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

Industry Update - January 24, 2020 <h4>By Paul DeCoste</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Industry Update</strong></h3> Curious about the top issues discussed in the trucking industry in 2019? Take a look at this graphic from the ATRI Top Industry Issues 2019 survey. <h3> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/01/image002-1.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-4869 aligncenter" src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/01/image002-1-300x244.png" alt="" width="300" height="244" /></a></h3> <h3><strong>Weather Update</strong></h3> <a href="https://www.freightwaves.com/news/snowstorm-lingers-into-weekend-for-midwest-northeast-with-forecast-video">This snowstorm</a> has been building up over the past few days and drivers need to be aware of some potential snowfall in the Midwest. The following locations should be driven on with caution for the weekend; Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin, Michigan’s upper peninsula, Chicago and South Bend, Indiana. <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Pilot Name Change</strong></h3> <a href="https://cdllife.com/2020/truck-stop-giant-announces-big-name-change/">Just yesterday, Pilot Flying J announced that</a> they are changing their company name to “Pilot Company”. This new corporate name is meant to, “serve as an umbrella that captures the total portfolio of the business as it continues to expand its retail and energy operations.” <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Driver Saves Lives</strong></h3> <a href="https://www.truckersnews.com/driver-fights-fire-at-accident-scene-honored-for-his-efforts/">Linden O’Donnell went out of his way to put out a car fire</a> and help several motorists. He was driving on the right side of Interstate 280 when he witnessed a car smash into the back of a stalled SUV. Thankfully the SUV was empty, but the passengers of the car were barely conscious and in need of help. As fire crept from the engine to the cab, Linden ran to grab his fire extinguisher and put out the flames. This allowed Linden to safely assist the drivers out of the car and out of harm’s way. His courage and ability to react deserves the honor he is receiving. <h3></h3> <h3>New Tech</h3> <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/companies-explore-using-old-electric-car-batteries-cut-costs">This pilot study done by American Electric Power and Nissan Motor Co</a>., is testing the reuse of old batteries to reduce costs for electric cars. This new process has the potential to lower system costs by one-half and even extend the power of lithium batteries by one-third.

Jan 24, 2020 • Carriers

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2020 [p]The U.S economy is highly dependent on some 3.5 million individuals who spend their lives on the road delivering goods to move our economy. Yes, we are talking about truck drivers who deserve praise and gratitude for what they do every day. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-1.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Historical Significance [/b][/p] [p]Trucking has been around for over a century. Alexander Winton built the first semi-trailer in 1898, and quickly over the next hundred years, its significance really started to take shape. In 1998, the American Trucking Association (ATA) decided that a celebratory week shall be commemorated on the 2nd week of September. Every year since then, we’ve reserved that date to celebrate and give thanks to the millions of OTR and local drivers. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-2-1.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Impact on the Economy[/b][/p] [p]Trucking plays an integral role in the U.S economy. Some have stated that trucks act like the red blood cells in a human body. The red blood cells deliver oxygen to vital parts of the body, the same as trucks deliver goods to every corner of the country. Without them, the entire economy comes to a halt.[/p] [p]According to official statistics, trucks move 72.5% of all the freight inside the U.S. That’s about 11.84 billion tons of goods! The good news is that the demand for truck drivers is increasing every year. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that by the year 2026 approximately 108,400 more heavy-load truckers will be required to maintain the network. The future is bright for anyone who wants to join the party. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-3-1.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Showing Gratitude [/b][/p] [p]Life on the road is not easy. Truckers are away from their loved ones several months out of the year. [/p] [p]Sometimes a simple thank-you can mean the world. Being courteous on the road, goodie bag, or even a few words of kindness can lift spirits. It’s not easy for truck drivers to always cook and pack their meals, buying them a meal goes a long way! [/p] [p]In spite of our current pandemic, truckers are still delivering the essential goods across the country. Keeping the shelves stocked, delivering critical medical supplies, helping us get from manufacturer to doorstep, truckers have taken on a special significance in these times. We must not forget these hardworking men and women. The National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a wonderful time for Americans to acknowledge these unsung heroes who make our lives easier and keep the economic wheel spinning.[/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Sep 14, 2020 • Carriers

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