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Best Truck Stops in America: Trucker Path Community Rankings for 2026 <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design.png" alt="" width="494" height="1763" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7651" /></a> <h1>Trucker Path Community Names 2026 Top 100 Truck Stops</h1> Over 1 million commercial truck drivers recognize best chain and independent facilities First Sustained Excellence Award given to facilities on the list for five years in a row Trucker Path, providers of the most comprehensive and relied upon mobile app for North American truckers, today announced their annual ranking of chain and independent truck stops. The 2026 winners stood out for their range of offerings and their dedication to customer service among the more than 9,000 truck stops and about 10,000 additional fueling locations on the Trucker Path app. “We are proud to showcase the nation’s top facilities for truck drivers,” said Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path. “This year, we are also naming the truck stops that have been selected by the Trucker Path community as one of the nation’s Top 100 annually for each of the past five years. That significant achievement, and the recognition for all winners, means their customers can count on these truck stops to help make truckers’ lives on the road easier.” The nation’s top truck stops were chosen by over 1 million drivers using the Trucker Path app. For its annual Top Truck Stops rankings, Trucker Path gathered in-app ratings and reviews over the past 12 months to determine the Top 100 facilities nationwide. The Top 5 lists include the chain and independent locations with the highest ratings in their respective categories. The Top 10 list includes both chain and independent locations. <hr> <h2>Top 5 Chain Truck Stops For 2026</h2> <ol> <li>1st Place – Toot 'n Totum #105, Stratford, Texas</li> <li>2nd Place – Rutter's #85, Bedford, Pennsylvania</li> <li>3rd Place – Kwik Star #1276, South Beloit, Illinois</li> <li>4th Place – Love's Travel Stop #581, Salina, Utah</li> <li>5th Place – Truck Stop Sunoco, Grantsville, Maryland</li> </ol> “Toot'n Totum has been serving travelers for 75 years and this honor belongs to our team members in Stratford and at all of our truck stop locations who show up every day committed to taking care of the drivers who keep America moving,” said Toot'n Totum CEO Andrew Mitchell. “Being named a Top Truck Stop Chain—alongside our Stratford location earning the number one spot in the country—is recognition our teams earn one driver at a time, one stop at a time. We couldn't be more proud of them.” “To the truckers who voted for us—thank you for trusting us with your stops,” Mitchell added. “Professional drivers are the backbone of our economy, and serving them well is something our team takes personally. We're grateful to every driver who took the time to share their experience, and we're honored that the Trucker Path community has recognized Toot'n Totum as a place where they're valued.” <hr> <h2>Top 5 Independent Truck Stops For 2026</h2> <ol> <li>1st Place – Stone’s Truck Stop, Watertown, South Dakota</li> <li>2nd Place – Rainbow Trucker's Lounge, West Wendover, Nevada</li> <li>3rd Place – Dysarts Truckstop, Bangor, Maine</li> <li>4th Place – Abbyland Travel Center, Curtiss, Wisconsin</li> <li>5th Place – Compass Travel Center, DeMotte, Indiana</li> </ol> “This honor is especially meaningful to us because it reflects the opinion of the drivers we serve every day,” said Darin Whitlock, store manager at Stone’s Truck Stop. “I’m incredibly proud of our team for the high level of care and service they demonstrate every day by maintaining a clean and welcoming facility. We strive to offer the services that the trucking community values, including fuel, a café, prepared meals and beverages, showers, and laundry facilities. We’re grateful to Trucker Path and to every driver who took the time to vote.” <hr> <h2>Overall Top 10 Truck Stops for 2026</h2> <ol> <li>1st Place – Toot 'n Totum #105, Stratford, Texas</li> <li>2nd Place – Rutter's #85, Bedford, Pennsylvania</li> <li>3rd Place – Kwik Star #1276, South Beloit, Illinois</li> <li>4th Place – Love's Travel Stop #581, Salina, Utah</li> <li>5th Place – Truck Stop Sunoco, Grantsville, Maryland</li> <li>6th Place – Stone’s Truck Stop, Watertown, South Dakota</li> <li>7th Place – Kwik Trip #1212, Worthington, Minnesota</li> <li>8th Place – Sheetz Buckhorn #769, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania</li> <li>9th Place – Rainbow Trucker's Lounge, West Wendover, Nevada</li> <li>10th Place – Kwik Star #589, Marion, Indiana</li> </ol> <hr> <h2>Sustained Excellence Award Winners</h2> For 2026, a Sustained Excellence Award was also presented to truck stops who have been on the Top 100 list for the past five years, including: <ul> <li>Love's Travel Stop #795, Madras, Oregon</li> <li>Kwik Trip #603, Wilson, Wisconsin</li> </ul> Drivers across the nation can look for Trucker Path Top 100 Truck Stops, which display a window decal honoring the locations for their place in the annual ranking. <hr>

Feb 04, 2026

Jan 16, 2026

