
Spring is here and we are getting ready to welcome summer. Soon temperatures are going to soar, and rain will make its entry into the equation.
As a trucker, it’s both good and bad news for you. Good because you don’t have to fight against snow or subzero temperatures anymore and bad because now rain, landslides, and other hazards will introduce themselves. Therefore, you must still be attentive when you drive your truck while also enjoying the scenic views the American highways have to offer. Let’s take a look at some of the challenges you might face driving in spring as a trucker.
Tackling Rain
At the start of spring and early summer, the weather begins to change, and with that comes rain and slippery roads. It shouldn’t be too much of an issue driving in the rain because you are fresh off the winter season, and you must have tackled snowy roads during that period. However, you should exercise caution since roads become very slippery during the first few minutes of rain. You should slow down and maintain a safe distance from other trucks and vehicles on the road. If conditions are too treacherous and visibility is an issue, it is better to bide at a truck stop and wait for the storm to pass.
Construction Season
The start of spring signals the beginning of the construction season, especially in the Midwest. If you pass through a construction site, make sure to pay attention to all the road signs. You should slow down and change lanes with more care to avoid any accidents. If you practice caution, you will save others and yourself from unnecessary harm.

Sun Glare
The sun shines bright during the spring and summer seasons. It also means that you have more hours of daylight to tackle. Therefore, keep a pair of sunglasses by your side to protect your eyes from damage – not to mention look cool as well. Furthermore, keep the truck’s windshield clean, especially since bugs will also be aplenty during this time.
Scenic Highways to Try This Season
Driving during spring season has some advantages too. You can also enjoy your time driving on scenic routes. Imagine getting paid to drive some of the most beautiful roads in America! Not everyone has that pleasure, so you must make the most out of it when you can.
Route 12, Utah
The red rocks of Utah are a treat to watch, especially in early spring. The route presents exquisite views as you drive through the Canyons and wind down the challenging roads.

Trail Ridge Road, Colorado
It is extra fun to drive in high altitudes, especially in spring. The Trail Ridge Road is the country’s highest continually paved road that follows through the Rocky Mountain National Park. You will get to see several wildlife species during your drive and witness outstanding scenery at every corner and straight.

Final Thoughts
The spring season is a good time for truckers as you can bask in the sun, enjoy scenic views, and make some good money while doing it. However, remember to take extra care and not be complacent while you are having fun. Do you have some awesome spring destinations? Share it with us.
By Aldous Aldwin




Trucker Spotlight - Matthew Eso <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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Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Matthew Eso</strong>, who's also known as The Little Guy on Youtube. He's been driving trucks since 2012 and shares the same love for trucking with his father and grandfather. Let's get to know more about Matthew and his trucking life.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3>
It's something I always wanted to do because it runs in my family.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/02/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Matthew_Eso2.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What attributes must one have in order to be a successful truck driver?</strong></h3>
In order to be successful in this trucking game you have to know what you want first. Then chase it.
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<h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3>
Most memorable time on the road has to be when I took my son with me. Just watching his face light up from all the things he was seeing.
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<h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3>
Big fan of old school long hood trucks.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/02/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Matthew_Eso4.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing? </strong></h3>
Always wanted to operate heavy machinery.
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<h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you? </strong></h3>
My favorite one is the Joplin 44 Petro with the chrome shop. Place is a truckers toy store.
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<h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR?</strong></h3>
Starting a Lease Purchase and the truck being a lemon off the lot.
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<h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3>
Having all of the points of interest a trucker uses in the <a href="https://sixdays.page.link/tLUu">Trucker Path</a> application is by far the best feature next to the turn by turn navigation.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/02/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Matthew_Eso5.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3>
Tips for others are be safe, stay hungry, and don't let anyone say you can’t do it.
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<h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3>
They can view my videos on my Youtube Channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheLittleGuyTrucker/featured">The Little Guy Show</a>.
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cl6yXAQxDRw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Hope you guys enjoy!
