Nov 05, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Tierra Allen

Trucker Spotlight - Tierra Allen

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 Tierra Allen, 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.

What made you decide to be a trucker?

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.

In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you’ve noticed in the trucking industry?

I’ve noticed more and more women are getting into trucking.

What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?

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.

Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?

Whenever I get lonely, I talk on the phone with friends and listen to podcasts and music.

As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?

Us truck drivers put our health at risk because we high a high chance of catching Covid19 because we are driving cross country.

What’s your favorite Truck Brand / Model?

My favorite truck is the Kenworth Studio Sleeper .

Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?

I want to become an actor.

What’s the best truck stop for you?

The best truck stop for me is Petro truck stop.

What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?

As a female, I encounter a lot of harassment, hate, and other truckers underestimating me because I am in a male dominated field.

What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?

I dislike how some cars tend to cut truck drivers off.

What are your trucker essentials when you drive?

Dash cam, GPS, bluetooth headset, refrigerator, microwave, sleeper bag, emergency bag, and boots.

We’re glad that you use the Trucker Path app on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?

What I enjoy the most about Trucker Path is the fueling feature.

What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?

Be prepared to work in crazy weather conditions.

Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?

They can view my videos on my Youtube Channel, The Sassy Trucker.

Hope you guys enjoy!

By Aldous Aldwin

TagsTruck FCMSA truck drivers Owner Operator Trucker Path Trucking Industry truck stops Owner Operators Technology Covid19 Trucker Spotlight

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]

