Jan 17, 2019

Cold weather meals to make on the road

Cold weather meals to make on the road

There are certain foods and meals that are especially craveable during the winter. The chillier temps are perfect for stews and soups, and seasonal produce include hearty root vegetables and dark, leafy greens like kale. Just because you’re spending a lot of time on the road, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy home-cooked, seasonally-inspired comfort food. We’ve pulled together some of our favorite cold weather recipes that are sure to warm you up this winter. While most of these can easily be made in your slow cooker or Instant Pot, we’ve also included a handful of winter salad recipes if you’re looking for some lighter fare. Let us know which recipes you try this winter!
Prep tip: Save time on the road by prepping ahead. Brown your meat and chop your vegetables at home ahead of time. These can be kept in your truck fridge until you’re ready to put the meal together. This also allows you to pare down the recipe to make fewer servings without having to store extra ingredients in your truck.
Stovetop/minimal cook recipes

Slow cooker recipes

Instant Pot recipes

Enjoy!

Trucking Industry Update December 7, 2018 [p]By Jeremy Feucht <strong><u>[p]Did you Know?</u></strong> [p]On December 8, 1993, NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) was signed into law. For more on how NAFTA affects trucking, check out the <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/international-programs/north-american-free-trade-agreement-nafta-fact-sheet">FMCSA Fact Sheet</a>. [p] <strong><u>[p]Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong> [p]Snow has begun to fall more frequently across the US. Make sure to allow yourself plenty of stopping distance. If you haven’t already, store an extra set of warm clothes and plenty of blankets in your truck in case you run into trouble out on the road. [p] <strong><u>[p]Diesel Fuel Tax Increase</u></strong> [p]Multiple states are considering an increase to their state fuel tax rates. <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/gas-tax-hike-capital-bill-rahms-transportation-commissioner-pitches-rebekah-scheinfeld/">The state that will be the quickest to approve the increase may be Illinois</a>. If Illinois does not do it as a state, the city of Chicago may do it on its own. Citing the need to push ahead with construction jobs that have been tabled, officials say there will not be enough revenue to get it all done without the tax increase. With diesel prices expected to soar by mid-2019 into the <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/will-trucking-be-affected-new-pollution-rules-ocean-shipping">$4 per gallon range</a>, any proposed increase in fuel taxes are worth noting. [p] <strong><u>[p]Tariffs and Trucking</u></strong> [p]Could we see an earlier peak season than normal in 2019? With the recent pause being placed on tariffs from China, a rush may be placed on orders to arrive in the US before the threat of tariffs comes to fruition. Last year, with tariffs being imminent, peak season shifted from August to July. While it is a plausibility that <a href="https://www.joc.com/trucking-logistics/us-tariff-postponement-may-reshape-early-2019-trucking_20181204.html">the Journal of Commerce entertains</a> (and makes a valid point),due to weather related issues that come with the first quarter of the year, it is highly unlikely that a full-scale shift from late spring/early summer for the peak season will come to pass. The ports will undoubtedly be busier than normal for that time of the year, but a total shift is unlikely to occur. [p] <strong><u>[p]General News</u></strong> [p]The Federal Highway Administration enacted new regulations that will force all agencies to <a href="https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/national-environmental-policy-act-61701/">investigate environmental impacts of proposed legislation</a> prior to enacting new rules. While the trucking industry will not feel the effects of this rule immediately, this could be the start of a wider range of rules that could make older trucks illegal to drive for commercial purposes.

