Sep 10, 2018 • Community

Celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week with loads of savings and giveaways

Celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week with loads of savings and giveaways

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) is this week! This year, the trucking industry will come together from September 9-15 to honor professional drivers nationwide. We want to thank you for all your hard work and commitment to your careers. Without you and your integral role as a truck driver, life would get tough fast for the rest of us. Many of the things we take for granted, including access to medical supplies, fuel, food and clean water, would all be gone in a matter of weeks without trucks and truck drivers. What you do matters, and we are so grateful for you.

As a professional driver, there are several rewards and freebies you can take advantage of as part of NTDAW. These include:

Denny’s – Participating Denny’s travel center locations will offer professional drivers scratch-off cards with various diner discounts and prizes through September 30. Drivers will also receive a 10 percent discount key tag that can be used until December 31, 2019. (https://www.truckersnews.com/dennys-to-show-appreciation-to-drivers-in-september/)
Pilot/Flying J – Throughout the month of September, Pilot Flying J stores will have money-saving offers and daily giveaways via the myPilot® app. Pilot Flying J Truck Care is also offering free mid-trip inspections, valued at $50, to help professional drivers and trucking companies prepare for Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Brake Safety Week. The company is also handing out a combined 100 million myRewards® loyalty points to more than 60,000 drivers, including 2,000 daily winners. To enter, professional drivers can simply swipe their myRewards® loyalty card when purchasing diesel fuel at participating travel centers in the United States. Additional details can be found here: https://www.pilotflyingj.com/driver-appreciation/
Love’s Travel Centers – Love’s is celebrating NTDAW all month long with many food, drink, and merchandise deals as well as the opportunity to win 10,000 My Love Reward points. One driver will win 1 million points. Use the following link for more details: https://www.truckersnews.com/loves-appreciates-trucker-drivers-throughout-september/
AmBest Truck Stops – Specific AmBest members are hosting driver appreciation events. Check out the full list here to find one near you: https://am-best.com/News-Events/Driver-Appreciation-Days
Southern Recipe – Vote for your favorite truck driver chef recipe for a chance to with $2,000 here: http://southernrecipe.com/truckdriverappreciation/

Many carriers around the country are also hosting their own driver appreciation events this week. Be sure to check out their social media pages to find out the details. Know about a NTDAW event happening that you want to share with other drivers? Leave the details in a comment below.

Here’s to a great National Truck Driver Appreciation Week!

Tagsdrivers ATA truck drivers Trucker Path Trucking Industry Owner Operators ntdaw national truck driver appreciation week

