Jun 04, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Jake Clyde

Trucker Spotlight - Jake Clyde

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.

Today we are putting the spotlight on Jake, who recently started a Youtube channel “PinoyTruckerInUSA” where he shares his experiences being an over-the-road Filipino truck driver. He mostly drives in the Midwest and has been trucking for 5 years. We are stoked to get him to share some insights regarding the trucking industry.

What made you decide to be a trucker?

I’ve always been an adventurous person and I love to travel so when I found out about trucking, I thought it would be perfect for me. Because of trucking, I was able to live my life freely and help my loved ones. It truly is a job that I enjoy.

How are you holding up with the COVID-19 situation?

A few of my current struggles include the lack of loads i’ve been getting which lowers my overall income. Aside from that, I have really put some effort in enforcing some safety measures for my own health and safety.

Can you share some safety measures that you have been doing?

I protect my self by following the standards of social safety distancing, wear masks at all time, and I always wash my hand. I have my own protective gear too. I’m also lucky to have been provided free masks by some shippers.

What are the significant changes you’ve noticed in your 5 years of trucking?

Back in the day, trucking was complicated because of the lack of technology. But now, apps like Trucker Path helps so many truckers because it’s user friendly and easy. I’ve been using this app for some time now and I highly recommend it to truckers. It’s basically an all-in-one platform for truckers.

What are the common troubles or problems that you have encountered while trucking?

A few troubles I’ve encountered are heavy traffic in the cities, road rage from other drivers, and the fact that some don’t let you pass at all.

What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?

As a truck driver, i’ve been through a few amazing roads but my favorite is Oregon. The scenic views are mesmerizing.

Any difficult routes for you?

Some unusual roads I’ve driven is probably in New Jersey and New York. When I first started solo driving, I’ve found the road too confusing and difficult.

Any tips for aspiring truck drivers out there?

I have 3 tips for aspiring truckers: Always think of your safety , pay attention, and slow down.

Where can people watch your trucking videos on Youtube?

You can find me on my Youtube channel, “PinoyTruckerInUSA”.

Cheers!

By Aldous Aldwin

TagsTruck truck drivers Safety Trucker Path Trucking Industry Truck driver tips Trucking Tips Covid19 Trucker Spotlight

Trucker Spotlight - Lashaune <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/2020/10/ts-lashaune-blog-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Lashaune</strong>, the host of LockOutMen Podcast, who's been driving for around 5 years now. He hustled most of his life and did everything from retail to warehouse. Aside from trucking, he was also able to open a few successful businesses. Let's get to more about Lashaune and how he landed a trucking career. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I've always had interest in driving a truck, at 1st it was the lack of funds, and I knew I didn't want to go through a trucking company.And so, I went to community college paid with my last credit card and got my license. I think I was forced in to pursue trucking because of my separation from my wife. <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> Well I haven't been driving long to tell. I guess the eld mandate. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-lashaune-blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> I've been on YouTube for years. I just do it as a hobby. But when I got in to trucking, people started watching what I was doing and what I was talking about I just said to myself I'll just do something for the new drivers that are coming out here. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> Always lol it's just you and the truck. How i deal with it? I try not to think about it.. and try to get out and enjoy life when I get the chance to. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-lashaune-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> I'm still trying to get used of the new changes. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> I run midwest most of the time. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-lashaune-blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>What was your weirdest or most unusual haul?</strong></h3> Running my 1st lowboy flatbed. <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> Not often, but I deal with Loves the most cause of the free showers. As for food, I guess Flying J for Dennys. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> Covid19 season and any problems that come with it! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> The main one is truckers hanging out way too long in the fuel island. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <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 like about <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> is the fact that you can check to see/truck parking and if there's spots there to park. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Do your research research research and don't just fall for anything. <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/channel/UCfJfeN3qoZmaIb9YwbjWDlA">Youtube Channel, LockOutMen Podcast</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mc6Je74Pn4Q" 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>

