Dec 23, 2020 • Community

Christmas for Truckers

Christmas for Truckers

Christmas for Truckers

Trucking is a demanding job that requires round the clock commitment. It is often several months before truck drivers can meet their friends and family, which also means that most truckers spend their time on the road during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other major holidays.

However, there is no need to worry if you are a truck driver out on the field during the holiday season. There are still ways to enjoy the Christmas spirit.

Christmas on the Road

You are not alone during the holidays, especially with all the other truckers who share the same grief. There are always a few feasts going on at truck stops, where you can either eat for free or get massive discounts.

You may also enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner with your family and friends before or after Christmas Day. It is not necessary to match the exact dates since it is the thought that counts.

So, this Thanksgiving, we’d like to give thanks to our hard working truckers out there. Because of you, we enjoy delicious Thanksgiving meals and have goodies to look forward to every Black Friday. If we bought it, truckers brought it.

Trucker Gift Suggestions

Here are some gift suggestions you may give to fellow truckers.

Weighted Blanket – These blankets can help calm a restless body, reduce feelings of anxiety, and improve sleep troubles.

Beanie Hat – Helps warm during winter

Personalized Mud Flaps – Drive in style with these.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas, if you can’t be with family, there are a lot of ways to still enjoy the holiday mood. You can make this Christmas memorable by giving others some gifts, planning a delightful Christmas dinner with your best trucking buddies, or volunteering together at a truck stop to make the rookie drivers feel at home. Christmas is a time to be grateful for all the blessings you have received all year. Counting your blessings and thinking about all the good things that happened to you in the past year can help promote positivity and good vibes.

Lastly, all of us from Trucker Path, would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas!

How will you spend your Christmas? Share your plans in the comments section below.

By Aldous Aldwin

TagsTruck Driver truck drivers Owner Operator trucking Trucker Path Trucking Industry Owner Operators Trucking Tips christmas

Trucker Spotlight - James Cole <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/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>James Cole</strong>, also known as "Dooner LivingStone" which is his nickname since Highschool. He's been driving for around 11 years now. He also has a YouTube channel under the same nickname where he shares his experiences as a long haul trucker with whoever is willing to put up with his "keep it real" documentary style videos. Let's get to more about James and his trucking life. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> My dad is also an over the road truck driver and has been out here doin' the deal for over 50 years. I'm pretty sure that influenced me to hit the road myself. As a kid I had spent several summers truckin' across the country with him. A few years after got out of the Air Force I got the funds together to go to truck driving school. Best decision I've ever made. It's like it was in my blood or something! <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-4.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> In the 11 years I've been driving, I've definitely seen some changes in the industry. ELDs and mandatory 30 minute breaks have had the biggest effect on me personally. It drastically changed how I run and I still haven't fully gotten into the swing of things. I like to take a break when I want and I want to take a nap when I want without it screwing up my schedule. I think that's all I better say about that. LOL. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best thing about being a truck driver?</strong></h3> The best thing about this career field is learning something new everyday. I'm not, nor will I ever be an expert in trucking. Everyday is a new experience and every load is a new challenge. Anyone who gets into this lifestyle should remember to always remain humble and understand that they will never know it all. The minute you forget that, you're gonna make a major mistake. But... what the hell do I know?! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> It does get lonely out here from time to time. While driving, I keep my mind occupied by listening to Howard Stern or some good music. I also think of other ways to add a little more entertainment value to my YouTube channel. I grind more gears in my brain than I do driving my truck. When I'm off duty, I work on my videos, or try to hone my photography skills, or work on my guitar playing. Just recently, I brought my copilot, Elvis, with me to keep me company. Elvis is my cat. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3> One of my most memorable experiences was when I delivered a windmill to what seemed to be a hippy colony. I think it was somewhere in Michigan. I don't know, I can't remember. A local farmer unloaded it for them and they were all so excited! My son, Zack who was 10 at the time and spending his summer with me, was treated like a little rock star because he was very knowledgeable in music and also because he was traveling all over the country and seeing things a lot of kids will never see. I remember the lady who seemed to be the one in charge giving him a few CDs of some old school blues right before we left. I thought it was a great experience for him. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3> I love Peterbilts 359, 379, and 389. Beautiful trucks! I drive a 379. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3> I was a starving musician for years. Never really wanted to be a rock star but, I did dream of living a comfortable life as a performing musician. I also wanted to be a news journalist and write for a newspaper. Good thing I didn't pursue that career 'cause journalism is dead. We don't need to get into that though. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> The best truckstop for me is one that has plenty of parking, good food, and clean showers and restrooms. So many of the really good ones aren't around anymore or they were bought by the big chains. There are still a lot of good ones out there. If I had to choose one as my favorite it would be the Bosselman's/Pilot Flying J in Grand Island, Nebraska. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR</strong></h3> The worst breakdown? When I ran out of fuel 8 miles from my fuel stop. This was just a few months ago. My fuel gauge read that I had a quarter tank but my gut was telling me otherwise. My pride was was seriously damaged that day. Remember what I said about being an expert, remaining humble, and learning something new everyday? <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What do you think it takes to be really successful in the trucking/logistics field?</strong></h3> As long as you enjoy what you're doing and work toward being better than you were yesterday you will be successful. Gotta be in the right truck, pulling the right trailer, hauling the right freight, using the right equipment, and striving to reach your personal best. If it's a job for you and you don't have it in your heart you will be miserable and unhappy. Get out and do something else. This life ain't for everybody! <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> I use <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> to locate truckstops, parking areas, and scales along my route when planning my trip or if I just wanna check something out along the way. I can see the differences in fuel prices, parking availability, restaurants, and also look ahead to see if the chicken coop is locked up. I'm sure there's more to learn on the app but these are features that I find highly valuable! <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/user/DoonerLivingstone">Youtube Channel, Dooner LivingStone</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sWVPi4eN_gY" 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>