Reputation Management Is Good Business for Truckers “A good reputation is more valuable than money.” - Publilius Syrus, 1st Century Maxim-Maker With the massive threat of freight fraud and growing sense of fear among shippers, owner-operators’, carriers’ and freight brokers’ livelihoods depend on their ability to portray themselves as reputable, vigilant, and transparent partners. Freight buyers—whether they be shippers or brokers—need to quickly and confidently vet you. Otherwise, they’ll move onto the next option without giving you a second thought. It may seem like things like comments, ratings and even safety and credit scores are out of your hands. However there is much that owner operators and carriers can and must do to protect their reputation. Like tractors and trailers, carriers’ reputations are important tools of the trade requiring care and repair to stay working. Attend to yours and it will help keep you working. Control Your Reputation or It Can Control You A poor safety score, negative review or bad rating from a carrier vetting platform can knock you out of the running for loads. In a down market, that can be devastating when you’re competing with legions of carriers with high safety ratings and glowing customer reviews. In an article for <a href="https://www.overdriveonline.com/business/article/15707149/how-to-fight-a-negative-online-review-of-your-trucking-company">Overdrive</a>, Sean Mathews, the founder of carrier reputation management company Carrier Defender, says bad reviews reduce the range of available loads a carrier has access to. He estimates a carrier loses 5%-30% of the load board capacity from a bad review online. Understand How Shippers and Freight Brokers Vet Carriers The key resource for verifying carriers’ legitimacy and safety record is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. FMCSA’s <a href="https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx">Safety and Fitness Electronic Records</a> (SAFER) System is freight buyers’ go to for a company snapshot. That’s why it’s crucial for carriers to ensure their profile remains up to date and make sure they correct any inaccuracies. Shippers and brokers also rely on carrier reviews that appear on platforms like <a href="https://truckerpath.com/">Trucker Path</a>, Clutch, DAT and Carrier 411. It’s important to monitor these so that any negative reviews can be addressed in a timely fashion. The same for reviews left on carriers’ listings on Google, Yelp, and other sites. Carrier vetting platforms like Carrier Assure and Highway primarily base their carrier ratings on FMCSA and Department of Transportation (DOT) data. They also consider other criteria that they think indicate higher risk levels, particularly for <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/protect-yourself-from-growing-the-threat-of-cargo-theft/">cargo theft and fraud</a>. These additional criteria may include changes to IP addresses, VIN and DOT number discrepancies, phone number changes, or business addresses that don’t match. For this reason it’s important to have accurate and consistent information on your website and wherever your company is listed. Carriers’ reputations with existing customers require care and maintenance, too. Reputations can be based on key performance indicators (KPIs) like on-time, tender acceptance and tracking compliance. They are also based on customer satisfaction. Dockworkers’ and your customers’ customers’ opinions matter. 10 Tips for Defending, Growing and Maintaining Reputation 1. Be good – Reputations are first and foremost earned through reliable service, responsiveness, on-time performance, service, and upright business practices. Strong reputations have strong foundations. 2. Be compliant – FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores are key. Carriers must make it their mission to comply with everything from inspections and medical exams to record keeping and drug testing. Enacting policies that keep you ahead of FMCSA requirements are good investments that help support favorable CSA scores. 3. Be vigilant – <a href="https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx">FMCSA’s Company Snapshot, which displays carriers</a>’ CSA scores and other information, is a key resource for potential customers who are verifying carriers’ legitimacy. Carriers should monitor their snapshot regularly to ensure information is accurate and learn of any negative changes. 4. Rectify FMCSA Company Snapshot inaccuracies – Use <a href="https://dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov/">DataQs</a>, FCMSA’s channel for disputing inaccurate or incomplete data on their snapshot. It is crucial to contest mistakes regarding crashes, DOT status, or proof of insurance coverage. 5. Monitor comments and social posts – Make it a habit to visit sites where you are listed so you can review and respond to ratings and comments promptly. Claiming your company profile on some sites enables you to receive alerts whenever you have been mentioned. 6. Respond to negative and positive reviews – 89% of consumers expect businesses to respond to reviews, <a href="https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey/">per brightlocal</a>. Address negative reviews by thanking respondents and apologizing when appropriate. Include details of how you’ve addressed the problem or invite the respondent to speak offline. And always thank positive reviews—it encourages others to engage with you. 7. Ask for positive reviews – Follow up with happy customers immediately and ask them to post a review. It’s important to be consistent, especially if you have received bad ratings. A way to counter negative reviews is by ensuring you have positive ones at the top of the list. 8. Be transparent – Don’t delete negative reviews. 45% of consumers say they’re more likely to choose a business if it responds to negative reviews, according to <a href="https://www.reviewtrackers.com/reports/online-reviews-survey/">reviewtrackers</a>. No company is perfect all of the time. Being transparent about shortcomings builds trust. 9. Keep improving – FMCSA offers <a href="https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/HelpCenter/GetFAQById/30905">tips for carriers</a> who want to improve their all-important CSA scores. They include measures for improving policies and procedures, hiring, communication, training, and tracking performance. 10. Keep good company – Avoid guilt by association by vetting shippers and brokers you work with. Check background information, require paperwork and approvals, call out inconsistencies, and say no to suspicious loads. You Worked Hard to Earn Your Reputation—Own It In today’s world it’s not enough to be an outstanding and upright trucker. You have to be able to prove it. Make reputation management part of your regular inspection