Dec 07, 2018

The creepiest haunted roadways in the U.S. Haunted houses, scary movies and cemeteries, oh my! Halloween season is upon us and with it comes tales of mysterious happenings and the supernatural. If you’re not a fan, we understand if you feel like hiding out until Thanksgiving. But for those of you who thrive on the paranormal, this list is everything you didn’t know you needed. Here are some of the scariest haunted roadways around the country. Filled with legends of ghostly beings and mysterious happenings, these are the highways and byways you’ll definitely want to avoid this Halloween. Or include on your route….if you dare. Don’t forget to let us know if you check one of these roads and if you experience anything unusual while you’re there. <strong>[p]Route 66</strong> <strong>[p]</strong>Running from Chicago all the way to the Pacific Ocean, this famous highway is one of the first in the United States. Its long history includes tales of ghostly hitchhikers, mysterious lights and other paranormal activities. In fact, there are more than 100 spooky stops along Route 66 including “Zombie Road” in Wildwood, Mo., and the Coleman Theater in Miami, Okla., which is said to have been built on top of an old crematorium. <strong>[p]Route 666, Four Corners region</strong> <strong>[p]</strong>Although this highway is part of the larger Route 66, it deserves some attention all on its own. It is often referred to as the “Devil’s Highway,” both for its numbering and because of the high level of deaths along the New Mexico segment of the highway. Even though this highway was renamed in 2003 as U.S. Route 491, motorists still report sightings of ghost truckers and phantom riders, including a girl dressed in white wandering through the desert, and strange weather phenomena. <strong>[p]Clinton Road in West Milford, New Jersey</strong> <strong>[p]</strong>You wouldn’t think that this road is within an hour’s drive from New York City because of how isolated and quiet it seems. Quiet, that is, until you run into the mutant animals said to be hiding in the woods or see phantom headlights following you on the road. Legend has it that if you toss a coin over the bridge, a boy who drowned there will toss it back. <strong>[p]Prospector’s Road, California </strong> <strong>[p]</strong>Located between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, this road is just a short detour off of Highway 49. There are a number of stories of gold miners meeting their end from cave-ins, suicides, and greed-driven murders back in the 1800s. One particular miner is said to haunt the road, showing himself to hikers and drivers alike, telling visitors to “get off my claim.” <strong>[p]Kelly Road in Ohioville, Pennsylvania</strong> <strong>[p]</strong>A one-mile stretch of this road has been the site of some reported bizarre events and paranormal activity. There are stories of animals going rabid as soon as they enter this section of road, sightings of apparitions and strange noises, and a ghost boy who wanders around the area. <strong>[p]Dead Man’s Curve in Clermont County, Ohio</strong> <strong>[p]</strong>Dead Man’s Curve is located just east of Cincinnati. It’s actually not a curve at all, but rather an intersection where Route 222 meets Route 125 in the village of Bantam. Back in the 1800s, the original roadway curved at the top of a hill, which caused horses and carriages to overturn and slide down the hill. It has since been straightened, but still is said to be the location of numerous accidents over the years. Witnesses report seeing floating wrecked cars, antique carriages and faceless hitchhikers. <strong>[p]Route 2A in Aroostook County, Maine</strong> <strong>[p]</strong>This route, which even has a song written about it, is known for its dangerous driving conditions. It is rumored that the icy and snowy roads as well as an unexpected hairpin turn have caused many truckers to lose their lives. There are also stories of spooky spirits seen on this road over the years. <strong>[p]Shades of Death Road in Warren County, New Jersey </strong> <strong>[p]</strong>Close to I-80 near Great Meadows, N.J., Shades of Death Road lives up to its creepy name. It is said that the windy road used to attract bandits due to its many hiding spots in the shade. The highwaymen would lay in wait for victims before committing acts of theft - sometimes even murder. The stories say that locals would hang these highwaymen and leave their bodies in the trees as warnings to other criminals. This road is also known for its unusually extreme fog, unexplainable bright skies and strange floating lights. <strong>[p]Highway 93 in Arizona</strong> <strong>[p]</strong>The stretch of Highway 93 that runs just east of the Nevada border is nicknamed “Blood Alley” for the many deaths that have occurred on the road. The highway is long, narrow and winding with many hills and blind curves, leaving roadway tragedies in its wake. In addition to countless stories of ghost sightings - even a ghost bus - this highway is also home to several eerie ghost towns. <strong>[p]</strong>Whether you decide to roll down any of these spooky roadways or avoid them at all costs, we hope you have a Happy Halloween! Stay safe.

