Apr 12, 2024

The Most Desirable Truck Stop Amenities

We asked our community of nearly 1 million truck drivers to give us their top choices of truck stop amenities.

Legal Things to Include Within a Truck Driver’s Contract Truck drivers play an important role in making sure there is a smooth flow of products and goods that move across the country. As such, truck drivers and the companies they work for should both have a clear understanding of what makes a contract enforceable. When drafting a truck driver’s contract, there are legal and other aspects that both parties should be aware of. What to Think About When Making a Truck Driver's Contract Both parties should thoroughly understand their responsibilities and expectations. What are the delivery schedules and routes, and what additional duties should the driver be aware of? Understanding the compensation package is crucial for the driver and their trucking company. What is the hourly wage or commission structure? Are there mileage rates to apply? Is there a bonus package? A clear understanding can help prevent future problems. There are labor laws that address working hours and break times. To comply with labor laws, a driver’s contract must state the maximum hours for driving without a break. The contract should also include mandatory rest periods. Is there a payment for overtime work, and if so, how much overtime is allowed? A clear understanding is important for a driver’s well-being and safety. They become aware of their work parameters. A well-written contract can also help a trucking company, or truck driver, avoid any legal risks for breaking labor laws. Legal Things to Include Within a Truck Driver's Contract The driver’s contract should contain a provision explaining insurance coverage, and clearly explain the amounts and types. Coverage can include cargo, liability, and comprehensive insurance. If there is an unfortunate <a href="https://www.manfredlaw.com/personal-injury/truck-accidents">accident</a>, the driver and their company can expect protection. There should also be a clear method for reporting an accident, and every driver should know the reporting steps. These steps can include contacting emergency services, informing the company, and documenting how the accident occurred. Such actions are important for any legal proceedings or insurance claims that might arise. The truck driver’s contract should also explain the process for accountability and responsibility. The outline can define who is legally responsible for injuries or property damage. Clear contract clauses can help simplify things and prevent legal disputes that might arise. What Else to Know About a Truck Driver Contract? There are additional elements that a truck driver’s contract should state. How long will the employment contract last? Is the employment for an indefinite amount of time, or is there a fixed term? Are there provisions for renewing the contract? What are the conditions for terminating a driver? This degree of clarity can help to avoid misunderstandings. It is also important to outline maintenance responsibilities for the truck and any other equipment in use. What are the maintenance schedules and expectations for keeping the vehicle clean? Is the process for reporting and repairing mechanical problems clear? A non-compete and confidentiality clause in contracts aims to protect a company’s interests. These clauses prevent drivers from working for a competing company for a specified time after the driver’s contract ends. Commercial drivers have rights, and the scope of those rights can protect against anything from coercion and driving an unsafe vehicle, to ignoring operating laws. Of course, there are Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines set forth to protect drivers. These guidelines include rules for reporting coercion and other similar incidents. The guidelines are found in state and federal labor laws. Additional Considerations for Truck Driver Contracts A driver’s contract can also include processes for resolving disputes that may include litigation, mediation, and arbitration. Does the company offer safety and training programs? What are the consequences for drivers who violate compliance or safety standards? What are the provisions for alcohol and drug testing, and what happens if there is a positive result? There are also clauses that can address unforeseen events that affect a contract’s provisions. Truck drivers and trucking companies have the freedom to consult with legal professionals to ensure that contracts are within legal guidelines. Conclusion It is crucial to create contracts that are clear and thorough for drivers and companies. Working relationships do matter. By addressing elements like job responsibility, compensation, and the conditions that can surround an accident, everyone involved can help establish a successful working relationship. When terms are clear, it helps to provide clarity for enforcing a contract. The transportation industry, like all things, evolves over time. This is why it is so important for drivers and companies to stay on top of best practices and legal requirements for every aspect of their industry. Transparency protects each party’s rights and helps to prevent future disputes or misunderstandings. A clear contract can establish expectations for performance for truck drivers and companies. Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for <a href="https://www.manfredlaw.com/">Manfred Law.</a>

