Jan 24, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - January 24, 2020

Industry Update - January 24, 2020

By Paul DeCoste

Industry Update

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.

Weather Update

This snowstorm 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.

Pilot Name Change

Just yesterday, Pilot Flying J announced that 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.”

Driver Saves Lives

Linden O’Donnell went out of his way to put out a car fire 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.

New Tech

This pilot study done by American Electric Power and Nissan Motor Co., 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.

TagsTruckloads road closure Truck Driver Owner Operator trucking Trucker Path Freight Factoring Trucking Industry truck stops Truck driver tips Freight Broker Owner Operators Freight Brokers national truck driver appreciation week Industry Update Did you Know Trucking Tips MATS 2019

Trucker Spotlight - Maurice Bey <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/mau2.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Maurice</strong>, who’s been an in-state driver for four years. He also has a Youtube channel called, “The Helpful Trucker”, where he gives some helpful tips as he shares his experiences on the road. Let’s get to know more about Maurice and his life as a trucker. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> Well, I didn't choose this life, this life chose me. I love driving and I love being behind the wheel. A few years ago, my pop's (a lifelong trucker) health started declining. He came to me and said, "Hey I need you to get your CDL because I need to put someone else in my truck." So I went to CDL school, got my Class A and I've been driving for him ever since. <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> Well, I've only been in the industry for 4 years now, but I'm the son of a lifelong trucker and many of my close relatives are truckers, which means I've been exposed to the industry literally all my life. And I remember relatives and family that used to drive WITHOUT a chauffeur's license. I remember when my dad would go back several days and alter, I mean "update" his paper log books retroactively. And I remember when my uncle's and my dad's friends used to talk about running up and down the road all night, non stop, unregulated. One could argue that all that regulation overall HAS made the roads safer. But one could also argue that all that regulation has made things less profitable, particularly for little guys. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/mau3.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the story of you becoming "The Helpful Trucker"? Do you also have a name for your truck?</strong></h3> On YouTube, I call myself "The Helpful Trucker" because in life I'm a helpful guy. So many people nowadays only want to be helpful if it benefits them. My philosophy, which is offering people real value without necessarily expecting anything in return, is attractive and has a natural way of pulling the right people, resources and opportunities towards you. I call my truck Nat... short for International (which is what I drive). <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> I'm an in-state driver and I go home every night. So I don't experience loneliness, plus I love my alone time. I need it to maintain my sanity. LOL. <h2></h2> I spend a majority of my time behind the wheel listening to podcasts about business, entrepreneurship, economics, marketing and mindset. My truck is a rolling university for me. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/mau4.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> Keeping my miles up as an in-state driver. My work has definitely slowed significantly. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> My usual truck routes generally speaking are either Interstate 64 or Interstate 95 in the Richmond,Virginia area. My favorite scenic truck route is 64 west out of Richmond. I love the mountainous scenery. <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 don't use truck stops very much, but when I do, I look for familiarity. I'm a very routine kind of guy. I don't have a favorite truck stop meal. I'm not a big fan of road food... that stuff will kill you! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> I encounter a lot of faulty equipment, especially trailers, which belong to the carrier I pull for, not me. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> People, especially truckers, not being courteous to other truckers and only looking out for themselves. But I get it though. This economy can make you chase money to the point that you're only thinking about yourself and your own situation and not considering others. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How did Trucker Path help you in your day to day trucking?</strong></h3> The main thing <a href="https://truckerpath.com/">Trucker Path</a> has helped me with so far is supplying me with a trucker friendly GPS. My standard GPS has put me on routes that I'm not supposed to be on more than once! And that's a scary feeling. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Safety tip: Triple check everything. <h2></h2> Getting a job tip: Know your contract front and back; ask as many questions as you feel you need to. Don't allow yourself to get locked in to anything that is not in your best interest long term. <h2></h2> Career tip: Get your money right as quickly as possible. Give yourself the option to get from behind the wheel as soon as possible. Driving a rig, just like most careers is A LOT more fun when you're doing it because you want to instead of because you have to. <h2></h2> <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/mauricebey7">Youtube Channel, The Helpful Trucker.</a> <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PGIeHtM9dng" 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 12, 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

Industry Update - December 18, 2019 <h4>By: Paul DeCoste</h4> <h3><strong>M&Ms Destroyed</strong></h3> <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/none-of-the-product-has-been-salvaged-17-tons-of-m-ms-lost-in-trucking-crash">Last week there was a tragic ending to a truck-full of the famous candy, M&Ms</a>. 17 tons of M&Ms were deemed unsalvageable and had to be tossed after a big rig tipped last Friday. The driver hit a side barrier which caused the truck to roll into a ditch. Thankfully the driver is okay and was only sent to the hospital for minor injuries. <h3></h3> Unfortunately, we will never see those M&Ms again… <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Weather Update</strong></h3> It’s getting colder every day! Make sure you are checking up on the latest storms and weather updates. Your Trucker Path app is the best way to see the current weather. If you are looking for a country-wide update take a look at Diesel Boss here: <a href="https://www.dieselboss.com/weather-for-truckers.htm">https://www.dieselboss.com/weather-for-truckers.htm</a> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Trucker Path Jobs</strong></h3> Are you a qualified driver looking for new opportunities this holiday season? <a href="https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/free-load-board/">Take a look at the Trucker Path load board</a> where we are connecting drivers to jobs every day! We work with brokers AND truckers so if you are looking for a CDL job, look no further. <h3></h3> <h3><strong>ELD Update</strong></h3> <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/no-soft-enforcement-when-eld-enforcement-begins-dec-17">The new ELD mandate is officially live</a>. You must use an Electronic Logging Device when operating a semi-truck. There will be no “grace” period for rigs without an ELD. On top of that, the AOBRD “grandfather” rule no longer applies so, if you haven’t already, make sure you rig your truck with an ELD ASAP! <strong> </strong> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Did you know?</strong></h3> Christmas is coming in quick! <h3></h3> Trucker Path wishes you happy holidays! Stay safe on the road and have an amazing time with your friends and family this holiday season.

Dec 18, 2019