




Trucker Spotlight - Matthew Garnett <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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Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Matthew Garnett</strong>, who's been driving for around 10 years now. Trucking is his 3rd career and he was previously a pastor and a front man for a rock band. Let's get to know more about Matt and how his path made its way into trucking.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3>
Driving trucks was a childhood dream of mine. But of course when I grew up as a teen, the expectation was to
go to college and “get a real job". It was only when I was at my wits end with “real jobs", that I decided to pursue this age old dream. Let me say this, driving trucks is the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. The only regret I have is that I didn’t go into trucking sooner!
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<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 thing is the change in the Hours of Service regulations. It seems like this is something Uncle Sam
can’t settle on. Every time we turn around, it seems like the noose tightens more. I wrote an article for <a href="https://thefederalist.com/2017/09/13/truck-driver-overregulation-literally-looks-like-government-deciding-work-eat-sleep/">TheFederalist</a> as well as interviewed on <a href="https://youtu.be/IR4bCB4WpAI">Fox and Friends</a> about this issue.
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The bottom line is, it makes us truckers hurry more instead of keeping the motoring public safe.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3>
Trucking companies do their best to train drivers but unfortunately there’s nothing better than on the ground
experience. I only wish I had some open deck trucking vet showing me the basics of things via a first person camera. Put simply, there was a lot that I didn’t get in training that I had to learn the hard way. Why should guys have to learn the hard way when I can show them via my own personal experience on a Youtube channel?
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<h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3>
No doubt. You’re not going to avoid that. The way I deal with it is constantly occupying my mind. Each day, I have a plan to learn something new each. I have a plan to listen to radio stations and podcasts that will motivate me to keep trucking. One thing I have found very helpful is to listen to podcasts that feature our war fighters. Listening to those men talk about how they’ve defended my freedom to drive trucks gets me through those rough times.
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<h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3>
It’s been good for us truckers. The biggest “struggle” has been being required to wear a mask when at shippers and receivers. It’s been a wise move to deem us as “essential”. We’ll throw the rest of you on our backs and get the economy back to normal.
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Incidentally, I was on <a href="https://youtu.be/xv_s2WplTk4">Fox Business News</a> with Neil Cavuto discussing this topic.
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<h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3>
One of the most beautiful routes is I40 out of the Carolinas into Tennessee. The fact you have to shift a lot there is overcome by the beauty of those Smokies! As of late, I’m stuck in the Midwest running regional. But still, some loads put me right on Lake Michigan. A lot of loads put me in the middle of corn fields. Sure I love the spectacular scenery, but looking at acres and acres of corn still inspires me. The rows are perfectly straight. Some farmer took the time to make that happen and I love it.
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<h3><strong>What was your weirdest or most unusual haul?</strong></h3>
I’ve hauled a lot of strange and irregular stuff running open deck, but the one that sticks out to me is a haul I did
when I was training with my veteran teacher, Gary. Gary and I got a run picking up on a farm in the middle of nowhere Nebraska. Honestly, we thought we were lost on the way to the pickup. We were on a narrow dirt road and both of us thought, “This can’t be right……”. Turns out we were picking up a load of potatoes from a small farmer to deliver to Kansas City. It was a unique loading process into our dry van. The unloading was even more amazing. There, we had to detach from the trailer and watch as a gigantic crane and conveyer picked up our trailer into mid-air and emptied it out like a giant emptying out a can of soup! To be sure, if wasn’t hooked on trucking before then, I knew this is what I wanted to do.
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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>
Truck stops are a part of the life unless you’re a home daily driver. Being a regional driver, I know the best places to stop for the stuff I’m looking for which is two things: water and coffee. I’ve found that it pays to have your own food and a way to cook it (microwave) already on board. You want to be as self contained as possible. Still, I treat myself to a triple cheeseburger with fries once a week. Don’t do that everyday. But still, you’ve got to give yourself a break! Find a spot to get that sammich!
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<h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3>
Driving flatbed means you’re going to get into pickles. You’re going to roll into construction sites that are tight
and where you most likely will get stuck…..like stuck where the crane man has to pull you out. Biggest thing is, don’t panic. Take your time and don’t tear up your equipment no matter what. Also, weight is both a blessing and a curse. Weight / over-dimension and miles is big bucks. But if you get popped for being overweight on an axel, that big money now goes to Uncle Sam. Make sure you know how to axel out your truck and run legally.
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<h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3>
My Number One pet peeve is that Four-Wheelers do not know how to merge onto interstates! Don’t give them the time of day. It’s not my responsibility to help them merge. If you don’t know how to merge, sell your car and take the bus! You have a brake and an accelerator. Either go ahead of me on the ramp or drop back. I ain’t changing lanes for you unless it’s in my interest to do so.
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<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 <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> app is fantastic. It tells me first and foremost if a truck scale is open or closed. Also, the parking feature is very accurate. It’s a Google maps for truckers.
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<h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3>
Do not let your pride get you into an accident. If you’re not sure, don’t do it. Yeah some jackasses might try to make fun of you, but pay them no mind. Always ask questions. The worst drivers are those who act like they know it all. Make it your goal that once you’re driving 50 years you’re still willing to learn and ask questions.
