Aug 13, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Path Supports the Queens of the Road Awards

Trucker Path Supports the Queens of the Road Awards

Trucker Path, America’s most popular app in the trucking industry is supporting the Fourth Annual Queens of the Road Awards in collaboration with REAL Women In Trucking, Inc. (RWIT)

“This award was inspired by Women who have worked as truck drivers and carry with them knowledge that they share with others unselfishly. These are Women who have struggled to “re-invent” themselves, overcame impediments and generously “Give Back” to those who are struggling to find their way.” – RWIT

Three women have been named Queens of the Road by the REAL Women in Trucking. The awarding ceremony of the Queens of the Road Awards will be held over the weekend of August 27-31 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 2020 Queen of the Road award recipients are Kristy Mathews, Edwina Webb, and Vonnie Whitemagpie.

Kristy Mathews (Courtesy: RWIT)

Edwina Webb (Courtesy: RWIT)

Vonnie Whitemagpie (Courtesy: RWIT)

Trucker Path will be giving a complementary Gold Membership to the Queens of the Road awardees. This will give them access to advanced trucking tools and features to help them in their day to day driving.

About Real Women In Trucking

REAL Women In Trucking is an organization of women truckers that promotes safety by educating the public about unsafe truck driver training and creating a network of support for women entering trucking. By creating a reliable resource that promotes transparency, they are able to mentor qualified women who wish to become commercial drivers and connect them to quality employers and services that will benefit them.

About Trucker Path

Trucker Path is America’s largest data driven and community-based trucking and navigation app. Trucker Path enables you to join over 1,000,000 truck drivers who share real-time truck stop information, parking availability, and even weigh station statuses, saving everyone time and gas money when they plan their routes.

Thousands of truckers use Trucker Path to find truck stops, parking, weigh station information, fuel pricing, and get truck-optimized routes.

Trucker Path is a leader in delivering advanced technology with over 2 million installs and is the highest rated app in the industry on both Google Play and the App Store.

Try Trucker Path Premium FREE for 14 Days

TagsTruck Owner Operator Trucker Path Trucking Industry truck stops Owner Operators Technology Trucking Tips Trucker Spotlight Queens of the road real women in trucking gats

