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 - Tashauna Thomas <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_Tashauna-Thomas-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Tashauna Thomas</strong>, who's a 25-year old trucker from Brampton, Ontario, Canada. She has been driving for about 3 years, started driving locally and now doing OTR. Let's get to know "Tashauna" and her life over the road. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I was offered the opportunity to get my CDL while I was working in the warehouse at Coca-Cola, so that was how and why I decided to be a trucker. <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> In the short amount of time that I have been a trucker, the only major changes I’ve seen would have to be the hours of service in regards to the split sleeper berth. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tashauna-Thomas-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some things you dislike about being a truck driver?</strong></h3> Sitting for long periods of time, hitting animals, and being stuck in bad weather conditions. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What attributes must one have in order to be a successful truck driver?</strong></h3> Patience and great driving skills. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3> Seeing all the different types of landscapes across America and Canada. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model? </strong></h3> Peterbilt 579. <h2></h2> <h3><strong> Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3> I wanted to be in a Missy Elliot music video like Alyson Stoner. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tashauna-Thomas-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> Any truck stop that is clean and doesn’t have a bunch of dropped trailers in parking spots. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR?</strong></h3> The starter on my Volvo was corroded so that took a while to get fixed just because it’s a Volvo. <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> What I like about <a href="https://sixdays.page.link/tLUu">Trucker Path</a> is I can see which truck stop has parking available so I can plan according for my 10 hour break. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> I say go for it if you feel you want to try it out. Nothing wrong with seeing if trucking is for you. When you do become a trucker, don’t forget to do your pre-trip! <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tashauna-Thomas-5.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> They can view my videos on my Youtube Channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9M6B5FXm_D9_peBNX2Lzqg/videos">Slimteetee</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vWfKm-TZ4hE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Apr 15, 2021 • Carriers

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Nov 03, 2017 • Community

Trucker Spotlight - BDSmith <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/ts-bdsmith-blog-5.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>BDSmith</strong>, who's been driving for around 2 years now. He's a Youtuber / Artist who enjoys driving with his dogs. Let's get to know the interesting story about how he got into trucking. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> It kind of was a random choice. I had just gotten back from South Korea where I did 2 years military service and 5 years just living there. I worked as a programmer for a tech company in Gangnam and was able to do the job online when I got back to the states but didn’t like trying to have meetings with the difference in hours. I always loved to drive ever since I was a kid so I figured, “Hey, why not?”. <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> As I’ve only been in for roughly 2.5 years I haven’t noticed too much change other than it seems like there’s less people on the CB than when I started. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/ts-bdsmith-blog-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> So the channel started back in 2015 as a gaming channel. Mainly something to do with my two boys after work. Now that I’m driving a truck and don’t have time for games, I turned it fully into a trucking vlog late 2018. I try to do stupid things to make people laugh etc. I never take myself too seriously unless it’s job related. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> I don’t really ever get lonely. I’ve had a dog since my 2nd month of driving and now have two. They help a lot. Always doing stupid things which make me laugh. I video call my boys who still live in Korea with their mom. That’s the only hard part, being away from them. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/ts-bdsmith-blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> Remembering that people would prefer it if I wear a mask. I haven’t seen anything truck related - my rates went down a small bit for about a week in late March but it didn’t last. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> I like to go anywhere. I love going into Texas because the people always treat me well and I have a lot of fans there so I do occasional meet ups. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/ts-bdsmith-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>What was your weirdest or most unusual haul?</strong></h3> Not sure I’ve had anything too bad. I picked up a recycled paper load once coming out of Arizona going to Cali. The place smelled so bad I almost threw up, other than that nothing too unusual. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How often do you use rest stops / truck stops? What are the things that you look for in a truck stop? Favorite truck stop meal?</strong></h3> For the longest time I only went to P/FJ because their spicy chicken is absolutely amazing. When it comes to sleeping I really try to stay away from the big truck stops. I prefer the mom and pop places. Seems the more experienced people go there so I don’t have to worry as much about my truck being hit. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/ts-bdsmith-blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> The biggest problem is four wheelers not paying attention. It really shocked me when I started driving just how many terrible drivers are out there. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> People that don’t move over for disabled vehicles on the shoulders and people that speed up when you go to pass them after driving slow for the last 20 miles. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path app on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3> Hands down it’s the truck stop finder. There’s so many on <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> that aren’t on my Garmin. And that 1) has saved me a few times with HOS and 2) I’ve found some great small restaurants that way. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Keep in mind it’s not a job. It’s not a career. It’s a lifestyle. Some make big money. Some never do. Just because you see a big number doesn’t mean it’s a big number. Always remember a lot of it will go into taxes and upkeep of the truck. Remember you will be away from home for long periods. Can you handle that? And above all, be respectful to those whom came before you in this industry. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> They can view my videos on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBCDA74N9mp7WXMDUQSHCjg">Youtube Channel, BDSmith Trucking</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vGZAUdtyjow" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Oct 02, 2020 • Carriers