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 - Tony Justice <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/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Tony Justice</strong>, a full-time trucker and one of country music’s most talked about independent artists, selling over 100,000 albums, gracing magazine covers, and earning over 10 MILLION YouTube views. Let's get to know more about Tony and his life where the music meets the road. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Tell us a short story about yourself? </strong></h3> I was born in Visalia, CA but moved to Elkhorn Creek, KY when I was three. I grew up in Coal Country smack dab in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s not to far from Van Lear, KY where Loretta Lynn was born. Growing up, I had 3 older brothers and an older sister. My dad owned three of his own trucks that he hauled coal with. He drove one and my two uncles drove the others. Dad was always serious when it came to keeping his truck up and it was my brothers and my responsibilities to wash and service the trucks every weekend. Dad always had Conway Twitty or Merle Haggard or George Jones blasting on the radio. I can’t remember a time in my life without trucks or music being a part of it. I spent my 20s traveling and playing music. After a divorce, I got custody of my two daughters and figured the music has been fun but it’s time to get a real job. In 2000 I got my CDL, hit the road and quit the music. Fate is a funny thing, but when I quit music is when it actually started gaining traction. I was blessed to find a company like ETI that allowed me to pursue my music and keep my job at the same time. The rest as they say is history. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What came first? Trucking or Singing?</strong></h3> Singing came first, but as a kid, like most other kids, I love those big rigs and still love them today. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What got you into music? Who are your music influences?</strong></h3> My mom is a huge music fan and an amazing singer herself. Growing up, she had a gospel group that would travel to different churches. I picked up the bass guitar when I was six and starting playing in her group at the age of seven. I have to give credit to my mom for getting me interested in the music. I have several artists that I love. Most know I'm a Merle Haggard junkie, but I also like many other artists like Keith Whitney, George Jones, Alabama, Charlie Daniels, Don Williams, Tom T. Hall, Johnny Cash, Midland and Jamie Johnson - to name a few. Then you have my southern rock and rock n roll side with artist like The Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, Journey, The Stones and E.LO. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How do you describe your music?</strong></h3> It’s for the blue collar working class. I still truck these highways every week and that’s what my songs are about. The journey... whether it’s the journey trucking out to California or the journey of life. There are so many similarities between trucking and life. That’s why the trucking industry has more songs written about it than any other industry and that is what makes them relatable to not only truckers but to the general public as well. A lot of writers these days stray away from reality. I feed on it when I’m writing. <h2></h2> <h3><strong> If you could do a show with any artist, who would that be?</strong></h3> It has to be Merle Haggard hands down. Elvis would be my second choice. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I always loved the big rigs. I grew up riding with my dad in the mid 70s through the mid 80s. I traveled playing music across the East from 1990 to 2000 in an old 84 model Chevy conversion van pulling a ten-foot equipment trailer. I would always fall in with a few trucks going the way I was going and get to chatting with them on the CB radio. I guess I was playing trucker - haha. My dad was my hero and damn good at what he did. He drove for 30 years hauling coal and then hauling tankers for Highway Transport out of Knoxville, TN. Who didn't want to grow up to be like their dad? <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice4.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> The advances in technology has to be the biggest changes I have seen. Some for the better and some for the worse. Regulations have increased dramatically as the old school brotherhood has decreased. It’s still alive you just have to look a little harder. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What attributes must one have in order to be a successful truck driver?</strong></h3> Patience, dedication and a commitment to professionalism are so important. You treat the industry with the respect it deserves and it will give you respect back. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3> There are too many to recall, but I’d have to say running back from California one time. I hooked up with about seven other truckers - six men and one woman. We all stayed together from LA all the way to Dallas before we went separate ways. It was definitely and blast from the past and without a doubt we made old Southern Shaker proud and may have pissed off one Phoenix Evil Knievel who ended up having to chase his cowboy hat instead of us. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How do you balance driving, writing music, and performing?