Nov 28, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - April 12, 2019 <h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5> <h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3> The famous trucking movie “Breaker, Breaker” turned 42 this month. Released on April 1, 1977, “Breaker, Breaker” is still considered one of the top trucking movies of all time. <h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3> With weather issues cropping up across the US, it worth noting to be careful using “Adverse Condition” if you run into trouble. Remember, if the weather has been predicted, adverse condition does not apply to extend your hours. <h3><strong><u>Declarations of Emergency</u></strong></h3> Oddly enough, even though many states are experiencing records amounts of rain, flooding, and some mudslides, particularly in northern Idaho and western Washington, the number of state declarations of emergency have been reduced. Do not assume just because an area has had a lot of bad weather that a declaration of emergency will be signed. Remember to check the <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency-declarations">FMCSA’s declaration page</a> regularly. <h3><strong><u>Truckers and National Security</u></strong></h3> The Transportation Security Administration is creating a <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trucking-rail-industries-advise-regulators-231605791.html">group of 35 voting members</a> from both the rail and trucking industries to help create regulations to protect surface transportation and the country as a whole. Of the 35 voting members, two members are from the ATA and another is from OOIDA. While it is suggested the groups will be working on national security type issues, there has no word on what issues they will directly address. <h3><strong><u>Technology</u></strong></h3> <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/digital-dashboard-cameras-gaining-truckers-acceptance">Dash cameras have long been shunned</a> by the trucking industry for many reasons. With the invasion of privacy concerns, who can access the cameras, when and under what pretenses, there will always be worries about having them in the cab of the truck. However, truckers are beginning to buy into the idea more and more. A lot of this is due to the fact that insurance companies are rewarding those drivers that do install them with lower premiums. Another reason why they are being adopted is because fleet owners want to see what is causing poor driving habits. They can use this as a tool to adjust driver habits and to effectively manage their fleets.

Apr 12, 2019 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Debbie Deb <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/tsmg-debbie_deb-blog-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Debbie Deb</strong>, who's been driving for around 3 years now. She describes herself as ambitious, goal oriented, and charismatic. She once drove school busses in Charlotte before she decided to give trucking a try. Let's get to know more about Debbie and how a career in trucking became the perfect fit for her. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I decided to drive trucks to pay off student loans from attending Virginia Commonwealth University and Northern Virginia Community College. I wanted to be a social worker and save all the little kids in bad environments but overworking myself interfered with my internship. I graduated college with honors and pursued sociology while minoring in psychology & social welfare. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What were some challenges that you faced when you started out trucking?</strong></h3> The biggest challenge was training with a male trainer for six weeks in a confined area. Sometimes my personality can exhibit someone who is recluse rather than always extroverted. Backing up the truck was another huge challenge, due to inexperience. The concept, I'd sometimes forget, was turning the wheel one way then the truck would go in a different direction. <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> Apparently, the FMCSA has regulations more stringent on hours of service when logging on devices to keep track of movement. Since it's only been three years, it's difficult for me to say. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> I started a Youtube channel to publicize my experience as a lady Trucker & try to convince other women that it was okay to step out their comfort zone. Tried to be informative yet entertaining (debbie deb). <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> I'm lonely all the time, but I deal with it because it's mind over matter. I love my space, prefer things to be kept clean, & I'm particular about my truck. Therefore, being a solo driver all this time NEVER bothered me. I pray a lot, listen to videos on what many people are oblivious to in society, and enjoy learning more about the self and figuring out ways to grow or even elevate. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-debbie_deb-blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What keeps you busy nowadays? How did the current Covid-19 situation affect your trucking life?</strong></h3> Working keeps me busy & COVID-19 made me want to elevate more by purchasing my 1st truck on May 7, 2020. Right now, I'm focused my getting my motorcycle & publishing my 1st book about women in trucking. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> It's between the heart of Seattle, WA or the mountains in Denver, CO. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your must haves or the things that you bring with you when on the road?</strong></h3> Must things are my Bible, items to protect myself for safety reasons, laptop, hair steamer/hair care products, and vitamins. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Favorite Truckstop? Truckstop Food? Favorite truck model?</strong></h3> My favorite truck stop is the Flying J in Primm, NV, as for the food it'll be O'Charleys! Truck model is the Frieghtliner Coronado Harrison glider. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your trucking pet peeves?</strong></h3> Receiving unwarranted attention (I can be shy at times, but you'll never know),when truck drivers dump their pee or pee bottles anywhere & aren't mindful, when being followed outside after a nice shower by another trucker who's trying to make unnecessary conversation, when drivers do their full 30m break at the fuel island in the daytime (late night is different 2am-3am),when truckers cut you off without giving enough space cause their in a hurry etc. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-debbie_deb-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring women truckers?</strong></h3> Don't let discouragement overpower you, choose your trainer wisely, carry a firearm but 1st learn the rules & regulations of each state, protect yourself at all times, have a plan & execute your goals. <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/UCF4iBXy6clLrJLmIaDkmlTA/videos">Youtube Channel, Debbie Deb</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q7rzBMpHE9k" 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>

Sep 23, 2020 • Carriers