
The California Senate approved a bill that will increase the price of gasoline and diesel in order to fund road repair projects and infrastructure improvements.
The new bill passed by a 27–11 vote and only a signature by Gov. Jerry Brown is required before implementing the tax hike. This will be the first tax increase in California on gas in 23 years.
The tax revenue is expected to generate $5.2 billion per year to help fund road projects. The new tax hikes will go into effect on Wednesday, November 1, 2017.
The tax hike is not expected to be incorporated all at once. In addition, the bill includes a $100 annual fee for electric cars and an increase in license and registration fees for automobiles in California depending on value. The fee increase will go into effect on January 1, 2018.
We can’t prevent the tax increase on diesel but we can help you find locations with the lowest diesel prices. Use Trucker Path so you can compare and find the cheapest diesel fuel prices near you. Whether it’s at truck stops or fuel stations, we have thousands of locations with accurate pricing so you can save (well, what you can).





Best Truck Stops [p]With over 6,000 truck stops in the Trucker Path app determining the best truck stops in America is no small task. But hey, who doesn't love a challenge and a competition to see which is the best truck stop for 2017.[/p]
[h2]Best Truck Stops[/h2]
[p]The best truck stops are ranked thanks to you guys! There are over 600,000 truck drivers who update locations on Trucker Path with available parking at truck stops, travel centers and rest areas throughout America. Drivers also comment on their experiences at truck stops by leaving ratings and reviews for fellow users to view.[/p]
[p] Whether you need diesel stations to fuel up, looking for a delicious homemade meal like grandma used to make or just looking for a place with truck parking to rest, these are the best truck stops perfect for truck drivers.[/p]
[h2]Creek Travel Plaza[/h2]
[android-img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/05/Creek-Travel-Plaza-1.png"]
[p]The Creek Travel Plaza is the best truck stop for independently owned truck stops and is a must stop for truck drivers in the Southeast.[/p]
[h2]What Makes It a Best Truck Stop?[/h2]
[p]To determine what is the best truck stop, we analyzed a variety of criteria in order to award the best locations found [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]in our app[/a]. Truck stops and travel centers with available truck parking, fantastic customer service and useful amenities like showers, repair services, laundry facilities and WiFi found themselves a cut above the competition.[/p]
[p]It's no secret, truck drivers love to eat. That's why restaurant options and food quality were also included in our decision-making when ranking the best truck stops. The next time you are traveling through America, be sure to check out one of these nearby truck stops.[/p]
[h2]Best Truck Stops - Top 10 Truck Stops: 0-5.0 Ratings scale[/h2]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/04/Screen-Shot-2017-04-25-at-12.56.11-PM-1.png" alt=""]
[button-white href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/04/Top-truck-stops-Top-100-2017-PR.pdf"]Full List[/button-white]
[h2]Best Truck Stops - Top 10 Independent Truck Stops[/h2]
[ul]
[li]Creek Travel Plaza – Atmore, AL[/li]
[li]Karde’s 151 – Monticello, IA[/li]
[li]Gore’s Travel Plaza – Seiling, OK[/li]
[li]Association of Christian Truckers – Brownstown, IL[/li]
[li]BJs Travel Center – New Madrid, MO[/li]
[li]Hixton Travel Plaza – Hixton, WI[/li]
[li]Kwik Trip Travel Center – Austin MN[/li]
[li]Kwik Trip #202 – Plover, WI[/li]
[li]Refugio Travel Center – Refugio, TX[/li]
[li]Texas 87/ Tiger Truck Stop – Esperanza, TX[/li]
[/ul]
[h2]Look for the Decal in the Truck Stop Window[/h2]
[p]Recognition of success goes beyond saying congrats. The best truck stops for this year will each receive a window decal honoring the location as [i]the Best Places for 2017[/i]. This recognition lets truck drivers know that they have come to the right truck stop.[/p]
[images src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/04/best-places-decal-BLOG-1.png" alt="Cost of parking" width="250px" align="left" ]
[h2]Which State Has the Best Truck Stops?[/h2]
[p]They say in Texas, football is king. While that might be true, there's also room on the throne for the best truck stops. [b]Texas[/b] had three truck stops ranked in the top 15 along with nine in the top 100 overall, more than any other state. Meanwhile, [b]Wisconsin[/b] finished second with five ranked in the top 100 and [b]Alabama[/b] finishing third with four truck stops.[/p]
[h2]Gore's Travel Plaza – a Historic Truck Stop Location[/h2]
[p]Gore's Travel Plaza began in 1939 when Floyd Gore decided to open a service station next to his home in Seiling, Oklahoma. Currently, third-generation brothers Tony, Gary and Marty along with fourth-generation son and nephew Derrick continue the family business of serving the trucking community for over 78 years.[/p]
[quote]“The best part of serving the truck driving community is finding new ways to make their days on the road a little easier. We are here to serve them and our goal is to always be above their expectations,” said Gore's General Manager Derrick Gore. “Our staff know that customers come first, before anything else. We want people to leave our facility feeling appreciated and respected. Serving the needs of our customers and going above and beyond their expectations is something that we are proud of and hope they recognize during their visit.”[/quote]
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If you're a truck driver but want to earn more and be your own boss, learn how you can<a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/how-to-become-an-owner-operator/"> become an owner operator today.</a>
A Foodie’s Guide to America’s Best Truck Stops [p]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.
