






Trucker Spotlight - Tierra Allen <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/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-1.jpg" alt=""]
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Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Tierra Allen</strong>, AKA The Sassy Trucker on Youtube. She's been driving for 3 1/2 years now. She enjoys driving and traveling the world and wanted to drive a truck since she was 18. Let's get to more about Tierra and her sassy life of trucking.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3>
I decided to become a truck driver because I like the flexible schedule. I like the fact that i don’t have a boss looking over my shoulder 24/7. Most importantly i get paid to travel.
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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’ve noticed more and more women are getting into trucking.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-2.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3>
I decided to make a Youtube channel to share my experiences with everyone and to encourage and influence others to decide if they want to become a truck driver.
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<h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3>
Whenever I get lonely, I talk on the phone with friends and listen to podcasts and music.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-3.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3>
Us truck drivers put our health at risk because we high a high chance of catching Covid19 because we are driving cross country.
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<h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3>
My favorite truck is the Kenworth Studio Sleeper .
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-4.jpg" alt=""]
<h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3>
I want to become an actor.
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<h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3>
The best truck stop for me is Petro truck stop.
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<h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3>
As a female, I encounter a lot of harassment, hate, and other truckers underestimating me because I am in a male dominated field.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-5.jpg" alt=""]
<h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3>
I dislike how some cars tend to cut truck drivers off.
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<h3><strong>What are your trucker essentials when you drive?</strong></h3>
Dash cam, GPS, bluetooth headset, refrigerator, microwave, sleeper bag, emergency bag, and boots.
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<h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path app on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3>
What I enjoy the most about <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> is the fueling feature.
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<h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3>
Be prepared to work in crazy weather conditions.
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<h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3>
They can view my videos on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSassyTrucker/videos">Youtube Channel, The Sassy Trucker</a>.
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/20ZfEa9_J88" 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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Trucker Safety and Health Tips
[p]It can be incredibly tiring driving for long durations of time, especially if you are delivering goods far
away. You have to be very careful about managing stress and maintaining good health while on long routes. The healthier you are, the more focused you will be, and that will result in efficient goods delivery. Ultimately, taking care of your health and safety will have a positive effect not only on your lifestyle but also on your work.[/p]
[p]We are celebrating World Safety and Health Day this week to raise awareness for your well-being. It’s a day
most relevant for all workers especially truckers, who spend a big part of their life on the road. Here are a few health and safety tips for you so you can stay in top shape and reduce risks from your day to day trucking.
[/p]
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[p][b]Wear the Seatbelt[/b][/p]
[p]Wearing the seatbelt is essential for every driver, especially for a trucker, because trucks are involved in a lot more accidents than cars. You have to wear the belt even though most of the time you drive slow. Safety should be your priority, no matter the situation.[/p]
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[p][b]Take Lots of Rest[/b][/p]
[p]As a truck driver, your job is very demanding. It is not easy to drive constantly for hundreds of miles.
Your body needs rest and some time to recuperate. Therefore, take a nap whenever you get the time and check in to a nice motel, whenever possible. Nothing beats a good night's sleep, so make sure you are not skipping too many rest stops.[/p]
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202104-TP-BLOG-WorldHealthSafety-2.jpg" alt=""]
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[p][b]Don’t Forget to Eat and Hydrate[/b][/p]
[p]A lot of times, truckers forget to fill their belly with nutritious food and water. The human body needs constant energy to function. Therefore, you should keep some snacks and a big water bottle by your side. It is better to eat small snacks while you are engrossed in driving as this way you can meet the deadline and keep yourself healthy.[/p]
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[p][b]Inspect Your Truck[/b][/p]
[p]They say that you can save yourself a lot of trouble if you inspect your vehicle before driving. For truck
drivers, this is very true. You have such a large vehicle, with so many moving parts, it presents its challenges. Moreover, if anything goes wrong, you will hurt yourself and others around you. Therefore,
it's good practice to do pre-trip inspection. Check the tires, the warning signs, the engine, and other vital components of your rig before heading out on your journey.[/p]
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202104-TP-BLOG-WorldHealthSafety-3.jpg" alt=""]
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[p][b]Socialize When Possible[/b][/p]
[p]Humans are social animals that require regular interaction to stay sane. As a trucker, you are alone most of the time, away from friends and family. The loneliness can take a toll on your mental health. Hence, try to make a few new friends at rest stops. It helps to talk to other people, maybe drive in groups to keep in touch with each other on the cb radio. If you are missing your family, talk to them on the phone or get them on a video call. Talking to your dear ones can rejuvenate your soul and boost your mood. Keep in mind all these tips and follow them as much as possible to stay safe and healthy while driving.[/p]
[p]Do you have any safety and wellness tips to share? Comment below.[/p]
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[p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]
How to Start a Hotshot Trucking Business
[p]Ever wondered how to be your own boss while enjoying beautiful sceneries across America?
The freight industry is the backbone of America’s economy contributing more than <a href="https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/gdp-from-transport">500 billion USD</a> every quarter and the numbers are increasing each year. It’s a lucrative industry which gives handsome rewards. However, it is not easy getting into traditional trucking due to the requirements needed.[/p]
[p]What if there was a way to be a part of the trucking industry without dealing with all the hassle? The good news is there is a sure-fire way of being a part of the trucking industry and you can get started in a few days. What is it, you ask? The answer to that question is “Hotshot Trucking”. But there are still a few requirements before you are eligible to haul freight. Fortunately, these requirements are easy to complete and we will explain everything step by step below.
