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

Types of Truck Freight [h2] Types of Truck Freight [/h2] [p] There are many types of truck freight, each with a unique yet important role for moving different truck freight across the nation and load boards make it easy to find truck freight. [/p] [h2] Truck Freight [/h2] [p]Truck freight is responsible for <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-industry-trends/">70 percent of all cargo that is transported in America</a>. That's over 10 billion tons each year![/p] [p]Companies ship a variety of truck freight ranging in size, value, and contents. Ever wonder how ice cream somehow stays frozen when shipped across America or how huge machines make their way from a factory in Kentucky to a warehouse in California? It's all thanks to truck freight and the specific trailers and equipment necessary for the dedicated men and women of the trucking industry to haul the freight. [/p] [h2] Find Truck Freight on Truckloads Load Board[/h2] [p]If you have <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-authority/">trucking authority</a> and are looking for truck freight loads you can use Truckloads free load board to customize your truck freight search and filter results that are the best fit for you. You can choose from 11 different trailer equipment types when searching for loads and search based on location, date, deadhead and even load weight. [/p] [p]Use Truckloads web version or download the app and view over three million loads per month including unlimited access to premium loads as well as the ability to call a broker right from the app from anywhere. Stay loaded and know where nearby truck freight loads are with Trucker Path Truckloads![/p] [button text="Try Truckloads for Free" href="https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/free-load-board/?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=truckfreight&utm_campaign=Aug10" width="250px"] [video id=snyBYpnuhWw] [h2] Flatbed Trucks [/h2] [p]Flatbed trucks are truck freight with a trailer that is leveled off and open with no sides or top, hence the name flatbed. This design makes it easier to load and unload large freight that otherwise couldn't fit into a standard 53-foot trailer. Truck freight is secured on flatbeds with straps, tarps and other locking devices to keep the load tied down. [/p] [p] Generally, flatbed trucks are used as truck freight for construction goods, large manufactured parts, and various oversized loads. An oversized load is any truck freight that is over 8.5 feet wide. This type of truck freight requires red flags and lights to help identify the oversized truck freight on the road. [/p] [img src="/uploads/2017/08/Flat-Bed-Final.png" alt="flatbed truck freight"] [h2] Step Deck Trucks[/h2] [p] Similar to flatbed trucks, step deck trucks also have a level surface that is open. The main difference between truck freight with a flatbed and step deck truck is that the step deck truck will have a lower position set closer to the ground. This helps truck freight that is taller sit lower to avoid potential hazards such as bridge clearances. [/p] [img src="/uploads/2017/08/Step-Deck-Final.png" alt="step deck truck freight"] [h2] Reefer Trucks [/h2] [p]Also known as refrigerated trucks, reefer trucks are truck freight with a trailer that is temperature controlled in order to haul goods that must remain within a certain temperature zone at all times such as food. While reefer trucks commonly haul loads that include perishable foods, they also transport things like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/hazmat-transportation/">hazmat materials</a>, though not at the same time of course. [/p] [img src="/uploads/2017/08/Reefer-Final.png" alt="reefer truck freight"] [h2] Dry Vans [/h2] [p]Dry vans are the most common truck freight. They are typically a standard 53-foot trailer like the ones you see connected on the back of a semi-truck on the interstate that might say Walmart, Target or Schneider. Although not an actual van, they are the most common truck freight to haul goods, providing a trailer that is sealed and protected from the elements. [/p] [p] Look around your home and chances are the things you see were hauled by dry van truck freight. Dry van loads are used by a variety of companies looking to ship anything from consumer products, home goods, electronics, and a variety of other products that don't require refrigeration. [/p] [p] Choosing to haul truck freight with a dry van can result in an increased opportunity in available freight to haul due to the volume of truck freight shippers have for dry vans. [/p] [img src="/uploads/2017/08/Van-Final.png" alt="Dry Van freight"] [h2] Other Types of Truck Freight [/h2] [ul] There are several other truck freight loads you'll find as well, including: [p] [li]Auto Carrier - trailer that hauls automobiles and other vehicles[/li] [img src="/uploads/2017/08/Auto-Trailer-Final.png" alt="auto carrier freight"] [li] Dump Trailer - trailer with a lift to incline and allow for loads to be dumped [/li] [img src="/uploads/2017/08/dump-trailer-Final.png" alt="dump trailer freight"] [li] Tanker - trailer that is a long cylinder shape hauling liquids like fuel[/li] [img src="/uploads/2017/08/Tanker-Final.png" alt="tanker truck freight"] [/ul]

