Nov 26, 2020

Trucking and Thanksgiving

Trucking and Thanksgiving

History of Thanksgiving

America’s most loved holiday is upon us. Yes, it’s Thanksgiving Day! But why do we celebrate Thanksgiving and particularly on a Thursday?

Americans generally believe that Thanksgiving is modeled on a 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people. This American holiday is particularly rich in legend and symbolism, and the traditional fare of the Thanksgiving meal typically includes turkey, bread stuffing, potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie.

It was President Abraham Lincoln who proclaimed in 1863 that Thanksgiving would be held the last Thursday of November.

The following day after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday where a lot of holiday shopping deals occur. It’s one of the most profitable days of the year for retailers and businesses.

Trucking and Thanksgiving

The United States is estimated to consume around 50 million turkeys each thanksgiving and nearly $60 billion worth in goods are bought during the “Black Friday weekend,” all of which are being transported by none other than trucks.

You can expect that truck drivers are having a hectic week already, transporting all the food and goods for grocery stores, food joints, shopping centers, and retail outlets.

So, this Thanksgiving, we’d like to give thanks to our hard working truckers out there. Because of you, we enjoy delicious Thanksgiving meals and have goodies to look forward to every Black Friday. If we bought it, truckers brought it.

Happy Thanksgiving from Trucker Path!

Share with us how you’re spending your Thanksgiving. Let us know in the comments.

By Aldous Aldwin

TagsTruckloads Truck Driver Thanksgiving truck drivers Owner Operator trucking Trucker Path Trucking Industry truck stops Truck driver tips Freight Brokers Trucking Tips transportation black friday

Truck Parking Issue Can Cost the Industry $5 Billion Annually [p]Finding safe truck parking is a looming issue that can cost the trucking industry an estimated $5.1 billion annually.[/p] [h2]3 Factors to Help Resolve the Truck Parking Issue[/h2] [p][b]1. Increase Capacity in Areas of Need[/b][/p] [p]After examining the data at over 270,000 truck parking spots in 2016, we found that in the Western areas of America, it is nearly impossible for a truck driver to find truck parking nearby within 45 minutes. After surveying over 3,000 truck drivers we discovered that [i]40 percent of truck drivers spend an hour or more searching for nearby truck parking.[/i] That's nearly 10 percent of their allotted daily driving time![/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/05/bottom-infgr-e.png" alt=""] [p][b]2. Increase the Use of Technology to Help Find Truck Parking[/b][/p] [p]Technology can provide truck drivers with necessary information to find nearby truck parking. [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]Trucker Path[/a] is a necessity for truck drivers who need to find nearby truck parking. There are over 8,000 truck stops, rest areas, and travel centers in the app with real-time updates regarding the available truck parking.[/p] [p][b]3. Improve Trip Planning and Efficiency by Drivers[/b][/p] [p]Most drivers plan ahead by searching for truck parking along their route. However, on average, 16 percent of truck drivers say they start to plan for parking 30 minutes or less before hitting their HOS limit. For truck drivers to find available parking in a timely manner, especially in the Western part of the U.S., they should begin the process at least one hour ahead of hitting their HOS limit.[/p] [p]Fleets can also help their drivers by providing them with necessary recommendations or having technology like Trucker Path loaded onto in-cab devices. While some fleets are proactive, this is not standard as 86 percent of truck drivers say their fleets don't give them recommendations on how to find parking.[/p] [p][b]Using Trucker Path can save drivers an estimated 11 hours per month![/b][/p] [video id="NSSOwFRJaQw"] [h2]Lost Opportunity for Fleets and Truck Drivers[/h2] [p]Time spent searching for truck parking can limit a driver’s earning potential. [i]If over 1.6 million truck drivers in America lose 11 hours every month, then the trucking industry is losing about $5.1 billion annually.[/i] Here is a detailed breakdown of the potential lost opportunity.[/p] [images src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/05/chartcaption.png" alt="Cost of parking" width="316px" align="left"] [h2]Unauthorized Truck Parking is Unsafe[/h2] [p]Truck driver safety also plays a role in the truck parking issue. In 2015, 852 truck drivers lost their life while working, making it the most dangerous job in the USA. [i]79 percent of drivers were forced to violate their HOS because they couldn't find truck parking.[/i] Meanwhile, drivers have been forced to park in unauthorized locations such as highway shoulders, store lots, and off-ramps. These areas are unsafe for truck drivers, leading to potential cargo theft or accidents when merging off or back onto roads.[/p] [h2]What's Being Done to Help Truck Drivers?[/h2] [p]Truck drivers don't feel enough measures are being implemented to help them. [i]86 percent of truck drivers we surveyed said they feel the government isn't doing enough to help alleviate the truck parking issue.[/i] There are a few states that have taken the initiative in helping provide solutions for truck drivers.[/p] [p]States such as Kentucky and Florida (among others) now utilize weigh stations for truck parking, known as “rest havens”. Meanwhile, Maryland and Delaware have provided corridor parking for trucks along I-95 resulting in 220 available truck parking spots.[/p] [p]Reopening rest areas for trucks to use for parking is another potential opportunity. Many rest areas were closed since 2008 due to state and city budget decreases. Rest areas that are closed like in California, where there are 13 not in operation could provide an average of 10 truck parking spots per location. The operational costs could be limited by providing only basic restrooms and security like surveillance or a rotation of a security officer on duty.[/p] [button-white href="http://assets.truckerpath.com/external/2017-05-04-pdf/parking-shortage-costs-the-trucking-industry-5B-annually.pdf"]Entire Report[/button-white]