Oct 14, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - April 5, 2019 <h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5> <h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3> On April 3, 1974, the worst series of tornadoes ever recorded hit the US and southern Canada. With over 50,000 people affected in total and six states declaring a State of Emergency, many big rigs were sent in to do the cleanup. Xenia, Ohio was the first hit and it would need three months and over 200 trucks to finally cleanup the disaster. <h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3> Its that time of the year again. Spring is here which means warmer weather and concern about your tires needs to be at the front of your mind. As the weather warms, the amount of air pressure in your tires and the tread remaining on them will really start to show. Lower air pressure means more friction on your tires. More friction that your tires create, the more stress that is placed on them. Be careful out there. <h3><strong><u>Toll Road Fight</u></strong></h3> OOIDA and the National Motorist Association, for now, have lost its bid against the state of Pennsylvania <a href="https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/04/04/Pennsylvania-Turnpike-federal-lawsuit-dismissed-tolls-truckers-organization-Port-Authority/stories/201904040090">to remove the tolls</a> on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. On April 4, 2019, US District Judge Yvette Kane approved a motion by lawyers for the turnpike and the state of Pennsylvania to dismiss the charges that claimed over $6 billion in tolls had been collected illegally since 2007. <h3><strong><u>Truckers to the Rescue</u></strong></h3> As I have long stated, this country would fold without the work of truckers. Here is some more proof of that. With the flooding and devastation that has occurred across the Midwest, farmers and ranchers are having a difficult time keeping their heads above water, let alone that of their cattle. Knowing their plight, <a href="https://www.freightwaves.com/news/trucking/truckers-step-up-to-help-farmers">truckers have come to their rescue</a> with hay to help get them through. Where would we be without the American trucker? <h3><strong><u>Regulations</u></strong></h3> With so many regulations, and general vagueness that the personal conveyance rule is written, it is no wonder FMCSA’s <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/fmcsa-drivers-dont-overthink-personal-conveyance-time">Joe DeLorenzo had to field so many questions at MATS</a> surrounding the issue. His message was simple: “Don’t over think it.” He basically stated that if what you are doing is for personal reasons, looking for food, parking, etc. then it is personal. If it is not personal, then it falls under hours of service. It does not matter if you are hooked to your trailer or not.

Apr 05, 2019 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Carolina Ortega <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/2020/05/65456837_2341965182724336_3750110940285108224_n.png" alt=""] <h2></h2> Working as a truck driver at a logistics company, <strong>Carolina</strong> started a Youtube channel "Loira na Estrada" which means "Blondie on the Road", where she gives us a glimpse of her day to day trucking life. She drives an 18 wheeler (VOLVO VNL 860) across United States. We're honored to have a chance to interview her and get a glimpse of her trucking lifestyle. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> The freedom and the lifestyle that this job offers amazes me, plus driving a big machine like that is a honor for me. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How many years have you been driving? What are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> I've been driving for around 2 years now. With the current crisis we are all experiencing, I felt a decrease on the number of the loads and a decrease of load prices on the market. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b12.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Are there any times of loneliness while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> I never feel lonely, because the freedom makes me happy and I have everything I always wanted. It’s peaceful, I love seeing new places, waking up in one place and go to sleep in another. Traveling every day really makes me fulfilled. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID-19 pandemic?</strong></h3> In the beginning of the situation with COVID-19 was hard to find masks and hand sanitizer in the truck stops. But being in the truck actually makes me feel more comfortable because I can keep doing what I am doing and it’s easy to avoid crowds. I'd say quarantine in the truck is the best quarantine you could ever have. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b14.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> Definitely my favorite route is to drive on the historic Route 66, I love to take the original stretch of the Route 66 in Seligman, Arizona. I also love I-80 in Wyoming, I-15 from St George, Utah to Las Vegas is an amazing scenery, I-90 in Montana is mind blowing too, there are so many roads I love to take - mainly the ones in the west side of the country. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Weirdest or most unusual haul?</strong></h3> Definitely live bees was the craziest load I ever took. It was in a flat bed truck when I used to work as a team. It was very crazy, adventurous and kinda funny sometimes. <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 rest stops and truck stops every day either for spend the night, or to put fuel, to eat, to take shower, to use scales, etc. I’m not a fast-food fan so I prefer to find hot meals, more homemade kind food and soups at the truck stops. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What Trucker Path features do you often use when you drive?</strong></h3> I use <a href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/">Trucker Path</a> for everything I need about trucking during my work day. Like I can see where are the truck stops and accurate distances, I check the parking availability before I stop anywhere and this is very helpful because it is well updated. I can check if the truck stop I’m going has a shower, how many fuel pumps, scale, mechanic shop, facilities. The app also shows the stores phone number, address and reviews. Also i can see where the truck friendly Walmart’s are and the reviews made by other truckers. It’s perfect to find also authorized truck shop, diesel prices, weight stations (if they are closed or open). Well this app is so complete that I don’t see me working efficiency without it. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your trucking videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> I currently have two Youtube channels: <h2></h2> 1. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/lindacarolvibe/featured">Loira na Estrada</a> - This is my primary channel. I mostly speak Portuguese here. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZcwOZmFboyI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h3></h3> 2. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqhudMXrchSUSkn3Tls83mg/featured">Blondie on the Road</a> - A lot of people requested me to do english videos and so here it is. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wchXA3YtS2I" 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>

May 27, 2020 • Carriers