<ol>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> Big Horn Travel Center</strong> - 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.[br]
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BigHornTC/">https://www.facebook.com/BigHornTC/</a>[br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BigHornTC/">
</a></li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> BJ’s Travel Center</strong> - 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. [br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BJS-Travel-Center-113227608734600/">https://www.facebook.com/BJS-Travel-Center-113227608734600/</a>[br]</li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> How-Dea Service Center </strong>- 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.[br]<a href="http://www.howdea.net">http://www.howdea.net </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HoBosKornerKitchen/">https://www.facebook.com/HoBosKornerKitchen/</a>[br]</li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> Abbyland Travel Center</strong> - 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. [br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CTCTRKSTP/">https://www.facebook.com/CTCTRKSTP/ </a><a href="http://www.abbylandtravelcenter.com">http://www.abbylandtravelcenter.com</a>[br]</li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> 19 & 75 Filling Station </strong>- 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.[br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/1975filingstation/">https://www.facebook.com/1975filingstation/</a>[br]</li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> Duke’s Travel Plaza </strong>- 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.[br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dukesmv/">https://www.facebook.com/dukesmv/</a>[br]</li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> Newborn Truck Stop</strong> - 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.[br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewbornTruckStopTallapoosaGA/">https://www.facebook.com/NewbornTruckStopTallapoosaGA/</a>[br]</li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> Karde’s 151</strong> - 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.[br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/k1five1/">https://www.facebook.com/k1five1/</a>[br]</li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> Gore’s Travel Plaza</strong> - 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.[br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/gorestravelplaza/">https://www.facebook.com/pg/gorestravelplaza/</a>[br]<a href="https://goretravel.com">https://goretravel.com</a>[br]</li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> Woody’s Smokehouse Shell</strong> - 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.[br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Woodys.Smokehouse/">https://www.facebook.com/Woodys.Smokehouse/</a>[br]<a href="https://woodys-smokehouse.com">https://woodys-smokehouse.com</a>[br]</li>
</ol>
Adding any of these places to your next route? Let us know when you stop by and what you order!
Everything Truck Drivers Need to Know About Deadhead
[p]If you are a new driver or maybe just received authority as an owner-operator, understanding what deadhead is can be critical when searching for the right load.[/p]
[h2]What is Deadhead?[/h2]
[p]Deadhead in trucking is when a [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]truck driver[/a] is driving with an empty trailer. Since loads aren't found in our backyards, deadhead is usually necessary for owner operators who must drive a certain distance to pick up a load.[/p]
[h2]Does the Trucking Company Pay for Deadhead?[/h2]
[p]Not necessarily. Some trucking companies will pay for deadhead mileage after the first 100 miles, although it isn't required. For example, C.R. England pays independent contractors $.80 per deadhead mile. While company drivers typically get paid for deadhead mileage, owner-operators aren't always as lucky and the cost could come out of pocket.[/p]
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[h2]How to Limit Trucking Deadhead[/h2]
[p]The more often you haul cargo, the more you generally will earn. It's a simple concept. In order to maximize earnings, it's important for a trucker to stay loaded and avoid driving back empty. With the national average diesel prices forecasted to be $2.71 per gallon in 2017 (according to Gas Buddy),driving empty can become a costly issue for owner operators. At that price, a 200-mile deadhead with a Peterbilt or Mack truck that gets around 5 mpg could cost over $100, cutting into the profit a driver might earn. Deadhead might be the last resort if there are no loads nearby.[/p]
[h2]Dangers of Driving with an Empty Trailer[/h2]
[p]Trucking deadhead can be extremely dangerous for truck drivers. Trucks with an empty trailer weigh half as much as full ones. This can be problematic if a trucker is driving through an area with especially high winds. Not only can an empty trailer sway around and be difficult to control, it can flip open, causing serious injury. Be sure to always check the weather reports and wind conditions before heading out to pick up a load with an empty trailer.[/p]
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[h2]Find Freight With Truckloads Free Load Board[/h2]
[p]Truckloads is a [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.truckerpath.truckloads?pid=Social Facebook"]free load board[/a] connecting carriers with shippers. It features unlimited premium loads, customized search options and carriers can call brokers right from the app. Additionally, owner operators can search for over two million monthly loads nearby or based on deadhead. Carriers can also view the rate, days to pay and even view a brokers credit score.[/p]
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