</strong></h3> I do the best I can. It’s a challenge for sure but I have an amazing team back home who carry the bulk of the day to day. My wife, Misty, and my step-daughter, Lacey, do a ton of work along with my Director of Marketing, Laura Bull, and Chief Financial Director, Audrey Russell. Having a supportive boss like I do in Cline and Lisa Everhart also allows me to take off work to record, play shows and film videos. I’m truly blessed to have these people in my life. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3> Easy: Peterbilt 379. My second choice would be the old Diamond Rios and then the W900 KW and the old Freightliner Classics. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice5.png" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> Loves is the one my company uses to fuel with and I like them. Some of my other favorites are Uncle Pete’s, Iowa 80, Kewanee One Stop, Davy Crockett TA, and the old Queen City truck stop. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR?</strong></h3> It happened last year. I was rolling east on 72 in Alabama and grenaded this ole Cat. We got 1.3 million on a rebuild so I guess I can’t complain too much about it. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Don't just be a driver. Learn the industry inside and out. Become as familiar with it as possible. It will benefit you tremendously down the road. Don’t allow yourself to become complacent with driving. After a few years, that is easy to do. It will bite you if you let it. Last but not least, no matter the situation you may find yourself in, NEVER… NEVER get in a hurry. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Mar 16, 2021 • Community

Trucker Spotlight - Shelby <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/2020/09/blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Shelby</strong>, who's been driving for 3 years now. She's has a blog and Youtube channel called, Happiness by the Mile, where she shares her experiences and also gives information on everything you would want or need to know to become a professional driver, and live on the road. Let's get to know more about Shelby and how she gets happiness out of every mile. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> It was just a childhood dream of mine to drive a semi. I was not invested in making a career out of it. I just wanted to do it to say I could. It was more of a bucket list item than anything else. Now, I love it so much I could never leave! <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> I have not seen much of any significant change during my short time in the industry, but I have to say that there is a definite shift happening with the reduction of mom and pop truck stops, access to good food, and good training for those getting into the industry. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-6.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to create a Youtube channel? And why did you choose the "Happiness by the Mile" name?</strong></h3> I initially started an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/happiness_by_the_mile/">Instagram</a> page with the name "Happiness By The Mile". I thought it was the most ideal reference to my mindset of being on the road. We chase many things down the road, our thoughts, fears, hopes for the future, but we forget all too often our happiness is not and will never be a destination. We have to be present in our current lives, and happiness is a choice that we can make at any time. I want to encourage drivers to build happiness as they drive down the road, not chase it into the sunset. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Do you have a name for your truck?</strong></h3> My current truck's name is "Waldo". I play a game on Instagram with my followers where I post my truck at a truck stop, and they try to guess where it's located. "Where's Waldo?" <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Are there times of loneliness while driving? How do you deal with it? </strong></h3> I love to keep my brain stimulated by listening to podcasts and audiobooks. I also go out of my way to make kind gestures to others by buying their coffee for them, or helping them out if they are trying to fix something on their trucks at a rest area. I think we all benefit from some positive interaction with other humans on the road. It just takes a bit of effort to put yourself out there to receive. <h2></h2> <h3><strong> As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> The hardest was finding food for a long time. With a lot of the restaurants and fast food joints having fewer hours or being closed all together it was quite a struggle. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-5.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> I run I-80 quite often. If I go east it is usually to Pennsylvania or New Jersey. Most of my routes on the west side of the united states are to Montana, Washington or Oregon. I tend to stay where the snow happens to be the worst. Just the luck of the draw for me. My favorite route is anywhere through US 191, north or south of Salt Lake City it doesn't matter. It is absolutely breathtaking and goes through various national parks. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Weirdest or most unusual haul?