Feb 28, 2024

Trucker Path Community Names Top Truck Stops Davenport, Iowa Kwik Star #1071 takes the top spot for second consecutive year PHOENIX – January 10, 2024 – Trucker Path, a subsidiary of leading global SaaS provider, Moatable, Inc. (NYSE: MTBL) and the most comprehensive and relied upon mobile app for North American truckers, today announced the results of its annual ranking of truck stops. Recognized by nearly 1 million drivers using the Trucker Path app, these truck stop chains and independent facilities are considered the top places for drivers to stop based on their offerings and customer service. “Being named to the list of Top Truck Stops means they are the best of the best,” said Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path. “In addition to the 2024 winners, there were 11 locations that pulled off a hat trick and have ranked in the Top 100 for three consecutive years. With over 12,000 trucks stops and roughly 11,000 additional fueling locations on our app for drivers to rate, this is a huge accomplishment and those facilities should be exceptionally proud. Providing this recognition and highlighting these top truck stops is part of our mission to help make truckers’ lives on the road easier and more comfortable.” For its annual Top Truck Stops ranking, Trucker Path gathered over 34 million in-app ratings and reviews over the past 12 months to determine the Top 100. The Top 5 lists of truck stops include the chain and independent locations with the highest ratings in their respective categories. Drivers across the nation can look for Trucker Path Top 100 Truck Stops, which display a window decal honoring the locations for their place in the annual ranking. The Trucker Path Top 5 Top Trucks Stops Overall Top Truck Stops 1st Place – Kwik Star #1071, Davenport, Iowa 2nd Place – Discount Truck Parking, Pompano Beach, Florida 3rd Place – Workman's Travel Center, Ozark, Arkansas 4th Place – Compass Travel Center, Demotte, Indiana 5th Place – Bert's Travel Plaza, Wellsville, Kansas “We are humbled and grateful to be voted the number one truck stop in the nation for the second year in a row,” said Kathleen Ball, Store Leader for Kwik Star store #1071 in Davenport, Iowa. “Our team is committed to providing the best possible experience for all our guests. We will continue to work hard to give our drivers the best guest service that they rely on. Thank you for letting us serve you. See you next time!” Independent Truck Stops 1st Place – Discount Truck Parking, Pompano Beach, Florida 2nd Place – Workman's Travel Center, Ozark, Arkansas 3rd Place – Compass Travel Center, Demotte, Indiana 4th Place – Bert's Travel Plaza, Wellsville, Kansas 5th Place – Stones Truck Stop, Watertown, South Dakota “We are truly grateful for this acknowledgment by Trucker Path, as it is a direct testament to the satisfaction of our valued driver guests in our Pompano Beach, Florida location,” said Ariel Golan, managing partner at Discount Truck Parking. “Across our growing network of locations, we provide parking, fuel, showers, repairs and other services making Discount Truck Parking a fantastic place for drivers to stop. Your recognition means the world to us and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Trucker Path for offering us a platform that connects our locations with millions of drivers.” Chain Truck Stops 1st Place – Kwik Star #1071, Davenport, Iowa 2nd Place – Kwik Trip #202, Plover, Wisconsin 3rd Place – Kwik Trip #1048, West Salem, Wisconsin 4th Place – TA Ozarks #924, Mt. Vernon, Missouri 5th Place – Love’s Travel Stop #665, Angleton, Texas For a complete list of the 2024 Trucker Path Top 100 Truck Stops and the three year consecutive Top 100 companies, see below: <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/01/V3-Listing.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/01/V3-Listing.png" alt="" width="820" height="2640" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7384" /></a> About Trucker Path Phoenix-based Trucker Path, the provider of a wide range of truck driver-centric mobility products, is a subsidiary of leading global SaaS provider, Moatable, Inc. (NYSE:<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/moatable-announces-name-change-from-renren-inc-to-moatable-inc-301856263.html">MTBL</a>). The Trucker Path app is currently in use by nearly 1 million professional truck drivers. Offering best-in-class navigation with truck-optimized routing, the Trucker Path app also provides access to vital up-to-date information about truck stops, real-time parking availability, fuel prices, weigh station statuses, and truck scales and wash locations. The company also offers TruckLoads, a digital freight exchange that connects drivers, carriers and brokers; and COMMAND™, the industry’s first and only Operations & Driver Relationship (ODR) platform that provides small to mid-size fleets with the necessary driver and TMS technologies to successfully run a fleet. For more information, visit www.truckerpath.com. Media Contact: Susan Fall LaunchIt Public Relations 858-490-1050 susan@launchitpr.com

