Oct 27, 2017 • Community

Trucker Trip Planner

Trucker Trip Planner

Use the Trucker Path Trip Planner tool to plan your route beforehand – saving truck drivers like you precious time and potential earnings.

Trucker Trip Planner Feature

Between HOS rules, ELDs, overcrowded truck stops, and dock time restrictions, planning ahead is a must in order for truck drivers to be successful. We’ve surveyed over 3,300 truck drivers and over 40 percent say they spend an hour or more searching for truck parking.

That’s why using Trucker Path Trip Planner feature is an essential tool to save you time and deliver you peace of mind while you deliver loads.

Try Trucker Path For Free

Steps:

1. Open the Trucker Path app

2. To plan a trip, click the diamond with the arrow on the bottom left

3. Fill out your origin and destination, then click ROUTE

4. Click the places icon on the bottom right to filter out which locations you want to appear on the map

trip planner

5. Click the icons of locations to deselect them and hide them from the map

trip planner

6. To Exit Trip Planner and return to the Home Map Screen, click the arrow at the top left

trip planner

Tagstruck drivers Trucker Path

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

Truckers Sentiments on Updated HOS Rules [p]As the new HOS Rules have been updated, <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> users have brought in mixed comments via it’s in-app forum. Here are some of the comments we gathered from our users. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/trucker-2946821_640.jpg" alt=""] [p]Some users welcomed the idea, like DANZ63. He said <em>“Experiencing the new 30 minute break allowed including the on time duty into it. Honestly, the 30 minute break should be removed completely because it’s really no break at all because it completes the break while I didnt even intend to take a break. Also my pre trip doesn’t even start my day, which can actually be beneficial.”</em>[/p] [p]User, Tachyon said that <em>“This benefits owner operators and fleet owners by giving them greater flexibility. The seventy hour clock should have increased to allow employees the opportunity to make more money to justify the additional fatigue this is likely to cause.”</em>[/p] [p]<em>“I think it’s a good change and the first in a decade that will actually mitigate driving fatigue. Forcing a driver to take 10 hrs in one sitting does not necessarily reduce his fatigue. Everyone is different. A full 10 hours make me more tired sometimes!”</em> said user Tarzammond.[/p] [p]All good, said user Shuttleman. <em>“I’m good with it. I’ve been doing ELD’s. For 15 years I did all the whining back then and didn't do any good so I just got used to it, worked with it. Just hang in there a few years, all of this will be water under the bridge and life will go on.”</em>[/p] [p]While there is a mix of feedback. The common denominator is the request to remove the 14-hour rule altogether. [/p] [p]<em>“Glad to see the first step in a good direction, but the 14hr day is a huge hindrance. Like when last week, I spent 5.5hrs waiting to get loaded just chipped away at my drive time. Extended delivery to another day, turning 2-day delivery into 3 days.”</em> Another one stated.[/p] [p]8sEx4eCoSP said, <em>“I just wish they would drop the 14-hour rule. I think that’s why there are more mistakes being made because we don’t have a long enough time to actually get a shower or take a nap or like some of us take the time out to eat right and not so much on the go. Plus some of us only need 6 to 7 hours of sleep and we’re rested. And there’s a lot of us that always take a break more than 30 minutes a day anyway if we get the chance to. But with this 14-hour rule, it hinders all of us.”</em>[/p] [p]OpClgdA9Jc was also not in favor of the 14-hour rule. <em>“Like with anything, it has its pros and cons. The 14-hour rule is the problem if they’re not going to get rid of it, they should at least make it 16 like in Canada.”</em>[/p] [p]Even though one user was okay with the change, he still had something to say about the 14-hour rule. <em>“I’m in favor of the change. But they should scrap the 14 hour rule. I mean no driver likes it and it hurts drivers on making appointments.”</em>[/p] [p]<strong>Conclusion </strong>[/p] [p]While most of the truckers were in favor of the said changes and the added flexibility in schedule, there were also some that pointed out the need to remove the core 14-hour rule. The updated rules have been in place for more than a month now and gathering of public feedback is now over. The FMCSA has yet to give an update based on the feedback gathered but as one commentator said, life goes on.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/hos2.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Trucker Path[/b][/p]

Nov 10, 2020 • Carriers

What is a Freight Broker? [p]Have you wondered what is a freight broker? A freight broker is someone who assists shippers with freight ready to haul by finding carriers to haul a load.[/p] [h2]What is a Freight Broker?[/h2] [p] Freight brokers can run their own business or work for a freight broker company. They are responsible for arranging the transportation and tracking of a load hauled by a freight carrier.[/p] [p]Freight brokers make it easier for shippers to find quality carriers that are proven to be reliable in hauling a load as instructed. Meanwhile, freight brokers help motor carriers potentially earn more by having readily available loads to haul. [/p] [p]The responsibilities of a freight broker are not limited to connecting carriers with shippers. They must communicate with both parties it represents as well as track the load and verify it's pickup and delivery. [/p] [h2]How Do Freight Brokers Make Money?[/h2] [p]A freight broker earns money by moving freight for less than his customer is willing to pay to ship the freight. This difference creates a profit for the freight broker known as the spread. They are paid x amount by a client to find a carrier to haul a load which they pay for y amount. The difference is what the freight broker earns. [/p] [h2] Freight Broker Salary[/h2] [p]A freight broker salary has a national average of $41,952 annually according to PayScale. Keep in mind this is a base salary average without any of the commission or bonus included.[/p] [p]Location will also play a tremendous factor in dictating freight broker salary. A freight broker in Dallas earns an average base salary of $55,000 where a freight broker in Kansas City earns $45,000. Freight brokers can earn upwards of $75,000 or more annually when the commission is added and that number can increase dramatically if you operate your own freight broker company. [/p] [h2] Broker Load Boards - How Brokers Find Freight Carriers[/h2] [p]Freight brokers looking to move freight need to find motor carriers who are available to haul a load. Broker load boards are used by freight brokers to connect with the desired freight carrier and are one of the easiest way to network and build a carrier base. [/p] [p]Using a load board such as Truckloads, freight brokers can quickly find qualified carriers who may be interested in hauling a load by posting the load details onto a load board and then contacting motor carriers who may be interested in the load. Time is money and the more loads a freight broker can move, the more they can earn, placing a premium on the use of load boards. [/p] [button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/broker-load-board/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=freightbroker&utm_campaign=july5"]Try Truckloads for Free[/button-green] [video id="o_tsuJHWayo"]

Jul 05, 2017 • Brokers