
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 - Carolina Ortega <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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Working as a truck driver at a logistics company, <strong>Carolina</strong> started a Youtube channel "Loira na Estrada" which means "Blondie on the Road", where she gives us a glimpse of her day to day trucking life. She drives an 18 wheeler (VOLVO VNL 860) across United States. We're honored to have a chance to interview her and get a glimpse of her trucking lifestyle.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3>
The freedom and the lifestyle that this job offers amazes me, plus driving a big machine like that is a honor for me.
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<h3><strong>How many years have you been driving? What are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3>
I've been driving for around 2 years now. With the current crisis we are all experiencing, I felt a decrease on the number of the loads and a decrease of load prices on the market.
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<h3><strong>Are there any times of loneliness while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3>
I never feel lonely, because the freedom makes me happy and I have everything I always wanted. It’s peaceful, I love seeing new places, waking up in one place and go to sleep in another. Traveling every day really makes me fulfilled.
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<h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID-19 pandemic?</strong></h3>
In the beginning of the situation with COVID-19 was hard to find masks and hand sanitizer in the truck stops. But being in the truck actually makes me feel more comfortable because I can keep doing what I am doing and it’s easy to avoid crowds. I'd say quarantine in the truck is the best quarantine you could ever have.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b14.jpeg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3>
Definitely my favorite route is to drive on the historic Route 66, I love to take the original stretch of the Route 66 in Seligman, Arizona. I also love I-80 in Wyoming, I-15 from St George, Utah to Las Vegas is an amazing scenery, I-90 in Montana is mind blowing too, there are so many roads I love to take - mainly the ones in the west side of the country.
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<h3><strong>Weirdest or most unusual haul?</strong></h3>
Definitely live bees was the craziest load I ever took. It was in a flat bed truck when I used to work as a team. It was very crazy, adventurous and kinda funny sometimes.
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<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>
I use rest stops and truck stops every day either for spend the night, or to put fuel, to eat, to take shower, to use scales, etc. I’m not a fast-food fan so I prefer to find hot meals, more homemade kind food and soups at the truck stops.
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<h3><strong>What Trucker Path features do you often use when you drive?</strong></h3>
I use <a href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/">Trucker Path</a> for everything I need about trucking during my work day. Like I can see where are the truck stops and accurate distances, I check the parking availability before I stop anywhere and this is very helpful because it is well updated. I can check if the truck stop I’m going has a shower, how many fuel pumps, scale, mechanic shop, facilities. The app also shows the stores phone number, address and reviews. Also i can see where the truck friendly Walmart’s are and the reviews made by other truckers. It’s perfect to find also authorized truck shop, diesel prices, weight stations (if they are closed or open). Well this app is so complete that I don’t see me working efficiency without it.
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<h3><strong>Where can people watch your trucking videos on Youtube?</strong></h3>
I currently have two Youtube channels:
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1. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/lindacarolvibe/featured">Loira na Estrada</a> - This is my primary channel. I mostly speak Portuguese here.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZcwOZmFboyI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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2. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqhudMXrchSUSkn3Tls83mg/featured">Blondie on the Road</a> - A lot of people requested me to do english videos and so here it is.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wchXA3YtS2I" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; 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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How to Become an Owner Operator
[p]To become an owner operator and be your own boss requires several necessary steps and tips which you can follow our guide.[/p]
[h2]How to Become an Owner Operator[/h2]
[p]Creating a work schedule that fits your lifestyle, deciding when to take time off and the potential for greater earnings are all reasons why you might want to become an owner operator.[/p]
[p]Becoming an owner operator is a journey that seems complicated and endless; however, it is within reach. First, off it would be best if you already had several years of experience as a truck driver. The experience of being a company driver can be beneficial for you to understand the ins and outs of the industry and operating your own trucking company. Follow these steps to help get you started on the [a href="http://m.onelink.me/cceb1f59"]path[/a] to your trucking dream.[/p]
[h2]File For a USDOT and MC Number[/h2]
[p]The first thing to you will need to become an owner operator is to have a registered USDOT number as well as a [a href="https://cms.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/get-mc-number-authority-operate"]Motor Carrier (MC) number[/a] which provides you the authority to operate. There is a one-time $300 federal filing fee to request an MC number with the FMCSA. If you've ALREADY registered for a USDOT number then you can [a href="http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/PKG_REGISTRATION.prc_option"]request an MC number online here[/a].[/p]
[h2]What are the Different Types of Trucking Authority?[/h2]