May 04, 2017 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - BDSmith <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/2020/09/ts-bdsmith-blog-5.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>BDSmith</strong>, who's been driving for around 2 years now. He's a Youtuber / Artist who enjoys driving with his dogs. Let's get to know the interesting story about how he got into trucking. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> It kind of was a random choice. I had just gotten back from South Korea where I did 2 years military service and 5 years just living there. I worked as a programmer for a tech company in Gangnam and was able to do the job online when I got back to the states but didn’t like trying to have meetings with the difference in hours. I always loved to drive ever since I was a kid so I figured, “Hey, why not?”. <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> As I’ve only been in for roughly 2.5 years I haven’t noticed too much change other than it seems like there’s less people on the CB than when I started. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/ts-bdsmith-blog-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> So the channel started back in 2015 as a gaming channel. Mainly something to do with my two boys after work. Now that I’m driving a truck and don’t have time for games, I turned it fully into a trucking vlog late 2018. I try to do stupid things to make people laugh etc. I never take myself too seriously unless it’s job related. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> I don’t really ever get lonely. I’ve had a dog since my 2nd month of driving and now have two. They help a lot. Always doing stupid things which make me laugh. I video call my boys who still live in Korea with their mom. That’s the only hard part, being away from them. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/ts-bdsmith-blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> Remembering that people would prefer it if I wear a mask. I haven’t seen anything truck related - my rates went down a small bit for about a week in late March but it didn’t last. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> I like to go anywhere. I love going into Texas because the people always treat me well and I have a lot of fans there so I do occasional meet ups. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/ts-bdsmith-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>What was your weirdest or most unusual haul?</strong></h3> Not sure I’ve had anything too bad. I picked up a recycled paper load once coming out of Arizona going to Cali. The place smelled so bad I almost threw up, other than that nothing too unusual. <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> For the longest time I only went to P/FJ because their spicy chicken is absolutely amazing. When it comes to sleeping I really try to stay away from the big truck stops. I prefer the mom and pop places. Seems the more experienced people go there so I don’t have to worry as much about my truck being hit. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/ts-bdsmith-blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> The biggest problem is four wheelers not paying attention. It really shocked me when I started driving just how many terrible drivers are out there. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> People that don’t move over for disabled vehicles on the shoulders and people that speed up when you go to pass them after driving slow for the last 20 miles. <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> Hands down it’s the truck stop finder. There’s so many on <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> that aren’t on my Garmin. And that 1) has saved me a few times with HOS and 2) I’ve found some great small restaurants that way. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Keep in mind it’s not a job. It’s not a career. It’s a lifestyle. Some make big money. Some never do. Just because you see a big number doesn’t mean it’s a big number. Always remember a lot of it will go into taxes and upkeep of the truck. Remember you will be away from home for long periods. Can you handle that? And above all, be respectful to those whom came before you in this industry. <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/UCBCDA74N9mp7WXMDUQSHCjg">Youtube Channel, BDSmith Trucking</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vGZAUdtyjow" 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 02, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Jerry McCallister <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> <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Jerry</strong>, who's a driver at FedEx Custom Critical. He also has a Youtube channel called, "Expediter Boogie”, where he talks about the types of things he does in expediting. Let's get to know more about Jerry and his "expeditions". <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How long have you been trucking?</strong></h3> I have been driving for 11 years all with FedEx Custom Critical and the last 4 of those years I’ve been with HyField Trucking who is a fleet owner leased onto FedEx Custom Critical. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/jm2.