






Trucker Spotlight - Kristy Mathews <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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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tp-sp-blog-kristy-3.jpg" alt=""]
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Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Kristy Mathews</strong>, who's one of the three recently crowned Queens of the Road by <a href="http://www.realwomenintrucking.com/">Real Women In Trucking</a>. She's a 36yr-old, born and raised Minnesotan trucking influencer, who isn't scared to take on any job. Big or small she's done it all. Let's get to know more about Kristy and how it's like to be Queen of the road.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3>
I always had a fascination with the big trucks and machinery we used in the family companies. From the 1st time I got to ride in the truck, I knew that's what i wanted to.
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<h3><strong>What were some challenges that you faced when you started out trucking? </strong></h3>
When I first started driving, I definitely was looked at like I couldn't do it. I was an 18yr old 90lb woman fresh out of high school, but I showed them I had what it would take.
I've been looked at as an underdog and its a daily reminder of all the things I was told I couldn't do and I've prevailed through thick and thin. This is my dream and I'll do whatever it takes to succeed. Especially if it's empowering more women to do something they thought they could never do. Positive vibes and strides to the ultimate goal.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tp-sp-blog-kristy-2.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>In the years that you've been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3>
Biggest noticeable changes I've noticed in the industry is lack of common sense and respect for others. We are all in this together like a family once upon a time and now it's all about your 15 seconds of fame on bashing others. I hate what its come to and I always try to instill that brotherhood/sisterhood as much as possible. We need that back, we need to have each other's back.
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<h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3>
I don't have times of loneliness because I'm an introvert. I love the isolation in my truck and all the time to myself. That's also how I think of my next big move in life.
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<h3><strong>What are your trucking pet peeves</strong></h3>
I have a lot of trucking peeves but I would like to think of the positives and not get set back by something I can't change.
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<h3><strong> Being Queen of the Road, how would you want to change or improve on the current situation of the trucking industry?</strong></h3>
If I could change or improve current situations in the industry, it would have to be getting our voices heard across the board from big things like rules regulations and HOS, to increasing truck parking so drivers can have a restful sleep and safe havens.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tp-sp-blog-kristy-5.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What keeps you busy nowadays? How did the current Covid-19 situation affect your trucking life?</strong></h3>
Work keeps me plenty busy. I work hard so I can play harder. I love taking vacations. It is something I never grew up doing with my family so now I'm living my best life.
Covid-19 hasn't really affected me all that much. I've been to every hot spot delivering medical supplies. If anything, it was humbling in the beginning knowing I'm doing something to help and these loads were needed, but it's honestly no different than any other day.
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<h3><strong>What are your future career plans? Would you continue to be a trucker? Any plans on being an instructor?</strong></h3>
Looking into my future, it's my goal to get my non-profit initiative started. Breast cancer screening is a big deal (has deep meaning to me) and I want to be able to help females in the trucking industry get the screenings they need more conveniently, more affordable options for preventative care, mastectomies, and down time since we all know if the wheels aren't turning you ain't earning. Also part of it, I'd like to help females wanting to come into the industry with grants to get them schooling they need to succeed, and graduating high school students scholarships to anyone wanting to go into the medical field. I have some big dreams and goals I plan to achieve.
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<h3><strong>Favorite truck model?</strong></h3>
I'd love to own, restore, and drive a 1957 Mack B61 twin stick. If i had time and a lot of extra money, that would be my dream right there.
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<h3><strong>What are your must haves or the things that you bring with you when on the road?</strong></h3>
My best must haves are an atlas, <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path app</a>, and my phone. I like to keep it simple.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tp-sp-blog-kristy-4.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring women truckers?</strong></h3>
Women wanting to delve into this industry should not come in with an "I am woman hear me roar" BS attitude. We are all in this together, doing this together. The best way to succeed is to be humble, strong, thick skinned, and help others asking for help.