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<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/channel/UCb0huNWBw2OPZeRu6JAyz7Q">Youtube Channel, Trucker Hacks</a>.
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Hope you guys enjoy!
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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Industry Update May 3, 2019 <h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5>
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<h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3>
On May 1, 1931, Herbert Hoover dedicated the Empire State Building in New York City. The tallest building at the time would not have been possible without the use of cranes, trucks and other specialized equipment. Demolition of the Waldorf hotel which stood in the spot where the Empire State Building would be built, began in 1929. Soon after, cranes and cement mixers were sent in to help with the construction of the 102 feet tall building.
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<h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3>
Allergies are a big problem for some this time of year. If you have any allergies, make sure you keep documentation in your truck. Bees, yellow jackets, wasps and hornets are all out beginning this time of year as are mosquitos and ants. Pollen counts are high as well which can bring on asthma systems. Know your body and make sure you are taking proper care to ensure your wellbeing.
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<h3><strong><u>Danger on the Road</u></strong></h3>
A bad wreck in Denver last week cost the lives of four people during rush hour traffic. <a href="https://www.khou.com/article/news/investigations/houston-trucking-company-connected-to-fiery-colorado-crash-has-history-of-safety-issues-involving-brakes/285-18e8ce1f-5486-4dc8-828c-e52b3fdd6239">It is being reported</a> now that the company involved, Castellano 03 Trucking, LLC out of Houston, TX, had a history of brake issues in their recent past. Since 2017, the company has been hit with at least 30 violations regarding their brakes.
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<h3><strong><u>General</u></strong></h3>
In one of the worst stories you will hear, Falcon Transport abruptly <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/falcon-transport-closes-suddenly-laying-about-550-employees">went out of business</a> last week leaving drivers stranded miles away from home. The company had recently been purchased by a private equity firm after having been run by its founding family for 115 years. 550 employees were immediately laid off. But that wasn’t the only company that shut its doors in the last week. <a href="https://cdllife.com/2019/alabama-trucking-company-abruptly-shuts-down/">Williams Trucking</a> out of Alabama also notified its drivers it was shutting down as of May 1 leaving 50 drivers out of work.
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<h3><strong><u>Women in Trucking</u></strong></h3>
Treana Moniz has been named Women in Trucking’s May Member of the Month. Moniz has held her CDL since 2007, she has over 675,000 safe driving miles to her name. In 2018, she was name Eastern Company Driver of the year. Find more on her story <a href="https://www.freightwaves.com/news/trucking/women-in-trucking-names-bison-transport-driver-member-of-the-month">here</a>.
Industry Update - March 15, 2019 <h3>Trucking Industry Update March 15, 2019</h3>
<h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5>
<h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3>
One of the world’s first, and at the time the worst, oil tanker spill occurred this week in history. On March 16, 1978, the Supertanker Amoco Cadiz, wrecked off the coast of France. The spill released 68 million gallons of oil into the Ocean and covered roughly 240 miles of French coastline in oil.
<h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3>
We are about a week away from Spring Break for most of the US. This means more cars on the road traveling to both big cities and remote areas. Make sure you allow yourself additional time on your trips. Be vigilant as this time of year also begins to see an increase in freight thefts. Be careful and be safe.
<h3><strong><u>Declarations of Emergency</u></strong></h3>
With another massive storm hitting the US, make sure you are checking the road and weather reports for the areas you are traveling to and through. This time, a good portion of the <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/bomb-cyclone-slams-plains-midwest-with-heavy-winds-snow/ar-BBUMs06?ocid=spartandhp">Mid-West and Plain States</a> were hit with what is being called a “Bomb Cyclone.” This weather pattern hit states from Colorado to Iowa and as far south as Missouri. Many states have already declared a State of Emergency. Make sure you know if your loads are cleared for hours of service exemptions before trying to run in an exempt status.
<h3><strong><u>Pay</u></strong></h3>
In what should come as little surprise, and good news to owner-operators, large fleets saw a reduction in turnover rates in 2018. This is because <a href="https://www.joc.com/trucking-logistics/labor/pay-hikes-cut-truckload-driver-turnover-big-fleets_20190314.html">large trucking companies increased pay</a> across the board for their drivers. As rates drove up, companies were desperate to keep their seasoned drivers from going off on their own and increased pay. By doing this, they allowed owner-operators to operate at higher rates in the spot-market for a bit longer than normal. As rates begin to fall again, we will see if large fleets retain their high pay rates through the summer or not.
<h3><strong><u>Danger on the Road</u></strong></h3>
This piece of news has several dangerous aspects to it. A driver, just outside of Spokane, WA was uninjured when he navigated the rest stop exit improperly and wrecked his truck into a snow bank. Normally, a wreck that is off the freeway/highway would not shut down an interstate for two hours. This one however did as the trucker had <a href="https://www.khq.com/news/isp-confirms-semi-truck-carrying-missiles-was-headed-for-indiana/article_e96df9ae-443a-11e9-8fb5-430d6df36d84.html">16, 2000-pound US Military missiles</a> on board. Military crews from Fairchild Air Force Base were called to clean up and secure the scene.