
Mack Trucks unveiled the much anticipated new Mack Anthem and it’s sure to turn some heads.
Mack Trucks has been a staple in American trucks since 1900 but it hasn’t produced a large market share of the long-haul trucking industry. That might change soon.
117 years later and Mack is poised to challenge the heavy-duty trucking competition with the new Mack Anthem.




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>
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice2.jpg" alt=""]
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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.
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<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.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice3.jpg" alt=""]
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<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.
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<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.
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<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.
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<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.
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<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?
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice4.jpg" alt=""]
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<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.
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<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.
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<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.
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<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.
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<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.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice5.png" alt=""]
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<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.
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<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.
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<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.
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Hope you guys enjoy!
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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Trucker Spotlight - Hope Zvara <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different people in the trucking industry 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>
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210833.jpeg" alt=""]
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Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Hope</strong>, who is a Yoga instructor and founder of Mother Trucker Yoga, whose advocacy is to teach yoga and wellness to truckers. She has been featured in a lot of trucking websites, magazines, and also maintains a podcast on Chrome and Steel Radio. Let's get to know more about Hope and how she mixed yoga with trucking.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210801.jpeg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>Tell us a short story about you. Any trivia?</strong></h3>
I had no idea what I wanted to be when I was in high school. I knew I wanted to help people but was lost among many other things. At age 20 I decided I wanted to do mission work and began to look into being in the Peace Corps. But as a college drop out, that wasn’t an option. So I found a program and a few short months later I found myself on a plane to Nigeria to live for nearly a year. That trip changed my life in a way that helped me to see that I could do anything. As someone who had struggled with addiction and a slew of other issues, a trip like that gave me a deep dose of perspective. That perspective still drives me today to help others gain perspective on their health, happiness, and life’s direction.
Trivia? I am a middle child. I Have been to 7 different countries before the age of 30. I love alternative rock. I love dark chocolate and mojitos. And love love love to travel!
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to delve into the trucking industry?</strong></h3>
Well trucking just fell into my lap. For about 5 years prior I knew I was a transition in my career and was ready to do something different, something more. I had owned a yoga studio for more than a decade and knew owning a studio wasn’t my end game. Then at a local business mixer in my hometown of Hartford, Wisconsin, I started chatting it up with someone I had never met before, who is now my former business partner. I was trying to pitch him corporate yoga for his trucking company office employees and he looked at me and said, “do you have anything for drivers, like in the cab of their truck?” Without skipping a beat I looked at him, threw my arms up, and said “Mother Trucker Yoga”. He loved the idea and the next day I and a perfect stranger were building a company from scratch merging yoga and trucking.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210808.jpeg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3>
I’ve seen a lot of changes in the last three years. Many drivers I’m sure will comment on the increased regulations. But I want to talk about increasing awareness and action around trucker health. More and more drivers and companies are taking notice of the necessity of taking care of our drivers’ health and well-being. I ask companies all the time are your drivers an asset or a liability? This pertains directly to the health of the driver. Every month I am seeing more and more drivers take an interest in cooking on the truck, drinking more water, trying to exercise or at least for the first time admitting it is something to pay attention to and work to improve. Secondly are mandatory 30-minute breaks and 34-hour resets. Now I am not a truck driver and never claim to be. And as much as these breaks can be a pain in the butt when a load has a deadline. I want to encourage you to see these times outside the driver’s seat as opportunities to take better care of you. Get out and walk, exercise, get to the grocery store or order groceries to be delivered to your truck, or meal prep. See that time as a blessing to help improve your health. You have to take it so you might as well do something positive with it.
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<h3><strong>What came first, trucks or yoga?</strong></h3>
Great question. Yoga came first. As a teen, I struggled with depression, anxiety, and addiction and yoga saved my life. Now I know that might seem heavy, but the reality is that many struggle with mental health and yoga is as much physical fitness as it is about mental and emotional fitness. I went from a young teen practicing yoga as a lifeline to teaching yoga to others, teaching teachers, and then teaching yoga to truck drivers just like you. And I have to say, working with truck drivers has been one of my favorite parts of the road I've been traveling (hehe- get it).