Dec 04, 2025

Truck Parking Strategies for Today’s Challenges To the motoring public, truck parking may seem like an inconvenience akin to finding a spot at the grocery store—more of a hassle than a real hardship. But to truckers, the ability to find a safe spot is closely tied to priorities of safety, security, profitability. Today’s parking shortage, rampant cargo theft, and hours of service (HOS) demands have created unprecedented challenges for drivers. That’s why parking strategies, advanced planning, and disciplined practices are critical in today’s environment. There’s No Easy Solution for the Truck Parking Problem It’s not because you’re unlucky that you can’t find parking. The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) estimates there is just one truck parking space for every 11 truck drivers nationally. According to a study commissioned by the Federal Highway Administration, 98% of truck drivers say they regularly experience difficulty finding safe parking. To provide funding for new lots and spaces, the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act was reintroduced in 2025. The truth is that legislation may take a while and creating more parking is harder than it seems. Constructing a single truck parking space costs an average of $113,395, per ATRI. In today’s environment, truckers best fend for themselves through a combination of tactics and technologies. Today’s Best Tactics for Finding Truck Parking 1 - Prioritize Parking Make it a rule before you begin your day to pick a place to rest after your shift. Use an app like Trucker Path that lets you scope out or reserve parking in advance. Planning ahead can save you from situations that put you in danger like parking on the shoulder (don’t do it) or settling for a poorly lit, unsupervised or isolated spot. 2 - Reserve a Spot in Advance Plan where you’ll end the day and look for a truck stop or other option in the vicinity that takes reservations. Securing a spot can help you avoid driving past your HOS limit or settling for a less-than-ideal spot. Some companies will reimburse you, and the expense can be a tax write-off for owner-operators. 3 - Know Your Safe Bets Recent crashes and crimes make safety the priority. Park in well-lit, frequently trafficked and surveilled locations. Rest stops are usually newer and well-trafficked by truckers and motorists who can say something when they see something. Industrial parks, off-duty weigh stations and big box stores like Walmart are also safe bets. 4 - Drive Early Rise and drive before the pack to beat the 4 PM – 7 PM parking crush. If you’re done early, you’re more likely to nab empty spots. 5 - Drive at Night Avoid periods of high parking demand altogether by driving at night and resting during the day. It’s often easiest finding parking spots early in the day when all the other drivers are heading off to start their day. 6 - Drive Familiar Lanes By running in the same lane, you’ll learn the safe places to park. That saves time and effort finding parking. Drivers spend an average of 56 minutes a day trolling for parking, costing them $6,800 in lost compensation a year, according to American Trucking Associations. 7 - Ask Another Trucker Leverage social media or ask other drivers at truck stops where the best places to park can be found. Be sure and return the favor whenever another trucker asks you. 8 - Keep a Record of Where You’ve Parked Start a log of safe, convenient places you’ve parked wherever you go. Create a spreadsheet or just make notes in your phone or on a notepad. The knowledge can pay off when you return. 9 - Park at Your Origin or Destination Parking where you pick up or drop off is a natural. Lots at big box stores like Walmart or Home Depot are safe bets. Be sure and clear it with the shipper or receiver. Pro tip: ask your dispatcher to find out if it’s okay for you to sleep onsite when they’re booking the load or confirming the drop off. 10 - Know the Local Regulations Do a quick Google to be informed of local parking and idling laws. A quick check can save unwanted hassles, costly fines, and interrupted sleep. Let Technology Find You a Safe and Secure Parking Space Crowdsource Parking Options and Availability Trucker Path leverages input from over 600,000 truckers who are constantly updating parking information to help fellow drivers find available parking everywhere in the U.S. Get Real-Time Parking Updates Over 270K truck parking spots in 8K locations are monitored by the Trucker Path app. Most locations update every hour. Use Apps to Secure Paid Parking Pilot Flying J, TA Petro, Truck Parking Club, and Trucker Path remove the stress by letting you lock in a spot in advance. Tap into Online Resources and Reviews With the Trucker Path app you can gain insights from a community of truckers about parking options and amenities wherever you are. Harness Predictive Parking Know when there is nearby truck parking at over 8,000 locations with Trucker Path’s Truck Parking Prediction feature. Truckers Are on Their Own Together When It Comes to Parking By sharing information and looking out for one another, truckers can help soften many of the challenges of parking today. Start by sharing these tactics and technologies with fellow drivers on social media using the icons at the top of this page.