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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Truck Freight Rates [h2] Truck Freight Rates [/h2]
[p]Before getting into the details surrounding truck freight rates and how owner-operators can find the best one, it's important to understand what is a good truck freight rate and how are rates determined.[/p]
[h2]What is a Truck Freight Rate? [/h2]
[p]A Truck freight rate is simply the price or rate a broker or shipper is willing to pay a carrier to haul a load. Essentially, it's what you will be paid to haul a load. Our focus here is regarding truck freight rates for owner operators and carriers with authority. [/p]
[h2] Where Can I Find Truck Freight Rates? [/h2]
[p]You can find truck freight rates on load boards like <em>Truckloads</em>. Search over three million monthly truck loads and filter your results based on location, trailer type, weight, pick up/drop off date and more. Use Truckloads free load board to view a freight broker's credit rating, days to pay and call brokers directly from the mobile app to book the best freight rate for you! [/p]
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[h2] How are Truck Freight Rates Calculated? [/h2]
[p]Truck Freight rates are calculated based on a variety of factors including the current market conditions, demand levels, overall weight or size, distance traveled and the type of goods being shipped. Certain routes and areas will offer higher freight rates because the supply of loads is so great, therefore the need for carriers will be higher.[/p]
[p]Keep in mind that truck freight rates are often set by a<a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/what-is-a-freight-broker/"> freight broker </a> who takes a portion of the total rate a shipper is willing to pay and pays the carrier the difference. This rate is often negotiable and can fluctuate. [/p]
[p]If a shipper is sending valuable equipment that is extremely heavy, chances are the freight rate is going to be very favorable for carriers. [/p]
[p]Since the truck cargo that needs to be shipped is valuable, there is additional desire to find qualified carriers. Of course, you'll need to have the right equipment and trailer necessary to haul the specific load. [/p]
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[h2] What Loads Pay the Best Truck Freight Rate? [/h2]
[p]In order to maximize your earnings, you'll benefit from hauling loads with the best freight rate as often as possible. Freight rates are typically paid by the mile and can range from $1.50 to upwards of $4.00 or more per mile. Typically, the best freight rate is for flatbed loads but this is not necessarily always the case. [/p]
[p]We surveyed over 150 experienced <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/how-to-become-an-owner-operator/">owner-operators</a> asking them what they think are the best freight rates. 59 percent considered $3.00 per mile the best rate for carriers while 32 percent said $2.00 was a fair freight rate.[/p]
[p]While these are ideal freight rates for the carrier, they are often times difficult to find in most areas and the volume of freight shipping at these rates can also be limited. [/p]
Trucker Spotlight - Jahnessa Graham <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/2021/04/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Jahnessa-Graham-2.jpg" alt=""]
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Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Jahnessa Graham</strong>, who's Tucsonan born and raised; ‘Bear Down!’ Her dream back in school was to become a fashion designer or pursue a criminal justice degree. Upon graduating, she
ventured out on her own at 18, worked the dead-end jobs, secured her own apt, and went to college for a while; basically, getting by. Molding a life without a game plan and at 22 years old, a series of events led her to pursue a CDL. Let's get to know "Jahnessa" and how trucking came into her life.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3>
It began with me selling everything, I had to move into a truck for 5 months. I assisted in hand unloading freight for ‘Dollar Tree’. I was the spotter for backing, handled paperwork and Qualcomm messages, as well as set up equipment for unloads. I absolutely loved the work, so I decided to move back home. I sat with my class D for a year and in March of 2018 made the move to attend CDL school.
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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>
Coming up on three years in the industry, technically I am still a rookie driver, so I have not had to experience too much change. Starting out, there was a lot of disdain towards switching from paper logs to ELD’s as many truckers complained about the severe restraint on our work week and ability to break when needed. I have noticed that new recruits are coming into the industry typically have more and more negative opinions/attitudes towards other drivers and office personnel. Another issue is the ever-changing regulations regarding our HOS laws. I think having people
who have no experience in a semi, creating rules that hinder our work and health can prove harmful to drivers.
