Logistics has been closely following these supply chain trends and logistics insights to fully prepare for the work ahead. Take a look below to learn more about our findings.
The supply chain trends of the 2021 peak season are somewhat different than what was expected originally. While it is true that eCommerce and in-store shopping are projected to continue increasing throughout the holiday shopping season as is true of previous trends, the peak season itself is likely going to shift. In past years, the peak season typically sees its height around Black Friday. However, in 2021, roughly 25% of consumers claim that they plan to have their holiday shopping done before Black Friday, shifting the peak of the season to be earlier than anticipated.
Another supply chain trend we’re noticing is the growing backlog of container ships being held offshore. In 2020, the U.S. ports held their worst historical numbers of backlogged ships and though many people believed this would improve, the backlog has only continued to accrue more vessels. More than 100 ships were backlogged in October off the ports of Southern California, waiting to be unloaded. To fully clear this up, there would need to be a hold on all incoming vessels for about 2 weeks — a feat likely to never occur.
Challenges in logistics faced during peak season vary, but the most prominent we’ve seen thus far include the strict California regulations and taxes on logistics distributions, historically high fuel and insurance costs, inclement weather impeding the ability to safely travel, and finally, the nationwide labor shortage.
Doing business in California as part of the supply chain is not an easy task. California taxes and regulations significantly limit transportation opportunities in and out of the state. Take, for example, California’s state fuel tax rate which sits at 62.5 cents per gallon while the national average is at just 24.4 cents per gallon.
Fuel costs have risen significantly in the past year for both gas and diesel. Diesel fuel itself is up 57% from 2020. With the ever-changing fuel efficiency standards occurring in the nation, we’re bound to see costs continue to rise. Similarly, insurance costs are getting out of hand as well. With the cost of insurance going up, trucking companies are held responsible for more liability than ever before which drives up costs.
During the second quarter of 2021, more than 25% of open job positions were in the logistics industry. The biggest issue with this is that logistics require nearly 3x the labor force than traditional warehouses. With the demand for transportation being higher than the labor capacity allows, it’s evident that a large number of drivers are still needed and this number is likely to continue growing with the supply chain trends.
As it stands right now, roughly 110,000 drivers will need to be hired each year to keep up with the demand. Unfortunately, driver retention and recruitment continue to pose a constant threat to logistics businesses.
To operate a successful logistics company, your team must show exemplary problem-solving skills and strategic competency. As a knowledgeable logistics company with experience with almost every type of shipment there is and that includes winter freight shipping, we continue to lean into the situation and grow the company regardless of the challenges. With tested processes, robust technology, and talented professionals, we’re confident in our ability to navigate this peak season and deliver top-notch service.
Connect with us today at fulltiltlogistics.com and see first-hand how quality logistics management operates.
Full Tilt Logistics and Transportation was honored to be featured in Nevada Trucking Association's Motion and Purpose this month! The Novich family sat for an interview to talk about our amazing company, our processes, and our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out the article below!
This year, the Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship and The College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno provided Full Tilt the opportunity to host a virtual booth at the(IWES). The mission of this incredible event is to build a global community to support the creation and growth of women-founded companies across all geographies and industries. As a women-owned company, Full Tilt was honored to participate in this event. IWES 2021 was a truly global event with speakers from 5 continents and attendees representing 50 different countries around the world.
Check out some photos from the virtual event!
At Full Tilt, we have two companies involved with moving freight across the country. Full Tilt Transportation, the asset-based company staffed with professional drivers and a fleet of power units and trailers, and Full Tilt Logistics, the freight brokerage company. People often ask, “What is a freight broker?” Well, here is the answer….
A freight broker is someone who assists shippers with freight ready to haul by finding carriers who are qualified to haul the load. They are responsible for brokering deals with shippers and then facilitating the movement of a shipper’s freight. Good brokers are responsible for keeping a line of communication open with the carrier to update the status of the shipper’s load. Brokers arrange the transportation and track the load hauled by a carrier. The responsibilities of a freight broker are not limited to connecting carriers with shippers. They must communicate with both parties and track the load to verify pickup and delivery. A freight broker serves as a liaison between shippers and carriers.
