Jul 03, 2020 • Carriers

How Does Trucker Path Work?

How Does Trucker Path Work?

If you’re reading this then you have probably just started using Trucker Path or may have forgotten the many awesome features of our app. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Millions of truckers rely on Trucker Path to find information on truck stops, parking updates, and truck specific routing while over the road. We’re proud to be serving the largest and most active community of truckers. Inside the Trucker Path app, you’ll find tons of useful tools made for trucking, but we’ve rounded up the 3 core features:

FIND TRUCK STOPS

Find and navigate your path to thousands of truck stops, discover the amenities, and read through the reviews left by visitors.

GET REAL-TIME INFORMATION

Find truck stops and rest areas and get their available parking spots in real time, crowdsourced by the thousand of truckers each day.

Similar to parking, you can also see whether a weigh station is open or closed in real time. They are updated daily and help you plan routes accordingly.

MAKE TRIPS PLANS

Plan entire trips spanning multiple days with our Trip Planner. Simply enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, any midway stops, and our map will do the rest! See truck stops and places along the way, and get routes made for your truck dimension.

Try it out yourself. Start using Trucker Path now by clicking this LINK.

By Aldous Aldwin

TagsTruck Driver Owner Operator trucking Trucker Path truck stops Truck driver tips Owner Operators Did you Know Technology

