
Truck Drivers are some of the most dedicated and hardworking individuals one could come across. The work they do keeps shelves full of products that we all can enjoy. Although it can be a thankless job, at times there are those who honor the drivers of this nation. Every year a truck stop in Idaho shows its thankfulness to truck drivers with a free Thanksgiving meal for two.
Being a truck driver can mean being away from family and friends during the holidays. Truckers take to the roads of America delivering the goods the rest of us desire while sacrificing a normal work schedule and time off for the holidays.
The Boise Stage Truck Stop welcomes drivers on Thursday, November 24, 2016, for a Driver Appreciation Day. The celebration includes a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings (yes even pie) for a driver as well as one guest. Just show them your CDL and bring your appetite! The event will also include prizes.
A standout among independent truck stops, The Boise Stage Stop was ranked by Trucker Path users as the #1 truck stop in Idaho.
The Boise Stage Stop is located on: 23801 S Orchard Access Rd, Boise, ID 83716
For more info visit The Boise State Stop.





Truck Driver Turnover Rate Rapidly Increased [p]The truck driver turnover rate rapidly increased to its highest mark in the last seven years in the second quarter of 2017. [/p]
[h2] Truck Driver Turnover Rate [/h2]
[p]According to American Trucking Associations' quarterly report, the turnover rate at large truckload carriers in the second quarter of 2017<strong> jumped 16 percentage points to 90 percent</strong> – the highest it has been since the final quarter of 2015. [/p]
[p]The 16-point increase is the largest quarterly jump in truck driver turnover rate since the fourth quarter of 2010.
[/p]
[quote]"We saw double-digit gains in the annualized turnover rate for both small and large truckload fleets,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “After a period of relatively low turnover, it appears the driver market is tightening again, which coupled with increased demand for freight movement, could rapidly exacerbate the driver shortage.”[/quote]
[p]The ATA report also revealed turnover numbers for smaller fleets. Smaller carrier companies with $30 million in annual revenue or less saw aneven higher turnover rate increase. For them, the turnover rate increased by 19 percentage points to 85 percent, the highest it has been since the first quarter of 2016. [/p]
[p]The turnover picture at less-than-truckload fleets was more muddled, with over-the-road LTL turnover dipping one point to 9 percent, says the ATA. [/p]
[quote]“We predicted that last year’s period of relatively low and stable turnover could be short-lived if the freight economy recovered from 2016’s freight recession,” Costello said. “It appears those predictions were correct and we may be seeing the beginnings of a significant tightening of the driver market and acceleration of the driver shortage.”[/quote]
[h2]Truck Tonnage Trending Up [/h2]
[p] Despite the high truck driver turnover rate and impeding driver shortage, <strong>Truck Tonnage Index jumped 7.1 percent in August</strong> and year-to-date, compared with the same eight months in 2016, the index is up 2.1 percent, says the ATA. Costello partially correlates the increases in August to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. [/p]
[p] The <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-industry-trends/">trucking industry is trending</a> up still, with 2016 truck freight tonnage up 1 percent or 500 million tons from 2015. [/p]
[p] If you're a truck driver and are ready to make the jump to start your own trucking company, the timing might be right. [/p]
[button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/how-to-start-a-trucking-company/"]How to Start a Trucking Company[/button-green]
Truck Driver Tips [p]Whether you're a new driver or have logged over one million miles, we've compiled a list of truck driver tips from fellow truckers to ensure your time on the road is not only efficient but safe.[/p]
[h2] Truck Driver Tips [/h2]
[p] Whether you're starting your first week as a new truck driver or you've logged over one million miles on the road, driving an 18-wheeler presents many challenges. We've compiled a list of five truck driver tips from fellow truckers to ensure your time on the road is not only efficient but safe. [/p]
[h2]1. Rest up[/h2]
[p]As a [a href="http://m.onelink.me/cceb1f59"]truck driver[/a], being alert is one of the most critical parts of the job. Most of the time it isn't the things you do but rather what is going on around you that can cause a serious accident. Your life and safety comes first and getting the proper rest will ensure you are ready to take the day on in peak performance. While every person's sleep schedule is different, try for 7-8 hours of shut-eye each night.[/p]
[h2]2. Stay hydrated[/h2]
[p]Being alert isn't just about proper rest. Hydration is a key factor in maintaining proper brain function. [a href="http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnhum.2013.00363/full"]Studies[/a] have shown that being dehydrated is directly correlated to a lack of focus and slowed reaction times. Both of these can be extremely detrimental to a truck driver. Doctors recommend a daily intake of 2 liters or eight 8-ounce glasses of water to remain hydrated. Just when you think you've had enough, fill up another cup! It could make all the difference.[/p]
[h2]3. Lay a flashlight on dock lines when backing a trailer at night[/h2]
[p]Some receiving docks are poorly lit, making it difficult for drivers to back a load in. Try laying a flashlight on the ground shining towards your truck to illuminate the lines and provide you with the necessary light to back in your trailer into the dock. (Credit: Jon Jones-Facebook).[/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2016/11/Backing-tip-FLashlight.jpg" alt=""]
[h2]4. If you don't know, ask![/h2]
[p]One truck driver trip you should never overlook is to not be afraid to not know. It's nearly impossible for anyone to know everything without some sort of assistance. Don't risk it to chance. If you are unsure of something, ask. There is a community of drivers who not only share the road but can share valuable lessons from experience too.[/p]
[h2]5. Keep a bag of salt in your truck for snowy conditions[/h2]
[p]Sure, [i]Ice Road Truckers[/i] on the History Channel makes traveling on icy roads look easy but it's not. Having a large bag of salt can help you get out of a bind during those winter month full of slick roads. Salt not only lowers the freezing point and melts snow, it also provides traction for your tires after the ice melts.[/p]
[h2]6. Don't rush. Use common sense[/h2]
[p]This truck driver tip should go without saying but we will anyway. Please do not rush yourself or drive recklessly. Keep your eyes on the road and give yourself plenty of distance to break or maneuver.[/p]
[h2]7. Plan ahead with Trucker Path[/h2]
[p][a href="https://truckerpath.com/truckerpath/"]Truck Path[/a] is an indispensable tool for drivers that is used and updated by over 450,000 truckers. Whether you want to find available truck parking to rest up, check to see if a weigh station is open or compare diesel fuel prices, we can help make your life easier on the road and get you back home quicker to the ones you care about most. [/p]
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[button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/"]Learn More About Trucker Path[/button-green]