Brokers make it easier for shippers to find quality carriers that are proven to be reliable in hauling a load since most shippers do not have the experience or time to determine if a carrier can perform the task. Freight brokers also help carriers earn more by having available loads to haul.
Freight brokers looking to move freight need to find carriers who are available to haul a load. Broker load boards are used by freight brokers to connect with the freight carrier and are one of the easiest ways to network and build a carrier base.
Using a load board, freight brokers can quickly find approved carriers who may be interested in hauling a load by posting the load details onto a load board and then contacting carriers who may be qualified to move the load. Time is money and the more loads a freight broker can move, the more they can earn, placing a premium on the use of load boards.
Convenience and Higher Level of Service - When working with a broker the shipper can make one call and have confidence their load will be moved by a reliable carrier. With frequent communication regarding the status of a shipment.
Large Carrier Network - Established brokers like Full Tilt Logistics typically have carrier networks of more than 10,000 approved carriers able to ship any type of freight.
Increased Productivity and Reduced Costs - Partnering with a broker can eliminate the need to hire more employees and can improve productivity during a shipper’s busiest times.
A freight broker earns money by finding a carrier willing to move freight for less than his customer is willing to pay to ship the freight. This difference creates a profit for the freight broker known as the margin.
Is this company financially stable? Are they paying their carriers in a timely manner? Ask to see their most recent credit report or pull it yourself from Dun and Bradstreet.
What type of insurance does this broker provide from General Liability to Cargo? Ask to see copies of their insurance documents.
How do Brokers Select their Carriers? All brokerages have minimum requirements and contracts that carriers are required to sign. Request a copy of the new carrier packet that they send out to make sure it meets all your corporate needs.
Full Tilt has the experience, knowledge, and carrier base to handle every aspect of your shipping needs. Our employees are well trained in the business with excellent customer service skills. Working with Full Tilt will prove to be a valuable resource for your company big or small.
To find out why partnering with Full Tilt is the right solution for your business, connect with Full Tilt Logistics today.
The last twelve months have been game-changing in many ways with most industries and businesses either adapting to the new normal or going out of business. Good, hard-working people have lost jobs or had to live with reductions in income because of Covid-19. Many have become ill or died because of the pandemic. As companies try and adjust to increased regulations and risks, tough decisions must be made quickly.
At Full Tilt Logistics and Full Tilt Transportation, we have adapted and are moving forward in a more strategic way. Because of our strong family foundation, we have survived and are beginning to claw our way back. This pandemic put our companies in survival mode, and it is telling how you react when it is sink or swim. We are so proud and thankful for the strong family unit and wonderful employees working at Full Tilt. Our drivers, dispatchers, schedulers, account managers, brokers, and support staff have gone above and beyond, and we wouldn’t be here today without all of them.
As many of our long-term customers faltered, scaled back operations, or went out of business we developed stronger partnerships with the survivors to get through this together. We are seeing an uptick and a rising from the ashes for many customers. They all know they can count on Full Tilt and we have been a true partner and resource for many. We continue to offer creative solutions and unique opportunities to our customers.
During the past twelve months, we have redoubled our efforts to improve our effectiveness and efficiency as they relate to solving unique customer problems. We have invested significant dollars on new software and technology and the associated training for our employees. All done to improve service to our customers and encourage our employees to make the extra effort and go the extra mile to solve customer problems.
The pandemic has hit truck drivers especially hard. If truck stops are full and rest areas aren’t open, long-haulers may be forced to stop and sleep in unsafe spaces. Truck drivers are working hard but they need to park, rest, and take advantage of the facilities at rest stops. There is no doubt the US would not get through this pandemic without truck drivers. They are the unsung heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic that are holding the supply chain together. Without their willingness to work around the clock to deliver the supplies needed to restock America’s shelves, the country would grind to a halt.