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> My mom influenced that decision, she had been driving for 14 years OTR and i was tired of sitting in a cubicle doing the same thing over and over and needed the change. After researching trucking I landed on expediting and thought this would be way better than doing normal long haul. It seemed more exciting and paid more for less work. <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 have noticed many changes, rates dropping compared to earlier years, implementation of electronic logs, trucks getting smarter like the Tesla Truck and technology used on the road getting better. I am happy for the technology changes i believe technology is a driving force to help us truckers in our daily jobs. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the story of you becoming "Expediter Boogie"? Do you also have a name for your truck?</strong></h3> I wanted to start a YouTube channel to talk about the types of things we did in expediting and places we go. Also a lot of people didn’t know what expediting was, so i started the channel. When thinking about what i would call it, I had been called Boogie all my life by my family so i added Expediting to it and came up with The Expediter Boogie. <h2></h2> We just got a brand new truck and haven’t thought of a name yet so we are taking suggestions. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Are there times of loneliness while driving? How do you deal with it? </strong></h3> I don’t get lonely on the road. I drive team with my partner of 10 years so i always have someone to talk to and share my day with. I am also a mentor with the company i drive with HyField Trucking. I am always on the phone with my mentees helping them and teaching them the ways of expediting. So I am rarely ever lonely I just stay busy. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/jm4.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> Definitely the biggest struggle we are facing right now is dealing with the slower freight which in turn is making the rates lower. The other main struggle I find in dealing with Covid-19 is people not taking it serious enough. Not wearing mask and seeming to not care. It makes our job more difficult and having to be out here risking out health on a daily basis to help keep the country moving I just wished more people had more compassion to try and help do their part. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> We don’t have a usual route, being with Fed Ex Custom Critical we run all 48 states and Canada. I would have to say my favorite area to drive through is I-70 in Colorado. that area is absolutely beautiful and I never get tired of seeing it. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/jm1.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Weirdest or most unusual haul?</strong></h3> At Fed Ex Custom Critical we haul everything from pharmaceuticals to explosives, we even haul priceless art at times. One of the coolest things we hauled was actual artifacts from the Titanic we transported between museums. Another great trip was when we moved 4 different inventions that were made by Benjamin Franklin. You never know what you are going to haul in expediting, which is what makes it fun it is always something different. <h2></h2> <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> We park at truck stops all the time mostly utilizing Loves because that is where we fuel the majority of the time. I love the rewards we get through Loves and it is nice to see them adding more services to their locations. I don’t have a favorite truck stop meal due to we have a custom sleeper and tend to do all our cooking in the truck. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking? Pet peeves?</strong></h3> I would say the usual things all us truckers have to deal with like traffic, shippers not being ready on time. <h2></h2> I would say my biggest pet peeve while driving is cars cutting you off. Most of them don’t realize just how close they come to causing an accident. It’s not easy stopping this truck quickly and when we have to it causes more headache for us cause everything in our sleeper goes flying. <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> The biggest thing we enjoy about Trucker Path is the ability to see what truck stops are coming up along our route as well as seeing what other drivers are reporting about upcoming weigh stations and whether or not they are closed or open. Reading the reviews from other drivers is also a big help, like if we want to stop at a Wal-Mart. Being able to quickly see if we are allowed to park there or if we need to talk to the manager is a big help. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> I would say do your best and put forth the effort. Don’t just look at trucking as a job, think of it as a career. Don’t fall into all the typical stereotypes of truckers. Put on decent clean clothes when dealing with a shipper or receiver, don’t litter like a lot of drivers do, and just try to take it to the next level. Be proud of what you do on the roads by being a professional driver and keeping America running. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can we watch your videos?</strong></h3> You can find me on my Youtube Channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCksmX2wd6Lzo6zM4pyaB_ew">Expediter Boogie</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vl1vV2b_1wE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Aug 04, 2020 • Carriers