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<em>Got a cool story to share? Send us message at community@truckerpath.com to be featured!</em>
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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Trucker Path App: Avoid Traffic & Roadworks <div style="text-align: justify">
[p]Hello Trucker Path users,[/p]
[p]We're excited to tell you another improvement we made to our navigation function on the Trucker Path app.[/p]
[p]When you encounter unexpected traffic or temporary roadworks on your route, you'll now have the option to switch to a faster route by tapping the Avoid button on the suggested pop-up. And you'll be taken to a similar route with a similar arrival time in respect to the route you planned before the traffic or roadworks.[/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/02/Avoid-Traffic-Roadworks-.png" alt=""]
[p]We'll continue to enhance your experience using our navigation and trip planning function, and we'd love to hear your thoughts on this feature.[/p]
[p]Stay tuned for further updates![/p]
</div>
Trucker Spotlight - Chris Lee <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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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-chris_lee-blog-1.jpg" alt=""]
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Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Chris Lee</strong>, who's been driving for around 3 years now. He's originally from Michigan, but has been in Texas for so long that he considers himself a Texan already. He's been married for two years and has a 10 year-old son. He decided to live his life on a vegan/plant-based diet due to trucking. Let's get to more about Chris and how trucking changed his life.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3>
I became a trucker because it had been something I had wanted to do years before I took the leap. I had been deterred and so I started a moving company. After doing that for a couple of years my wife then girlfriend at the time brought it up and I couldn't say no to the opportunity a second time.
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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>
In the short amount of time that I have been in the trucking industry, I've seen electronic logs come and paper logs go, I have also seen two major changes to the hours of service.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-chris_lee-blog-2.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3>
I had also wanted to make Youtube videos for a while. I would make content about moving and I just wasn't confident enough nor did I understand how to upload videos onto the internet. When I got into trucking I wanted to put out information that I didn't have that I thought would help others looking to get into the industry.
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<h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3>
When I drove OTR, it definitely got lonely so having people to talk to back at home really helped out a lot. Being able to have a support group via Youtube also keeps me from feeling like I'm out here by myself.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-chris_lee-blog-3.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3>
The pandemic hasn't really affected my day to day operations. Shippers now require a covid form to be filled out for drivers entering their facility and may also take out temperature but that is about it.
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<h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3>
I'm currently on a flatbed dedicated route so my sights are pretty routine, but when I was OTR my favorite places to drive were Nevada and Utah.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-chris_lee-blog-5.jpg" alt=""]
<h3><strong>What was your weirdest or most unusual haul?</strong></h3>
Once I was hauling a load of livers and was asked at the receiver if I ate them. I told her no and she then asked why would I have them in my truck then.
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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>
I use rest stops and truck stops 99 percent of the time unless I can stay at a shipper or receiver overnight. When looking for a truck stop, I often check how many spots they may have, if they have showers, and the type of food they serve. I normally bring my own food from home to eat in the truck, but if I had to choose, I would say Indian food. I've been to a couple truck stops that serve that type of food while driving OTR.
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<h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3>
The most common troubles or problems I encounter out on the road are other drivers, mostly the smaller vehicles cutting in front of big trucks.
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<h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3>
My biggest pet peeve about trucking is not having a shower or restroom in the truck. That would save me lots of time.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-chris_lee-blog-4.jpg" alt=""]
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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>
My favorite features to use on <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> are the fuel price feature, knowing how far each rest stop/truck stop are from my location, knowing if weigh stations are open or closed, being able to route my trip in the app. Honestly there are so many things to like about the app because it's catered to truckers and I definitely appreciate that.
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<h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3>
Always do your pre-trip before getting on the road is tip number one! Another tip I would share is to learn how to save and invest your money so that your future self can appreciate your hard work.
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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/UCTuG9to9JYyvOc789furUKw">Youtube Channel, ChrisLeeTV</a>.
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sgi5-ZiBpB8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Hope you guys enjoy!
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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