
Read through fellow truck driver’s truck stop reviews or leave one of your own on the Trucker Path app – the best app for truckers!
Found a truck stop nearby and want to see what fellow drivers have to say about parking, food, showers, and other amenities? Or maybe you’re looking for nearby restaurants.
No problem, Trucker Path has you covered with truck stop reviews!
Now you can find the best truck stops for you and get a better idea what the experience at a location might be like before deciding to route to it.
Steps:
1. Open the Trucker Path app
2. Click a truck stop detail card at the bottom

3. Click the REVIEWS tab at the top

4. To leave your own review, Click the + button at the bottom right

5. Type in your clean review, choose up to a 5-star rating and click post

Trucker Path DOES NOT tolerate any offensive reviews. If you come across a review that is wildly inappropriate or offensive, you can report it very easily.
1. Click the 3 dots located on the right of the review, then click report





How to Kick-off your Trucking Career
[p]If you like road trips and you get excited by the idea of earning money while living ‘life on the road’ then trucking is for you. Trucking is one of the biggest industries in the world and extremely important for the survival and efficient function of an economy. As such, trucking not only helps support the economy, but also helps build it. At the moment around <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/trucking-industry-facts-us-truckers-2019-5-1028248577#truck-drivers-earn-less-than-most-americans-in-terms-of-annual-income10">6% of all the jobs available in the U.S are in the trucking industry</a> with more than 7 million people working in the industry right now. The number is growing each year as dependency on trucking increases.[/p]
[p]That sounds like an industry where the future is secure and employment guaranteed if you are good at the job. Sounds good right? It sure does but before you can get anywhere near a truck you need to fulfill some obligations like getting a license, choosing a trucking company, and more. Follow the steps below to get started with your stint as a truck driver.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/2-1.jpg" alt=""]
[p][b]Make Up Your Mind [/b][/p]
[p]It is extremely important to get yourself mentally ready before even thinking about getting a license. Trucking sounds exciting but the job is mentally and physically taxing. At times you are required to sleep at truck stops, in cheap motels, or inside your truck's cabin. There aren't many decent places to take a shower and you will eventually run into some dirty truck stops. You may also meet some rude people which will definitely test your patience. Most importantly, you are away from your family for lengthy periods. Therefore, never decide in haste. Sit down and think about it but once you make up your mind do not look back as only excitement and adventure come ahead.[/p]
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/3.jpg" alt=""]
[p][b]Apply for a CDL[/b][/p]
[p]The first step on the road to becoming a truck driver is to get a commercial driving license (CDL). The CDL is divided into three main categories in North America: [/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/cdl_types.jpeg" alt=""]
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[p]If your goal is to become a big-rig driver then you need a Class A license. To get that you need to enter into a trucking school. This institute is much like a driving school except in a trucking school you are taught advanced methods of driving a large vehicle. There you will be required to practice and hone your skills both in the classroom and on the field. Generally, trucking school starts at $3,000 for a beginner program. You may avoid paying the whole cost of the trucking school by availing of some financial aid options. If you sign with a carrier before graduation, they may cover some of your educational expenses. Some schools in areas with trucker shortages may also offer scholarships to its students. You are eligible to apply for a Class A license once you have completed at least 160 hours or roughly 10 weeks of training. [/p]
[p]Once you have that many hours under your belt simply go to a state-mandated testing facility, pass your test with flying colors and you are good to go. Afterward, you need to go to the licensing authority in your state where you will be required to show your identification, proof of state residency, your Social Security Number (SSN),and proof of passing the CDL exam. The training program for a CDL can last for 3 to 4 weeks so if you are motivated you can get started with your trucking career within a matter of months.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/4.jpg" alt=""]
[p][b]Pick A Trucking Company[/b][/p]
[p]The next step in your road to becoming a truck driver is choosing a good trucking company. There are many good local and national companies across America. That is a good thing because you have the power to choose and differentiate between various trucking companies. As such you should always look for renowned companies that have a good name in the industry. The last thing you want is to end up in a trucking company that is not financially stable and that doesn’t provide you with job perks.
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[p]A good company may provide you with health insurance, life insurance, paid vacation, sick leave pay, and more. So choose wisely but don’t waste too much time stalling![/p]
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/5.jpg" alt=""]
[p][b]Accept the First Good Job [/b][/p]
