Oct 15, 2020 • Community

A Closer Look at the Trucking Industry in America

A Closer Look at the Trucking Industry in America

The trucking industry is the lifeblood of America’s economy. In fact, nearly every good consumed in the U.S. is put on a truck at some point. We’ve compiled some trucking stats and facts on the infographic below.

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TagsTruck truck drivers Owner Operator trucking Trucking Industry Truck driver tips Owner Operators Industry Update Technology Trucking Tips transportation

Trucker Spotlight - Tony Justice <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Tony Justice</strong>, a full-time trucker and one of country music’s most talked about independent artists, selling over 100,000 albums, gracing magazine covers, and earning over 10 MILLION YouTube views. Let's get to know more about Tony and his life where the music meets the road. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Tell us a short story about yourself? </strong></h3> I was born in Visalia, CA but moved to Elkhorn Creek, KY when I was three. I grew up in Coal Country smack dab in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s not to far from Van Lear, KY where Loretta Lynn was born. Growing up, I had 3 older brothers and an older sister. My dad owned three of his own trucks that he hauled coal with. He drove one and my two uncles drove the others. Dad was always serious when it came to keeping his truck up and it was my brothers and my responsibilities to wash and service the trucks every weekend. Dad always had Conway Twitty or Merle Haggard or George Jones blasting on the radio. I can’t remember a time in my life without trucks or music being a part of it. I spent my 20s traveling and playing music. After a divorce, I got custody of my two daughters and figured the music has been fun but it’s time to get a real job. In 2000 I got my CDL, hit the road and quit the music. Fate is a funny thing, but when I quit music is when it actually started gaining traction. I was blessed to find a company like ETI that allowed me to pursue my music and keep my job at the same time. The rest as they say is history. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What came first? Trucking or Singing?</strong></h3> Singing came first, but as a kid, like most other kids, I love those big rigs and still love them today. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What got you into music? Who are your music influences?</strong></h3> My mom is a huge music fan and an amazing singer herself. Growing up, she had a gospel group that would travel to different churches. I picked up the bass guitar when I was six and starting playing in her group at the age of seven. I have to give credit to my mom for getting me interested in the music. I have several artists that I love. Most know I'm a Merle Haggard junkie, but I also like many other artists like Keith Whitney, George Jones, Alabama, Charlie Daniels, Don Williams, Tom T. Hall, Johnny Cash, Midland and Jamie Johnson - to name a few. Then you have my southern rock and rock n roll side with artist like The Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, Journey, The Stones and E.LO. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How do you describe your music?</strong></h3> It’s for the blue collar working class. I still truck these highways every week and that’s what my songs are about. The journey... whether it’s the journey trucking out to California or the journey of life. There are so many similarities between trucking and life. That’s why the trucking industry has more songs written about it than any other industry and that is what makes them relatable to not only truckers but to the general public as well. A lot of writers these days stray away from reality. I feed on it when I’m writing. <h2></h2> <h3><strong> If you could do a show with any artist, who would that be?</strong></h3> It has to be Merle Haggard hands down. Elvis would be my second choice. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I always loved the big rigs. I grew up riding with my dad in the mid 70s through the mid 80s. I traveled playing music across the East from 1990 to 2000 in an old 84 model Chevy conversion van pulling a ten-foot equipment trailer. I would always fall in with a few trucks going the way I was going and get to chatting with them on the CB radio. I guess I was playing trucker - haha. My dad was my hero and damn good at what he did. He drove for 30 years hauling coal and then hauling tankers for Highway Transport out of Knoxville, TN. Who didn't want to grow up to be like their dad? <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> The advances in technology has to be the biggest changes I have seen. Some for the better and some for the worse. Regulations have increased dramatically as the old school brotherhood has decreased. It’s still alive you just have to look a little harder. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What attributes must one have in order to be a successful truck driver?</strong></h3> Patience, dedication and a commitment to professionalism are so important. You treat the industry with the respect it deserves and it will give you respect back. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3> There are too many to recall, but I’d have to say running back from California one time. I hooked up with about seven other truckers - six men and one woman. We all stayed together from LA all the way to Dallas before we went separate ways. It was definitely and blast from the past and without a doubt we made old Southern Shaker proud and may have pissed off one Phoenix Evil Knievel who ended up having to chase his cowboy hat instead of us. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How do you balance driving, writing music, and performing?</strong></h3> I do the best I can. It’s a challenge for sure but I have an amazing team back home who carry the bulk of the day to day. My wife, Misty, and my step-daughter, Lacey, do a ton of work along with my Director of Marketing, Laura Bull, and Chief Financial Director, Audrey Russell. Having a supportive boss like I do in Cline and Lisa Everhart also allows me to take off work to record, play shows and film videos. I’m truly blessed to have these people in my life. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3> Easy: Peterbilt 379. My second choice would be the old Diamond Rios and then the W900 KW and the old Freightliner Classics. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice5.png" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> Loves is the one my company uses to fuel with and I like them. Some of my other favorites are Uncle Pete’s, Iowa 80, Kewanee One Stop, Davy Crockett TA, and the old Queen City truck stop. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR?</strong></h3> It happened last year. I was rolling east on 72 in Alabama and grenaded this ole Cat. We got 1.3 million on a rebuild so I guess I can’t complain too much about it. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Don't just be a driver. Learn the industry inside and out. Become as familiar with it as possible. It will benefit you tremendously down the road. Don’t allow yourself to become complacent with driving. After a few years, that is easy to do. It will bite you if you let it. Last but not least, no matter the situation you may find yourself in, NEVER… NEVER get in a hurry. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Mar 16, 2021 • Community

