
Truck driving is a challenging profession that requires incredible mental fortitude. You are constantly on the road, away from family and the warm embrace of your home. On top of that, you are driving most of the time, so there is hardly time for any rest. Therefore, it is a good idea to choose a suitable trucking job that fits your schedule and allows you to relax. There are plenty of opportunities you can explore!
There are plenty of opportunities you can explore!

Dry Van Hauling
Dry van hauling is tailor-made for beginner truckers. You only have to deliver non-perishable items from one place to another. The loading and unloading are also done by the client, so you only have to focus on the driving.

Freight Trucker
Freight is a very broad term, so anything other than dry goods come under the definition. It’s tough being a freight hauler as you are expected to transport all kinds of goods. They can be hazardous, liquid materials, or anything that dry haulers are not allowed to carry.

Oil/Gasoline Tanker
Hauling a tanker is no easy task. You have to be focused every moment and take care of the cargo at all times. One mistake could result in a horrible accident. Tanker haulers are some of the most sought-after trucking jobs in the industry. The high risk means there is a high reward as well. So, it is natural for truckers to look for tanker jobs.

Refrigerated Goods Transport
Transporting refrigerated goods does not require a lot of skill, but it involves being punctual. You cannot fall behind the deadline, or the entire cargo can spoil. There is a lot of responsibility on such truckers but the good thing is that these jobs are close to home. You are not always expected to transport goods to far-off places.

Flatbed Trucker
Any item that is too large or has an irregular shape, is transported by flatbed truckers. Flatbed trailers are open, which means the cargo is exposed to the elements at all times. The job requires extreme skill, to deliver the goods safely and on time. Trucks, cars, heavy machinery, and other similar items are transported using a flatbed hauler.

Regional Trucking Jobs
If you are not worried about earning the big bucks and you are happier near your home, then regional trucking is for you. Such a job is easy and does not pay much, but at least you don’t have to be away from home all the time.

Hotshot Trucking
There is no need to be disappointed if you like trucking and you don’t have a semi. A class 3 or 5 truck can also do the job. Hotshot trucking is attaching a trailer to your small truck and transporting goods using that setup. Once you have the capital and experience to upgrade, you can shift to a semi and accept more serious trucking jobs..
What about you? Which one are you or which one would you want to try out? Comment below.
By Aldous Aldwin
Signing off.