</strong></h3> My most unusual haul had to be a single pallet of medical supplies across the entire United States (not during COVID). <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 stop and truck stops and rest areas frequently! I stop often to let my dog Dakota out to stretch her legs, as well as myself. We take a generous amount of time to make sure that we both are feeling awake and ready to keep moving down the road. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> We often struggle to find a place to park with the doubles set. Pull through parking spaces are the only option most of the time, and not all truckstops have them. We are sometimes forced to park on the curb out of the way, or on exit ramps of the interstates. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> I don't have many pet peeves. I do wish that there was more respect given to the trucks from cars on the road, but it's hard to know what we do unless you've been up there in that seat doing it. We oftentimes need to back off a busy street to a customer dock, and it can be hard with cars zipping around you instead of giving you a few minutes to do what you need to do to get out of the way. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>We're glad that Trucker Path has been of service to you! Could you share your favorite feature of the app?</strong></h3> I like to use <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path's</a> map feature to see where all the truckstops are around my current location, and I use it to help me trip plan to my final drop location. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Take it slow and steady. No matter how many years you have on your belt, you can never know it all, and always have something to learn. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can we watch your trucking videos?</strong></h3> You can check out my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/ShelbyHBTM/featured">Happiness by the Mile channel on Youtube</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RKbiP779jJU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> <em>Got a cool story to share? Send us message at community@truckerpath.com to be featured!</em> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Sep 11, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - October 11, 2019 <h4>By Paul DeCoste</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Did you Know?</strong></h3> California’s governor recently <a href="https://www.truckinginfo.com/340211/california-bill-means-end-for-independent-trucking-in-state">signed a bill</a> that has the potential to eliminate leased on drivers in the state. California is enforcing an ABC test on trucking companies and the contractors these companies hire. This means, a trucking company must prove that its drivers (if contracted) are “performing work that is outside of the company’s usual course of business.” If a driver cannot pass this test, the company cannot hire him/her. This bill is currently being opposed by the California Trucking Association. <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Trucking Tip of the Week</strong></h3> Dock wait times are not going down. <a href="https://www.freightwaves.com/news/know-before-you-go-the-impact-of-seeing-wait-times-before-accepting-loads">The current average wait time for drivers at the dock is 150 minutes.</a> Make sure that you are tracking your detention times as accurately as possible and actively negotiating detention rates with docks that you have never been to before, and especially ones that are known to have issues! <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Diesel</strong></h3> Diesel prices have fallen <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/diesel-falls-15c-3066-gallon-oil-slides-5427">1.5 cents per gallon as oil continues to slide as well</a>. The average fuel price for drivers is nearly 25 cents cheaper than it was in September last year. All regions in the United States have experienced this fuel price decline except for California. <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Driver Appreciation Week</strong></h3> This year’s Driver Appreciation week was a great success! Companies like Trucker Path, ATA and trucking companies across the nation spent the week honoring the drivers of America in many ways. Some of the <a href="https://www.ccjdigital.com/fleets-recognize-drivers-with-truck-driver-appreciation-week-events/">most notable celebrations</a> included; free meals for drivers (Werner),family events (J.B. Hunt),and themed terminal days for the entire week (Hirschbach). Trucker Path was also giving away free subscriptions for the premium app version for the entire week. Thanks for everything you do drivers! <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Influen</strong><strong>tial Woman in Trucking</strong></h3> This year, Ruth Lopez of Ryder transportation, received the award for Influential Woman in Trucking at the Women in Trucking Accelerate! conference. Ruth has been with Ryder for over 20 years and is currently their director of transportation management. <h3></h3> <h3></h3> Throughout her esteemed career in trucking, Ruth has managed hundreds of team members. Team members that not only include drivers in the United States, but in Mexico as well. On top of that, she has managed Ryder’s women’s leadership program for three years. Although she was extremely humble when discussing her surprise in finding out she was nominated for this award, and even stronger humility when she was announced that she won, those around her know that she was the perfect candidate for this award. Congratulations Ruth!

Oct 11, 2019 • Carriers