Trucker Spotlight - Wazeer <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Wazeer-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Wazeer</strong>, better known as the viral TikTok Trucker, Trucker Wazeer, who creates vibrant, informative, engaging, and humorous ( depending on who you ask) videos about his experience as a Truck Driver. Born and raised in Houston Texas, he can read music, and also went to film school. Let's get to know "Wazeer" and his experiences as a trucker. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I was at a dead end financially and a crossroad in my life. I wanted a change of scenery and direction. At my lowest point of hopelessness and frustration I got the call from the company that I now drive for. They explained that they were hiring and if I was willing to relocate to Dallas for 3-4weeks they would assist me in getting my CDL. Out of fear, I was reluctant to go into the trucking industry. Despite my irrational fear of big rigs, I knew this could be the pivot I was looking for to change my life. I decided to take the plunge into CDL school. Sink or swim, I was not leaving Dallas without my CDL. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> Being that I began my journey to become a Trucker during the covid pandemic, there was shortage of truckers. Over the course of my 10 months OTR, the demand has only increased, even as the restrictions of the lockdowns have for the most part subsided. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you start doing TikTok?</strong></h3> My younger sister suggested it to me. She told me many people on TikTok were interested in new careers paths due to covid. Boy was she right. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What attributes must one have in order to be a successful truck driver?</strong></h3> A respect for the truck is critical. If you respect the truck it will provide for you. If you do not respect the truck it will cost you in many ways. The biggest way could be your life or someone else’s life. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3> Coming down Donner’s pass in California for the first time. That was my first Mountain. I will never forget the feeling of the truck responding to gravity in that way. I had no idea how it would feel to have the truck accelerate from just the weight of the load going down an incline or grade. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model? </strong></h3> I love my Kenworth T680 <h2></h2> <h3><strong> Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3> I am in love with all kinds of media. Music, film, and television. I would like to fuse all of them with my new found fame as a representative of the trucking industry. I would like to demystify what it is like to be an OTR trucker, so that people may consider it as a possible career. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Wazeer-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> I love Love’s for fuel. I fly to Pilot for their food. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR?</strong></h3> The first time I broke down was the worst because it was my first. I knew the protocol but the feeling of trucks flying past me while being stranded on the shoulder was uncomfortable to say the least. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3> I love that the <a href="https://sixdays.page.link/tLUu">Trucker Path app</a> shows icons for places I may need to go to on my route without me searching. The fact that I can also filter what those place are is the cherry on top. Very well designed and executed. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Your peace of mind is everything. Be measured and focused. Trip planning relieves a ton of stress. Drive safe even when you are late. Use Trucker path. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Wazeer-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on TikTok?</strong></h3> They can view my videos on my TikTok, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@truckerwazeer">truckerwazeer</a>. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Apr 21, 2021 • Community