[/p]
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[p][b]What is Hotshot trucking? [/b][/p]
[p]Hotshot truck drivers are freelancers who work privately carrying freight from one point to the other without any employer restrictions or scheduling restrictions. In other words, you are your boss and you can choose when to earn and how much to earn. All you need is a medium or heavy-duty truck with at least 7,000 pounds of hauling force and a trailer. A Dodge Ram 3500, a Toyota Tacoma, or any version of the Ford F-series truck can work well. [/p]
[p]Currently, around 70% of the goods you can find on the shelves are transported by hotshot truckers and independent freight transporters. According to estimates, the trucking industry is expected to grow by 2.3% yearly till 2024. With freight volumes increasing day by day it is the perfect time to set up your own hotshot trucking business.
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[p][b]Pros and cons of Hotshot Trucking?[/b][/p]
[p]Hotshot Trucking comes with a lot of advantages especially if you want to kick-off your trucking business easily. But be wary also of some limitations and trade-offs when entering this kind of trucking business.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/How-to-Start-a-Hotshot-Trucking-Business-pros_and_cons_table.png" alt=""]
[p][b]How to Begin?[/b][/p]
[p]Now that you have a basic idea of hotshot trucking let’s get started on the specifics: [/p]
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[p][b]Set up an LLC[/b][/p]
[p]You need to set up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and register it with your state. This is the first step in registering your business and it doesn't matter if you are working alone or if you intend to invite others to join in with you, setting up a legal company gives you many <a href="https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/advantages-of-an-llc">benefits</a> such as:[/p]
<ul>
<li>Limited personal liability</li>
<li>Less paperwork</li>
<li>Tax advantages</li>
<li>Ownership and Management flexibility</li>
<li>Flexible profit distribution</li>
</ul>
[p][b]Register With the Tax Authorities [/b][/p]
[p]Once you have your LLC set up, the next step is to get a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin">Tax ID</a> to go with your business. The tax ID or the Employer Identification Number (EIN) will allow you to receive checks and other forms of payments directly to your business account. That takes us to our next step. [/p]
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/How-to-Start-a-Hotshot-Trucking-Business-make_a_business_bank_account.jpg" alt=""]
[p][b]Make a Business Bank Account[/b][/p]
[p]A separate bank account will allow you to divert all your business-related transactions to your business bank account. This allows you to keep track of your expenditures while also giving you the liberty to make and receive payments.[/p]
[p][b]Apply for a CDL (optional)[/b][/p]
[p]Hotshot trucking does not require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) since in most cases you won’t be exceeding the gross weight limit determined by the authorities. [/p]
[p]You don’t need a CDL if: [/p]
<ul>
<li>If the total weight you are pulling is less than 10,000 pounds.</li>
<li>If the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is less than 26,000 pounds. </li>
</ul>
[p]Getting a CDL is no easy task. You have to enlist in a reputable training academy, go through several weeks of training, and then apply as well as pass the CDL exam. Therefore, it is better to forego this requirement in the early stages of your business but its best to acquire the license once your business is up and running.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/How-to-Start-a-Hotshot-Trucking-Business-acquire_relevant_equipment-1.jpg" alt=""]
[p][b]Acquire Relevant Equipment [/b][/p]
[p]As you know, hotshot trucking involves a lot of hauling and towing. It is important to have a sturdy and reliable truck if you want to save yourself a lot of grief later. You will need a good medium to heavy-duty truck with a lot of power (around 400HP) to pull at least a ton and a 30 ft. gooseneck flatbed trailer to begin. A decent truck can cost from $15,000 to $60,000. A good trailer costs from $7,000 to $25,000. It is up to you to decide how much you want to invest in the business initially. If you already have a truck at home and you don’t intend to get a CDL right away then you can save money by buying a cheap trailer and starting your business with minimum investment. [/p]
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[p][b]Further Government Approvals [/b][/p]
[p]It is a good idea to register your business with the Department of Transport (DOT) in your state and also with the federal authority if you intend to drive interstate. The state will provide you a DOT number and the federal government authority will give you a Motor Carrier (MC) number. These numbers must be emblazoned on the side of your vehicle. [/p]
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/How-to-Start-a-Hotshot-Trucking-Business-getting_your_first_order.jpg" alt=""]
[p][b]Getting Your First Order [/b][/p]
[p]It’s often difficult to get your first order but there are resources available online that can help you out. You can sign-up and keep an eye out for potential contracts using <a href="https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/free-load-board/">loadboards</a>, which is an online marketplace where truck owner-operators, shippers, and freight brokers can post and search for loads. If a contract fits your requirements you can sign-up with them and begin your hotshot trucking journey. [/p]
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[p][b]Conclusion [/b][/p]
[p]It is not easy to start a business from scratch and accept profits from the get-go. However, if you work hard, complete all the requirements and stay motivated, you can slice through the initial difficulties and begin expanding and earning handsomely all while being your own boss. [/p]
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[p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]