
The 14th of February has long been celebrated as the day of love. Its history can be traced back to ancient Rome when Christianity was still in its adolescence. The day was used to commemorate St. Valentine’s death/burial, but there are doubts on the authenticity of this claim. Some believe that the special day was put in place to downplay the pagan Roman festival of Lupercalia. We don’t know anything for sure, but what we do know is that there should be a day to honor your loved ones. If 14th February is that day, then so be it!
After all, who can reject candies, gifts, and flowers? If you are a trucker, both receiving and giving presents has a lot more meaning. It shows that you are thinking about your dearest and they are thinking about you.
What are some ways you can show your love as a trucker? Let’s find out!
Send Flowers
One of the best ways to make someone’s day is by sending them a bouquet. There are plenty of resources online that allow you to send flowers right to someone’s doorstep. If you want, you can add some chocolates and even balloons to make things interesting. The good thing is flowers are gender-neutral, you can send them to your man or your woman and they would make an impact.
Sending flowers might be a cliché, but you can never go wrong with it, especially on Valentine’s Day.

Personalized Note
Nothing beats a hand-written letter where you pour your heart out to your significant other. It adds a personal touch, and it shows that even though you are busy, you have your dearest in mind. If your partner is out there trucking, send them an emotion-filled letter. If you are a trucker, then try sending one back home. It is the little things that make the most impact.

Video-call Your Lover
Modern technology has made possible many things that were previously thought to be impossible. One such thing is having a conversation with another person who is not present at your location. You can now talk to your significant other on Valentine’s Day using video call applications, like Skype or FaceTime. No one deserves to feel lonely on a day that celebrates love, which is why you should make extra efforts to schedule a video call. Perhaps, make it an online date where you have dinner together and talk about your feelings for each other.

Celebrate When You Can
As a trucker, it can be hard for you to skip work on special occasions like Valentine’s Day. Therefore, you can celebrate before or after you are done with your work. Loving someone involves putting in constant effort, meaning you can’t restrict all your feelings for one day. Show your appreciation on other days as well, so that 14th February feels like any other day of the year.
How will you celebrate Valentines Day? Let us know in the comments below.
By Aldous Aldwin




