Oct 15, 2018 • Community

A Foodie’s Guide to America’s Best Truck Stops

There are a lot of variables to factor in when planning your route. Choosing the most direct path between where you’re coming from and where you’re going seems like a no-brainer, but don’t forget to think about other factors when making your plan. Not only should you consider things like weather, traffic patterns and construction, but it’s also important to think about how you want to spend your time on – and off – the road. Taking breaks for sleeping, food and rest are a necessary part of the job. That’s why it’s important to plan for these things as you choose the best route. If you consider yourself a foodie, then this roundup is for you. We pulled some of the best places for good eating from our annual list of the Top 100 Truck Stops in the U.S. and Canada. From home-cooked flavor to delicious desserts, you may want to swing by one of these truck stops if you happen to pass through town.

Big Horn Travel Center – Not only is this Fort Worth, Texas, travel center at the top of our list of best truck stops, but it’s also popular among drivers for its Friday night fish fry. The hand-breaded catfish entree comes with hush puppies, coleslaw, a side and dessert for only $9.99. Dessert is usually Gloria’s famous bread pudding made fresh with Dunkin’ Donuts. The general consensus from Big Horn’s Facebook page is that this bread pudding is worth the trip.
https://www.facebook.com/BigHornTC/
BJ’s Travel Center – If you’re looking for a place to hit up regularly for good barbecue, then BJ’s Travel Center in New Madrid, Mo., just may be the place. This truck stop serves barbecue pork steak, chicken and ribs every day. Truckers love stopping here for some good ol’ home-cooked flavor.
https://www.facebook.com/BJS-Travel-Center-113227608734600/
How-Dea Service Center – How-Dea Service Center brings you a little bit of Belgium, Wis., history with HoBo’s Korner Kitchen. The service center has been around since 1967, while the restaurant opened up in the mid-1980s. Today, HoBo’s still serves brunch every Saturday and Sunday morning, complete with its famous mustripen sausage. This is one of the few places in the country to try this Luxembourgian dish.
http://www.howdea.net https://www.facebook.com/HoBosKornerKitchen/
Abbyland Travel Center – If burgers are more your thing, you can’t miss out on the habanero bourbon burger at the Abbyland Travel Center in Curtiss, Wis. It’s a half-pound burger topped with melty pepper jack cheese, bacon, red onion and Abbyland’s special habanero bourbon sauce. If you’re stopping by on a weekend morning, you’ll want to check out Abbyland’s breakfast pizza or one of their seasonal skillets.
https://www.facebook.com/CTCTRKSTP/ http://www.abbylandtravelcenter.com
19 & 75 Filling Station – Located in Ivanhoe, Minn., 19&75 Filling Station is known for good food and great service. Not only does this truck stop use fresh ingredients, but even its enchilada and tartar sauces are homemade. Dessert is not to be missed, although you might have a hard time choosing between the freshly-made pies and famous bread pudding.
https://www.facebook.com/1975filingstation/
Duke’s Travel Plaza – A stop at Duke’s Travel Plaza in Mount Vernon, Texas, will introduce you to some of the most authentic Texas barbecue around. Make sure you swing by the bakery on your way out for some dessert too.
https://www.facebook.com/dukesmv/
Newborn Truck Stop – Visiting this place is a must if you’re driving through Tallapoosa, Ga. Newborn Truck Stop will remind you of the truck stops of yesteryear where the staff is friendly, the service is good…and the banana pudding is their best-kept secret.
https://www.facebook.com/NewbornTruckStopTallapoosaGA/
Karde’s 151 – Karde’s 151 in Monticello, Iowa, features its popular Cuban sandwich every Thursday. If you’re not in the mood for the pork-cheese-mustard combo, you can try one of Karde’s hand-patties burgers. Passing through in the morning? The breakfast sandwiches and burritos are made from scratch with real eggs.
https://www.facebook.com/k1five1/
Gore’s Travel Plaza – Sometimes you need to grab food quickly when you’re on the go. We get that when you’re short on time, you need something fast and easy. Gore’s Travel Plaza in Seiling, Okla., has a Sonic drive-thru for truck drivers. It doesn’t get any easier than that. If you have more time on your hands, however, make sure to check out Delizioso Bistro and Coffee Bar at this truck stop. Whether it’s pasta or pizza you’re craving – or just a fancy sip of caffeine – this truck stop has it all.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/gorestravelplaza/
https://goretravel.com
Woody’s Smokehouse Shell – It’s not just the barbecue that gets five stars at Woody’s Smokehouse. Be sure to check out the house-smoked meats and jerky, and freshly-baked breads. If your route doesn’t take you through Centerville, Texas, Woody’s will ship your order to your doorstep.
https://www.facebook.com/Woodys.Smokehouse/
https://woodys-smokehouse.com

Adding any of these places to your next route? Let us know when you stop by and what you order!