Sep 18, 2025

Emergency Preparedness Is Every Trucker’s Responsibility Emergencies happen out on the road. As a driver, you’re bound to see them and be involved in them. Whether you have the ability to successfully respond depends less on heroics than preparedness. Wanting to respond isn’t the same as having the ability to rise to the occasion. Emergency preparedness is a big part of being a truck driver. It’s required by law. <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-393/subpart-H/section-393.95">Federal regulations</a> require these basics for trucks: • Fire Extinguisher • Spare Fuses • Reflective Triangles or Flares Emergency Preparedness for Truckers Is the Right Thing to Do Truckers need to go beyond these basics to be ready and able to respond in scenarios ranging from responding decisively in the event of a crash or equipment failure to knowing what to do when they witness a heart attack or incident of human trafficking. To be able to respond successfully, truckers need the right tools, knowledge and skills. These form the foundation of a successful response. Emergency preparedness is knowing what to do and having the ability to do something. To be fully prepared to respond in the moment, truckers should consider the many emergency scenarios they may encounter on the road, in rest stops, at companies and everywhere in between. 5 Key Areas Where Truckers Should Focus on Preparedness 1 - Truck Breakdowns Mechanical malfunctions or equipment problems create dangerous situations when they force you to the side of the road or leave you stranded in remote and dangerous locations. Protecting yourself and others from a collision by using triangle reflectors or flares and having reflective clothing and a flashlight are priority number one. Being prepared with tools and spare parts enables you to fix some basic things, but it’s more likely you’ll need to call for roadside assistance. Be prepared with a protocol of who to call and what information they’ll need so you can facilitate a timely resolution that prevents a breakdown from becoming a much bigger problem. 2 - Crash Emergencies If your vehicle is involved in a crash, you want to make sure the basic fire extinguisher and first aid kit as well as triangle reflectors or flares and reflective clothing are handy and in good working order. With those items in place, quickly responding by taking these steps can save lives and protect your interests down the road: First make sure all involved are safe. Administer first aid to the injured and call 911 for help immediately. Second take pictures and record details of the crash. It is critical to get insurance information and witness contact details at the scene. Third report the crash to your dispatcher, customer and insurance provider. 3 - Medical Emergencies Truckers are sometimes the first on the scene of crashes where there are injuries. Occasionally they may witness medical emergencies because of the wide variety of settings they operate in on the road, at businesses, and in shopping centers. They can do much to protect lives and treat injuries by being prepared with first aid supplies and by calling 911 for help. While not required, first aid or CPR training can enable drivers to do even more. Truckers are everywhere and there are many incidents of truckers being the ones to recognize a heart attack, stroke or severe allergic reaction and help. 4 - Natural or Man-Made Disasters Preparedness for hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, civil unrest or other disruptions is a matter of being constantly informed. Staying informed and having access to apps with advanced <a href="https://framer.truckerpath.com/#free-carrier-tms">routing capabilities</a> is the best way to prepare. Drivers operating in regions where seasonal risks or other threats are present should prepare for the possibility of being cut off and stranded. Stock the basics for staying warm, dry, fed and hydrated. Consider all the things you’ll need to survive, including, food, water, blankets, battery chargers, a supply of prescription medications and spare clothes. 5 - “See Something, Say Something” Emergencies Truck drivers have a unique perspective of America’s highways and communities. They are exposed to a lot, including criminal activity. Through heightened awareness, including awareness of how to spot and report potential crimes, truckers can do great good. Human trafficking is an area truckers can play an important role in combatting. Trucker Path is proud to support TAT, an organization offering awareness training and victim services hotlines. If you suspect an instance of human trafficking, call 911 to report it immediately. Learn the telltale signs of trafficking victims at <a href="https://tatnonprofit.org/trucking/">https://tatnonprofit.org/trucking/</a>. Consider These Tips and Kits For Trucker Emergency Preparedness Prepare Like a Navy Seal During an interview with ABC News, former Navy Seal, Cade Courtley provided these tips for excelling in emergencies • Practice “Combat Breathing” by breathing in for four seconds and then breathing out for four seconds. “I use combat breathing when I'm driving and I get cut off," Courtley says. • Use the “Rule of 3” by thinking of three options for emergency situations and doing a quick pro and con for each. “Just pick one and go with it," he advises. "If it's not the right one, at least you've made a decision and you can adjust and alter as you continue on." • Do Something. "As an officer in the military, I was always told … the worst decision you can ever make is not making a decision," he adds. First Aid Kit Best Practices Whether you’re the first on the scene to an accident or stuck during a hurricane or snowstorm, create a kit to care for a range of injuries and to keep you healthy. • Bandages • Gauze pads • Medical tape • Pain relievers • Antibiotic ointments • Allergy medication • CPR mask and gloves • Scissors and tweezers • Basic first aid manual • If applicable: prescription medications Tools and Supplies Best Practices Tools to fix basic issues are standard. Spare parts for some simple repairs are good additions. • Multi-tool • Flashlight and extra batteries • Screwdrivers and pliers • Wrenches • Tire pressure gauge • Jumper cables or a portable lithium-ion battery • Duct tape • Bungee cords • Motor oil • Headlamp • Work gloves Weather-Readiness Supplies Create a kit that helps keep you warm and dry in case you’re stuck during a weather event—especially for hauls in winter in regions that receive snow. • Blankets • Road salt • Snow chains • Sub-zero sleeping bag • Rain poncho • Extra clothing Food & Water If you’re stuck for a few days, hydration and nourishment can become an emergency if you’re not prepared with supplies. • Water – estimate one gallon per day for drinking and hygiene, per FEMA • Food – store enough non-perishable food for two to four days. Protein bars, dried fruit and nuts are good options. Knowledge and Communication Are Critical for Preparedness With knowledge, you know what to do in emergencies and you can potentially plan a route around dangerous conditions. The <a href="https://framer.truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app">Free Trucker Path App</a> provides owner-operators and small fleets with advanced trip planning and navigation. Additionally, the shared knowledge base of over 9 million users makes Trucker Path an unparalleled resource for learning current road conditions, parking availability and other factors affecting safe driving. Communication during emergencies is key. Trucker Path’s <a href="https://framer.truckerpath.com/#free-carrier-tms">Free Carrier TMS</a> includes dispatch and navigation to keep drivers, dispatchers and customers connected. That’s only the beginning. Trucker Path prepares truckers and fleets for driving challenges as well as business success through our <a href="https://framer.truckerpath.com/#free-load-board">premier load board</a> providing drivers with access to over 150,000 loads listed daily. Learn all that <a href="https://truckerpath.com">Trucker Path has to offer here</a>.