Trucker Terms [p] If you're going to make it in trucking these are the trucker terms you'll want to remember along with some good ole trucking slang you'll hear on the CB radio. [/p]
[h2] Trucker Terms [/h2]
[p] Being a trucker is not only a unique way of life, it also comes with a unique way of communicating that only those in the trucking industry probably can decipher and understand. [/p]
[p] <strong> 10-4 - </strong> acknowledging something
[/p]
[p] <strong> 10-6 - </strong> busy right now
[/p]
[p] <strong> 10-8 - </strong> en route
[/p]
[p] <strong> 20 -</strong> location
[/p]
[p] <strong> 4-Wheeler -</strong> automobile
[/p]
[p] <strong> APU -</strong> authorized pick-up
[/p]
[p] <strong> Backhaul -</strong> retuning load to home location
[/p]
[p] <strong> Bear Trap - </strong> speed radar trap
[/p]
[p] <strong> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/freight-contracts/">Bill of Lading</a> - </strong> document that details information regarding the goods being hauled by a carrier from a shipper
[/p]
[p] <strong> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/what-is-a-weigh-station/">Chicken Coop</a> - </strong> Weigh Station
[/p]
[p] <strong> Chicken Lights - </strong> Added lights on and around a truck
[/p]
[p] <strong> Chocks -</strong>blocks placed in front and behind wheels to prevent truck from rolling
[/p]
[p] <strong>Cosignee - </strong>person who receives the goods
[/p]
[p] <strong>Cosignor - </strong>person who ships the goods
[/p]
[p] <strong> County Mounty -</strong> - county sheriff
[/p]
[p] <strong> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/what-is-deadhead/">Deadhead -</a></strong> miles driven with no load
[/p]
[p] <strong> Dry Van -</strong>standard enclosed truck trailer
[/p]
[p] <strong> ETA -</strong> estimated time of arrival
[/p]
[p] <strong> Freightshaker -</strong> Freightliner truck
[/p]
[p] <strong> GCW (Gross Combined Weight) - </strong> combined wieght of tractor/trailer and load
[/p]
[p] <strong> Gear Jammer -</strong>speeding driver
[/p]
[p] <strong>Hammer Down -</strong> drive faster
[/p]
[p] <strong> Hopper -</strong> truck that empties load through bottom that opens
[/p]
[p] <strong> HOS -</strong>hours of service
[/p]
[p] <strong> Intermodal -</strong> shipping container freight
[/p]
[p] <strong>Jack-Knife -</strong>when trailer is pushed to the side of the tractor
[/p]
[p] <strong> K-whopper - </strong>Kenworth truck
[/p]
[p] <strong> Kingpin - </strong> pin where the axel wheel pivots
[/p]
[p] <strong> LTL (Less Than Truckload) -</strong> load less than 10,000 lbs.
[/p]
[p] <strong> Motor Carrier -</strong> person or company that is responsible for transporting goods via a commercial motor vehicle
[/p]
[p] <strong>P&D Driver -</strong> pickup and delivery driver locally
[/p]
[p] <strong>Payload - </strong>weight of the load
[/p]
[p] <strong>Peddle Run - </strong>route with lots of deliveries
[/p]
[p] <strong>Pete - </strong> Peterbilt truck
[/p]
[p] <strong>RC (Rate Confirmation) -</strong> the rate shipper or broker agrees to pay carrier to haul a load
[/p]
[p] <strong> Reefer -</strong> refridgerated truck trailer
[/p]
[p] <strong> Shiny Side Up - </strong> top of truck; don't crash or roll over
[/p]
[p] <strong> Sliding Fifth Wheel - </strong> fifth wheel that can be slid back to redistrubute weight on the axels
[/p]
[p] <strong>Trucking Authority -</strong>FMCSA approval to haul loads
[/p]
[p] <strong>Willy Weaver - </strong>drunk driver
[/p]
[h2] Using Trucker Path Along Your Route [/h2]
[p] Now that you know the trucker terms and are talking like a real driver, it's time you use a tool that most truckers rely on to help them save time and money - the <strong>Trucker Path app. </strong> [/p]
[p] Trucker Path is free to download and helps drivers: [/p]
[ul]
[li] Find truck parking with real-time updates [/li]
[li] Browse through the list of amenities a location offers [/li]
[li] Check to see if a weigh station is open or not [/li]
[li] View Walmart locations and know if they allow truck parking [/li]
[li] Compare diesel prices to save on fuel[/li]
[li] Plan their route to show locations along their trip [/li]
[li] Read through fellow drivers reviews of a location [/li]
[li] Find restaurants near truck parking locations and much more! [/li]
[/ul]
[button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=truckerterms
"]Try Trucker Path Today![/button-green]
[video id="EIs5Rk6xpm4"]
Industry Update - January 8, 2020 <h4>By Paul DeCoste</h4>
<h3><strong>Transitioning to New Trucker Path ELD?</strong></h3>
Take a look at these resources for self on-boarding to your new Trucker Path Pro ELD:
<h3></h3>
<h4><strong>Blog Post:</strong> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/self-onboard-your-new-eld/">https://truckerpath.com/blog/self-onboard-your-new-eld/</a></h4>
<h3></h3>
<h4><b>Web Application On-boarding:</b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCAhI4Byb5E&feature=youtu.be">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCAhI4Byb5E&feature=youtu.be</a></h4>
<h3></h3>
<h4><b>Mobile Application On-boarding:</b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBAr9Lo9cpg">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBAr9Lo9cpg</a></h4>
<h3></h3>
<h4><strong>Cab Card Link:</strong> <a href="https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3Ab7f1d6a5-0ebd-4dc3-b9e4-f55dcbe9071c">https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3Ab7f1d6a5-0ebd-4dc3-b9e4-f55dcbe9071c</a></h4>
<h3></h3>
<h3><strong>Did you Know?</strong></h3>
<a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/fmcsa-increases-random-drug-test-rate-50-2020">The FMCSA is increasing random drug screenings from 25% to 50% in 2020?</a>
