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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>
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-4.jpg" alt=""]
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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.
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<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!
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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>
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.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-6.jpg" alt=""]
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<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.
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<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?"
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<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.
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<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.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-5.jpg" alt=""]
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<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.
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<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).
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<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.
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[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.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-3.jpg" alt=""]
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<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.
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<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.
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<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.
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<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>.
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<em>Got a cool story to share? Send us message at community@truckerpath.com to be featured!</em>
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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Spring Driving Tips for Truckers
[p]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.[/p]
[p]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.
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[p][b]Tackling Rain[/b][/p]
[p]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.[/p]
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[p][b]Construction Season[/b][/p]
[p]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.[/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202104-TP-BLOG-SpringTips-2.jpg" alt=""]
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[p][b]Sun Glare[/b][/p]
[p]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.[/p]
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[p][b]Scenic Highways to Try This Season[/b][/p]
[p]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.[/p]
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[p][b]Route 12, Utah[/b][/p]
[p]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.[/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202104-TP-BLOG-SpringTips-Cover-Route12Utah.jpg" alt=""]
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[p][b]Trail Ridge Road, Colorado[/b][/p]
[p]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.[/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202104-TP-BLOG-SpringTips-Cover-TrailRidgeRoad.jpg" alt=""]
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[p][b]Final Thoughts [/b][/p]
[p]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.
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[p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]
Truck Sanitation Tips <h2></h2>
During the last few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has begun to have an effect on everyone in the world. While truckers continue to deliver the vital needs of the country, there is continued risk in accumulating and spreading the virus in doing so. There is a lot that we can do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Since truck drivers spend more time inside their trucks, it is important to make sure that it is a clean environment for you and for anyone who rides in it. In this article, we have put together a list of tips on how to clean and disinfect your truck.
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<a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst2.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst2-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5233" /></a>
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<h3><strong>1. Choosing Your Cleaning Materials</strong></h3>
The first step to cleaning and disinfecting your truck is to choose the right cleaning agents and materials you will use.
Isopropyl alcohol is a proven disinfectant, and is also safe to use on most truck interior surfaces. In fact, it is used in many production plants to put a final touch on interior components before they are shipped out. Isopropyl alcohol will remove many stains, smudges and residues, as well as kill bacteria and viruses. However, that stain removing quality can also cause problems with leather.
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For leather components such as steering wheels, seating, and trim, a combination of soap and water is a safe and sufficient way to clean them. Avoid hard scrubbing when cleaning your leather interior, and avoid excess suds and water. Hand washing has been recommended as a primary way to protect oneself against infection by COVID-19, this holds true for washing your leather interior as well.
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Another cleaning agent is chlorine dioxide (ClO2). It is a common disinfectant and odor eliminator, already prevalent in many shops. It is available in the form of tablets, and depending on the amount of water added, can be used in a vapor or liquid form.
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It is recommended to use microfiber towels as cleaning material as it lessens the damage on any surface. Wash the towels thoroughly after each cleaning session.
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<h3><strong>2. Cleaning & Disinfecting Truck Interiors</strong></h3>
While truck interiors are built to be tough, hard scrubbing or using a rough cloth can cause scratches or even discoloration. A wipe with alcohol on hard surfaces and gentle circular cleaning on upholstery are the best bets for both cleaning and maintaining your truck interior.
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It is also very important not to use too much water on your seats. If cloth upholstery soaks through with water, it can get into the cushion beneath. This can cause the growth of mold and that musty smell you will recognize if you've left your windows open in the rain.
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If washing the seats of your truck, it is best to wet a cloth or sponge with soap and water and wipe the seats. You do not want to leave excess soap or water, as it can take a long time to dry. Isopropyl alcohol can safely be used on non-leather seats.
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<h3><strong>3. Cleaning & Disinfecting Truck Exteriors</strong></h3>
Truck exteriors should not be left behind. Wash you trucks regularly at truckstops. Pay attention to the parts which have frequent contact with your hands and shoes such as step boards and exterior door handles. You may clean these areas with soap.
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<h3><strong>4. Keeping Clean While on the Road</strong></h3>
While you're out, you're exposed to germs and viruses that can follow you back into your truck. If you don't have enough time to do a thorough truck clean, keep in mind of the common contact points such as door handles and controls, keys or start button, steering wheel, gear shift, seats, CB radio, all buttons and knobs on your dash, sun visor, anything touchscreen, the console and cup holders.
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You can use disinfectant wipes on most surfaces. Wipe your mobile phones while you're at it too.
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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