Oct 27, 2015

Brad James on Trucker Path: The New CB Radio

Brad James, known across the internet as “The Singing Trucker”, spoke to the Trucker Path team about his passion for music, life out on the road, and the benefits of using Trucker Path Pro.

If you’re in need of road trip music, Brad James has got you covered.

In fact, you may have already found yourself singing along to one of his videos on YouTube. Known as “The Singing Trucker,” James has become a viral internet star since posting his first video.

The Trucker Path team sat down with James to talk about his experience in the trucking industry and how he became a YouTube sensation.

“I’ve always loved singing and doing karaoke,” James said. “When I found out there was a way to do karaoke on the iPhone, I was hooked.”

After that, James started creating videos of himself singing to share with friends and four sons while he was out on the road. Once he posted the first one, it took off.

“I posted [the video] on Facebook, and the next day it had gone viral,” James said. “I sat up and I watched it go around the world three times. I didn’t sleep for three days. Three million views, 7.5 million views all in all.”

Facebook and YouTube aren’t the only smartphone apps James uses out on the road. When it comes to navigation, he turns to Trucker Path for help.

“I use Trucker Path when my electronic log goes off and tells me I have an hour left,” James said. “I’ve got to make sure I know where I can stop.”

James said he recommends Trucker Path to friends because it helps him find convenient stops on his route, and it gives him the details he needs.

“Trucker Path comes in handy when I stop and need a ten hour break and when I need to plan ahead,” James said. “When you [tap] the truck stop it tells you how many miles away it is. And I know I can make it to the truck stop and if there’s any parking.”

In addition to getting information about truck stops, James likes to find restaurants he wouldn’t normally know about along his routes.

“It does get old – same food every day,” James said. “I like the fact that when you pull up a truck stop on the app, you can look for the restaurants there. If I am going to a Pilot, it doesn’t just tell me which Pilot restaurant is there. It tells me what the rest across the street is, what the rest down the street is… it tells me what’s in walking distance. It’s nice.”

James said that like Facebook and YouTube, an important part of the Trucker Path experience is contributing to the community.

“Every time I go by the weigh station and it asks me if it were open or closed, it’s just a simple punch of the button,” James said. “Hopefully the guy in front of me told me the right information, and the guy behind me – I’m telling him what I see.”

With the recent popularity of smartphones, James said apps like Trucker Path are picking up where older technology left off.

“Trucker Path is the new CB radio,” James said. “The drivers don’t speak to each other on the CB radios anymore. Cell phones had come out, and we don’t talk to each other as much anymore, and it’s hard to get that information.”

That information can be crucial when out on the road. James said truckers face unique challenges every day that can lead to stressful situations.

“Dealing with automobile drivers and less experienced people, when your truck’s overweight, law enforcement, you name it and we have to deal with it out there,” James said.

As tough as it can be, James said driving has its perks.

“Sometimes you get out on the open road, and driving a truck can be the most peaceful of times,” James said. “Sometimes you just get lost in your own thoughts as you’re driving.”

Check out Brad James on his YouTube channel and on his blog www.brad-james.com.