<h3></h3>
The rate of drug screenings was initially reduced from 50% to 25% in 2016 but is being raised again. With 3.2 million CDL holders participating in interstate commerce and 1 million CDL holders participating in intrastate commerce, there will be more than 2 million random tests organized in 2020.
<h3></h3>
<h3><strong>Trucking Tip of the Week</strong></h3>
This week, Love’s announced that 10 of their existing locations will now have Truck Care Centers and Speedco facilities. <a href="https://www.truckersnews.com/loves-adds-truck-care-speedco-locations/">Take a look</a> at which locations have been upgraded and are now accessible if you need tire, lube or mechanical services.
<h3></h3>
<h3><strong>Diesel</strong></h3>
<a href="https://www.freightwaves.com/news/how-are-diesel-prices-determined">How are diesel prices determined?</a>
<h3></h3>
The price for diesel is established like most retail goods, by the shift of supply and demand in the market. But, interestingly enough, the wholesale price for diesel does not always translate to the retail price for the same good. Retail prices are determined solely by each individual enterprise that sells diesel to consumers via gas stations and fuel stations. The "rack price" is a term used to refer to the daily wholesale price of diesel and there are many different resources available to keep tabs on the diesel rack price across different wholesalers.
<h3></h3>
<h3><strong>Celadon Employee Payout</strong></h3>
This week, Celadon was <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/judge-approves-payout-plan-former-celadon-employees">granted approval to pay $4.6 million to drivers and employees that did not receive paychecks when the company shutdown.</a> A federal bankruptcy judge granted this approval. This order allows $3.4 million to be spent on unpaid compensation and termination benefits for former employees, $900,000 to owner operators, and $300,000 owed for employee benefits. Although the company is approved to pay out the drivers and employees that deserve their finals paychecks, Celadon is not bound to do so.
Industry Voice - The Trucking Fitness Company <em>Trucker Path gets up close with The Trucking Fitness Company, whose mission is to help truck drivers exercise consistently while on the road so they stay behind the wheel longer and retire on their own terms. We're honored to talk to their Founder, Mark Manera and discuss what The Trucking Fitness Company is all about.</em>
<h2></h2>
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202103-BLOG-TP-IndustryVoice-TheTruckingFitnessCompany-3.jpg" alt=""]
<h3><strong>TP: Tell us a short story about you.</strong></h3>
I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and have been passionate about health and wellness my whole life. I grew up playing baseball and started doing Crossfit once my baseball career ended. Crossfit really ignited my passion for health and wellness. Which also inspired me to go to Physical Therapy school.
<h2></h2>
A little trivia: my favorite TV shows are Shark Tank, The Bachelor, and Survivor.
<h2></h2>
<h3><strong>TP: What made you decide to get into health/fitness and specifically for the trucking industry?
</strong></h3>
In my 5th year of Physical Therapy school, I had a clinical rotation in a small town in southern Missouri. Through that experience, I worked with a lot of truck drivers in the clinic. I saw the good and the bad of the trucking industry. And a lot of the bad aspects of the industry came from the reason why they were in the clinic in the first place, their health. After experiencing that and having a lot of long conversations with those patients who were truck drivers, I was inspired to start The Trucking Fitness Company. I wanted to give drivers everywhere a chance to fight back. Give them a chance to live a healthier life on the road.
<h2></h2>
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/mark-manera-truckinfit2.png" alt=""]
<h2></h2>
<h3><strong>TP: Ever tried driving a truck? </strong></h3>
I have not driven a truck before and I don’t have my CDL, but I’ve spent plenty of time in a truck. I’m very open to the fact that I’m not a truck driver, but I think there are a lot of advantages to that. I have spent countless hours talking to drivers. I’ve listened to their stories, their struggles, and have asked them for a lot of feedback on our program and how we can make it easier for them to do while on the road. I have taken all of that information and combined it with my background of physical therapy/health and wellness to create something really special for the trucking industry.
<h2></h2>
<h3><strong>TP: What are the common habits that a truck driver should change?</strong></h3>
I think there’s a mindset problem for a lot of truck drivers. And I don’t think it’s their fault
for having this mindset, but moreso a cultural problem within the trucking industry. A lot
of drivers don’t make their health a priority because they think it’s impossible to live a
healthy life on the road. It’s become so much of a norm in the truck industry that poor
health seems to be a part of the job description. And I’m here to change that.
<h2></h2>
Truck drivers need to do two things:
<li> Take action. Just find a way to get started. You don’t have to have a perfect
plan, you just need to take the first couple of steps in the right direction. You’ll
figure out the rest of the plan as time goes on.</li>
<li>They need a support system. Life on the road is lonely at times. And when
you’re on your own, you need to find ways to create accountability in your life.