[p]Most newcomers in the trucking industry waste time by waiting for the right opportunity, the “perfect route”. But that is not advisable. You are a fresh trucker who has just gotten his/her license. It is better to get some and any experience under your belt as soon as possible. Ultimately, the number of hours you spend driving will help you in the future to move up the ladder to better trucking companies. That can also lead to better job perks, better opportunities as a trucker, and a handsome salary. If you wait, a very good trucking contract may come your way but that is a rare possibility. By then, your peers would have moved further up the ladder on to greener pastures while you start late and experience the grit of a newcomer in a tough industry.
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[p][b]Final Thoughts[/b][/p]
[p]It is not very hard to get into the trucking business if you have the right mindset and you are motivated. Yes, you may face financial burdens in the beginning but seeing that the <a href="https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2019/06/america-keeps-on-trucking.html#:~:text=More%20than%203.5%20million%20people,occupations%20in%20the%20United%20States.">average trucker</a> makes $50,000 - $60,000 per year the initial burden might not feel a lot to bear. However, you would have to spend time away from family but in the end, all of this is worth the effort. The trucking industry is here to stay and you can make the most of it while having a grand adventure and enjoying the magnificent views in your big rig!
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[p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]
GPS Devices for Trucks <h2></h2>
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Truck GPS navigation devices are different than the one you might use in your everyday car or truck. The screens are usually larger, sturdier for everyday use, and offer more advanced, but necessary, features truck drivers need to safely and efficiently make it to their destination. Here are some of the most common GPS devices that Truckers use in this day and age.
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<strong>1. Garmin dezl 770LMT</strong>
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Cost: Approximately $450-$500
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Description: 7” HD screen with glass display.
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Features: This trucking GPS navigation unit features a truck and trailers services directory, customized trucking routes, lifetime map updates, weigh station alerts, traffic and weather information, backup camera compatibility, and Bluetooth capabilities for hands-free use.
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<a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/dezl.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/dezl-300x244.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="244" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5146" /></a>
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<strong>2. Rand McNally TND 520</strong>
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Cost: Approximately $400
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Description: 5” display screen.
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Features: This trucking GPS navigation unit features updates on weather, fuel pricing, traffic, and travel centers along with assistance tracking fuel and mileage logs.
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<a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/mcnally.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/mcnally-300x227.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="227" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5147" /></a>
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<strong>3. TruckWayGPS - Model 720 </strong>
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Cost: Approx $150
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Description: large 7” touch screen display, with 800x400 pixels.
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Features: This trucking GPS navigation unit provides drivers with current and up-to-date maps, 3D maps, as well as free maps for the US and Canada. You can even enter the weight and directions for your truck so you can get the best route for the type of load you’re hauling.
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<a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/truckway.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/truckway-300x273.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="273" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5149" /></a>
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For many drivers, a GPS unit on its own isn’t enough to give them the information they want or need. Many drivers like to use supplementary apps to ensure they have their location and approach nailed down. Apps like <a href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/">Trucker Path</a> offer additional information and features that GPS units simply don’t have (for only $9.99 a month),such as more information on truck stops, best places for truckers to get food, best places to stay the night, updates on whether stops are open, and even ratings from other truck drivers on what these places are like.
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<a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tpgps.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tpgps-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5148" /></a>
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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Trucker Terms [p] If you're going to make it in trucking these are the trucker terms you'll want to remember along with some good ole trucking slang you'll hear on the CB radio. [/p]
[h2] Trucker Terms [/h2]
[p] Being a trucker is not only a unique way of life, it also comes with a unique way of communicating that only those in the trucking industry probably can decipher and understand. [/p]
[p] <strong> 10-4 - </strong> acknowledging something