Want to boost your business? Join the Truckloads community [p]Imagine an online trucking marketplace with no monthly fees. Where reputable Brokers, Shippers and Carriers can connect, with confidence, through either their computers or their smartphones. And where everyone has access to the kind of reliable information that builds trust among everyone involved. Those are just a few ways the developers of Trucker Path are taking the traditional Load Board concept to a whole new level.[/p] [quote]Our new platform does what Load Boards should have been doing for years.[/quote] [p][b]Free for now. Android & Desktop[/b][/p] [p]During the public beta-testing period of its Truckloads App, participants will be charged no monthly fees. For carriers who remain in the community after the beta stage, monthly fees will be $20 – with per-transaction fees of $25 split between carriers and brokers or shippers.[/p] [p]Brokers and shippers will typically connect to Truckloads through our desktop interface, while the App (currently available only in Android version) is intended primarily for Carriers.[/p] [p][b]Trucker Path Truckloads is now in public beta testing[/b][/p] [p]In addition to bringing together truckers, brokers and logistics companies, Truckloads serves B2B companies and the commercial freight companies. On the driver’s side, the marketplace becomes part of the familiar Trucker Path App experience – giving truckers a single place to conduct all of their business, without having to use a laptop to search multiple websites.[/p] [p]This is your chance to get in on the ground floor.[/p] [p]With more than 300,000 trucks in our system (nearly 20 % of all class 8 truckers in the U.S.),we’ve already built a community to rival any freight matching service anywhere – and it’s grown, on average by more than 20 % per month over the past six months. With our official June 30 public beta test launch, you have the chance to become one of the Truckloads community’s earliest members. All you have to do is request an Invite to join.[/p] [p][b]Why do you want to join?[/b][/p] [p]With Truckloads, we’re creating a marketplace where, for instance, brokers and shippers can access background info on the carrier that’s published by the government. Information we’ve integrated into our database through partnerships with Saferwatch, Scoop Monkey and Transcredit – and ranges from drivers’ CSA scores to their safety ratings and insurance coverage.[/p] [p]Naturally, that same kind of information will be available on [i]all[/i] members of our community – enabling carriers to research brokers and shippers before offering their services, while saving everyone a tremendous amount of time and effort in due diligence and handling.[/p] [p][b]We’ve made the playing field level for everyone[/b][/p] [p]The Truckloads platform’s unique assurance that all freight partners “play fair” is our online Ratings system – which is much like the Seller ratings found on eBay. So when you do your job right, your personal rating gets better and better. Imagine how that could improve your prospects for more, and better, opportunities![/p] [p][b]A few details on the system[/b][/p] [p]To make a shipment, customers can simply open Trucker Path’s web-based client in their browsers, then fill-in a few details (such as pick-up date & time, origin and destination – along with contact and payment information). Or Trucker Path can integrate with shippers’ Transportation Management Systems to pass load information seamlessly to the Truckloads platform.[/p] [p]Truckers can use the Truckloads app to scan the areas around their current locations for new truckloads (or view them in a list),then instantly make offers on available loads. This triggers negotiations between drivers and shippers – during which, customers can see truckers’ FMCSA information and ratings. After both parties reach agreements, they receive all relevant information about each other, and about the freight.[/p] [p][b]Transparent rates and real-time tracking[/b][/p] [p]Brokers and Shippers will appreciate Truckloads’ transparent rates and real-time tracking of shipments. Carriers will love the Trucker Path FastPay feature, which guarantees settlement for approved shippers within 48 hours of deliveries. Two more reasons why Trucker Path already has a significant group of early adopters, including a number of billion dollar companies.[/p] [p][b]Additional advantages for brokers & shippers[/b][/p] [ul] [li]Book trucks faster[/li] [li]Simple workflow for booking, scheduling and searching[/li] [li]Increase savings by reducing dispatcher work[/li] [li]Free real-time freight tracking[/li] [li]Manage all of your shipment activity, contacts, deliveries and paperwork in one place[/li] [li]FastPay[/li] [/ul] [p]All of which means you’ll increase your productivity and profits by reaching more carriers in less time, while spending less time and effort on negotiations and booking.[/p] [p][b]Additional advantages for carriers[/b][/p] [ul] [li]Find and book freight faster with no, or less, dispatcher work[/li] [li]Fast payment and claims resolution[/li] [li]Reduce empty miles, easy backhaul[/li] [li]And you can do it all on your smartphone![/li] [/ul] [p]With Truckloads, you’ll increase your profits by reaching more shippers & brokers, and spending less time on negotiations & booking.[/p] [p][b]Truckloads is a win-win for everyone[/b][/p] [p]And after all, isn’t that why you’re in this business? So if you’re looking for more and better opportunities for your business, [a href="https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/"]request an invite[/a] to join the industry’s fastest-growing marketplace for quality brokers, shippers and carriers.[/p] [br][p][i]SUMMARY: The developers of Trucker Path – the best App for truckers – are expanding its features. The app already helps truckers find parking at truck stops, rest areas and overnight parking lots. What’s more, it helps truckers find open weigh stations and nearby TRANSFLO. With the Truckloads platform, brokers, shippers and carriers can all increase profits and save time.[/i][/p]

Jul 07, 2015

A Match Made at MATS [p]Kevin Young and his wife Shannon have traveled together for half of his 16 year truck driving career, enjoying “the freedom of the open road and not having a boss standing over your shoulder.” Together, they’re on a mission to get the sense of community back in the trucking industry using new technologies like Trucker Path and podcasts.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2015/09/KJ_Picture1-1.png" alt=""] [p]Kevin Young knows the secret to keeping a relationship happy and healthy while on the road.[/p] [p]“Love,” Young said. “When you’re two feet apart all day, you either love them or hate them. Love and patience.”[/p] [p]At the Great American Trucking Show (GATS) in August, members of the Trucker Path team got to hang out with Young, a third generation trucker, and his wife Shannon in their truck.[/p] [p]“We know 99 % about each other,” Young said. “Sure, we get on each other’s nerves, but we wouldn’t change it for the world.”[/p] [p]When they need a break from one another, Young and his wife enjoy stops along the way like GATS and MATS. In fact, [a href="http://www.overdriveonline.com/a-match-made-in-mats-couple-gets-married-at-truck-show/"]they even got married at MATS in 2013[/a].[/p] [p]For Young, the highlight of GATS was the chance to talk to others in the trucking industry. “I love talking,” Young said, “and I had a lot of wonderful interviews. Talking to people is my main thing.”[/p] [p][a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/trucking-comes-up-short-in-search-for-young-drivers-1432071355"]Even the Wall Street Journal looks to Young for insight on trucking[/a].[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2015/09/KJ2-1.png" alt=""] [p]Young said truckers come to GATS to learn about all the latest gadgets and technology in the industry. He said it’s important that truckers keep up with technology trends.[/p] [p]“Everybody has to change with the times,” Young said. “No old school mentality anymore.”[/p] [p]Along with over 400,000 other truckers, he and Shannon have turned to Trucker Path for help on the road.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2015/09/KJ3-1.png" alt=""] [p]“Like my buddy Brad James said, ‘Trucker Path is the new CB radio.’” Young said. “Lots of new gadgets out there in the trucking industry, and you’ve got to roll with it.”[/p] [p]Young is hoping the Trucker Path Pro app will help with a growing issue in trucking – community. He said that, while there’s a strong sense of community at events like GATS, that hospitality doesn’t always shine out on the road.[/p] [p]After a flat on his trailer’s back axle in the fall of 2000, Young says other drivers stopped to help him right away. Nowadays, however, he fears that sort of camaraderie is fading from the industry.[/p] [p]“Drivers don’t help each other on the side of the road as they used to,” Young said. “Community like that in modern day trucking is missing.”[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2015/09/KJ4_edit-1.png" alt=""] [p]Young is on a mission to get that community back. He’s starting a podcast called [a href="https://www.facebook.com/Truckin-Roundup-page-1427419624228653/"]Truckin Round Up[/a] which brings together the elements of old school trucking with the trends of new school trucking.[/p] [p]Young’s podcast will take the form of a talk show full of interview segments with others in the industry. In it, Young plans to discuss new technology like Trucker Path that can keep old school trucking relevant.[/p] [quote]“You’ve got to have allies in this world and in this industry,” said Young. “It’s a never ending battle between good and evil. Stick together and be helpful on the road.”[/quote] [p]When Young isn’t recording his podcast or driving his truck, you can find him helping his wife Shannon learn to drive.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2015/09/Kj5-1.png" alt=""] [p]“If you want a hard challenge in your life, train your spouse how to drive a truck,” Young said jokingly. “I tell her do as I say, not as I do. She’s done drove me bald and took all my money. She might as well drive my truck too.”[/p] [p][i]Special thanks to Kevin and Shannon for sharing their stories with us and for their support of the Trucker Path app.[/i][/p]

