






Trucker Spotlight - Tierra Allen <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>Tierra Allen</strong>, AKA The Sassy Trucker on Youtube. She's been driving for 3 1/2 years now. She enjoys driving and traveling the world and wanted to drive a truck since she was 18. Let's get to more about Tierra and her sassy life of trucking.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3>
I decided to become a truck driver because I like the flexible schedule. I like the fact that i don’t have a boss looking over my shoulder 24/7. Most importantly i get paid to travel.
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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>
I’ve noticed more and more women are getting into trucking.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-2.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3>
I decided to make a Youtube channel to share my experiences with everyone and to encourage and influence others to decide if they want to become a truck driver.
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<h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3>
Whenever I get lonely, I talk on the phone with friends and listen to podcasts and music.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-3.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3>
Us truck drivers put our health at risk because we high a high chance of catching Covid19 because we are driving cross country.
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<h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3>
My favorite truck is the Kenworth Studio Sleeper .
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-4.jpg" alt=""]
<h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3>
I want to become an actor.
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<h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3>
The best truck stop for me is Petro truck stop.
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<h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3>
As a female, I encounter a lot of harassment, hate, and other truckers underestimating me because I am in a male dominated field.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-5.jpg" alt=""]
<h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3>
I dislike how some cars tend to cut truck drivers off.
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<h3><strong>What are your trucker essentials when you drive?</strong></h3>
Dash cam, GPS, bluetooth headset, refrigerator, microwave, sleeper bag, emergency bag, and boots.
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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>
What I enjoy the most about <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> is the fueling feature.
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<h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3>
Be prepared to work in crazy weather conditions.
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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/c/TheSassyTrucker/videos">Youtube Channel, The Sassy Trucker</a>.
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/20ZfEa9_J88" 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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Meet a Pathfinder: Alex Tkachev <div style="text-align: justify">
<p>The Meet a Pathfinder series explores what our Pathfinder users love about being part of the program, what's their favorite thing to explore, and fun facts about themselves.</p>
<p>Today we have Alex Tkachev from Portland, Oregon.</p>
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/12/Alex-Tkachev-copy.jpg" alt=""]
<strong><p>What do I love about being a Pathfinder?</p></strong>
<p>What I love about being a Pathfinder is that it encourages me to read other people's comments and get engaged with the places that I visit.</p>
<p>I get to find out more about the locations that I visit and how truck stop management works hard to help truck drivers. It makes me feel more empathetic to the people that work there and all that they put into their jobs. Especially with the worker shortage, people work extra hard to keep this economy running.</p>
<strong><p>My favorite thing to explore</p></strong>
<p>My favorite thing to explore are truck stops that are in faraway locations that most people don’t know about. Finding truck stops that I haven’t heard of before, but that is some of the best places to relax.</p>
<strong><p>Fun fact about me</p></strong>
<p>I try to eat healthy even when healthy food options are limited.</p>
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<em><p>The Trucker Path Pathfinder program aims to build a community for truckers who are enthusiastic, passionate, and adventurous. Every time you share an experience on the Trucker Path map help a fellow trucker over the road. If you love discovering hidden gems, supporting a mom-and-pop truck stop, and telling stories with vivid visuals and cogent reviews, <strong><a href="http://pathfinder.truckerpath.com/sign-up.html">join our squad to start your journey</a></strong>.</p></em>
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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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