Jul 01, 2025

Good Customer Service Practices Are Survival Skills Truckers who provide outstanding customer service have an advantage in any freight market. The tried-and-true principles are the same as they are for any other business but the best practices are critical for truckers to know and do. Freight recessions, shippers’ markets, and carriers’ markets come and go in trucking. Establishing good customer service habits can help you even out your loads to bring in steady business. The reason is simple: by offering shippers something more, you can escape competing on price alone. Over half of consumers believe great customer service is more important than product price, according to customer service guru <a href="https://hyken.com/research/">Shep Hyken</a>. Building a reputation for outstanding service is a sure way to gain repeat shippers, referrals, and stellar online reviews. Current research into customer service from <a href="https://www.zendesk.com/blog/customer-service-statistics/">Zendesk</a> reveals that three in four buyers will spend more with businesses that provide a good customer experience In any freight market, there’s always a need for enterprising, fair, and dependable drivers. Here are 10 ways you can ensure you’re shippers’ and freight brokers’ go-to. 1 - Keep Customers Fully Informed Truckers are self-reliant, independent souls who like being trusted with a job and left alone to do it. This virtue can be at odds with a customer who needs reassurance that their shipment is going to be safely delivered as expected. Over-communication is a great policy. The truth is, you may think you’re being annoying, but it is the key indicator to a shipper that they are being well-served. It’s good to establish their preferred communication means too, whether it’s text, phone, or via their driver app. Start by confirming the origin, destination, pick-up appointment, delivery window, all contact information, and special shipping instructions. If they’re not tracking electronically, provide location updates at the very least at the end of the day on long hauls. Update your ETA with them regularly. 2 - Be Punctual or Upfront about Delays Arriving on time is a basic. Failure is a black mark on carriers. Being on time means not being too early for an appointment. Warehouses carefully schedule pickups for dock availability and staging. Deviations from scheduling disrupt their operations. Be on time for your pick-up or delivery appointments or alert the warehouse when you are delayed. Same for any ETA you provide. When you are running late, alert the receiver well in advance so they can adjust their plans. Punctuality all starts with planning. Leverage a leading-edge navigation app. The Trucker Path app provides <a href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/truck-gps">trip planning</a> for optimized routes and precise real-time ETAs that help you offer excellent service and information to customers. 3 - Show You Care About Their Shipment A dirty and damaged trailer is a red flag for shippers. If they don’t turn you away, they’ll certainly have their doubts about you. On the other hand, a clean and well-kept trailer inspires confidence. Fix any damage, sweep out any debris, and do a trailer washout when necessary to remove odors and keep up appearances. Have secure equipment and materials on hand. Customers need to see and know their shipment is being kept clean as well as safe through the use of cargo bars, tie-downs, nets, dunnage bags, friction mats, corner protectors for pallets, or blocks, and braces. Not only does proper care help prevent claims, but it also builds confidence in your services. 4 - Present a Professional Appearance Appearance matters and you can do a lot to instill confidence and put shippers' minds at ease by making a positive impression. Clean clothes and a well-kept appearance imply you care about yourself and your work—and that you’ll care about their shipment. The opposite is also true. Putting forth an appearance that causes pause, can create unnecessary hurdles that may not be worth it. It’s basic psychology and it can help to put yourself in the shoes of the shipper. They have an important shipment. Basic professionalism can provide them with a degree of reassurance that provides peace of mind. 5 - A Calm, Polite, and Can-Do Attitude Wins Attitude isn’t everything, but in trucking, it certainly is a thing. While you don’t have to act like a server at a family restaurant, there is power and efficiency in being friendly that can serve you as a trucker. By immediately establishing to dock workers that you’re friend not foe, you can get right to work. People who like you—or at least don’t dislike you—are more likely to help you and less likely to make you wait to get your trailer loaded. Things can get stressful with dockworkers, dispatchers, and freight brokers. Keeping a calm head and not flying off the handle, plays in your favor. The fact that you can maintain control inspires confidence. Showing yourself as someone who is flexible in the face of adversity and willing to work hard and find solutions to problems makes you a valuable team member—not just a driver for hire. In trucking, there’s a lot of unpredictability. Shippers love carriers that can make quick pivots to solve problems or proactively act to avoid potential disruptions. When they win, you win. 6 - Pay Attention to the Paperwork Overlook the importance of keeping a bill of lading (BOL) clean and handy at your peril. Customers, dock workers, and consignees need paperwork when they need it. With the high incidence of freight fraud, people are scrutinizing BOL details, driver credentials, and every little detail more than ever. Make their lives easy by keeping documents well organized. Don’t make them ask you for proof of delivery (POD). Be proactive. Send your invoice promptly. And have all your certification and inspection documents in order in case they’re requested. Shippers