Trucker Spotlight - James Cole <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>
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-3.jpg" alt=""]
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Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>James Cole</strong>, also known as "Dooner LivingStone" which is his nickname since Highschool. He's been driving for around 11 years now. He also has a YouTube channel under the same nickname where he shares his experiences as a long haul trucker with whoever is willing to put up with his "keep it real" documentary style videos. Let's get to more about James and his trucking life.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3>
My dad is also an over the road truck driver and has been out here doin' the deal for over 50 years. I'm pretty sure that influenced me to hit the road myself. As a kid I had spent several summers truckin' across the country with him. A few years after got out of the Air Force I got the funds together to go to truck driving school. Best decision I've ever made. It's like it was in my blood or something!
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-4.jpg" alt=""]
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<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>
In the 11 years I've been driving, I've definitely seen some changes in the industry. ELDs and mandatory 30 minute breaks have had the biggest effect on me personally. It drastically changed how I run and I still haven't fully gotten into the swing of things. I like to take a break when I want and I want to take a nap when I want without it screwing up my schedule. I think that's all I better say about that. LOL.
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<h3><strong>What's the best thing about being a truck driver?</strong></h3>
The best thing about this career field is learning something new everyday. I'm not, nor will I ever be an expert in trucking. Everyday is a new experience and every load is a new challenge. Anyone who gets into this lifestyle should remember to always remain humble and understand that they will never know it all. The minute you forget that, you're gonna make a major mistake. But... what the hell do I know?!
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<h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3>
It does get lonely out here from time to time. While driving, I keep my mind occupied by listening to Howard Stern or some good music. I also think of other ways to add a little more entertainment value to my YouTube channel. I grind more gears in my brain than I do driving my truck. When I'm off duty, I work on my videos, or try to hone my photography skills, or work on my guitar playing. Just recently, I brought my copilot, Elvis, with me to keep me company. Elvis is my cat.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-2.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3>
One of my most memorable experiences was when I delivered a windmill to what seemed to be a hippy colony. I think it was somewhere in Michigan. I don't know, I can't remember. A local farmer unloaded it for them and they were all so excited! My son, Zack who was 10 at the time and spending his summer with me, was treated like a little rock star because he was very knowledgeable in music and also because he was traveling all over the country and seeing things a lot of kids will never see. I remember the lady who seemed to be the one in charge giving him a few CDs of some old school blues right before we left. I thought it was a great experience for him.
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<h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3>
I love Peterbilts 359, 379, and 389. Beautiful trucks! I drive a 379.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-jamescole-blog-1.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3>
I was a starving musician for years. Never really wanted to be a rock star but, I did dream of living a comfortable life as a performing musician. I also wanted to be a news journalist and write for a newspaper. Good thing I didn't pursue that career 'cause journalism is dead. We don't need to get into that though.
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<h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3>
The best truckstop for me is one that has plenty of parking, good food, and clean showers and restrooms. So many of the really good ones aren't around anymore or they were bought by the big chains. There are still a lot of good ones out there. If I had to choose one as my favorite it would be the Bosselman's/Pilot Flying J in Grand Island, Nebraska.
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<h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR</strong></h3>
The worst breakdown? When I ran out of fuel 8 miles from my fuel stop. This was just a few months ago. My fuel gauge read that I had a quarter tank but my gut was telling me otherwise. My pride was was seriously damaged that day. Remember what I said about being an expert, remaining humble, and learning something new everyday?
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<h3><strong>What do you think it takes to be really successful in the trucking/logistics field?</strong></h3>
As long as you enjoy what you're doing and work toward being better than you were yesterday you will be successful. Gotta be in the right truck, pulling the right trailer, hauling the right freight, using the right equipment, and striving to reach your personal best. If it's a job for you and you don't have it in your heart you will be miserable and unhappy. Get out and do something else. This life ain't for everybody!
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<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>
I use <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> to locate truckstops, parking areas, and scales along my route when planning my trip or if I just wanna check something out along the way. I can see the differences in fuel prices, parking availability, restaurants, and also look ahead to see if the chicken coop is locked up. I'm sure there's more to learn on the app but these are features that I find highly valuable!
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<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/user/DoonerLivingstone">Youtube Channel, Dooner LivingStone</a>.
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sWVPi4eN_gY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Hope you guys enjoy!
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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Industry Update - October 29, 2019 <h4>By Paul DeCoste</h4>
<h3><strong>Did you know?</strong></h3>
The classic trucking movie, Black Top was released twenty years ago this month.
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Starring Meat Loaf, this trucking thriller was released October 20, 2000.
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<h3><strong>Trucking Tip of the Week:</strong></h3>
With summer being long behind us now, watch out for dangerous, icy road conditions in the northern US. In North Dakota, they are experiencing winds <a href="https://www.weather.gov/unr/WinterStorm-170124">that range from 15 to 25 mph</a> with gusts that are getting up to 40 mph. Temperatures are getting into the negatives and are expected to fall below -10 by tonight.
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<h3><strong>Industry Update:</strong></h3>
More than 3600 Mack workers on strike. For the first time in 35 years, Mack employees have walked out of their jobs and are protesting. The bulk of the protests are centered around the company failing to renegotiate contract terms with the union. Terms that include wage increases, job security, holiday/vacation, workplace health/safety, healthcare, and retirement options.
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<a href="https://www.thedrive.com/news/30402/nearly-3600-uaw-affiliated-mack-truck-workers-strike-against-low-wages-benefits">The last Mack strike happened in 1984</a>, when roughly 9,200 workers walked off the job while contract negotiations took place.
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<h3><strong>Laws and Regulation:</strong></h3>
Michigan State Police officers are <a href="https://www.metrotimes.com/news-hits/archives/2019/10/01/michigan-state-police-to-begin-roadside-drug-testing-program-that-includes-mouth-swabs-for-oral-screenings">now allowed to administer roadside saliva tests for drivers</a>. These tests are made to detect the presence of amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamines, and opiates. More specifically, the cannabis portion of the test is only looking for delta 9 THC, the well-known and psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.
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<h3><strong>Hours of Service Update:</strong></h3>
<a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/federal-motor-carrier-safety-administration-publishes-hours-service-proposal-improve-safety">Did you submit your comments to the FMSCSA</a> about the new ELD regulations? To date, they have received over 7,000 comments on the proposed changes. Although the due date was October 21<sup>st</sup>, you can get more information on submissions here: <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/08/22/2019-17810/hours-of-service-of-drivers">https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/08/22/2019-17810/hours-of-service-of-drivers</a>.
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