Sep 19, 2017 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Cindy Moore <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/cm6.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Cindy</strong>, who's been driving for around 12 years. She's also called The Flatbed Chick on Youtube where she shares her trucking adventures. Let's get to know more about Cindy and how it's like being on the road. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I became a truck driver out of necessity. I was going through a divorce and needed a steady stream of income and a job that paid enough to support myself without any help and I kept reading about how there was no gender gap in trucking they said a woman could make just as much money as a man. I decided to try it for a couple of years until I could find something better at home and as you can see I never found anything, I’ve been here for almost 12 years. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What were some challenges that you faced when you started out trucking? </strong></h3> The hardest part for me was getting used to public showers. I know it sounds crazy but it was almost traumatizing to think that every time I needed a shower I would have to use a public space. The other big thing was getting used to backing that 53’ foot trailer, it was very intimidating. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/cm5.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>In the years that you've been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> The biggest thing I’ve noticed is a lot more traffic on the road and it seems like instead of creating more parking for trucks they are closing rest areas and making it harder to find parking. Don’t even get me started on hours of service, they don’t want to ever leave that alone and I’m sure they will continue to change in the future searching for perfection, but we as drivers are a very diverse group and we will never have the same needs. They will never come up with rules that will fit everybody, you may need five hours of sleep and I may need 10. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> Being on the road for weeks at a time by yourself does get very lonely at times but I have friends to talk to and a few years ago I got a dog to ride with me. She's great companion and brought a lot of joy to my life. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/cm2.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you start a Youtube Channel?</strong></h3> I started my channel because I absolutely fell in love with this beautiful country we live in and none of my family or friends seem to be as interested in it as I was, so I thought there has to be people out there like me who would love to see the country. Before I became a truck driver I had only seen about three other surrounding states and I had no idea how much I had missed all those years. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What keeps you busy nowadays? How did the current Covid-19 situation affect your trucking life?</strong></h3> I’m currently pulling a dry van and trying to stay busy. I still love the flatbed and plan on going back in the future but I’m gonna be trying some other things for now. Covid-19 made it difficult to find a job after the contract ended early in Alaska. A lot of the places I called were either not hiring because of Covid-19 or trying to figure out how to do orientation and putting it off for a few weeks. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/cm3.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your trucking pet peeves?</strong></h3> My biggest pet peeve is rude and aggressive drivers who seem to not value the lives of other people. For example, cars that pass me on the right after I’ve gotten into the left lane because there’s a tow truck on the right shoulder. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your future career plans? Would you continue to be a trucker? Any plans on being an instructor?</strong></h3> My dream for the past several years has been to get an RV and become a travel blogger or full-time RVer, LOL! I still love seeing the country that is the best part of my job and when I retire from trucking I can’t imagine sitting still. I would still want to travel so I think that would be the perfect place for me. I’ve had people suggest that I become a trainer or an instructor at a CDL school but I’m really not sure I would enjoy that because that means I wouldn’t be able to travel anymore. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What is your favorite feature of the Trucker Path app?</strong></h3> My favorite feature on <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> is truck-stop reporting I really love knowing what the truck-stop is gonna look like when I get there and if it’s usually full at a certain time then I know that I need a back up plan. <h2></h2> <h3><strong> Favorite Truck-stop? Truck-stop Food?</strong></h3> My favorite truck-stops are the ones that are usually off the beaten path and I love discovering new places to park and new places to eat. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/cm4.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your must haves or the things that you bring with you when on the road</strong></h3> I guess a very popular favorite among truck drivers is also one of my favorites which is baby wipes. I also make sure I have bottled water, soap, and towels just in case. I wouldn’t ever want to be in the truck without my truckers Atlas and a CB either. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite scenic route?</strong></h3> I’m not sure if I really have a favorite scenic route but Highway 20 through Oregon is at the top of my list. I also love Highway 89 and 191 going down through Utah south into Colorado and there are so many beautiful places out there I can’t even think of all of them off the top of my head. Maybe I should start making a list. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring women truckers?</strong></h3> I guess the biggest advice I would have for women that are thinking about getting into this industry is don’t be intimidated by it, if it’s what you truly want to do then follow your heart. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/cm7.jpeg" alt=""] <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/UCGcsdVwlU5mfMXRl7bQXaeQ">Youtube Channel,The Flatbed Chick.</a> <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i752gJOJAN8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> <em>Got a cool story to share? Send us message at community@truckerpath.com to be featured!</em> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Aug 27, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Dakota Caldwell <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-dakota_caldwell-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Dakota Caldwell</strong>, a 26-year old trucker and YouTuber, who's been driving for around 2 & 1/2 years now. He used to be a mechanic prior to driving trucks. He always loved driving and knew he wanted a career in driving someday but for some reason, taxi driver always popped in his mind. Let's get to more about Dakota and how's life on the road. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I have always loved big trucks and my high school girlfriend's dad is really the one that made it seem like it be a good idea and thought id like it. <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> Honestly, since I've started driving, I haven't seen much change. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-dakota_caldwell-blog-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> I wanted to show people what it was like out here - WHAT IT'S REALLY LIKE - and not what I used to watch on Youtube because that was always misleading. They never showed the things I wanted to see that I knew other people would want to see. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> The first thing you lose as a trucker is your sanity. Once thats out of the way, the real danger comes. You begin to love the solitude and everything really comes into perspective and you see the rest of the world from the outside in. But yes, there are lonely times but you get past it when you see that pay check. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-dakota_caldwell-blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> I haven't had any. I really adapted well I think. Sometimes, no shower and no hot food but that happens anyway in trucking. And with the roads empty when everyone was home, I turned more miles than ever. Also when everyone came back out, I've seen more wrecks in one day than I have in my entire life. Everyone forgot how to drive. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3> 389 Peterbilt all day. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-dakota_caldwell-blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3> Being one of those tower climber. That looks fun and you still get to travel. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> TA. I find them to be the best. Besides of course chrome shops lol. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> 62 mph trucks in the center lane, drivers on their phone, and drivers doing a dirty 30 (30 min break on the fuel island). <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 most about <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> is finding truck stops and seeing the driver reviews. Helps find a good place to shut'er down for the night. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Look, listen, think, get out, and look. Take your time but never be late and use common sense. It will take you a long way out here. <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/UC8vDkn66ecBiH0-Id70YXow">Youtube Channel, Life Behind The Wheel</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4IcXV4KrDRg" 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 21, 2020 • Carriers