Trucker Spotlight - Fredrick Claxton <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> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Fredrick-Claxton-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Fredrick Claxton</strong>, who's also known as Choicemas on Youtube. A trucker since 2016. Born and raised in NY, he's a creative soul who loves music and art. He didn’t come from money and faced many serious challenges in life. A father of 3 beautiful and brilliant children and has been Married for 27 years. Let's get to know "Choice" as his friends call him and his life as a trucker. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Tell us more about who Fredrick is. Any trivia?</strong></h3> I love my dogs “Milkshake” and “Brooklyn” raised, trained, and bred Pitbulls for a better portion of my life. I’m a thrill seeker, as me and my daughter jumped out of a perfectly good plane over the Gold Coast of Australia landing on the beach last year. I love to build my relationship with the MOST HIGH, and I am extremely interested in cultures, how people think and move, behaviors. I’m somewhat of a compulsive thinker. <h2></h2> Here is a short story about when I was 3 years old. My parents were in the Military and it was about 7am in the morning and my mother heard a knock on the door: clueless to who it could be so early in the day she woke and opened the door only to see a complete stranger holding my hand in one hand and a big wheel tricycle in the other hand. My mother was taken by surprise and was very thankful for the stranger bringing me home. When my mother asked where he found me, the stranger explained that I was casually riding my tricycle down the side of a road. The theme of the story has stayed with me throughout my life. I’m always ready to go, ready to travel, fearlessly setting out on new adventures. <h2></h2> The Star of my YouTube Channel is my 9 month old, beautiful mixed Pitbull puppy, “MILKSHAKE”. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Fredrick-Claxton-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> I am the Co-Founder and president of the “Truckers Feeding The Homeless” organization. In the past 2 years we’ve fed and clothed over 1,000 less fortunate men, women, AND CHILDREN in Louisville and Dallas. This year we will be feeding 300+ less fortunate people in Houston, TX... as well as supplying them with hygiene packages and clothing. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I was working in the same job for 15 years, facilitating classes to Motivate and inspire Management teams with GAP Inc. also forged relationships with Community based Orgs such as Habitat for Humanity, Fred’s Pantry, and AIDS Walk NY. Unfortunately, the company’s direction was not what it was when I started. I decided I wanted a change. I like music, I like driving, and I live traveling. I thought about getting a CDL and pursued it. I chose Flatbed and enjoyed the position very much. <h2></h2> Now I have my own of my trucking company, STC Trucking LLC. STC stands for stop the clock which is the theme and titles of my live feeds. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Fredrick-Claxton-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <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’m not sure I’ve been around long enough to speak to what’s changed significantly. I hear seasoned veterans speak of the significant changes and differences all the time. May would say the HOS and ELD mandate, however I began my career in the ELD time. If I had to say something about significant change, I would say that more and more drivers, especially new generation drivers are becoming more and more aware of the Truck Stops, Mega Carriers, taking full advantage of drivers in ways that do not show an appreciation for what we do. Truck driving is listed in the TOP 10 Most dangerous jobs in the world, and many are away from their families, and there are truck graveyards out here that unfortunately are locations where lives were lost. This country, this WORLD can not and will not move without Trucks. Everything and anything from the grass and front lawns of neighborhoods, to the nuts and bolts of technology, to the building supplies, to the... list goes on. Look around. With that said, many new generation drivers are steering their way into their own trucks as Owner Operators, giving them more power, control, and a say out here on the road. <h2></h2> Something that really NEEDS to change (which I think would be a great question to ask) is compensation!!! Even the Militaries that protect countries NEED trucks. Why is that truck drivers are being compensated with border line poverty salaries? I truly believe all truck drivers should make no less than 80k a year if not six figures. Too much sacrifice, and very dangerous, and unhealthy to receive less than. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Fredrick-Claxton-5.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you start your Choicemas Youtube channel?</strong></h3> My mother was fighting cancer at the time. Knowing she couldn’t join me on the road, she wanted me to document my travels. So, she purchased a GoPro action camera for me. Soon after posting videos, for my family to watch, I received a considerable amount of feedback from other truckers. Especially truckers new to the industry, as well as others considering acquiring a Class A License. I received a substantial amount of email, and comments on my videos stating how inspired and encouraged they all were, and thanking me for creating the videos and documenting my journey. In turn, they inspired me to built the YouTube Channel. <h2></h2> My friends and family calls me "Choice”. It is a handle I was given by friends in High School. They also nicknamed me “M.A.S” (pronounced like *mass). MAS is an acronym for Mind And Spirit. Hence the name, “Choicemas”. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What attributes must one have in order to be a successful truck driver?</strong></h3> Patience, Resilience, Foresight, Safety Mindset, Time Management <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Fredrick-Claxton-6.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3> I had a “Ghost” or “Spirit” encounter on the road at night in Montana in the dead of winter. I’m not crazy, and they say seeing is believing. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model? </strong></h3> The 389 Peterbilt, as it is a classic, clean, and mean looking machine. It is a beautiful truck. I now finance a 2021 Black & Chrome 389, and enjoying every minute of it going down the road. <h2></h2> <h3><strong> Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3> I dream of owning a ranch/farm in the desert with an outdoor kitchen and an in-ground pool. And in 2 years I will have that dream. I also dream of traveling the world to as many different countries as possible, and will live to explore each culture and aim to create an intimate relationship with every new culture... the way of life, the culinary, the art, the music, and most of all the people. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Fredrick-Claxton-7.png" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> I can’t say that I have a best truck stop. I like 1-80 Wolcott just because I like to browse the store really. I frequent LOVES truck stop the most only because they offer the best in rewards. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR?</strong></h3> I got jammed up in a Blizzard in Lake Tahoe for 5 days in 2017. Worst blizzard Lake Tahoe had seen in 5 years a resident told me while getting something to eat in a nearby gas station. I also had to dig my truck and trailer out of the snow. After 5 days of snowfall the snow was up to my door and the trailer completely snowed in as well. I ended up parking in the street as there was nowhere else to park and Bull dozers plowed around me every day and night. <h2></h2> <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> I do use <a href="https://sixdays.page.link/tLUu">Trucker Path</a> every day. The features I enjoy the most are “Places”. It would also be amazing if I could be able to pull Gyms and Wellness centers up in the “Places” feature soon. It would also state that TP considers the health of drivers. I love that I can check the reviews of each place and especially WalMarts to see if parking is allowed (for trip planning purposes). I also like the breakdown it gives of each place, listing such things as Laundry, Fuel, Truck Service, Etc. One thing I don’t see on there are “Pet Bathing Services as some of these truck stops have them. I use the Map constantly. It really helps me to escape traffic jams when I need to get off at a random exit to move around a traffic jam. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Tips for aspiring truckers: Never give up, have a mindset that speaks “failure is NOT an option. If you must start your career with a mega carrier, get your 2 years experience, keep your license clean, no accidents or tickets, and you can choose your path after that. Choose a smaller company, get away from the Mega Carriers and KNOW what you want and what you DON’T want, and go for it!!! NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS!!! PRACTICE self-advocacy in any situation and with any employer. Over communicate. It is imperative to communicate as much as possible with dispatch, brokers, shippers, and receivers. It will save a ton of headaches and unexpected challenges if a driver is 2 steps ahead and has all the information they need as well as provides all the information they can. Be considerate!! There is a list comradeship out here that once existed. Be the better man/woman and give positive energy ALL the time, as it will return in a positive way. For Flatbedders a serious piece of advice would be dress for the weather. It can be freezing outside, but that doesn’t mean we have to be freezing. If you dress correctly it will not intimidate you. Hiking socks are the way to go ALWAYS, because they let your feet breathe in the summer and keep your feet warm in the boot in the winter. Several pairs of gloves, base layers, bibs, and more. There are plenty ways to stay warm out here. I do. [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Fredrick-Claxton-8.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <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/user/choicemas">Choicemas</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dvvw7KwR-y4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Mar 26, 2021 • Community

