May 16, 2017 • Community

Worst Roads in America

Worst Roads in America

America, land of the free, home of the brave, potholes and faulty bridges. Truck drivers take to the roads of America each and every day, hauling freight and delivering the things we desire most while others drive to work, visit loved ones or travel for vacation. In honor of National Infrastructure Week here are the worst roads in America ranked by state.

Worst Roads in America

Rankings for the worst roads in America are broken down by state and based on the percentage of roads in poor or mediocre condition with data sourced from the Federal Highway Administration.

Connecticut – 73 % (tie)
Illinois – 73 % (tie)

Wisconsin – 71 %
Colorado – 70 % (tie)

Road Island – 70 % (tie)
Oklahoma – 70 % (tie)

California – 68 %
Washington – 67 %

New Jersey – 66 %
Oregon – 65 %

Louisiana – 62 % (tie)
Kansas – 62 % (tie)

South Dakota – 61%
New York – 60 %

Nebraska – 59 %
Pennsylvania – 57 %

Maryland – 55 %
Maine – 53 %

Minnesota – 52 % (tie)
Montana – 52 % (tie)

Arizona – 52 % (tie)

Best Roads in America

These states have the least percentage of roads in poor or mediocre condition, making them the best roads in America.

Indiana – 17 %
Georgia – 19 %
Nevada – 20 %
Alabama – 25 % (tie)
Utah – 25 % (tie)

States with the Worst Bridge Conditions in America

Rankings are based on bridges considered structurally deficient or functionally obsolete with data sourced from the Federal Highway Administration. (Hawaii and Alaska excluded)

Road Island – 57 %
Massachusetts – 53 %

Pennsylvania – 42 %
New York – 39 %

New Jersey – 36 %
Connecticut – 35 % (tie)

West Virginia – 35 % (tie)
Maine – 33 % (tie)

Vermont – 33 % (tie)
New Hampshire – 32 %

Kentucky – 31 %
North Carolina – 30.5 %

Louisiana – 29 %
California – 28 %

Michigan – 27.4 %
Missouri – 27.2 %

Maryland – 26.8 %
Virgina – 26 % (tie)

Washington – 26 % (tie)
Iowa – 25.7 %

States with the Best Bridges in America

These states have the least percentage of bridges not considered structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.

Minnesota – 11.5 %
Arizona – 12 %
Nevada – 13.7 %
Wisconsin – 14 %
Utah – 15 %

Infrastructure Week

May 15–19 is National Infrastructure Week, a time to educate, plan and generate opportunities to rebuild our nation’s roads, bridges and more. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates $3.6 trillion is necessary to raise the standard of infrastructure level. Meanwhile, President Trump has proposed a $1 trillion infrastructure plan with details to be revealed soon says Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao.

“We’ve been hard at work at this, and so we’ll be releasing principles in about two to three weeks and then the legislative proposal will probably be tackled by the Congress in the third quarter,” Chao said.