As they are working, truckers are also doing their best to keep themselves healthy. While many people can stay home and protect themselves from COVID-19 exposure, truckers are not so lucky. Every day they put their lives at risk when they get into their rigs and go about their business. Thank a trucker when you see one.
At Full Tilt every customer, big or small, is important. We promise to provide the highest level of service available anywhere at a fair price. Contact Full Tilt today for a true business partner to handle all your companies freight and transportation needs.
We're excited to announce that our Lead Driver, Heath Blackmon, was featured on KTVN's Someone 2 Know. Check out his interviews to learn about the impact he's making on our company and community during this difficult time!
As leaders in our industry, Full Tilt is dedicated to providing clients with exceptional logistics and transportation solutions that are innovative, cost-effective, and efficient not only for us but for our clients as well. To accommodate the growing amount of transportation, logistics, and distribution needs of our ever-expanding industry, we’ve mastered the art of problem-solving to deliver reliable services at every step. This year, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NCET) has presented Full Tilt Logistics with the Logistics Company of the Year award for the hard work and commitment they’ve shown throughout their work.
Full Tilt is a Certified Women-Owned WBENC Company that was founded in 2014 by the Novich’s who are native to the state of Nevada. They pride themselves on being a different kind of freight logistics service provider - one that strives to develop and maintain superior value for their customers and clients. Not only are Full Tilt’s drivers and other team members friendly, professional, and helpful, the owners are fully engaged in the day-to-day operations of the business and are actively seeking to continually improve the company.
Full Tilt’s full-service trucking enterprise is conveniently headquartered in Reno, NV which is a prime location for west coast distribution. They’re able to service the eleven western states with expedited, one-day shipping times at competitive rates. Staying within your budget and timelines are among their top priorities. Full Tilt aims to give its clients the best logistics solutions that utilize the best people, services, and technology available. Unlike other Reno trucking companies, Full Tilt commits themselves to service and the community.
NCET is Northern Nevada’s largest educational and networking organization which is solely supported by memberships, sponsorships, and program revenues. It was founded to be a state-wide organization that encourages and empowers entrepreneurs to promote an environment of high-growth entrepreneurial companies that can succeed and flourish. NCET’s initiatives include a wide range of events and programs that help the community discover business and technology opportunities for continued growth.
NCET’s Logistics Company of the Year award is presented to the company that best represents the following goals and objectives:
To find out more about how Full Tilt Logistics incorporates the latest innovative technology and equipment to meet modern-day shipping and logistics demands, connect with us. We are happy to answer questions about pricing and more. Join the growing number of shippers who choose Full Tilt Logistics – it could be the best business move you’ll ever make.
Full Tilt Logistics and Full Tilt Transportation won the prestigious 2020 State of Nevada Family Owned Business Award from the Small Business Administration (SBA). This award was presented at Full Tilt Headquarters in Reno. SBA officials were on hand to present the award and stated, “This award means a lot. There were many recommendations and submissions, and a lot of thought goes into selecting the winner. Full Tilt showed their ability to seize the opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic and this award is well deserved.”
Full Tilt is honored to receive this award and will continue to work hard for our customers by providing the best transportation and brokerage services available anywhere while maintaining strong family ties and providing our employees with a wonderful work environment.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is a United States government agency that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. The mission of the Small Business Administration is "to maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by enabling the establishment and viability of small businesses and by assisting in the economic recovery of communities after disasters". The agency's activities have been summarized as the "3 Cs" of capital, contracts, and counseling. The U.S. Small Business Administration helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses.
The SBA was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.
SBA has grown significantly in terms of total assistance provided and its array of programs have been tailored to encourage small enterprises in all areas. SBA's programs now include financial and federal contract procurement assistance, management assistance, and specialized outreach to women, minorities, and armed forces veterans. SBA also provides loans to victims of natural disasters and specialized advice and assistance in international trade.
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations.
For the very best customer service available at competitive pricing contact Full Tilt today. We want to earn your business every day!