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210823.jpeg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>Ever tried driving a truck?</strong></h3>
I've driven a lot of things, a skid steer, a forklift, a truck and trailer backward up a winding driveway- yes; but an eighteen-wheeler, not yet.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/h1.jpeg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What are your trucking industry pet peeves?</strong></h3>
Complaining. Now people in every area, every walk of life, every industry complain. And sharing our concerns, or dislikes, and frustrations when done correctly can be an effective way to make a change. But when people leave comments complaining about what they don't like in a negative tone without any suggestions on how to make it better and when people attack and never for a second consider all that the other has done or has to go through to make X happen, is so frustrating. I believe the key is perspective. And when we gain perspective our tone often changes. We see life differently.
The second is people saying it is impossible to be healthy or exercise when you are a truck driver. I promise you with 100% confidence that there are things that you can do as a truck driver to improve your health, fitness, and wellness that you can implement today.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210828.jpeg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What are the common habits that a truck driver should change?</strong></h3>
#1 thing a truck driver should change today is drinking more water. Our bodies are made up primarily of water and many of our health concerns can often be tied back to dehydration: grogginess, muscle pain, cramps, fatigue, mental fog, and digestive issues. Drinking more water, ideally, 1/2 your body weight in ounces can dramatically change your health. Secondly is to move more. I'm not telling you to exercise, what I'm saying is with all that sitting you need to move more so you don't end up as stiff as a board. Simple things like small movements or stretches while driving. Walking laps around your rig while filling up with fuel. Or a yoga stretch here and there in those moments where you are waiting to load, unload, on your break, on your reset. It all adds up.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210818.jpeg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What are the benefits of yoga for truck drivers?</strong></h3>
There are endless benefits to practicing yoga. And being a truck driver you aren't exempt to those benefits. Here are13 of my top benefits to truck drivers practicing yoga:
<ul>
<li>Improves flexibility and mobility.</li>
<li>Strengthens muscles, which can help with arthritis and back pain.</li>
<li>Aids in realigning the spine to help distribute weight evenly.</li>
<li>Helps keep spinal disks supple.</li>
<li>Offers a natural weight-bearing exercise, increasing bone density.</li>
<li>Gets your blood flowing, providing more oxygen to your cells and helps boost hemoglobin and red blood cells.l</li>
<li>Assists in increasing the drainage of the lymph, helping to destroy and fight cancerous cells.</li>
<li>Gets your heart rate up, lowering the risk of heart disease.</li>
<li>Gets you breathing.</li>
<li>Lowers blood pressure.</li>
<li>Lowers cortisol levels, helping with long term memory, and fighting depression.</li>
<li>Improves coordination, reaction time, memory.</li>
<li>Helps you to relax</li>
</ul>
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210813.jpeg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What is the best truck stop food for truckers?</strong></h3>
There are dozens of diets and eating guidelines that people follow-truckers included. And I think the better question to ask is what should drivers look for each day at the truck stop to eat? And the answer to that is simple. Look for foods that are fresh, look for foods that are preservative, additive-free. Look for foods that have some sort of nutritional value. So many drivers (and Americans) are eating empty calories: chips, fast food, candy, soda. And sometimes it is hard and there are minimal options so ask yourself what is “good, better, best” for me to eat today. Dried nuts are good, a container of raw carrots, pretzels and hummus is better, or a burger without the bun and a salad with a hard-boiled egg and tons of veggies on top is probably the best. Sometimes the best option is not available. So what is good or better? When we bucket the foods in front of us this way we take some of the stress out of it and stop thinking in the form of “good diet” or “bad diet” and start thinking along the lines of good, better, best. And remember you don't’ always need to be the best!
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210838.jpeg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What are some wellness tips that you would like to share for truckers?</strong></h3>
What we do each day is often dictated by what is sitting between our two ears. Mental health is critical as a truck driver. When you add up being away from family and loved ones for weeks on end coupled with isolation, erratic schedules, and deadlines, you need to take time for you. This does not include mindlessly scrolling Facebook or Instagram. This is you listening to a positive audiobook, or upbeat music, calling a friend, and not complaining but sharing your wins for the day. But don’t be fooled, simple things like drinking more water, and getting your butt moving (sorry to be so blunt) WILL and does positively impact your overall wellness every single day.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/h2.jpeg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>How can truckers subscribe to your yoga classes?</strong></h3>
Drivers can easily subscribe and join our Mother Trucker Yoga family as easy as a click of a button. By going to <a href="http://www.MotherTruckerYoga.com">MotherTruckerYoga.com</a> and go to our “Subscribe” page. Don’t worry it’s not $100 a month to join our family and receive our amazing content. Subscribe for just $7.99 a month and get new content dripped to you each month.