Aug 10, 2017 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Jamar Holland <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/2020/08/jh2.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on Jamar, who's been driving for 4 1/2 years. He's a husband and a father who loves every minute of his trucking life. Let's get to know more about his life on the road. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I decided to become a trucker honestly because everything else in my life had failed up until that point. I was tired of working dead end warehouse jobs and was really ready for a new career. <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> The most significant change for my short career has definitely been ELDs. I had a short experience with paper logs but it became a challenge when we shifted to their electronic counterparts. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/jh3.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> Honestly, I never imagined my Youtube channel growing into what it is today, it actually just started as a way to vent-out and express myself. Somehow it became therapeutic to me and surprisingly to others as well. As it grew, I continued to take pride in being a voice for others like myself and giving motivation that truly anyone can be successful in life. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> Absolutely, but thank God for technology. I recently started referring to myself as "FaceTime Daddy" and even though it's done jokingly, FaceTime and other similar forms of communication are pivotal for me and my family to remain sane and whole while I'm out here working to secure our future. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/jh4.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> I think just the uncertainty of what will happen next, hoping that it doesn't effect my income so drastically like so many of my friends and family. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> I usually stay on I40 and I5 in California, however my favorite scenery would definitely be Oregon just perfectly created in my opinion. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What was your weirdest or most unusual haul?</strong></h3> I picked up a load of hay in the middle of a Nevada desert that was literally 30 miles off the map. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How often do you use rest stops / truck stops? What are the things that you look for in a truck stop? Favorite truck stop meal?</strong></h3> I use both very often, first thing I look at is always the parking lot size and parking availability. Lucky for me, the Trucker Paths app is normally very accurate. As far as inside, I always look at reviews of the showers. There's nothing more disturbing than a poorly kept bathroom. Favorite truck stop meal is always a mom and pop diner with great breakfast! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> Common troubles for me are rude and unsafe drivers. My biggest fear is that even if I can control and safely operate my truck, you never know when someone around you will do something that will not only jeopardize their life but yours as well. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> Biggest pet peeves are vehicles who enter the highway too slow, its literally called the acceleration lane. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/jh5.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How did Trucker Path help you in your day to day trucking?</strong></h3> The fact that <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> can tell me how far each truck stop is from my exact location, that allows me to be very productive and productivity equals more money. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Be confident when you're out here on the road and most importantly don't rush. The money will come and so will all your goals just keep pushing one day at a time. Like I always say on my channel, Stay safe, Stay positive and Stay productive. <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/Tre7DJHouse/featured">Youtube Channel, ATruckerNamedJay.</a> <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y95yUN8oyfg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; 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>

Aug 19, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Kangaroo Trucker <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/Lark20200630-214612.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/Lark20200630-214612-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5084"></a> <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Jim</strong>, who recently picked up a vlogging hobby on Youtube. His channel, "The Adventures of Kangaroo Trucker”, is where he shares his adventures, both good and bad, while out over the road. He recently just started driving trucks and was heavily influenced by his brothers. Let's get to know more about Jim and his adventures. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How long have you been trucking?</strong></h3> I started my trucking career in 2019. I went to a local CDL school but wasted my money so I invested again with a large carrier and went to their school and drove OTR with them for about a year to get some experience. I left them and went with a smaller trucking firm (about 300 trucks) out of Pennsylvania. I got some good experience driving in the upper north east of U.S., but the communication with their drivers and the constant sitting and driving in the worst places caused me to look elsewhere. I was referred to a medium size company (about 1600 truck fleet). It’s a much better fit for me. I go out 4-5 weeks at a time and get home time with no problem. They send me all over lower 48 states. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I got into trucking because my younger brother is a Truck Driver and my older brother, who passed in 2015, was an owner operator and owner a couple of trucks. I must have had a mid life crisis or something but I was drawn to go out to get my CDL and see what it was like to walk in his shoes. It’s been a journey. I’m glad I did it and I encourage everyone to follow their passion. It’s not just a job to me. It feeds my family, yes, but I like the daily challenges and I am amazed on how complex this logistical puzzle ever gets accomplished with the many moving parts. It is a miracle to me, at times, it all seems to work out just to get something from point A to point B. It really takes some good attitude and a great deal of patience, but working together with everyone is really what makes this whole process work. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you start Youtube vlogging?</strong></h3> I was hoping create videos to either entertain seasoned truckers as they watch me struggle getting my experience or for those new to trucking eager to learn from others who have made their mistakes so that all of us can learn from it. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the story of you becoming "Kangaroo Trucker"? Do you also have a name for your truck?</strong></h3> I own a gymnastics business in Atlanta area and have a competitive Trampoline and Tumbling team. The gyms logo is a Kangaroo so that’s why I call myself Kangaroo Trucker. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/kt.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/kt-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5090"></a> <h3><strong>How did Trucker Path help you in your day to day trucking?</strong></h3> I will say that early on I found the <a href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/">Trucker Path app</a> to be a really large part of my daily arsenal to help me navigate this great country. I never realized how truckers had to constantly trip plan and we’re constantly looking for a place to shut down for their 10 hour break. TruckerPath is just one of those tools a trucker uses to help find a safe place to shut down, or see if a weigh station is open. The thing I like the most is that it is a Trucker Community driven app. It’s a good feeling to look for a truck stop and to find other truckers have updated the status so someone like me can feel safe in knowing there’s likely a good chance I’ll find a spot to shut down. Equally, I’m happy to update all locations I visit so I can return the favor. So if you use it, I encourage you to update often. If you don’t use TruckerPath app, I’d recommend giving it a try. Especially if you are new. Not all of us have the years of experience to know all the exits by memory of our favorite places like the veteran drivers out there. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can we watch your videos?</strong></h3> You can find me on my Youtube Channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9x-LgYMaepeyXCApHfCQOg">Kangaroo Trucker</a>. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v8-9EhgnlG0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <h2></h2> I’ll keep on trucking as long as I can. It’s a great feeling to be contributing to America's supply chain and doing my part to help. <h2></h2> Cheers! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jun 30, 2020 • Carriers