don’t always expect such organization from truckers—but they certainly appreciate it. 7 - Know Them to Serve Them We live in a customer-service-oriented world. That applies to shippers as much as it does to everyday consumers. It’s critical to know shippers’ needs. Shippers’ expectations for customer service are as high as everyone else’s. <a href="https://www.zendesk.com/blog/customer-service-statistics/">Zendesk </a>says 76% of customers expect personalization today. Make it your policy to familiarize yourself with the details of the BOL. Do the shipper’s products require special handling or delivery service? Clarifying any questions ahead of time will help you ensure successful delivery. Shipping is so closely tied to the buying experience today that drivers are often the face of the brands they are delivering. That’s why drivers need to make a good impression by adhering to delivery instructions and being courteous and professional. Everything you do can reflect on the shipper. 8 - Do Unto Dock Workers The dock workers you interact with can speak highly or poorly of you. It matters because decision-makers in their companies are listening. You have the opportunity as a driver to tip the scales in your favor. It doesn’t require a huge public relations effort on your part. Mostly it just comes down to being respectful. When there’s a delay loading your trailer, ask without complaining. Stay positive and be helpful if they need something. Dock workers have a hard job and challenges that aren’t always obvious. Try to be empathetic. If you can just do that, they’ll probably remember you and maybe even refer you. 9 - Think Safety and Security Customers don’t want to worry about drivers having an accident that damages or delays their freight. Making safety a priority in everything you say and do lower their stress level. The same with security. Cargo theft has every shipper on edge. Have paperwork in order, identification available, and the transportation details they need to be assured that their freight is secure. A big part of that is just being open to providing information. No one likes being checked up on. Just try to remember it’s not personal—it’s their job. Shippers have to trust you or they won’t work with you. Your customer service has a role in building trust. <a href="https://hyken.com/research/">Hyken</a> reports that 87% of consumers trust a company or brand more if they provide an excellent customer experience. 10 - Close the Loop by Following Up There are many reasons to check back with shippers after you deliver their load. The first is to correct anything that’s within your power to correct or to address any complaints or concerns directly. That is far better than potentially receiving negative reviews online. Following up also sends a powerful message to shippers that you care about their business. Caring over and above the load you completed is the road to a relationship and repeat business. In the end, customer service is all about being helpful so you can set yourself up to haul a shipper’s next load—and the next one after that. We hope these tips help you do just that.

May 01, 2025

Protect Yourself from Growing the Threat of Cargo Theft Cargo theft can easily seem like someone else’s problem to a trucker who’s never been a victim. The truth is, all owner operators, carriers and consumers are affected by the growing incidents of thefts and the enormous amount of money involved. Cargo thefts rose 27% from 2023 to 2024, according to CargoNet’s analysis,and amount to almost $500 million a year. It’s crucial for drivers to be aware of what’s going on in order to protect themselves and their interests. It’s not just the risk of being responsible for a stolen cargo worth ten or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Cargo theft affects truckers in ways they may not be aware of. Rising insurance rates, the erosion of trust among shippers, and the effect on grocery prices are real costs of cargo theft that are growing. Even if you’ve been driving a while, it’s important to stay in the know because it’s a rapidly changing field. Many of the risks and security best practices remain the same, but new threats and schemes are constantly being revealed. Here are the highpoints we think every trucker should know in today’s environment. The Risks of Cargo Theft Are Great A stolen truckload or portion of a truckload can be worth a lot. The estimated average value of theft incidents is $202,364, CargoNet says. It depends on what the freight is. Electronics and pharmaceuticals are going to be at the high end. For carriers who are victims of cargo theft, insurance hopefully covers the loss, but the value of the stolen freight and your coverage will determine whether you have financial responsibility. That can be a big hit. Plus, when your policy comes up for renewal, you may be looking at a rate increase. Any way you look at it, having the freight you’re responsible for stolen reflects poorly on you as a driver. Whether or not you were at fault, there may be damage to your reputation. You may lose business. And if your equipment is damaged in a burglary, you may miss work or be responsible for big, unexpected repairs if you have a high insurance deductible. Know How Cargo Thefts Happen A heightened awareness of risks and knowledge of the most common methods of cargo theft help you avoid risky situations. Here are five to be aware of. 1. Cargo Theft Resulting from Surveillance. Thieves will follow trucks leaving distribution centers or manufacturing plants to a truck stop and break in while drivers take a break. They may work in teams with a spotter at the plant alerting teams waiting ahead. In some cases, thieves have been tipped off by insiders at the manufacturer or by others who work for the carrier. 