One example of this is having a deep conversation with a close friend or
significant other about your struggles and the reasons why you want to make a
change in your life. Then they can help you stick with those changes and stay
consistent during the tough times!</li>
<h2></h2>
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202103-BLOG-TP-IndustryVoice-TheTruckingFitnessCompany-2.jpg" alt=""]
<h2></h2>
<h2></h2>
<h3><strong>TP: Tell us something about The Trucking Fitness Company. How did it start?
</strong></h3>
The Trucking Fitness Company was born out of the experiences I had while working with truck drivers in a physical therapy clinic. I saw the struggles they go through and the lack of support they have with their health while on the road. So, I decided to do something about it. We are the best health and wellness solution out there for truck drivers. And we take a lot of pride in the fact that our program was built for truck drivers. No one else.
<h2></h2>
Our goal is to meet you, a truck driver, where you’re at and give you the easiest starting point possible. We want to take away as many barriers that have stopped you from starting in the past as we can. We’re going to make it easy for you to lose that 30lbs, get more energy to play with your kids, and fight back so you can retire on your own terms. We do that through our easy to use app directly on your phone that gives you a daily 20-30 minute workout that you can do in or just outside of your truck with no gym or fancy workout equipment needed. We give all our members a free resistance band and that’s the only piece of equipment you’ll need! Also through our app, we help drivers build healthier lifestyle and nutrition habits while helping you stay consistent with daily messages, 24/7 access to a coach, and putting you into accountability groups with other like minded drivers.
<h2></h2>
<h3><strong>TP: What do you think are the obstacles/barriers of truckers into getting a proper fitness routine?
</strong></h3>
There are a ton of obstacles that drivers face while on the road:
<h2></h2>
<li>Being behind the wheel 8-11 hours a day</li>
<li>Limited food options</li>
<li>Lack of a community</li>
<li>Poor sleep while in their truck</li>
<li>No access to a gym or help on how to get started</li>
<li>The stigma within the trucking industry that truck drivers can’t be healthy</li>
<li>Lack of confidence in their health</li>
<li>Feel down/depressed about where their health and wellness is currently at</li>
<li>Feeling like they can’t do anything about it</li>
<li>Anxious about the future and how long they are able to work for/how long their career will be</li>
<h2></h2>
Medical/health problems
<h2></h2>
<li>Life expectancy of truck drivers is 16 years less than the average population</li>
<li>85% are overweight</li>
<li>48% are obese</li>
<li>2x higher risk of becoming obese compared to the average adults</li>
<li>1 in every 7 has Type 2 Diabetes</li>
<h2></h2>
<h3><strong>TP: What are the benefits of your program for truck drivers? Is there an age limit?</strong></h3>
Our program gives truck drivers the chance to take back control of their health. We have a wide variety of drivers in our program from new truckers who don’t want their health to go down the same path they see other’s at the truck stops have gone down to 40 year vets who want to retire on their own terms. There’s no age limit to our program. We have a program for all fitness levels and want to help!
<h2></h2>
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202103-BLOG-TP-IndustryVoice-TheTruckingFitnessCompany-4.jpg" alt=""]
<h2></h2>
<h2></h2>
<h3><strong>TP: What are some notable breakthroughs or improvements from Truckers that subscribed to
your program?
</strong></h3>
We have had some awesome transformations throughout our time working with drivers. My favorite stories are the ones where I can tell they’re in it for the long haul. The most recent story I can think of is one of our drivers, who for a while was struggling to make it stick and dealing with some family/job problems. She made the commitment to make a
change in her life, started doing our workouts daily and lost 9lbs in the first two weeks. I’m not sure how much weight she has lost in total by now, but I can tell you that I see her posting her workout almost everyday. Something has clicked for her and this is going to be a lifelong change!
<h2></h2>
<h3><strong>TP: What are some quick fitness tips that you would like to share for truckers?</strong></h3>
There’s no perfect plan. Instead of spending so much time planning up this perfect routine, put your shoes on and get moving. Just like driving, you don’t get very far with your health and fitness goals without actually moving. So, if you feel like you’re at a loss with exactly what to do, find a coach or program like ours that you can follow. If you
have an activity that you enjoy and can consistently do while on the road, like go for a walk, do that!
<h2></h2>
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/mark-manera-truckinfit.png" alt=""]
<h2></h2>
<h3><strong>TP: How can truckers subscribe to your fitness program?
</strong></h3>
Our goal is to make it as easy for truck drivers to start exercising as possible! You can get set up and start your first workout in less than 5 minutes by visiting this <a href="https://truckinfit.com/ourprogram/">LINK.</a>
<h2></h2>
And because we love all the people at Trucker Path so much, if you use the code <strong>“TRUCKERPATH”</strong> at the checkout, we will give you 20% off your first month!
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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