Sep 29, 2015

What makes Apps4Truckers’ Tim Spence a Trucker Path fan? [p]Tim Spence has either been a trucker, or working in trucking, since 1986 – and like a lot of folks, he came to the industry through his father. “I was in Shreveport when the oil industry went sour, and he offered to teach me how to drive. You could say he taught me the Old School way,” Tim says with a chuckle. “Just take the wheel while the truck is rolling, and learn how to shift later.[/p] [h2]His favorite “benefit” may be something you’ve never even considered[/h2] [p]“These days, I’m mostly just driving this seat” – behind the desk in his Selma, Alabama home office, where he manages the Apps4Truckers website and produces a regular podcast with the same name. Tim recently hosted a segment featuring Trucker Path’s own Maria Melnyk, and agreed to spend a few minutes off the air sharing his thoughts with us.[/p] [p][b]Tim’s first impressions of Trucker Path? “Astounded”[/b][/p] [p]“When I interviewed Maria, I downloaded Trucker Path right before we started recording – so I could give her my first impressions live, on the air. What astounded me was the level of user participation I saw. Maria and I talked about how often people check-in to report whether or not Weigh Stations they’d passed were open. And when I started reading user reviews of restaurants, they were all pretty much up to date.”[/p] [p][b]We’ve lost something in the trucking community[/b][/p] [p]Like a lot of veterans from his generation, Tim has seen the industry change in ways he doesn’t always like. “I talk pretty often with older drivers about how we’ve lost a sense of community among truckers. You walk into a truck stop these days, everyone’s sitting by themselves and nobody’s talking. And yes, I’m guilty of doing the same thing myself. When I’m on the road, I’ll walk into a truck stop, and I might not say a word to anybody but the cashier.[/p] [p][b]Trucker Path is one way we’re getting it back[/b][/p] [p]“The beauty of Trucker Path is, it’s taking the very devices that stopped all that conversation, and it’s giving users a real sense of community. With the Trucker Path App, you can actually feel like you’re not alone out there – because there are a lot of people contributing helpful information every day. In that sense, I’d like to think it’s encouraging better social habits.[/p] [p][b]Dragging our industry into the 21st century?[/b][/p] [p]Tim sees another potential long-term benefit from Trucker Path: Helping the industry broaden its appeal to younger people through technology – an area where trucking is notoriously behind the curve.[/p] [p]“The other day,” Tim says with an eye-roll, “I met someone from a company that’s still sending its drivers messages recorded on cassette.” That may be extreme example, Tim notes, but it’s hardly unheard-of for an industry that just isn’t taking full advantage of technology to recruit younger people.[/p] [p][b]We couldn’t have said it better ourselves[/b][/p] [p]Which indirectly points to the ultimate benefit Tim sees in Trucker Path – “And to me, this is absolute gold: By inviting helpful user contributions,” Tim says, “Trucker Path encourages genuine camaraderie between drivers. It’s giving people the opportunity to Pay It Forward to others on the road every day.”[/p] [p]And at the end of the day, what greater good can an App do than help you while you’re helping others?[/p] [br][p][i]SUMMARY: Our profile of trucker app expert Tim Spence, who particularly appreciates Trucker Path’s user review feature for helping truckers help one another by sharing information on the best truck stop restaurant – and identify whether Weigh Stations along their routes are open or closed.[/i][/p]

Jul 20, 2015