[p]<a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-authority/">Trucking authority for carriers</a> is categorized into common or contract. A common carrier is available for hire by a shipper or broker. A contract carrier is contracted to haul loads for a specific company and are not available to the general public for hire.[/p]
[h2]Truck Insurance[/h2]
[p]Having insurance is not just an enforced federal law, it's intended to protect you as an owner-operator from risking your assets and liability in the event of an unexpected situation. The FMCSA requires certain types of insurance coverage depending on the authority you choose and the goods you plan to haul. For example, hazardous freight or freight requiring a hazmat permit will require specific liability coverage that differs from household goods. You can [a href="https://cms.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/insurance-requirements"] find the various forms and requirements of the FMCSA here[/a].[/p]
[h2]To Be or to Lease a Truck? That is the Question[/h2]
[p]Deciding if you should lease or purchase a truck has much to do with your available assets. A used heavy duty truck in decent shape can cost over $60,000 and run upwards of $100,000. However, if you are considering to lease a truck from a trucking company, then you can look into the possibility for a lease-to-own truck purchasing option. Choosing to lease a truck can save you on the biggest upfront cost to become an owner-operator. Keep in mind that if you <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/lease-purchase-trucking/">choose to lease from a company</a>, typically you're expected to haul for them as well (there are some exceptions).[/p]
[h2]Using Load Boards to Find Truck Freight[/h2]
[p]Streamlining how you find truck loads can generate the most potential for your newfound position as an owner operator. [a href="http://m.onelink.me/58720b7e"]Truckloads[/a] is a free load board available on the web as well as on mobile devices (iOS and Android),providing you with over three million monthly loads to search through wherever you are. Not to mention access to unlimited premium loads and the ability to view a brokers credit score, days to pay and contact them right from the app.[/p]
[p] Learn more about <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/types-of-truck-freight/">truck freight</a> and the opportunity to maximize your earning potential![/p]
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[h2]Becoming an Owner Operator is a Process[/h2]
[p]Starting your own company requires cash upfront to cover your operational costs and includes the payment of fees, taxes and any potential repairs. The process of becoming an owner operator is tedious and can take over a month before you even earn the authority by the FMCSA. Nonetheless, the chance to become an owner operator can pay off and allow you unlimited earning potential.[/p]
[p]Taking advantage of the opportunity to become an owner operator could have a lasting impact on your career and personal life. Not every option will be the best fit for you and your family. Instead, you must review your situation before making any decision to becoming a leased or independent owner operator. Once You have become an owner operator and have your own authority, you can begin to search for loads to haul by using load boards like Truckloads.[/p]
[button-green href="https://truckloads.truckerpath.com/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=becomeanownerop&utm_campaign=July3"]Try Truckloads for Free![/button-green]
Trucker Spotlight - Matthew Eso <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/2021/02/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Matthew_Eso1.jpg" alt=""]
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Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Matthew Eso</strong>, who's also known as The Little Guy on Youtube. He's been driving trucks since 2012 and shares the same love for trucking with his father and grandfather. Let's get to know more about Matthew and his trucking life.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3>
It's something I always wanted to do because it runs in my family.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/02/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Matthew_Eso2.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What attributes must one have in order to be a successful truck driver?</strong></h3>
In order to be successful in this trucking game you have to know what you want first. Then chase it.
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<h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3>
Most memorable time on the road has to be when I took my son with me. Just watching his face light up from all the things he was seeing.
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<h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3>
Big fan of old school long hood trucks.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/02/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Matthew_Eso4.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing? </strong></h3>
Always wanted to operate heavy machinery.
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<h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you? </strong></h3>
My favorite one is the Joplin 44 Petro with the chrome shop. Place is a truckers toy store.
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<h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR?</strong></h3>
Starting a Lease Purchase and the truck being a lemon off the lot.
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<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>
Having all of the points of interest a trucker uses in the <a href="https://sixdays.page.link/tLUu">Trucker Path</a> application is by far the best feature next to the turn by turn navigation.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/02/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Matthew_Eso5.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3>
Tips for others are be safe, stay hungry, and don't let anyone say you can’t do it.
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<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/c/TheLittleGuyTrucker/featured">The Little Guy Show</a>.
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cl6yXAQxDRw" 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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