2. Cargo Theft Instigated by Fake Emergencies. A common gambit is to fake a breakdown to get drivers to stop to help. Once they do, thieves will either break into a trailer while the driver is distracted or just hijack the truck. Individuals posing as authorities may distract or detain drivers while conspirators empty the unsuspecting drivers’ load. 3. Cargo Theft Helped by Dark, Isolated Parking. Unlit, unmonitored truck stops, and parking areas provide criminals with opportunities to steal some or all of a load. In brazen attacks, trailer contents will be emptied directly into another trailer pulled alongside. Be picky about where you park. Consult the Trucker Path App to find trusted parking areas. 4. Cargo Theft Facilitated by Poorly Supervised Yards. Thieves will steal whole trailers dropped in unmonitored yards. An unattended trailer and an unrestricted getaway make for a tempting target, especially if criminals have performed surveillance and know the details of a drop trailer operation. 5. Cargo Theft Perpetrated by Fake Drivers and Documents. Some sophisticated operations involve fake drivers showing up early for scheduled pickups. Falsified bills of lading and even fake uniforms have been used to complete the deception. These days overcommunicating with shippers and confirming every detail—especially who will be picking up their load—is more important than ever. With the always-evolving methods and schemes of freight thieves, it pays to be suspicious and stay aware. Always be on the lookout for people following you or watching you whether you’re resting or on the road. And stay informed of current risks and recent thefts. By tapping into the <a href="https://truckerpath.com">Trucker Path App</a> you can learn of suspicious activity constantly being shared by other users. Know the Statistics to Avoid Becoming a Statistic Some days have a lower risk of cargo theft than others. According to the <a href="https://over-haul.com/us-cargo-theft-report/">Overhaul United States & Canada: Annual Theft Report 2024</a>, the lowest number of thefts occur on Sunday (10%) followed by Saturday (11%). Friday has the highest number of cargo thefts (19%) and Thursday has the second highest number (17%). Avoid the witching hours for cargo theft of 12 AM to 6 AM when 29% of heists occur. The likelihood of being ripped off drops to 23% from 6 AM to noon. From 6 PM to midnight is another good time to drive when your likelihood of a cargo theft again drops to 23%. Be aware of where heists are more likely to happen. According to Overhaul, the most thefts (33%) occur at a warehouse or DC. 23% happen at unsecured parking, and 13% take place at a truck stop or fuel station. Three states have the highest percentage of cargo thefts. California is the scene of 32% of cargo thefts, Texas accounts for 19% and Tennessee has 14% of the activity. Other states ranking high in cargo thefts include Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Arizona, New York, Louisiana, and Florida. It’s important to know what you’re hauling, too. According to Overhaul’s report, certain product types are more likely to be targeted by thieves. Electronics are the target of 24% of thefts, alcohol 15%, and food & beverages, auto parts, and home & garden merchandise are tied at 10%. Experts say it’s not the high-ticket prices that always draw the most interest. Food and beverage loads are popular because they’re easily resold and hard to trace. What You Can Do to Protect Yourself and Your Cargo The best practices for preventing your freight from being stolen include hyper-awareness, anti-theft hardware, and technologies for tracking and security. The Rule of 250 Basic rules of safety include driving 250 miles after leaving a pickup point before taking a rest stop. That’s enough distance to shake thieves who might be tailing you. Look for stalking vehicles or watchers at pickup, en route and once you stop. Hyper Habits Drivers are especially vulnerable when they’re entering or exiting the cab, so be hyper-aware and avoid distractions. When parking overnight, find high-traffic, well-lit spots. Alarm Yourself Consider installing alarm systems that include sensors placed on multiple entry points. Loud sirens and horns will scare thieves and alert people nearby. Good options include smartphone notifications just in case you’re out of earshot when your truck’s alarm goes off. Leveraging telematics to alert dispatchers or fleet managers of trailer breaches provides an additional layer of protection. Thwarting Strategies Hardware like gladhand locks that prevent thieves from moving a trailer, kingpin locks that prevent unauthorized tractors from hooking up trailers, and air cuff locks that cover mounted airbrake valves slow thieves down. Just backing against a fence or other barrier to prevent anyone from opening the trailer door serves the same purpose of buying time and causing frustration. Software Advantages On the road, reliable trip planning software can help drivers to avoid high risk areas. The Trucker Path App guides drivers to truck-ready routes with safe parking and has the added benefit of information about incidents and suspicious activity constantly being crowd-sourced by other drivers. Tracking Stolen Freight Fleets operating a transportation management system (TMS) with track and trace capability have the ability toidentify deviations in routing if trailers are stolen or vehicles are hijacked. <a href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/truck-gps">Trucker Path Command</a> is an affordable TMS option that provides track and trace functions as well as navigation features supporting safe, efficient routing. We All Have a Hand in Preventing Cargo Theft The advice, “if you see something, say something” applies to truckers more than ever—especially as the incidence of cargo theft and variety of schemes out there for stealing freight continue to grow. Being aware and continuously informed of new threats are the two greatest defenses a driver has. <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Get on the Trucker Path App and get involved today</a>.

