
2. Improved Places Search CapabilityThe search bar will now support searching for the business’ name, as well as their address.
3. Bug FixesA few users reported the mile distance from location isn’t displaying correctly. Rest assured this is now completely fixed.
Some users are also reported seeing “no internet connection” despite being connected to the internet. This is a known bug where we’ve implemented some solutions in this patch. Fingers crossed it will be resolved for those affected.
Hope you guys enjoy these. More feature updates in the pipeline for the next release cycle! If you have any suggestions please let our team know at community@truckerpath.com, we’re actively looking for user suggestions!



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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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-blog-1.jpg" alt=""]
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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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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-blog-5.jpg" alt=""]
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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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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-blog-2.jpg" alt=""]
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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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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-blog-6.jpg" alt=""]
<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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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-blog-4.jpg" alt=""]
<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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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-blog-3.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>
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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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4rTSTnqCVCk" 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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Best Truck Stops [p]With over 6,000 truck stops in the Trucker Path app determining the best truck stops in America is no small task. But hey, who doesn't love a challenge and a competition to see which is the best truck stop for 2017.[/p]
[h2]Best Truck Stops[/h2]
[p]The best truck stops are ranked thanks to you guys! There are over 600,000 truck drivers who update locations on Trucker Path with available parking at truck stops, travel centers and rest areas throughout America. Drivers also comment on their experiences at truck stops by leaving ratings and reviews for fellow users to view.[/p]
[p] Whether you need diesel stations to fuel up, looking for a delicious homemade meal like grandma used to make or just looking for a place with truck parking to rest, these are the best truck stops perfect for truck drivers.[/p]
[h2]Creek Travel Plaza[/h2]
[android-img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/05/Creek-Travel-Plaza-1.png"]
[p]The Creek Travel Plaza is the best truck stop for independently owned truck stops and is a must stop for truck drivers in the Southeast.[/p]
[h2]What Makes It a Best Truck Stop?[/h2]
[p]To determine what is the best truck stop, we analyzed a variety of criteria in order to award the best locations found [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]in our app[/a]. Truck stops and travel centers with available truck parking, fantastic customer service and useful amenities like showers, repair services, laundry facilities and WiFi found themselves a cut above the competition.[/p]
[p]It's no secret, truck drivers love to eat. That's why restaurant options and food quality were also included in our decision-making when ranking the best truck stops. The next time you are traveling through America, be sure to check out one of these nearby truck stops.[/p]
[h2]Best Truck Stops - Top 10 Truck Stops: 0-5.0 Ratings scale[/h2]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/04/Screen-Shot-2017-04-25-at-12.56.11-PM-1.png" alt=""]
[button-white href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/04/Top-truck-stops-Top-100-2017-PR.pdf"]Full List[/button-white]
[h2]Best Truck Stops - Top 10 Independent Truck Stops[/h2]
[ul]
[li]Creek Travel Plaza – Atmore, AL[/li]
[li]Karde’s 151 – Monticello, IA[/li]
[li]Gore’s Travel Plaza – Seiling, OK[/li]
[li]Association of Christian Truckers – Brownstown, IL[/li]
[li]BJs Travel Center – New Madrid, MO[/li]
[li]Hixton Travel Plaza – Hixton, WI[/li]
[li]Kwik Trip Travel Center – Austin MN[/li]
[li]Kwik Trip #202 – Plover, WI[/li]
[li]Refugio Travel Center – Refugio, TX[/li]
[li]Texas 87/ Tiger Truck Stop – Esperanza, TX[/li]
[/ul]
[h2]Look for the Decal in the Truck Stop Window[/h2]
[p]Recognition of success goes beyond saying congrats. The best truck stops for this year will each receive a window decal honoring the location as [i]the Best Places for 2017[/i]. This recognition lets truck drivers know that they have come to the right truck stop.[/p]
[images src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/04/best-places-decal-BLOG-1.png" alt="Cost of parking" width="250px" align="left" ]
[h2]Which State Has the Best Truck Stops?[/h2]
[p]They say in Texas, football is king. While that might be true, there's also room on the throne for the best truck stops. [b]Texas[/b] had three truck stops ranked in the top 15 along with nine in the top 100 overall, more than any other state. Meanwhile, [b]Wisconsin[/b] finished second with five ranked in the top 100 and [b]Alabama[/b] finishing third with four truck stops.[/p]
[h2]Gore's Travel Plaza – a Historic Truck Stop Location[/h2]
[p]Gore's Travel Plaza began in 1939 when Floyd Gore decided to open a service station next to his home in Seiling, Oklahoma. Currently, third-generation brothers Tony, Gary and Marty along with fourth-generation son and nephew Derrick continue the family business of serving the trucking community for over 78 years.[/p]
[quote]“The best part of serving the truck driving community is finding new ways to make their days on the road a little easier. We are here to serve them and our goal is to always be above their expectations,” said Gore's General Manager Derrick Gore. “Our staff know that customers come first, before anything else. We want people to leave our facility feeling appreciated and respected. Serving the needs of our customers and going above and beyond their expectations is something that we are proud of and hope they recognize during their visit.”[/quote]
[button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=besttruckstops2017"]Learn More About Trucker Path[/button-green]
[video id ="NSSOwFRJaQw"]
If you're a truck driver but want to earn more and be your own boss, learn how you can<a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/how-to-become-an-owner-operator/"> become an owner operator today.</a>
6 Tips to Keep Safe at Truck Stops <h2></h2>
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You have finally arrived at your truck stop of choice (or found one using <a href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/">Trucker Path</a>) and conveniently located a parking spot. Watch out as things might not be so safe as you think. A large percentage of truck-trailer accidents occur at truck stops which should be the safest place to park. Drivers can never let their guard down when behind the wheel and even parked at that! Trucking accidents are expensive and causes major setbacks in your schedule which leads to more expenses. Below are a few tips to help reduce a trucking accident/incident at a truck stop:
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<strong>Here are 6 tips to keep safe at truck stops:</strong>
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<strong>1. Pre-plan your route:</strong> Pre-plan your route so you know you will be stopping at a location with plenty of room and that is well lit. Choose your stops, don’t let them choose you. Use truck apps such as Trucker Path to efficiently plan your route and plot your desired stops.
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<a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b56.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b56-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5073" /></a>
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<strong>2. Maximize your stops:</strong> Plan to take care of everything you need at a truck stop when you are there the first time. Stopping to fuel, refill your coffee, and eat is better than stopping five times.
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<a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b55.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b55-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5072" /></a>
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<strong>3. Avoid parking at the end of a row:</strong> Not only is there traffic crossing next to you but most people park on the end because they are tired and after a long day the end is the closest spot. Avoiding the end of a parking lot helps you avoid drivers who are parking when they are tired. Removing yourself from high traffic areas can help reduce risk.
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<a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b54.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b54-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5071" /></a>
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<strong>4. Avoid a spot that will force you to back out when you leave:</strong> Choose a spot you can either pull through (the best option) or back into (second best option).
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<a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b53.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b53-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5070" /></a>
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<strong>5. Park where there is space around you:</strong> The back of the lot will usually have more room than the front so let other drivers take the risk of all that traffic coming and going. No need to be a super Trucker when a safe and easy place is available. Think safe, not convenience.<h2></h2>
<a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b41.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b41-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5068" /></a>
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<strong>6. Use your cameras:</strong> Don't be complacent when parking. When your space is tight, utilize what you have to your advantage. Using your cameras will help you see tight spots on sides and at the rear. Take your time and you can also step down to survey the surrounding areas.
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<a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b40.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b40-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5067" /></a>
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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