Jun 09, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - June 9, 2020

Industry Update - June 9, 2020

101 New Parking Spaces Added in Kentucky

Truckers traveling the I24 through Kentucky now have a new place to refuel, eat, and park.Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores opened a new store in Oak Grove, Kentucky last June 4. The new truck stop is located near the border with Tennessee and near Fort Campbell Amry base. In addition to 101 truck parking spaces, the new Love’s has the following amenities:

Hardee’s
Eight diesel bays
Nine showers
Love’s Truck Care with on-site Speedco
Laundry facilities
Fresh Kitchen concept
Mobile to Go Zone for electronics
CAT scale
Two dog parks

Diesel Cost Goes Up by a Penny

The nationwide average price of a gallon of diesel increased by one cent to $2.396, according to the weekly report from the government’s Energy Information Administration on June 8.

Compared to last year, the diesel price is still 70.9 cents lower. Diesel increased in all 10 of the regions surveyed by EIA, with it increasing only 0.1 cent in the Gulf Coast region to $2.172.

Bandit Truck Racing Series Returns to Racing this Month

The Bandit Big Rig Series is making a comeback to the track this month for the first time in 2020. Opening in Hawkeye Downs Speedway in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, fans wont be allowed to watch due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A virtual event pass is available for $9.99 for fans to watch the race live online. Purchase your event passes here.

By Aldous Aldwin

TagsTruckloads drivers Truck truck drivers Trucker Path Trucking Industry truck stops Owner Operators Technology Trucking Tips Covid19

Thank a Trucker for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week [p][b]September 7th, 2021 (Phoenix) [/b]: 18 months ago the United States was outside, self-reliant, maskless, and often forgetful of a group of individuals that continually kept America moving. They provide gas to our vehicles, food to our homes, entertainment to our families, but most important peace of mind to our hearts. They provided all this and more, day in and day out. It was easy to forget this group existed because they had always ensured the things we needed were available. 18 months ago, the world changed. America changed. And the daily lives we all had come to expect, changed. However, for this group, nothing changed. During a time of crisis, this group made it their mission to continue keeping our lives "normal".[/p] [p]Truck Drivers have been moving supplies to areas that need them most for over a 100 years and they do not stop. They wake up early in the morning to load their freight, they spend all day or even days making sure it arrives safely to its destination, and then they make their way back home to their families before getting up the next morning to do it again. These tireless heroes spend their lives making our lives better and it is time to share our appreciation. Sept. 12th - 18th is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week and Trucker Path is extending our thanks.[/p] [p]Trucker Path has created this Proud to Serve America's Truck Drivers logo and distributed them to some of the top destination points throughout the US. These hubs have long been on the frontlines providing our nation's drivers with food, gas, overnight parking, and community while away from their friends and families. These logos will be prominently displayed on property for all drivers to know they are supported and to spread awareness to passerby's whose lives are made better because of truckers everywhere.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/09/Screen-Shot-2021-09-02-at-12.35.12-PM.png" alt=""] [p]Having long been known as the go-to app for truckers everywhere, Trucker Path has continually added new features like true truck navigation, and fuel or route optimization to save drivers time and money. Frank Chen, Senior Product Manager at Trucker Path says, "Trucker Path aims to revolutionize our industry by putting drivers at the focal point of our development efforts. Helping Trucker Path's community of drivers save time and reduce fuel expenses will put extra money in their pockets and create happier drivers on the road."[/p] [p]Further revolutionizing the industry, Trucker Path's <a href="http://pathfinder.truckerpath.com/sign-up.html">Pathfinder Program</a> (a community of drivers that post reviews and update gas prices, parking availbility, restroom conditions, and more on locations across the US) has used reviews to help our industry refine standards and spread relevant information throughout the community. Normally, Pathfinders take 3 photos and write a 50-word review to receive a 100 coin rewards (that can be redeemed for prizes). During this year's National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week, we are boosting that reward 10-fold to 1000 coins per qualifying review per location (see Pathfinder Program for rules).[/p] <a href="http://pathfinder.truckerpath.com/sign-up.html">Click here to sign up for our Pathfinder Program</a> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/09/202193-102456.png" alt=""] [p]We want to thank our nation's drivers anyway we can and we encourage all those on the road to sign-up on the Trucker Path app for the Pathfinder Program today. Our platform provides a voice and now it can be used to share our thanks to drivers not just this week but all year round. Take a selfie with the logo, write a review, and help spread the appreciation our community of professional drivers deserve.[/p] [p][b] Download the app from your app store, sign-up, and start thanking today. [/b][/p]

Sep 07, 2021

Trucker Spotlight - Larry Cothran <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/2020/12/ts-larrycothran-blog-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Larry Cothran</strong>, a.k.a. L- Boogie. He's been driving trucks for more than 13 years and is also a businessman. He is the owner and founder of Ministry Marketing Pro. He's also an entrepreneur who has been helping businesses, political leaders and churches leverage the power of social media. <h2></h2> After realizing there was a lack of churches using social media to spread the gospel, he decided to focus his efforts and marketing strategies on churches. <h2></h2> Larry took the knowledge he learned over his 18+ years of studying marketing and advertising and created unique strategies that applied specifically to churches. Let's get to know more about Larry, his trucking life and, his ministry. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> Truthfully, I needed a job and I needed something that would be self sustainable. Something that would always be in demand. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/ts-larrycothran-blog-2.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> The biggest change has been going from paper logs to e-logs, plus the DEF addition to the trucks. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> I wanted to help other truckers and entrepreneurs. I wanted to give information because when I started there was a limited amount of people to talk to that would give me truthful information . <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> Yes. I’ve had to deal with loneliness on the road. When I first started out, I missed Christmas, my son’s first steps, birthdays and etc. I learned to deal with it by watching movies on the laptop, talking with friends and family on the phone. As the times started going, by I would become more useful with the time and use it to study my Bible, create content or counsel different people I met along the way while driving. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/ts-larrycothran-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> Having to wear a mask and forgetting to wear a mask. There are limited places to sit down and eat. Mostly everything has to be done in the truck. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3> I love the Volvo 780 with the table and bed in it. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/ts-larrycothran-blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3> Yes, I love doing marketing for churches, small businesses and politicians so I’m focusing more time on that so that I can eventually transition into full time ministry and become a motivational speaker so that I can share my story to the youth. I’m also a published author with a book called “More Than A Conqueror” which can be purchased on Amazon and I plan on writing more books. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> I love going to Loves. It’s clean and friendly. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> Most common problems are breakdowns and traffic delays, but the biggest is health and weight management. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/ts-larrycothran-blog-5.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> Cars that cut you off and then press the breaks. Distracted driving. There are a lot of people that text and drive and drink and drive. I continually have to drive for 5 which is defensive driving. <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> The feature of Trucker Path that tells you how full the truck stop based on the truckers response. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> First get a mentor. There’s nothing wrong with apprenticeship before ownership. Learn all you can while you’re training and during your 1st year. You won’t make much money the 1st year but if you continue you will make the money you deserve later. Keep your record clean and be safe. <h2></h2> <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/fastestfoot">Youtube Channel, L Boogie</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K9bQ1RmUZo8" 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>

Dec 16, 2020 • Carriers

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