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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How to Become an Owner Operator
[p]To become an owner operator and be your own boss requires several necessary steps and tips which you can follow our guide.[/p]
[h2]How to Become an Owner Operator[/h2]
[p]Creating a work schedule that fits your lifestyle, deciding when to take time off and the potential for greater earnings are all reasons why you might want to become an owner operator.[/p]
[p]Becoming an owner operator is a journey that seems complicated and endless; however, it is within reach. First, off it would be best if you already had several years of experience as a truck driver. The experience of being a company driver can be beneficial for you to understand the ins and outs of the industry and operating your own trucking company. Follow these steps to help get you started on the [a href="http://m.onelink.me/cceb1f59"]path[/a] to your trucking dream.[/p]
[h2]File For a USDOT and MC Number[/h2]
[p]The first thing to you will need to become an owner operator is to have a registered USDOT number as well as a [a href="https://cms.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/get-mc-number-authority-operate"]Motor Carrier (MC) number[/a] which provides you the authority to operate. There is a one-time $300 federal filing fee to request an MC number with the FMCSA. If you've ALREADY registered for a USDOT number then you can [a href="http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/PKG_REGISTRATION.prc_option"]request an MC number online here[/a].[/p]
[h2]What are the Different Types of Trucking Authority?[/h2]
[p]<a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-authority/">Trucking authority for carriers</a> is categorized into common or contract. A common carrier is available for hire by a shipper or broker. A contract carrier is contracted to haul loads for a specific company and are not available to the general public for hire.[/p]
[h2]Truck Insurance[/h2]
[p]Having insurance is not just an enforced federal law, it's intended to protect you as an owner-operator from risking your assets and liability in the event of an unexpected situation. The FMCSA requires certain types of insurance coverage depending on the authority you choose and the goods you plan to haul. For example, hazardous freight or freight requiring a hazmat permit will require specific liability coverage that differs from household goods. You can [a href="https://cms.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/insurance-requirements"] find the various forms and requirements of the FMCSA here[/a].[/p]
[h2]To Be or to Lease a Truck? That is the Question[/h2]
[p]Deciding if you should lease or purchase a truck has much to do with your available assets. A used heavy duty truck in decent shape can cost over $60,000 and run upwards of $100,000. However, if you are considering to lease a truck from a trucking company, then you can look into the possibility for a lease-to-own truck purchasing option. Choosing to lease a truck can save you on the biggest upfront cost to become an owner-operator. Keep in mind that if you <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/lease-purchase-trucking/">choose to lease from a company</a>, typically you're expected to haul for them as well (there are some exceptions).[/p]
[h2]Using Load Boards to Find Truck Freight[/h2]
[p]Streamlining how you find truck loads can generate the most potential for your newfound position as an owner operator. [a href="http://m.onelink.me/58720b7e"]Truckloads[/a] is a free load board available on the web as well as on mobile devices (iOS and Android),providing you with over three million monthly loads to search through wherever you are. Not to mention access to unlimited premium loads and the ability to view a brokers credit score, days to pay and contact them right from the app.[/p]
[p] Learn more about <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/types-of-truck-freight/">truck freight</a> and the opportunity to maximize your earning potential![/p]
[video id="snyBYpnuhWw"]
[h2]Becoming an Owner Operator is a Process[/h2]
[p]Starting your own company requires cash upfront to cover your operational costs and includes the payment of fees, taxes and any potential repairs. The process of becoming an owner operator is tedious and can take over a month before you even earn the authority by the FMCSA. Nonetheless, the chance to become an owner operator can pay off and allow you unlimited earning potential.[/p]
[p]Taking advantage of the opportunity to become an owner operator could have a lasting impact on your career and personal life. Not every option will be the best fit for you and your family. Instead, you must review your situation before making any decision to becoming a leased or independent owner operator. Once You have become an owner operator and have your own authority, you can begin to search for loads to haul by using load boards like Truckloads.[/p]
[button-green href="https://truckloads.truckerpath.com/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=becomeanownerop&utm_campaign=July3"]Try Truckloads for Free![/button-green]