Oct 31, 2018

10 New Year’s Resolutions for Truck Drivers <strong>[p]</strong>We’re about to head into a new year and the possibilities for 2019 are endless. When one year ends and another begins, it’s the perfect time to think about what kind of changes you want to make in your life and setting some personal or professional goals. Can’t think of anything? We’ve got a list of some great New Year’s resolution suggestions for truck drivers to get you started: <strong>[p]1. Eat intuitively. [p]</strong>You can’t really have a list of New Year’s resolutions without including the most popular one. The holidays are over, the cookies are gone, and most people want to overhaul their eating habits and start a new diet in the new year. Before you start counting calories or sign up for the latest diet fad - both of which can be overwhelming and difficult to maintain long term - focus on intuitive eating and listen to your body’s cues for hunger and fullness. <a href="https://alissarumsey.com/intuitive-eating/what-is-intuitive-eating/">You can read more about intuitive eating here</a>. <strong> [p]2. Move daily. [p]</strong>A commitment to exercising regularly doesn’t have to be a big thing with tons of equipment. Go for a walk or a hike. Live on the edge and turn it into a jog. Buy a small pair of dumbbells or resistance bands to use in your truck. Find a short workout video on YouTube that you like and follow along. The important thing is to get your body moving each day. <strong> [p]3. Promise to speak up. [p]</strong>When you see something suspicious at a truck stop, say something. Truck stops and rest areas can only stay safe places for drivers when we work together to keep them that way. Also think about teaming up with <a href="https://truckersagainsttrafficking.org">Truckers Against Trafficking</a> to assist law enforcement in recognizing and reporting human trafficking. Become a certified TAT-trained driver to learn more about how you can help combat this crime. <strong> [p]4. Commit to improving your mental health. [p]</strong>Just like your physical health is important, so is your mental health. Think about what you might need to improve your mental health. Set healthy boundaries. Speak kindly to yourself. Resist negative thinking. Meet with a therapist. Find positive ways to de-stress and stay connected to friends and family. <strong> [p]5. Learn a new hobby. [p]</strong>Hobbies are a great way to keep you occupied during breaks and home time. Choose something that’s easy enough to take on the road with you. Photography, for instance, will allow you to practice your budding skills every time your job takes you someplace new. Learn a new language with the help of an audio program or purchase a musical instrument you can practice any time you stop. <strong> [p]6. Read more. [p]</strong>Whether you love fiction, autobiographies or books that encourage personal growth, reading can do so much good. Not only can you learn something new, but studies have shown that reading can help expand your vocabulary, improve your memory, provide focus and relaxation, reduce depression symptoms and possibly even lower your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Pick up a book or two from the library every time you stop at home, subscribe to an audio book service or download books on a reading device or tablet. <strong> [p]7. Prioritize safety. [p]</strong>Safety is always important every day of the year but take some time this January to really look at your safety procedures and truck inspection checklist. Are they as thorough as possible? If you aren’t already doing truck inspections before every trip, start a new habit of putting safety first. <strong> [p]8. Recognize that your health is important. [p]</strong>Visiting the doctor can be difficult when most of your life is spent on the road. Your health is vital to being the best version of yourself as well as keeping you safe while on the job. In addition to your regular physical, make sure you’re scheduling clinic visits when you’re feeling sick, getting your eyesight and hearing checked regularly, and visiting the dentist. Don’t hold off on getting additional help for more serious health conditions like if you’re having trouble sleeping, feeling depressed or experiencing pain or other unusual symptoms. <strong> [p]9. Be more green & save some green. [p]</strong>Finding ways to drive more efficiently and reduce your fuel consumption is not only better for the environment, but it’s great for your wallet too. Keep your truck in good working order to increase your fuel economy and follow best practices for fuel conservation, such as limiting your idle time, slowing down and taking the shortest route possible. <strong> [p]10. Find ways to stay connected. [p]</strong>One of the biggest challenges for truck drivers is the fact that you spend so much time away from your friends and family. Staying connected to your loved ones is easier than ever before with the help of technology. Make plans for regular FaceTime or Skype sessions, call or text loved ones during your breaks, and snap and share photos when you stop in a new city. If you prefer things a little more old school, buy post cards along your route and mail them home to your family so they can see all the places you’ve visited along the way. <strong>[p]</strong>Are you making a goal or resolution for 2019? If so, we’d love to hear about it!

Jan 03, 2019