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<h3><strong>What are some things you dislike about being a truck driver?</strong></h3>
Oh man, there is a lot! Here are my top five dislikes about the job:
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<li>4 wheelers</li>
<li>Disrespect from shippers, receivers, and office folk</li>
<li>Skirting the rules to make a living</li>
<li>Lack of communication</li>
<li>Constant stress</li>
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Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy what I do and I’m great at it, but sometimes I think the cons outweigh the pros.
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<h3><strong>What attributes must one have in order to be a successful truck driver?</strong></h3>
Definitely patience. There will always be something or someone who throws a monkey wrench in your plans so be prepared to have your time wasted. I feel like common sense plays a big role out here on the road and I would say in most situations that includes having the ability to make split second decisions. A professional driver must be able to interact with a variety of people and will show restraint when necessary. It is not a contest of egos! Lastly, one must have an excellent work ethic as simply doing the bare minimum will not get you anywhere. This industry is not for everyone and there is nothing wrong with that. However, in order to succeed, I believe these to be the best attributes to do so.
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<h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3>
I will always remember the first time I got 'the signal'. It had to have been my first or second load solo when I was rolling through a small Arizona town one afternoon and I saw two boys walking home from school. They lifted their arms and gave a couple yanks on an invisible cord, aka the air horn signal. I was so excited and happy but sadly I could not blow the horn in such a small town off the highway no less. I still feel bad to this day, so I try to give kids and adults the pleasure of my airhorn whenever I get the signal.
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<h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model? </strong></h3>
I really prefer Freightliner, Cascadia. It has been my main truck since the beginning, and I have come to enjoy it. Plus, the parts are plentiful which makes maintenance less of a hassle.
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<h3><strong> Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3>
As of lately I am thinking about starting up a food truck operation in conjunction with a new truck stop in Tucson, AZ. As a trucker I know that parking is hard to find, so being able to provide safe, easy parking along with homemade cooking is sure to please many drivers. I have also thought about obtaining my CDL instructors cert. and start a defensive driving school for both commercial and non-commercial drivers. I have mush to think about, but I am sure whatever I choose will be worth it.
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<h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3>
I love Pilot/Flying J and TA. They both seem to reign supreme in terms of food selection and showers. TA also tends to have adequate parking and maintenance shops.
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<h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR?</strong></h3>
The worst breakdown I have had was with Navajo Transport, as a company driver. I was climbing a mountain in California when my truck suddenly lost all power, and my dash gauges were going crazy! I pulled off on the shoulder three times before barely managing to pull off on a small dirt cutout about 25 feet from the highway. After many calls to dispatch and breakdown, I was told that a tow was on the way. I sat from 10am until 12:30 am in the middle of summer waiting for a tow. The other employees I spoke with did not seem to care about who took care of the situation and I did nit hear back from them for hours. It was not a great day.
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<h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3>
The <a href="https://sixdays.page.link/tLUu">Trucker Path</a> features I enjoy the most are Having the 7-day parking prediction is great! It is better for me to gauge whether a stop is going to be open for me based on specific times of the day. Truck stop details tabs allow me to choose where I stop based on food selections and amenities which I am grateful for. I am a sucker for Popeyes and Arby’s right now! Another thing that impressed me from the start was attention to detail, specifically addresses and contact info. I can call ahead to ask for information, update my truck GPS to find a specific place quickly, and see hours of operation. Everything I need in one place that is easy to access is always a plus as a trucker!
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<h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3>
An important tip is to be one-hundred percent sure of your decisions as there is little room for mistakes and lots of room for big consequences. The mark of a true professional is given by how one overcomes challenges. I can say firsthand that the more effort you put into acknowledging and fixing mistakes as they happen, will make you a more conscious and skilled driver down the road. New drivers, please take anyone’s advice with a grain of salt and do what makes you comfortable because at the end of the day it is your decision that affects your job and life out here. Lastly, make the best of what you have and do not let the stress weigh you down or knock you out. You got this!
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Jahnessa-Graham-7.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3>
They can view my videos on my Youtube Channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvj3_Y1_JHOwX3sZIKDsgPg/videos">Peaches N Grease</a>.
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Hope you guys enjoy!
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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