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Trucker Spotlight - Kangaroo Trucker <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> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/Lark20200630-214612.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/Lark20200630-214612-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5084"></a> <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Jim</strong>, who recently picked up a vlogging hobby on Youtube. His channel, "The Adventures of Kangaroo Trucker”, is where he shares his adventures, both good and bad, while out over the road. He recently just started driving trucks and was heavily influenced by his brothers. Let's get to know more about Jim and his adventures. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How long have you been trucking?</strong></h3> I started my trucking career in 2019. I went to a local CDL school but wasted my money so I invested again with a large carrier and went to their school and drove OTR with them for about a year to get some experience. I left them and went with a smaller trucking firm (about 300 trucks) out of Pennsylvania. I got some good experience driving in the upper north east of U.S., but the communication with their drivers and the constant sitting and driving in the worst places caused me to look elsewhere. I was referred to a medium size company (about 1600 truck fleet). It’s a much better fit for me. I go out 4-5 weeks at a time and get home time with no problem. They send me all over lower 48 states. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I got into trucking because my younger brother is a Truck Driver and my older brother, who passed in 2015, was an owner operator and owner a couple of trucks. I must have had a mid life crisis or something but I was drawn to go out to get my CDL and see what it was like to walk in his shoes. It’s been a journey. I’m glad I did it and I encourage everyone to follow their passion. It’s not just a job to me. It feeds my family, yes, but I like the daily challenges and I am amazed on how complex this logistical puzzle ever gets accomplished with the many moving parts. It is a miracle to me, at times, it all seems to work out just to get something from point A to point B. It really takes some good attitude and a great deal of patience, but working together with everyone is really what makes this whole process work. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you start Youtube vlogging?</strong></h3> I was hoping create videos to either entertain seasoned truckers as they watch me struggle getting my experience or for those new to trucking eager to learn from others who have made their mistakes so that all of us can learn from it. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the story of you becoming "Kangaroo Trucker"? Do you also have a name for your truck?</strong></h3> I own a gymnastics business in Atlanta area and have a competitive Trampoline and Tumbling team. The gyms logo is a Kangaroo so that’s why I call myself Kangaroo Trucker. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/kt.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/kt-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5090"></a> <h3><strong>How did Trucker Path help you in your day to day trucking?</strong></h3> I will say that early on I found the <a href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/">Trucker Path app</a> to be a really large part of my daily arsenal to help me navigate this great country. I never realized how truckers had to constantly trip plan and we’re constantly looking for a place to shut down for their 10 hour break. TruckerPath is just one of those tools a trucker uses to help find a safe place to shut down, or see if a weigh station is open. The thing I like the most is that it is a Trucker Community driven app. It’s a good feeling to look for a truck stop and to find other truckers have updated the status so someone like me can feel safe in knowing there’s likely a good chance I’ll find a spot to shut down. Equally, I’m happy to update all locations I visit so I can return the favor. So if you use it, I encourage you to update often. If you don’t use TruckerPath app, I’d recommend giving it a try. Especially if you are new. Not all of us have the years of experience to know all the exits by memory of our favorite places like the veteran drivers out there. <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/UC9x-LgYMaepeyXCApHfCQOg">Kangaroo Trucker</a>. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v8-9EhgnlG0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <h2></h2> I’ll keep on trucking as long as I can. It’s a great feeling to be contributing to America's supply chain and doing my part to help. <h2></h2> Cheers! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jun 30, 2020 • Carriers