Trucker Spotlight - Shelby <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/blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Shelby</strong>, who's been driving for 3 years now. She's has a blog and Youtube channel called, Happiness by the Mile, where she shares her experiences and also gives information on everything you would want or need to know to become a professional driver, and live on the road. Let's get to know more about Shelby and how she gets happiness out of every mile. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> It was just a childhood dream of mine to drive a semi. I was not invested in making a career out of it. I just wanted to do it to say I could. It was more of a bucket list item than anything else. Now, I love it so much I could never leave! <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 not seen much of any significant change during my short time in the industry, but I have to say that there is a definite shift happening with the reduction of mom and pop truck stops, access to good food, and good training for those getting into the industry. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-6.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to create a Youtube channel? And why did you choose the "Happiness by the Mile" name?</strong></h3> I initially started an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/happiness_by_the_mile/">Instagram</a> page with the name "Happiness By The Mile". I thought it was the most ideal reference to my mindset of being on the road. We chase many things down the road, our thoughts, fears, hopes for the future, but we forget all too often our happiness is not and will never be a destination. We have to be present in our current lives, and happiness is a choice that we can make at any time. I want to encourage drivers to build happiness as they drive down the road, not chase it into the sunset. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Do you have a name for your truck?</strong></h3> My current truck's name is "Waldo". I play a game on Instagram with my followers where I post my truck at a truck stop, and they try to guess where it's located. "Where's Waldo?" <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Are there times of loneliness while driving? How do you deal with it? </strong></h3> I love to keep my brain stimulated by listening to podcasts and audiobooks. I also go out of my way to make kind gestures to others by buying their coffee for them, or helping them out if they are trying to fix something on their trucks at a rest area. I think we all benefit from some positive interaction with other humans on the road. It just takes a bit of effort to put yourself out there to receive. <h2></h2> <h3><strong> As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> The hardest was finding food for a long time. With a lot of the restaurants and fast food joints having fewer hours or being closed all together it was quite a struggle. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-5.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> I run I-80 quite often. If I go east it is usually to Pennsylvania or New Jersey. Most of my routes on the west side of the united states are to Montana, Washington or Oregon. I tend to stay where the snow happens to be the worst. Just the luck of the draw for me. My favorite route is anywhere through US 191, north or south of Salt Lake City it doesn't matter. It is absolutely breathtaking and goes through various national parks. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Weirdest or most unusual haul?</strong></h3> My most unusual haul had to be a single pallet of medical supplies across the entire United States (not during COVID). <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> I stop and truck stops and rest areas frequently! I stop often to let my dog Dakota out to stretch her legs, as well as myself. We take a generous amount of time to make sure that we both are feeling awake and ready to keep moving down the road. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> We often struggle to find a place to park with the doubles set. Pull through parking spaces are the only option most of the time, and not all truckstops have them. We are sometimes forced to park on the curb out of the way, or on exit ramps of the interstates. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> I don't have many pet peeves. I do wish that there was more respect given to the trucks from cars on the road, but it's hard to know what we do unless you've been up there in that seat doing it. We oftentimes need to back off a busy street to a customer dock, and it can be hard with cars zipping around you instead of giving you a few minutes to do what you need to do to get out of the way. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>We're glad that Trucker Path has been of service to you! Could you share your favorite feature of the app?</strong></h3> I like to use <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path's</a> map feature to see where all the truckstops are around my current location, and I use it to help me trip plan to my final drop location. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Take it slow and steady. No matter how many years you have on your belt, you can never know it all, and always have something to learn. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can we watch your trucking videos?</strong></h3> You can check out my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/ShelbyHBTM/featured">Happiness by the Mile channel on Youtube</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RKbiP779jJU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> <em>Got a cool story to share? Send us message at community@truckerpath.com to be featured!</em> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Sep 11, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Nikki Matthews <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/2021/01/202101-TS-Nikki-Mathews-BLOG1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Nikki</strong>, who's a wife and mother of 6 kids. She's trainer at Stevens Transport and a lease purchase driver. She's been in the industry for more than 2 years now and she loves what she does. She's also an electronic junkie. Let's get to know more about Nikki and her life in trucking. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I was driving 2 hours to the Post office and 2 hours home plus 4-6 hrs delivery Mail. All that driving made me think of driving trucks. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/01/202101-TS-Nikki-Mathews-BLOG3.jpg" alt=""] <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> More women are coming out and that some of the older generation of Truckers doesn't respect women out here on the road at all. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> Yeah there are times of loneliness. I just use that time to meditate and relax my mind just a bit. I use that as my "Me time". <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/01/202101-TS-Nikki-Mathews-BLOG2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you start a Youtube Channel? </strong></h3> I didn't see that many videos encouraging women Truckers to come out in the industry and not many good videos of the company I work for. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your trucking pet peeves? </strong></h3> Truckers leaving pee bottles and trash on the ground at truck stop. Not cleaning behind themselves. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/01/202101-TS-Nikki-Mathews-BLOG4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What keeps you busy nowadays? How did the current Covid-19 situation affect your trucking life? </strong></h3> My 5 year old keeps me busy because he is growing and needs things so I stay out to provide for him and my fur babies. Covid-19 affect my trucking life by wearing masks all the time but I understand why I need it. Not able to sit down for lunch or dinner inside a restaurant. So I started cooking meals in my truck. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your future career plans? Would you continue to be a trucker? Any plans on being an instructor? </strong></h3> My future plan is to create me a small fleet of trucks under my business name. I will continue drive for a while until my fleet is established. I am currently a trainer. I haven't thought about being an instructor just yet. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Favorite Truckstop? Truckstop Food? Favorite truck model?</strong></h3> Pilot / Flying J is my favorite truck stop. Chicken wings and pizza at Pilot / Flying J. My favorite model of course is the Freightliner Cascadia. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your must haves or the things that you bring with you when on the road?</strong></h3> God, my sanity, food, good music clothes, personal hygiene items, sometimes my fur baby, all trucker tools, and my drone. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite scenic route?</strong></h3> Going through I-70 through Utah to Colorado to see Aspen. So beautiful there. I just think how the western got from one point to the next point. <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> My fave feature of <a href="https://sixdays.page.link/tpfb">Trucker Path</a> is that one it stay open while I'm driving so I don't have to stop and open it to see where I'm going. Then HOS part when you're routing. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring women truckers? </strong></h3> Don't let no one tell you what you can't do. If you wanna come out and drive trucks then do it. But don't let no one tell you any difference. Keep your head up. Don't let men bully you. <h2></h2> <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/channel/UCgTa_9fKQR2_li03wAMZnqQ">OTR Diva</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P3DJKuJ85sM" 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>

