The Golden Opportunity Of Starting Business At a Young Age

It pays to start your business at a young age as this is a period where a confluence of factors comes together to blend in for the most favorable environment that could bring out the best in you as a business owner.

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Many individuals in America and all over the world are successful today because they decided to start early in their entrepreneurship, gradually building on their enterprise until they have grown as individuals. Below are the factors that make this possible.

The energy of youth: As has been observed in many sports, teenagers seem to exemplify a heightened level of energy in whatever display of athleticism they have. It’s the same energy and enthusiasm that is applied in business, where everything can be turned into success.

The best time to make mistakes: Starting early affords the chance to make mistakes, in a period when the long road ahead provides many opportunities for redemption. This also enables one to make mistakes that quite likely won’t be repeated.

A good chance to build lasting connections: The entrepreneurial teen is quite ahead of his time. He makes a network of connections of people who are not into business practice yet. What he gains is a lot of mind share. When his contacts become professionals later on, he will have had a bigger enterprise and a lot of other trusted people he can work with.

You never know what you’ll come up with when you start early in business. While it provides no assurance of tycoon status later on in life, starting out early in entrepreneurship is worth a good try.

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Fred Barbara started as a young entrepreneur when he established his trucking business at the age of 18 and later on he turned it into a million-dollar enterprise. For more information on entrepreneurship, follow this blog.

The Drive For More Fuel-Efficient Trucks

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Some fronts are airing their concerns about the environmental implications of the high volume of fuel consumption of the trucking industry. But the glass-is-half-full people see this as a representation of an opportunity to drastically reduce worldwide consumption of fuel.

Passenger vehicles have faced regulations on fuel economy as early as the 1970s. The same cannot be said for medium- and heavy-trucks – until the Obama administration's efforts to require fuel economy improvements for these trucks.

The first greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards for trucks were agreed on 2011 and then took effect in 2014, requiring these large vehicles to reduce fuel consumption by 20 percent.

The second phase of these standards was lodged in 2015, necessitating semi-trucks, buses, large pickup trucks, and vans built from 2021 to 2027 to cut fuel consumption further to 24 percent.

Truck manufacturers, therefore, have around six years to make improvements in their vehicles that would help reduce the transportation sector’s carbon emissions by 1 billion metric tons and save $170 billion at the pump.

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And contrary to conventional knowledge, experts say that truck fuel efficiency refinement is easily achievable.

Existing and developing technologies include improved diesel engines, transmission system, aerodynamics, tires, regenerative braking, and hybrid technologies.

Beginning his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 18, Fred Barbara grew his trucking business into a $58.5 million enterprise with a fleet of 150 trucks, which he sold in 1997. To read more interesting articles about trucks and the freight industry, visit this blog.

The Future Of Freight Has Arrived With The Launch Of Driverless Trucks

The autonomous vehicle industry has soared even higher with driverless trucks being sent off on journeys. On the first of week of June, The Guardian reported a convoy of six semi-automated trucks' completion of a European cross-border trip. The trip started from the trucks' production bases in Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden and finished the journey in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

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This so-called “truck platooning” allows trucks to drive autonomously while following the leading truck's route and speed through a wireless technology. A human driver drove the leading truck. Despite the technology that allows the trucks to maintain a speed and route set by the leading truck, regulations still required human drivers to be in each truck. The trucks were developed by various brands such as Volvo and Daimler, among others. What are the benefits that driverless trucks can offer to the trucking industry and to the economy?

Truck platooning promises lower fuel consumption. It allows the trucks to drive faster and closer to each other, resulting in a shorter time of trip completion. Research finds that truck platooning uses up to 10 percent less fuel.

In addition, deploying autonomous cars provides more space for other vehicles and eases the flow of traffic. Since these trucks are automated, distractions cannot affect them. Hence, they can maintain speed and use the brakes efficiently. They could boost traffic safety and reduce the surging number of truck accidents in the country. Productivity will also increase as autonomous cars can operate nearly 24 hours in the future, which will double the transportation network output.

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Indeed, human beings' vision of having artificial intelligence drive vehicles is rapidly becoming a reality this century.

A skilled investor and entrepreneur, Fred. B. Barbara has grown a small trucking business into a multimillion dollar enterprise. He is currently a board member in various companies such as Millennium Trust Company and Evergreen Environmental Energy. Follow this Twitter account for updates on investment and entrepreneurship.