Trucker Spotlight - Kristy Mathews <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tp-sp-blog-kristy-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Kristy Mathews</strong>, who's one of the three recently crowned Queens of the Road by <a href="http://www.realwomenintrucking.com/">Real Women In Trucking</a>. She's a 36yr-old, born and raised Minnesotan trucking influencer, who isn't scared to take on any job. Big or small she's done it all. Let's get to know more about Kristy and how it's like to be Queen of the road. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I always had a fascination with the big trucks and machinery we used in the family companies. From the 1st time I got to ride in the truck, I knew that's what i wanted to. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What were some challenges that you faced when you started out trucking? </strong></h3> When I first started driving, I definitely was looked at like I couldn't do it. I was an 18yr old 90lb woman fresh out of high school, but I showed them I had what it would take. I've been looked at as an underdog and its a daily reminder of all the things I was told I couldn't do and I've prevailed through thick and thin. This is my dream and I'll do whatever it takes to succeed. Especially if it's empowering more women to do something they thought they could never do. Positive vibes and strides to the ultimate goal. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tp-sp-blog-kristy-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>In the years that you've been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> Biggest noticeable changes I've noticed in the industry is lack of common sense and respect for others. We are all in this together like a family once upon a time and now it's all about your 15 seconds of fame on bashing others. I hate what its come to and I always try to instill that brotherhood/sisterhood as much as possible. We need that back, we need to have each other's back. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> I don't have times of loneliness because I'm an introvert. I love the isolation in my truck and all the time to myself. That's also how I think of my next big move in life. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your trucking pet peeves</strong></h3> I have a lot of trucking peeves but I would like to think of the positives and not get set back by something I can't change. <h2></h2> <h3><strong> Being Queen of the Road, how would you want to change or improve on the current situation of the trucking industry?</strong></h3> If I could change or improve current situations in the industry, it would have to be getting our voices heard across the board from big things like rules regulations and HOS, to increasing truck parking so drivers can have a restful sleep and safe havens. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tp-sp-blog-kristy-5.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What keeps you busy nowadays? How did the current Covid-19 situation affect your trucking life?</strong></h3> Work keeps me plenty busy. I work hard so I can play harder. I love taking vacations. It is something I never grew up doing with my family so now I'm living my best life. Covid-19 hasn't really affected me all that much. I've been to every hot spot delivering medical supplies. If anything, it was humbling in the beginning knowing I'm doing something to help and these loads were needed, but it's honestly no different than any other day. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your future career plans? Would you continue to be a trucker? Any plans on being an instructor?</strong></h3> Looking into my future, it's my goal to get my non-profit initiative started. Breast cancer screening is a big deal (has deep meaning to me) and I want to be able to help females in the trucking industry get the screenings they need more conveniently, more affordable options for preventative care, mastectomies, and down time since we all know if the wheels aren't turning you ain't earning. Also part of it, I'd like to help females wanting to come into the industry with grants to get them schooling they need to succeed, and graduating high school students scholarships to anyone wanting to go into the medical field. I have some big dreams and goals I plan to achieve. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Favorite truck model?</strong></h3> I'd love to own, restore, and drive a 1957 Mack B61 twin stick. If i had time and a lot of extra money, that would be my dream right there. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your must haves or the things that you bring with you when on the road?</strong></h3> My best must haves are an atlas, <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path app</a>, and my phone. I like to keep it simple. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tp-sp-blog-kristy-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring women truckers?</strong></h3> Women wanting to delve into this industry should not come in with an "I am woman hear me roar" BS attitude. We are all in this together, doing this together. The best way to succeed is to be humble, strong, thick skinned, and help others asking for help. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <em>Got a cool story to share? Send us message at community@truckerpath.com to be featured!</em> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Sep 04, 2020 • Carriers