Jan 19, 2021 • Carriers

Trucker Path Releases 2018 Truck Parking Report <em>[p]Informative white paper provides an in-depth look at the most pressing problems and viable solutions for the widespread issue of truck parking</em> [p]Trucker Path, the most popular app for truckers in the U.S., released the 2018 Truck Parking Report today, an annual white paper that explores the issue of truck parking in the U.S. and possible solutions. Failure to find truck parking is a significant problem with serious social and economic consequences. This comprehensive and detailed report equips trucking companies and industry leaders with the information they need to navigate the challenges of truck parking, optimize their business, and work towards a stronger, more efficient trucking industry overall. [p]“We realized that we have a vast amount of truck parking data in our app as well access to a large trucker community, so we explored the problem in depth. By surveying over 5,500 drivers and analyzing millions of data points, we have come to some useful conclusions that we wanted to share with the industry,” says Chris Oliver, Chief Business Officer for Trucker Path. [p]The white paper was crafted drawing on existing data and research, as well as internal Trucker Path survey data. Between May 8-15, 2018, over 5,500 truck drivers participated in a survey about the truck parking issue in the U.S. The questionnaire consisted of 26 questions and was distributed via Trucker Path apps. The report includes an in-depth look at: <strong>[p]Social, safety and economic implications</strong> [p]Failure to find a spot within the hours of service (HOS) limit puts many drivers at risk of parking in unauthorized areas, thus making the job more stressful with 85% of drivers citing parking as the number one cause of stress at work. Due to failure to find a spot, 70% of truckers have had to violate HOS, and 96% have parked in areas not designated for trucks. In addition, 48% of drivers spend an hour or more to find safe truck parking, which is essentially driving time that does not translate into fleet revenues. The annual loss per driver is estimated at $6,000. [p]While Trucker Path parking data suggests that average truck parking availability improved in almost every U.S. state between 2016 and 2017, there are still areas in the Eastern United States, especially around urban centers, that have a severe lack of capacity. [p]<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4488 aligncenter" src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2018/09/truck-parking.jpg" alt="" width="468" height="288" /> <strong>[p]Solutions</strong> [p]Today, the largest impact could be achieved via spreading out the need for capacity throughout the day as the vast majority of drivers park at the same time. FMCSA is already making positive changes by revising personal conveyance rules allowing truckers extra time after the HOS limit to find parking. If that doesn’t work, capacity could be expanded by utilizing weigh stations and shipper facilities as truck parking locations. Our survey shows that truck drivers find shipper facilities almost as safe as truck stops. Building new capacity is expensive, but may be needed in some areas, as shown in our truck parking heatmap. [p]<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4489 aligncenter" src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2018/09/truck-parking-2.jpg" alt="" width="376" height="232" /> [p]The issue of truck parking is widely recognized, and considerable effort has been applied to resolve it. This white paper contributes to that conversation with insights into where the industry is now and where it needs to go. To read the full report, visit: <a href="http://files.truckerpath.com/web/trucker-path-parking-white-paper-2018.pdf">http://files.truckerpath.com/web/trucker-path-parking-white-paper-2018.pdf</a> <strong>[p]About Trucker Path </strong> [p]Trucker Path is America's largest trucking community with over 750,000 individual truck drivers as monthly active users, equating to roughly 35 percent of all long-haul truckers. The exponential growth of the Trucker Path app led to the release of Truckloads, an online marketplace connecting freight brokers with hundreds of thousands of members truckers via the web and mobile devices. In early 2018 the company was acquired by Renren, Inc. (NYSE: <u><a href="http://studio-5.financialcontent.com/prnews?Page=Quote&Ticker=RENN">RENN</a></u>) followed closely by the launch of the Trucker Path ELD solution in March of 2018. The Trucker Path team strives to bring efficiencies to the freight transportation industry while making life on the road easier, more enjoyable, and more profitable for truck drivers.

Sep 28, 2018