The 379 and the W900: Two of the Most Iconic Trucks in History

Millions upon millions of trucks comprise the trucking industry. Over the past century, a few models have managed to leave a lasting impression on the American psyche, becoming symbols of power and endurance on the expressways of the United States. Let’s take a look at two of the most iconic long-haul trucks in history:

Peterbilt 379
Peterbilt is a California-based truck manufacturer that specializes in making Class 5 to Class 8 trucks. The Peterbilt 379 was first unveiled in 1987 and has since become the centerpiece of the company. Truck experts refer to this as the quintessential American truck. The engines 379 had under its hood were some of the most powerful of any highway vehicle. Fun fact: Optimus Prime in the first three of Michael Bay’s “Transformers” movies is actually a Peterbilt 379.

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Kenworth W900
Kenworth is an American-Australian company that is widely considered to be Peterbilt’s main rival in the truck manufacturing industry. The company’s W900 model is its premiere model, and has been a favorite among Class 8 trucks for many years. It has an aerodynamic design which complements its 625hp engine. If the Peterbilt 379 was made into a Transformer, the Kenworth W900 was used by James Bond in the famous climactic truck duel scene from “License to Kill.”

Image source: wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

  
Fred B. Barbara started his trucking company when he was 18. He sold the company for over $58 million in 1997. Today, Barbara is part of the board of directors of Millennium Trust Company, Evergreen Private Bank, Evergreen Environmental Energy, and Belmont Bank & Trust Company. For more discussion on making sound investments, follow his Twitter account.

Smart Spending: Save To Invest

Financial security – it is every entrepreneur, every investor’s dream. It is why people now would rather pay now, play later, the mindset that calls one to earn, save, and then multiply money today while setting aside fleeting pleasure. There are those, due to conventional wisdom, who would drastically reduce spending to save enough money, but a better way to grow wealth is to just develop smart spending habits that will help augment savings without completely depriving fun.

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Avoid financial sinkholes: Some expenses do not add value to one’s life, like vices, unneeded products or services, overdraft fees and credit interests, and these should definitely be shunned.

Be conservative on lifestyle expenses: Vacations, technology, clothes, family occasions – these are a few expenses that are also significant to one’s life. They are sources of joy and can help in enjoying the journey to financial security. These though should be managed well to make sure that money is not wasted on trivial expenses.

Prioritize emergency funds: With all the uncertainties around, safeguarding one’s health, family, property, and productivity should be a priority. Emergency money and insurances should not be neglected in preparation for anything that could happen.

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Spend on rainmaking expenses: These are expenses that enable and teach one to earn more money. Investing in new businesses or the stock market is a smart way to spend money because the income that will be incurred from it can be much greater than what was paid out. The venture should be well studied and thought out, and not something that is impulsively dove into. By wisely investing saved money on productive expenses, financial security can be easily attained.

Fred B. Barbara is a skilled entrepreneur who started his own business at the age of 18. He successfully grew his company and tripled its worth through smart investments. Follow this Twitter account for the latest in business and investments.

Smart Financial Hacks For The Working Millennial

A lot of millennials only have $1000 (or less) in their bank accounts. Greater savings are often correlated with higher income, but today’s spending culture is different. When people have more, they tend to spend more and save less. Here are smart financial hacks for the hardworking millennial.

Save and spend spare change: A small change can make a big difference. Utilize coins for daily transactions like commuting or paying for a quick lunch.

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Make personal gadgets work: Other people think that buying a high-end camera for their personal use is a “great investment.” However, a gadget will be of greater value if used for business (e.g. a hobbyist can do a side job as a photographer or an Uber driver during their spare time).

Get a gig: Sharing platforms like Uber or Airbnb are great ways for those who want to earn more money. It’s also okay to do babysitting or tutoring gigs even with a 9-to-5 office job.

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Live within means: The wants (frequent traveling, unnecessary clothing purchases, new gadgets) can wait. Many youngsters spend way over their budget just to embrace the latest trends. Living within one’s means is about living only with what one can afford and not with how much one can borrow. This way, people can get rid of their high-interest credit cards that will deter them from making over-the-top purchases.