Industry Update - April 12, 2019 <h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5> <h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3> The famous trucking movie “Breaker, Breaker” turned 42 this month. Released on April 1, 1977, “Breaker, Breaker” is still considered one of the top trucking movies of all time. <h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3> With weather issues cropping up across the US, it worth noting to be careful using “Adverse Condition” if you run into trouble. Remember, if the weather has been predicted, adverse condition does not apply to extend your hours. <h3><strong><u>Declarations of Emergency</u></strong></h3> Oddly enough, even though many states are experiencing records amounts of rain, flooding, and some mudslides, particularly in northern Idaho and western Washington, the number of state declarations of emergency have been reduced. Do not assume just because an area has had a lot of bad weather that a declaration of emergency will be signed. Remember to check the <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency-declarations">FMCSA’s declaration page</a> regularly. <h3><strong><u>Truckers and National Security</u></strong></h3> The Transportation Security Administration is creating a <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trucking-rail-industries-advise-regulators-231605791.html">group of 35 voting members</a> from both the rail and trucking industries to help create regulations to protect surface transportation and the country as a whole. Of the 35 voting members, two members are from the ATA and another is from OOIDA. While it is suggested the groups will be working on national security type issues, there has no word on what issues they will directly address. <h3><strong><u>Technology</u></strong></h3> <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/digital-dashboard-cameras-gaining-truckers-acceptance">Dash cameras have long been shunned</a> by the trucking industry for many reasons. With the invasion of privacy concerns, who can access the cameras, when and under what pretenses, there will always be worries about having them in the cab of the truck. However, truckers are beginning to buy into the idea more and more. A lot of this is due to the fact that insurance companies are rewarding those drivers that do install them with lower premiums. Another reason why they are being adopted is because fleet owners want to see what is causing poor driving habits. They can use this as a tool to adjust driver habits and to effectively manage their fleets.

Apr 12, 2019 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Jamar Holland <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> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/jh2.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on Jamar, who's been driving for 4 1/2 years. He's a husband and a father who loves every minute of his trucking life. Let's get to know more about his life on the road. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I decided to become a trucker honestly because everything else in my life had failed up until that point. I was tired of working dead end warehouse jobs and was really ready for a new career. <h2></h2> <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> The most significant change for my short career has definitely been ELDs. I had a short experience with paper logs but it became a challenge when we shifted to their electronic counterparts. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/jh3.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> Honestly, I never imagined my Youtube channel growing into what it is today, it actually just started as a way to vent-out and express myself. Somehow it became therapeutic to me and surprisingly to others as well. As it grew, I continued to take pride in being a voice for others like myself and giving motivation that truly anyone can be successful in life. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> Absolutely, but thank God for technology. I recently started referring to myself as "FaceTime Daddy" and even though it's done jokingly, FaceTime and other similar forms of communication are pivotal for me and my family to remain sane and whole while I'm out here working to secure our future. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/jh4.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> I think just the uncertainty of what will happen next, hoping that it doesn't effect my income so drastically like so many of my friends and family. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> I usually stay on I40 and I5 in California, however my favorite scenery would definitely be Oregon just perfectly created in my opinion. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What was your weirdest or most unusual haul?</strong></h3> I picked up a load of hay in the middle of a Nevada desert that was literally 30 miles off the map. <h2></h2> <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 use both very often, first thing I look at is always the parking lot size and parking availability. Lucky for me, the Trucker Paths app is normally very accurate. As far as inside, I always look at reviews of the showers. There's nothing more disturbing than a poorly kept bathroom. Favorite truck stop meal is always a mom and pop diner with great breakfast! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> Common troubles for me are rude and unsafe drivers. My biggest fear is that even if I can control and safely operate my truck, you never know when someone around you will do something that will not only jeopardize their life but yours as well. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> Biggest pet peeves are vehicles who enter the highway too slow, its literally called the acceleration lane. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/jh5.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How did Trucker Path help you in your day to day trucking?</strong></h3> The fact that <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> can tell me how far each truck stop is from my exact location, that allows me to be very productive and productivity equals more money. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Be confident when you're out here on the road and most importantly don't rush. The money will come and so will all your goals just keep pushing one day at a time. Like I always say on my channel, Stay safe, Stay positive and Stay productive. <h2></h2> <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/user/Tre7DJHouse/featured">Youtube Channel, ATruckerNamedJay.</a> <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y95yUN8oyfg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Aug 19, 2020 • Carriers