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[p] <strong> 10-6 - </strong> busy right now
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[p] <strong> 10-8 - </strong> en route
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[p] <strong> 20 -</strong> location
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[p] <strong> 4-Wheeler -</strong> automobile
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[p] <strong> APU -</strong> authorized pick-up
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[p] <strong> Backhaul -</strong> retuning load to home location
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[p] <strong> Bear Trap - </strong> speed radar trap
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[p] <strong> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/freight-contracts/">Bill of Lading</a> - </strong> document that details information regarding the goods being hauled by a carrier from a shipper
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[p] <strong> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/what-is-a-weigh-station/">Chicken Coop</a> - </strong> Weigh Station
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[p] <strong> Chicken Lights - </strong> Added lights on and around a truck
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[p] <strong> Chocks -</strong>blocks placed in front and behind wheels to prevent truck from rolling
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[p] <strong>Cosignee - </strong>person who receives the goods
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[p] <strong>Cosignor - </strong>person who ships the goods
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[p] <strong> County Mounty -</strong> - county sheriff
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[p] <strong> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/what-is-deadhead/">Deadhead -</a></strong> miles driven with no load
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[p] <strong> Dry Van -</strong>standard enclosed truck trailer
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[p] <strong> ETA -</strong> estimated time of arrival
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[p] <strong> Freightshaker -</strong> Freightliner truck
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[p] <strong> GCW (Gross Combined Weight) - </strong> combined wieght of tractor/trailer and load
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[p] <strong> Gear Jammer -</strong>speeding driver
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[p] <strong>Hammer Down -</strong> drive faster
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[p] <strong> Hopper -</strong> truck that empties load through bottom that opens
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[p] <strong> HOS -</strong>hours of service
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[p] <strong> Intermodal -</strong> shipping container freight
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[p] <strong>Jack-Knife -</strong>when trailer is pushed to the side of the tractor
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[p] <strong> K-whopper - </strong>Kenworth truck
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[p] <strong> Kingpin - </strong> pin where the axel wheel pivots
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[p] <strong> LTL (Less Than Truckload) -</strong> load less than 10,000 lbs.
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[p] <strong> Motor Carrier -</strong> person or company that is responsible for transporting goods via a commercial motor vehicle
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[p] <strong>P&D Driver -</strong> pickup and delivery driver locally
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[p] <strong>Payload - </strong>weight of the load
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[p] <strong>Peddle Run - </strong>route with lots of deliveries
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[p] <strong>Pete - </strong> Peterbilt truck
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[p] <strong>RC (Rate Confirmation) -</strong> the rate shipper or broker agrees to pay carrier to haul a load
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[p] <strong> Reefer -</strong> refridgerated truck trailer
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[p] <strong> Shiny Side Up - </strong> top of truck; don't crash or roll over
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[p] <strong> Sliding Fifth Wheel - </strong> fifth wheel that can be slid back to redistrubute weight on the axels
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[p] <strong>Trucking Authority -</strong>FMCSA approval to haul loads
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[p] <strong>Willy Weaver - </strong>drunk driver
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[h2] Using Trucker Path Along Your Route [/h2]
[p] Now that you know the trucker terms and are talking like a real driver, it's time you use a tool that most truckers rely on to help them save time and money - the <strong>Trucker Path app. </strong> [/p]
[p] Trucker Path is free to download and helps drivers: [/p]
[ul]
[li] Find truck parking with real-time updates [/li]
[li] Browse through the list of amenities a location offers [/li]
[li] Check to see if a weigh station is open or not [/li]
[li] View Walmart locations and know if they allow truck parking [/li]
[li] Compare diesel prices to save on fuel[/li]
[li] Plan their route to show locations along their trip [/li]
[li] Read through fellow drivers reviews of a location [/li]
[li] Find restaurants near truck parking locations and much more! [/li]
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[button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=truckerterms
"]Try Trucker Path Today![/button-green]
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