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

Industry Update - January 17, 2020 <h4>By Paul DeCoste</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Did you Know?</strong></h3> This week, the Senate passed a <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/senate-passes-usmca-trade-deal">new trade deal with Canada and Mexico</a> that will boost current American exports to those countries by $33 billion. The official 89-10 Senate vote gave us a rare example of bipartisanship in modern politics. Since this deal expands the amount of agriculture and manufacturing that needs to be transported, it will end up being great for the trucking industry. On top of that, this deal introduces new ways to eliminate fraud and counterfeit goods, allowing the digital sector of the American economy to flourish. <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Trucking Tip of the Week</strong></h3> <a href="https://www.truckersnews.com/gear/roaster-makes-in-cab-cooking-taste-homemade/">Cooking on the road?</a> RoadPro’s new portable roaster makes it easy to cook delicious meals right in your cab. The roaster plugs into any 12-volt power outlet and can accommodate glass baking sheets or reusable aluminum baking pans. <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Startup Technology</strong></h3> <a href="https://www.freightwaves.com/news/toyota-invests-394-million-in-flying-taxi-startup-joby-aviation">This startup company is reinventing the way we think about commuting.</a> <h3></h3> <h3></h3> This week, Joby Aviation received a $394 million investment from Toyota. Joby Aviation is working to create a flying taxi that can hit top speeds of 200 mph and run off a battery charge for over 150 miles. In addition to the capital that Toyota has invested, Joby has raised a total of $720 million to make their transportation solution practical for the masses. Although most of the information about this VTOL aircraft is kept secret, pictures prove that it consists of six rotors and has five seats inside the cockpit. <h3></h3> <h3>Combating<strong> Human Trafficking</strong></h3> Susan Collins, along with 7 other members of Congress, <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/susan-collins-7-other-lawmakers-recognized-combating-human-trafficking">was recognized for her legislative efforts</a> to reduce human trafficking throughout the nation. Over the past few years, Senator Collins has supported legislation that targets online forums that solicit human trafficking. She recently helped pass the “Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2019” legislation. <h3></h3> <h3>Tire Thieves Caught</h3> <a href="https://cdllife.com/2020/texas-couple-sentenced-for-semi-truck-tire-theft-conspiracy/">Joel Vargas, 34 and his wife, Angelica Vargas, 39</a>, were recently sentenced to 235 months and 60 months, respectively, in federal prison for robbing more than 100 tire stores over a 15-year period. They continuously targeted commercial tire businesses and stole numerous amounts of rental vehicles to carry out their jobs. They are part of a multiple-person conspiracy which ended with the convictions of five other individuals.

Jan 17, 2020 • 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 - 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