Jan 10, 2024

Understanding and Combating Cargo Theft in the US 2023 was a year that saw a skyrocket in cargo theft across the United States, with a <a href="https://www.ccjdigital.com/business/article/15638346/cargo-theft-up-59-in-third-quarter">59% increase</a> in the third quarter of 2023 as compared to 2022. As we continue to witness this surge, cargo theft continues to pose a significant threat to the logistics and transportation industry. As cargo is being stolen at an alarming rate and is <a href="https://www.truckersnews.com/home/article/15661462/2023-rewind-cargo-theft-exploded-last-year-expect-more-of-the-same-in-2024">forecasted to get worse in 2024</a>, it is important for truck drivers, brokers, and carriers alike to take precautionary measures against cargo theft. Let’s take a look at what cargo theft entails, the different ways it occurs, and some proactive measures to secure freight. What is Cargo Theft? Cargo theft, which refers to the act of stealing goods being transported by trucks, rail, or other means, can occur in a variety of ways. The stolen cargo can range from a variety of goods, although research has shown that the top targeted commodities are <a href="https://www.overdriveonline.com/business/article/15635411/cargo-theft-continues-to-skyrocket-in-2023">food and beverage and electronics.</a> Ways Cargo Can Be Stolen: 1. Hijacking and Forced Entry One of the most dangerous forms of cargo theft involves hijacking, where criminals force drivers to stop their trucks and surrender their cargo. This can occur on secluded stretches of highways or during scheduled stops. When cargo is hijacked, the drivers are often forced to open trailers and hand over the goods. 2. Break-ins During Driver Absence Unlike hijacking operations, cargo theft might not always be a high-stakes operation. Sometimes, thieves may opt for a less confrontational approach by breaking into trailers when drivers are away. This can happen during scheduled breaks or when trucks are parked overnight and unsuspecting drivers return to find their cargo missing. 3. Trailer Theft Some thieves go a step further by stealing the entire trailer and using their own trucks for a quick getaway. This method not only results in the financial loss of goods but also the significant setback of losing an entire trailer. <a href="https://www.ccjdigital.com/business/article/15448218/cargo-theft-up-41-so-far-this-year-expected-to-rise-for-memorial-day?__cf_chl_tk=ZlL6kCXke7QEJ3r6BK3zdD4ORAHF4pJspfblyNyBwdo-1706107383-0-gaNycGzNGNA">Full trailer theft</a> is becoming more common amidst heightened security measures. Now, stolen trailers are sometimes abandoned after the trailer has been unlocked and the cargo has been unloaded. 4. Fake Trucking Companies and Load Board Scams As on-the-road security has been increasing, criminals have become increasingly sophisticated by establishing fake trucking companies and engaging in <a href="https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/auto-motor/fraud-and-misdirection-schemes-drive-cargo-theft-surge-455858.aspx">misdirection fraud.</a> These thieves secure legitimate-looking contracts and loads, only to disappear with the cargo, leaving both companies and carriers in the lurch. An increase in this form of fraud has emphasized the need for enhanced verification and due diligence in the freight industry. Tips to Secure Freight 1. Cargo Insurance With a greater increase in the inherent risks associated with cargo transportation, many shippers are turning to <a href="https://www.mikargo247.com/truckerpath">spot cargo insurance.</a> This type of insurance provides coverage for specific shipments on the spot on an ad-hoc basis, offering financial protection against losses resulting from theft, damage, or other unforeseen events. With cargo insurance, drivers now have a valuable financial safety net and this can also offer them some peace of mind when delivering goods. 2. Invest in Advanced Security Systems There has also been a massive move towards enhancing cargo security. This is largely through modern security practices, such as <a href="https://www.a1.digital/blog/digital-asset-tracking-in-logistics-security-efficiency-and-future-trends/">asset tracking</a> through GPS technology, geofencing, and real-time monitoring. These technologies allow shippers and carriers to keep a vigilant eye on their shipments and respond promptly to any deviations from the planned route or recover stolen goods promptly. 3. Strategic Route Planning Lastly, planning routes strategically can minimize exposure to high-risk areas prone to cargo theft. Especially now with the increased use of artificial intelligence (AI),there are route optimization tools that can help identify safer and more secure paths, avoiding regions with a history of criminal activity. As the freight industry in the US tackles the escalating challenge of cargo theft, there needs to be a more proactive and collaborative approach to mitigating cargo theft risks and safeguarding the logistics industry.

Apr 18, 2024