Fred B. Barbara began his journey to being financially free at age 18 when he established his own trucking company. Learn more about saving and investing when you visit this Facebook page.

Start Early: Investment Tips For The Young Investor

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No one is ever too young to invest. The word “investment” can sound off as intimidating for many, but it is a start to having a future of financial freedom. Below are some investment tips young investors need to keep in mind.

Do not think of your savings account as a long-term investment.

Your savings may grow (at most) 1 percent per annum, but if you regularly withdraw from the account, the increment will not be felt at all. While having a savings account is highly encouraged for young investors, it is not a long-term investment strategy. Choose other channels like the stock market, insurance policies, or mutual funds for your future investments.

Take risks while you’re young.

Don’t be afraid to try things out. If you made a mistake while you’re young, you'd have more time fixing the problem as you get older (and wiser). However, if you’re going to try out new things when you’re older, there is much more at stake. Try out something that appeals to you, but make sure you do enough research.

Investing takes discipline.

Make sure you pay your bills and investments on time so you won’t have to worry about where to get funds. If you need to cut down on your expenses, think of it as delayed gratification.

Save for your retirement.

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“But I’m only 24 years old!” Well, your 65-year-old self will thank you for starting early. Enjoy the fruits of your labor when the time comes. It’s never too early to start saving for your retirement.

Fred B. Barbara started as a young investor. He began with a trucking company and grew his investments over time. Currently, Fred is a member of the board of directors for various companies. Follow this Twitter account for more investing tips.

Truck Record: Fundamental Facts About The Local Trucking Business

The trucking industry leads all means of domestic freight in the U.S. Its flexibility, relative cost-effectiveness, and logistical viability make it a staple to various industries that require transport of commodities. Here are some key trucking facts about the industry:

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The industry can keep up with U.S. economy expansion

In 2014, the top five issues facing the trucking industry were driver shortage, fuel cost increase, increased trucking demands, world trade expansion, and pricing power fluctuations. For the past several months, these issues have been gradually resolved or are currently undergoing significant improvements.

Female drivers on the rise 

The American Trucking Association reveals that there are approximately 3.5 million professional truck drivers in the United States. While this sounds big, it is not enough to cover all the transport needs of the country. Trucking companies have started tapping and accepting female drivers to cover up for the paucity. Approximately 6 percent of the current job pool is comprised of women.

The role of advanced technology

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As with other businesses, trucking companies have found the necessity to invest in modern technologies that include computers and the Internet. Other tools currently on increasing demand include GPS navigation, satellite radio, digital satellites televisions, and autonomous truck technologies. The latter allow drivers to use highway pilot mode and perform non-driving activities at the same time, giving them easier control for safety-critical functions in times of unavoidable traffic or environmental conditions.

Fred B. Barbara is an adept investor and entrepreneur, having grown his first trucking business into a fleet 150 vehicles strong. For more about his ventures, follow this Twitter account.

Strategizing for Business Growth: Approaches on Expansion

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Expansion is a common and often inevitable next step for thriving businesses. Because this move is primarily uncharted waters for new and growing companies, the risks inherent to it are usually great. However, when done the right way and with expert management, these risks could be turned into massive profits, sometimes multiplying the initial capital manifold. Below are a number of strategies for succeeding in business expansions:

1. Opening stores in multiple locations

Before considering opening stores in other locations, business owners must first ensure that growth and profit are consistent throughout the years. They must also look at the economic and consumer trends to determine if their brand or product has staying power.

2. Engaging in a franchise system

Expansion often means greater opportunities for stronger cash flow, which in turn attracts investors or franchise buyers. Franchising allows new business partners to be more involved in the operations but remain guided by the rules or business strategies of their mother company.

3. Product licensing 

This type of business expansion involves minimal risk. It is a low-cost tool for growth and has proven effective overall. Business owners can receive a continuous stream of profit from royalties and upfront cash given for the use of their branded products.

4. Government partnership

Having the government as a customer will surely yield great revenue because they are among the largest buyers of goods and services. There is a lot of work involved, but it contributes to the stability of the company.

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Fred B. Barbara is a skilled entrepreneur and investor who began his foray into business at the age of 18. He grew a small trucking company into a multimillion dollar enterprise and has gone on to triple that amount in the present through his investment expertise. Know more about him here.