Understanding Team Truck Driving [p]Trucking is a hectic job that entails adhering to DOT / HOS regulations which ultimately means you need to stop at some point to comply with the maximum driving hours. With these regulations some truckers often opt to drive with a partner to maximize efficiency. Team truck driving allows one driver to rest while the other one drives. The drivers can switch places with each other multiple times over a journey so that more distance can be covered while time is saved. [/p] [p]While some truckers love this concept, others prefer to drive solo. In any case, team driving has its perks, and they are significant enough not to be overlooked. [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/TP-BLOG-TeamTruckDriving-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]How Does Driving With a Partner Work? [/b][/p] [p]The job is pretty straightforward. One driver drives while the other rests, eats, and sleeps. Each driver has their own duty-time set on a schedule, so there are no arguments regarding shift timings. This significantly reduces the time needed to haul loads from one point to another, and hence that results in better pay. Both drivers receive the benefits of the entire job even when they are spending half their time doing it.[/p] [p]It is easy to judge from the brief discussion above that team driving has its benefits, but it also has its disadvantages. [/p] [p][b]Advantages of Team Trucking [/b][/p] [p]It should be clear by now that for people who love to socialize and work at the same time, team truck driving is the best job to have. You rarely get bored, you always have a partner to keep you entertained and you don’t have to share meals with strangers while you are sitting at a truck stop in the middle of nowhere. But these are just a few perks. Trucking with a partner can result in a lot more advantages. [/p] <h2></h2> <li><strong>More Available Jobs </strong></li> <h2></h2> [p]Trucking with a partner is like having opened up a new skill that qualifies you and your partner to apply for jobs that would otherwise be unavailable to you if each of you were driving solo. Trucking companies like to save time and love efficiency, which is why they admire the concept of team driving. They are willing to pay you more just so you deliver the goods faster. Moreover, team trucking is a great stepping stone for you if you want to go solo in the future. Partnering up with an experienced campaigner will allow you to access high-paid jobs with relatively zero experience. Once you have the necessary hours and skill needed to go solo, you can end terms with your partner and start your gig.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/TP-BLOG-TeamTruckDriving-2.jpg" alt=""] <li><strong>Consistent Income </strong></li> <h2></h2> [p]Team driving is a more attractive package for trucking companies. They know they can rely on a team to deliver faster than a solo driver. They say two heads are better than one and that sometimes holds true for trucking. If there are two drivers, there will be more driving than resting and that would mean hopping from one assignment to another. All in all, you will be making more money and that too consistently.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Disadvantages of Team Trucking [/b][/p] [p]While the advantages are tempting, especially for an upcoming young driver, some veterans prefer to drive alone, and they have some good reasons for it. [/p] <h2></h2> <li><strong>The Profits Are Split </strong></li> <h2></h2> [p]The term team driving is simple to understand. You drive as a team, and that means you equally share the spoils between each other. So while the idea of trucking with a partner seems tempting, it is not might not be feasible in the long-run, especially if you are in it for the money.[/p] <h2></h2> <li><strong>Undesirable Partner</strong> </li> <h2></h2> [p]Let's face it. It is not easy to spend a considerable amount of time with another person in a small space, especially if you don't like them. Your partner has to be entertaining or compatible with your level of thinking. If not, it can be very hard to pass time or trust your teammate with the job at hand.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/TP-BLOG-TeamTruckDriving-3.jpg" alt=""] <li><strong>Trouble Sleeping</strong></li> <h2></h2> [p]As a truck driver, you have been trained not to fall asleep while driving long distances. And now, you have to fall asleep once your shift ends when your partner takes over the wheel. This could be challenging especially if you are not used to sleeping when needed to. Also, you might need to get used to sleeping while listening to some up beat music while your partner drives.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Closing Thoughts [/b][/p] [p]Team truck driving is a highly attractive opportunity for new drivers who are looking to add miles and for old drivers who are looking for a partner since they are unable to drive solo. The pay is not that good, but the work is consistent. So team truck driving is recommended until you feel you have the experience to drive your semi or if you are a husband and wife team who love spending time on the road and enjoy an adventure more than the pay. Are you a team driver? Do you have tips for people who want to try team driving? Let us know on the comments.[/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Nov 20, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Jake Clyde <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> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94991.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94991-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5004" /></a> <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Jake</strong>, who recently started a Youtube channel "PinoyTruckerInUSA" where he shares his experiences being an over-the-road Filipino truck driver. He mostly drives in the Midwest and has been trucking for 5 years. We are stoked to get him to share some insights regarding the trucking industry. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94901.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94901-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5010" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I've always been an adventurous person and I love to travel so when I found out about trucking, I thought it would be perfect for me. Because of trucking, I was able to live my life freely and help my loved ones. It truly is a job that I enjoy. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How are you holding up with the COVID-19 situation?</strong></h3> A few of my current struggles include the lack of loads i’ve been getting which lowers my overall income. Aside from that, I have really put some effort in enforcing some safety measures for my own health and safety. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Can you share some safety measures that you have been doing?</strong></h3> I protect my self by following the standards of social safety distancing, wear masks at all time, and I always wash my hand. I have my own protective gear too. I'm also lucky to have been provided free masks by some shippers. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94921.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94921-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5001" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the significant changes you've noticed in your 5 years of trucking?</strong></h3> Back in the day, trucking was complicated because of the lack of technology. But now, apps like <a href="https://truckerpath.com/">Trucker Path</a> helps so many truckers because it’s user friendly and easy. I’ve been using this app for some time now and I highly recommend it to truckers. It’s basically an all-in-one platform for truckers. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems that you have encountered while trucking?</strong></h3> A few troubles I’ve encountered are heavy traffic in the cities, road rage from other drivers, and the fact that some don’t let you pass at all. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94931.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94931-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5013" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> As a truck driver, i’ve been through a few amazing roads but my favorite is Oregon. The scenic views are mesmerizing. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any difficult routes for you?</strong></h3> Some unusual roads I’ve driven is probably in New Jersey and New York. When I first started solo driving, I've found the road too confusing and difficult. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94891.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94891-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5007" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any tips for aspiring truck drivers out there?</strong></h3> I have 3 tips for aspiring truckers: Always think of your safety , pay attention, and slow down. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your trucking videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> You can find me on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxb1GZCJKAveF-ZF-BQkl4A">Youtube channel, "PinoyTruckerInUSA"</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gZwRqkBedFU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Cheers! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jun 04, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - June 2, 2020 <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b21.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b21-300x156.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4991" /></a> <h3><strong>DOT to Distribute 2.1 Million Masks to Truckers</strong></h3> The U.S. Department of Transportation will distribute around 2.1 million face masks to truck drivers. This is part of a larger initiative to distribute masks to transportation workers across the country. “Transportation workers are on the frontlines of keeping our transportation systems operational during this public health emergency and their wellbeing and safety is paramount,” said Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. DOT announced that the masks will be sent out over the coming weeks through the U.S. Postal Service. The breakdown of masks by transportation sector is as follows: <ul> <li>Mass transit and passenger rail – 4.8 million</li> <li>Aviation – 3.8 million</li> <li>Maritime – 2.4 million</li> <li>Freight rail – 2.2 million</li> <li>Highway and motor carrier – 2.1 million</li> <li>Pipeline systems – 258,000</li> </ul> For detailed distribution locations and current dates of distribution, please visit: <a href="http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/masks">www.fmcsa.dot.gov/masks</a> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b19.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b19-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4988" /></a> <h3><strong>Volumes Now Up 10% vs Last Year</strong></h3> <a href="https://www.freightwaves.com/news/volumes-fall-week-over-week-but-now-up-10-year-over-year">Outbound tender volumes are benefiting greatly from the reopening of the economy</a> and a release of pent-up consumer demand. Supply dynamics are taking longer to adjust and capacity remains loose. While rates are coming off a depressed base, spot rates have surged to $1.47 per mile and have increased in the vast majority of lanes. <h2></h2> Volumes should continue to be supported by most of the states reopening, continued plugging of the income gap by generous unemployment benefits and stimulus, auto plants reopening, and produce seasons kicking into gear. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b20.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b20-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4989" /></a> <h3><strong>Blinking Lights Cut Tanker-Truck-Crashes By Nearly 34%</strong></h3> As part of their safety efforts, Groendyke Transport installed $150 blinking amber lights to the back of their tanker trucks. They reported a 33.7% drop in rear-end collisions over a 31-month period, according to company officials. In addition, there were zero rear-end collisions at railroad crossing during a test period of one year and seven months. <h2></h2> The Groendyke Transport fleet currently has 900 trailers with the lights after almost three years of testing and now has <a href="https://beta.regulations.gov/document/FMCSA-2018-0223-0036">permission from FMCSA</a> to use them. <h2></h2> The cost of the strobe and installation is about $150. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jun 02, 2020 • Carriers