Mar 14, 2025

Avoid Falling Prey to Today’s Predatory Towing Practices It’s easy to see a $100,000 towing hit as a tragedy that only happens to “other” drivers. But thinking you’ll never fall victim to predatory towing practices can be the biggest mistake you make when your truck is disabled in an accident or has a mechanical failure out on the road. Despite the current media attention on the topic of predatory towing and the recent regulations passed that combat predatory practices, drivers must still fend for themselves when the tow truck arrives. Ultimately, the best defense against predatory towing practices is to be informed. Dismiss the Issue at Your Own Risk Predatory towing is more than just media hype, a report released in 2023 by the American Transport Research Institute (ATRI) states that 83% of truckers who have been towed experienced excessive rates and 82% experienced unwarranted service charges. The issue is nationwide and predatory towing practices occur out on deserted highways as well as city streets today. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association tells of a member-company that received a towing charge of $100,386 that included a 5% administrative fee of $4,463. A trucker in Chicago received a $75,000 bill for towing after a bridge strike. According to the IA Insurance Group blog, the “low bridge” sign had been suspiciously removed and an unsolicited tow truck appeared not long after the accident occurred. Exorbitant rates and unwanted services are only part of the problem. Towing companies have the ability to impound tractors, trailers and freight until payment is made. Not only do carriers suffer the loss of business, but they may also be forced to pay storage fees that grow every day that payment is delayed. Perpetrators Exploit the Gaps in Regulations and Industry Standards Today tow truck companies’ pricing and practices remain largely unregulated at the federal level and unchecked by national industry standards. It’s not for lack of trying. In 2024 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration urged the Federal Trade Commission to establish regulations preventing hidden or misleading fees charged by towing companies and five states passed new laws meant to prevent abusive billing practices used by towers. Even with these developments, unscrupulous tow truck operators still find ways to take advantage of drivers. The conditions are often ripe for abuse when there’s no competition, expensive equipment and specialized expertise are required, and conditions are chaotic and stressful. Beware the Top 8 Predatory Towing Practices from ATRI 1. Excessive hourly or per-pound rates 2. Unwarranted additional services or labor charges 3. Excessive storage rates 4. Vehicle release delays or access prevention 5. Cargo release delays 6. Damage caused by the towing company personnel and equipment 7. Vehicle seizure without cause 8. Misreporting nonconsensual tows as consensual Carriers Should Be Prepared Before Hitting the Road Know what your insurance covers in terms of towing, roadside assistance and vehicle storage. Knowing your coverage aids decision-making in the event of an incident. If you run regularly in certain lanes, look into establishing relationships with tow truck companies serving those lanes. Doing so can enable you to preset prices and facilitate quick responses. Knowing what fair prices are in the first place can help carriers contest or reject inflated estimates for services. Fees for truck towing services vary by geography, conditions and the work required. Nevertheless, having ballpark figures can help drivers know if a fee sounds fair. ATRI provides this guidance: Median Rates and Excessive Rate Thresholds for Towing <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2025/02/MediaRates.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2025/02/MediaRates.jpg" alt="" width="858" height="491" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7573" /></a> Protect Yourself from Predatory Towing Practices • Establish protocols for tows. After ensuring their own safety, drivers should have a list of steps to take that may include alerting their dispatcher or manager, calling local law enforcement authorities, and conferring with a dispatcher or manager on towing decisions. • Get it in writing. Follow up by email on what was agreed to over the phone immediately after talking to the tow company. Have them reply with their confirmation. • Check documentation. Ask for the tow truck company’s business license and confirm their credentials when they arrive before accepting assistance. • Document everything. Teach drivers to take pictures and videos at the scene of the incident of their vehicle’s position, all damages, and any fluid spills. Instruct them to take pictures of and make notes of the personnel dispatched to the scene by the trucking company and all the equipment and materials they use. • Don’t sign anything. According to attorneys, Adam Brand and Shahan Kapitanyan of Brand & Tapply LLC in Trucking Dive, towing and recovery companies may ask drivers to sign documents at the scene such as assignment of rights and agreements to rates. But there is no requirement that these be signed and they recommend drivers not sign any documents. • Call the police. Make sure they come to the scene so you can obtain an accident report. You may ask them to recommend a good local towing company but be sure and perform your due diligence on their recommendation. • Choose your tow. Drivers may have the opportunity to name their towing and recovery company. Encourage drivers or dispatchers to find a local trucking association and ask them to recommend a towing company. • Question coincidences. Inform drivers to be suspicious of tow truck drivers that appear to have been waiting close by to come to the rescue. Scamming tow operators sometimes take advantage of unmarked low bridges or other hazards to swoop down on rattled drivers. • Ask for an itemized invoice. You need the ability to spot duplicate or frivolous charges and confirm the actual service occurred. Also an itemized breakdown enables you to cross-check the charges with standard fees. (See above.) Know Before You Tow Awareness of the risks and the best practices for mitigating them is the first and most important step when it comes to protecting yourself from the potential financial hit and hassles of predatory towing practices. Spread the word by sharing this article with your company or your social network.

Feb 20, 2025