Winter Driving Tips for Truckers [p]Winter is here bringing with it the end of yet another year. For truck drivers though, winter is no different than any other season. It is the same endless driving through city and country roads no matter the season. The only thing that changes is the way you drive because winter brings rain and snow resulting in wet and slippery roads throughout the country. You need to be extra careful and exercise patience as the odds are stacked against you when it comes to driving in winter. Accidents are not uncommon, with many truckers trying their best to meet delivery deadlines. In such perilous conditions, there are certain protocols to follow, including changing your driving style. Let's talk about what else you can do as a trucker to improve your chances of meeting deadlines this winter. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Focus on the Road [/b][/p] [p]If the road is slippery, you need to keep both your hands on the steering wheel and focus on the road. A slight shift in focus, and the next thing you know, your truck has lost control. You mustn't be distracted by anything, be it music, the radio, or anything else.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Reduce Speed [/b][/p] [p]Yes, you need to meet your delivery deadlines, and for that, you need to drive at a certain pace. But you know what they say, it is better to arrive late than never. Therefore, reduce your truck's speed, judge the road's condition, and increase speed only when it is safe to do so. If you drive slow, you can stop earlier and avoid getting into any accidents. [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/TP-BLOG-Winter_Driving_Tips_for_Truckers-Reduce_Speed.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Avoid Sudden Maneuvers[/b][/p] [p]To protect yourself and others on the road, you should drive a bit smoothly. That means you should accelerate slowly, brake easy, and turn with caution. Do nothing that would decrease your truck's traction and cause you to lose control of your vehicle. It is good practice to keep more than a safe distance between you and the other vehicle in front of you so you can react at the right time. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Use Lights [/b][/p] [p]Your truck's headlights, taillights, and fog lights are your dearest friend in harsh weather conditions. Poor lighting is a recipe for disaster, therefore before you set out on the road, inspect your truck's lights. The important thing here is that while you should be able to see the cars in front of you, others should also be able to spot you from behind. [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/TP-BLOG-Winter_Driving_Tips_for_Truckers-Use_Lights.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Signal in Advance[/b][/p] [p]Use your signals way before you intend to turn. As a general rule, wait for four to five blinks before gradually turning a corner or changing lanes. If you are driving slower than the traffic, we suggest you switch on your four-way hazard lights to let everyone else know that you are slow allowing them to make adjustments. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Watch the Other Truckers [/b][/p] [p]Veteran truckers are on the road for a reason. They have been trucking for so long that their experience counts for everything. As a beginner, you should learn from them. When big-rigs slow down or pull over, you should too. There is no reason to keep on going if everyone else has decided to call it a day. [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/TP-BLOG-Winter_Driving_Tips_for_Truckers-Watch_Other_Truckers.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Check the News and Weather Apps[/b][/p] [p]It is better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to trucking. Therefore, before setting out on your journey, watch the news, check some weather apps, or talk to other truckers who have taken the route you are intending to take. Leave the safety of wherever you are only when you are sure that it is safe to drive. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Try for Traction [/b][/p] [p]When it comes to driving on slippery roads, traction is everything. You need good tires, expert driving skills, and some good luck to make it through winter. The only thing you have under your control among the three is tires. Buy snow tires with a deep tread and with several grooves to get good traction[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/TP-BLOG-Winter_Driving_Tips_for_Truckers-Try_for_Traction.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Final Thoughts[/b][/p] [p]If it were up to us, we would recommend not driving in winter, but that's for you to decide. Winter driving is dangerous, and no matter what you do, there is always a very high risk of getting into a sticky situation. However, if you do decide to weather through the storm in your truck, then avoid high-risk highways. [/p] [p]You want to avoid the state of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York during the winter, and all the highways going around and through these states. Let's not even talk about Alaska, as that is one place that is always a high risk regardless of the season. [/p] [p]With that said, we wish you a safe winter driving season! What are your winter driving tips? Share them in the comments below. [/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Dec 29, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Path integrates with McLeod TMS [p]Trucker Path Truckloads has integrated with McLeod TMS to provide more efficient freight posting.[/p] [p]Trucker Path, creators of America’s most popular apps in the trucking industry, announced that its freight-matching marketplace Truckloads is now integrated with McLeod TMS Software – an advanced transportation management software for carriers, brokers, and shippers.[/p] [quote]“The integration of the McLeod Software system within Truckloads allows our mutual customers a simplified upload process to display their freight for the hard to reach over-the-road drivers that depend on mobile technology to find available loads,” said Leigh Foxall, Vice President of Sales at Trucker Path.[/quote] [p]With this integration, McLeod users can post freight directly to the Truckloads platform through the McLeod TMS where over 85,000 qualified carriers in Truckloads can access them.[/p] [quote]“McLeod Software is always in search of ways to make the process of offering loads to carriers more streamlined and efficient,” said Robert Brothers, Manager of Product Development at McLeod.[/quote] [quote]“For this reason, we believe the Truckloads platform will be a perfect fit with our software. Partnering with Trucker Path will keep us more intimately connected with our customers’ needs.”[/quote] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/04/truckloads-mockup-computer-1.png" alt=""] [p]Publicly released in March 2016, Truckloads freight platform is available on both web and mobile via the app which has over 300,000 installs across iOS and Android devices – the most of any mobile load board app. Truckloads features over 2.5 million monthly loads and its network of carriers, brokers, and shippers have experienced a steady 20 percent monthly growth rate.[/p] [quote]“The innovative Truckloads freight platform, allows companies to post freight without paying a monthly fee, contributing to its success as the fastest growing load board in the industry,” Foxall said.[/quote] [quote]“This new integration is significant in providing greater efficiencies for McLeod users, furthering Truckloads advancements compared to its competitors.”[/quote] [p]Carriers and brokers can use Truckloads network free of charge, with customized freight searches for carriers including eight different filtering criteria, unlimited access to premium loads as well as the ability to view a broker's’ credit score and days to pay. Mobile Truckloads users can make calls inquiring about a load directly from the app.[/p] [p]Carriers can also receive push notifications sent directly to their mobile devices when new loads match their criteria. Meanwhile, brokers can easily access information on the number of times a specific load has been viewed by a carrier to assist in moving freight faster and more efficiently.[/p]

Apr 13, 2017 • Brokers