Truck Sanitation Tips <h2></h2> During the last few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has begun to have an effect on everyone in the world. While truckers continue to deliver the vital needs of the country, there is continued risk in accumulating and spreading the virus in doing so. There is a lot that we can do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Since truck drivers spend more time inside their trucks, it is important to make sure that it is a clean environment for you and for anyone who rides in it. In this article, we have put together a list of tips on how to clean and disinfect your truck. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst2.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst2-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5233" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>1. Choosing Your Cleaning Materials</strong></h3> The first step to cleaning and disinfecting your truck is to choose the right cleaning agents and materials you will use. Isopropyl alcohol is a proven disinfectant, and is also safe to use on most truck interior surfaces. In fact, it is used in many production plants to put a final touch on interior components before they are shipped out. Isopropyl alcohol will remove many stains, smudges and residues, as well as kill bacteria and viruses. However, that stain removing quality can also cause problems with leather. <h2></h2> For leather components such as steering wheels, seating, and trim, a combination of soap and water is a safe and sufficient way to clean them. Avoid hard scrubbing when cleaning your leather interior, and avoid excess suds and water. Hand washing has been recommended as a primary way to protect oneself against infection by COVID-19, this holds true for washing your leather interior as well. <h2></h2> Another cleaning agent is chlorine dioxide (ClO2). It is a common disinfectant and odor eliminator, already prevalent in many shops. It is available in the form of tablets, and depending on the amount of water added, can be used in a vapor or liquid form. <h2></h2> It is recommended to use microfiber towels as cleaning material as it lessens the damage on any surface. Wash the towels thoroughly after each cleaning session. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst3.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst3-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5234" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>2. Cleaning & Disinfecting Truck Interiors</strong></h3> While truck interiors are built to be tough, hard scrubbing or using a rough cloth can cause scratches or even discoloration. A wipe with alcohol on hard surfaces and gentle circular cleaning on upholstery are the best bets for both cleaning and maintaining your truck interior. <h2></h2> It is also very important not to use too much water on your seats. If cloth upholstery soaks through with water, it can get into the cushion beneath. This can cause the growth of mold and that musty smell you will recognize if you've left your windows open in the rain. <h2></h2> If washing the seats of your truck, it is best to wet a cloth or sponge with soap and water and wipe the seats. You do not want to leave excess soap or water, as it can take a long time to dry. Isopropyl alcohol can safely be used on non-leather seats. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst4.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst4-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5235" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>3. Cleaning & Disinfecting Truck Exteriors</strong></h3> Truck exteriors should not be left behind. Wash you trucks regularly at truckstops. Pay attention to the parts which have frequent contact with your hands and shoes such as step boards and exterior door handles. You may clean these areas with soap. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst5.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst5-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5236" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>4. Keeping Clean While on the Road</strong></h3> While you're out, you're exposed to germs and viruses that can follow you back into your truck. If you don't have enough time to do a thorough truck clean, keep in mind of the common contact points such as door handles and controls, keys or start button, steering wheel, gear shift, seats, CB radio, all buttons and knobs on your dash, sun visor, anything touchscreen, the console and cup holders. <h2></h2> You can use disinfectant wipes on most surfaces. Wipe your mobile phones while you're at it too. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jul 29, 2020 • Carriers

Celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week with loads of savings and giveaways [p]National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) is this week! This year, the trucking industry will come together from September 9-15 to honor professional drivers nationwide. We want to thank you for all your hard work and commitment to your careers. Without you and your integral role as a truck driver, life would get tough fast for the rest of us. Many of the things we take for granted, including access to medical supplies, fuel, food and clean water, would all be gone in a matter of weeks without trucks and truck drivers. What you do matters, and we are so grateful for you.[/p] [p]As a professional driver, there are several rewards and freebies you can take advantage of as part of NTDAW. These include:[/p] <ul> <li><strong>[p]Denny’s</strong> - Participating Denny’s travel center locations will offer professional drivers scratch-off cards with various diner discounts and prizes through September 30. Drivers will also receive a 10 percent discount key tag that can be used until December 31, 2019. (<a href="https://www.truckersnews.com/dennys-to-show-appreciation-to-drivers-in-september/">https://www.truckersnews.com/dennys-to-show-appreciation-to-drivers-in-september/</a>)[/p]</li> <li><strong>[p]Pilot/Flying J</strong> - Throughout the month of September, Pilot Flying J stores will have money-saving offers and daily giveaways via the myPilot® app. Pilot Flying J Truck Care is also offering free mid-trip inspections, valued at $50, to help professional drivers and trucking companies prepare for Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Brake Safety Week. The company is also handing out a combined 100 million myRewards® loyalty points to more than 60,000 drivers, including 2,000 daily winners. To enter, professional drivers can simply swipe their myRewards® loyalty card when purchasing diesel fuel at participating travel centers in the United States. Additional details can be found here: <a href="https://www.pilotflyingj.com/driver-appreciation/">https://www.pilotflyingj.com/driver-appreciation/</a>[/p]</li> <li><strong>[p]Love’s Travel Centers</strong> - Love’s is celebrating NTDAW all month long with many food, drink, and merchandise deals as well as the opportunity to win 10,000 My Love Reward points. One driver will win 1 million points. Use the following link for more details: <a href="https://www.truckersnews.com/loves-appreciates-trucker-drivers-throughout-september/">https://www.truckersnews.com/loves-appreciates-trucker-drivers-throughout-september/</a>[/p]</li> <li><strong>[p]AmBest Truck Stops</strong> - Specific AmBest members are hosting driver appreciation events. Check out the full list here to find one near you: <a href="https://am-best.com/News-Events/Driver-Appreciation-Days">https://am-best.com/News-Events/Driver-Appreciation-Days</a>[/p]</li> <li><strong>[p]Southern Recipe</strong> - Vote for your favorite truck driver chef recipe for a chance to with $2,000 here: <a href="http://southernrecipe.com/truckdriverappreciation/">http://southernrecipe.com/truckdriverappreciation/</a>[/p]</li> </ul> [p]Many carriers around the country are also hosting their own driver appreciation events this week. Be sure to check out their social media pages to find out the details. Know about a NTDAW event happening that you want to share with other drivers? Leave the details in a comment below.[/p] [p]Here’s to a great National Truck Driver Appreciation Week![p]

Sep 10, 2018 • Community

Get ready for National Hunting and Fishing Day [p]A driver’s time off the road is invaluable. Whether you spend that time relaxing at home or working on your favorite hobby, it’s important to find something you enjoy doing to recharge. Many drivers enjoy spending their off time hunting and fishing. Maybe you love the quiet and solitude of the hunt or the rush of adrenaline you get when you snag the “big one”. National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is always celebrated the fourth Saturday of September, is the perfect time to get outdoors in the name of conservation. You can also take the NHF Day Challenge by taking someone with you and showing them what you love about hunting, fishing or target shooting. [p]If this is your first year participating, here are some tips for a successful NHF Day: <strong>[p]Hunting</strong> <ul> <li>Brush up on your shooting skills ahead of time at a range nearby.</li> <li>Review firearm safety rules as well as laws and regulations in your state. If you’ve never been hunting before, take a hunter safety course.</li> <li>Buy a hunting license.</li> <li>Plan and research the area you intend to hunt. For some of the best hunting spots near you, check out the interactive map at nhfday.org (<a href="https://www.nssf.org/hunting/where-to-hunt/">https://www.nssf.org/hunting/where-to-hunt/</a>).</li> <li>Learn more about the game animal or bird you intend to hunt. Get to know their habits and how to track them.</li> </ul> <strong>[p]Fishing</strong> <ul> <li>Decide what kind of fish you want to catch and what kind of bait you’ll need.</li> <li>Research lakes nearby that have fishing potential. This interactive map (https://www.takemefishing.org/where-to-fish-and-boat/#/) not only helps you locate bodies of water near you, but it also tells you what species of fish you may be able to catch.</li> <li>Buy a fishing license.</li> <li>Check the weather. Although you can catch fish in nearly any kind of weather conditions, an overcast sky is ideal.</li> <li>Make sure your equipment is in good, working condition, dress in thin layers and wear appropriate foot gear.</li> <li>If you’re fishing from a boat, don’t forget to pack your life jacket.</li> </ul> [p]Are you planning to take advantage of NHF Day? Let us know where you plan to spend the day and whether you’re #teamhunt or #teamfish.

Sep 21, 2018