Jun 04, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Jake Clyde

Trucker Spotlight - Jake Clyde

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.

Today we are putting the spotlight on Jake, who recently started a Youtube channel “PinoyTruckerInUSA” where he shares his experiences being an over-the-road Filipino truck driver. He mostly drives in the Midwest and has been trucking for 5 years. We are stoked to get him to share some insights regarding the trucking industry.

What made you decide to be a trucker?

I’ve always been an adventurous person and I love to travel so when I found out about trucking, I thought it would be perfect for me. Because of trucking, I was able to live my life freely and help my loved ones. It truly is a job that I enjoy.

How are you holding up with the COVID-19 situation?

A few of my current struggles include the lack of loads i’ve been getting which lowers my overall income. Aside from that, I have really put some effort in enforcing some safety measures for my own health and safety.

Can you share some safety measures that you have been doing?

I protect my self by following the standards of social safety distancing, wear masks at all time, and I always wash my hand. I have my own protective gear too. I’m also lucky to have been provided free masks by some shippers.

What are the significant changes you’ve noticed in your 5 years of trucking?

Back in the day, trucking was complicated because of the lack of technology. But now, apps like Trucker Path helps so many truckers because it’s user friendly and easy. I’ve been using this app for some time now and I highly recommend it to truckers. It’s basically an all-in-one platform for truckers.

What are the common troubles or problems that you have encountered while trucking?

A few troubles I’ve encountered are heavy traffic in the cities, road rage from other drivers, and the fact that some don’t let you pass at all.

What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?

As a truck driver, i’ve been through a few amazing roads but my favorite is Oregon. The scenic views are mesmerizing.

Any difficult routes for you?

Some unusual roads I’ve driven is probably in New Jersey and New York. When I first started solo driving, I’ve found the road too confusing and difficult.

Any tips for aspiring truck drivers out there?

I have 3 tips for aspiring truckers: Always think of your safety , pay attention, and slow down.

Where can people watch your trucking videos on Youtube?

You can find me on my Youtube channel, “PinoyTruckerInUSA”.

Cheers!

By Aldous Aldwin

TagsTruck truck drivers Safety Trucker Path Trucking Industry Truck driver tips Trucking Tips Covid19 Trucker Spotlight

Trucker Spotlight - Tony Justice <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> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Tony Justice</strong>, a full-time trucker and one of country music’s most talked about independent artists, selling over 100,000 albums, gracing magazine covers, and earning over 10 MILLION YouTube views. Let's get to know more about Tony and his life where the music meets the road. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Tell us a short story about yourself? </strong></h3> I was born in Visalia, CA but moved to Elkhorn Creek, KY when I was three. I grew up in Coal Country smack dab in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s not to far from Van Lear, KY where Loretta Lynn was born. Growing up, I had 3 older brothers and an older sister. My dad owned three of his own trucks that he hauled coal with. He drove one and my two uncles drove the others. Dad was always serious when it came to keeping his truck up and it was my brothers and my responsibilities to wash and service the trucks every weekend. Dad always had Conway Twitty or Merle Haggard or George Jones blasting on the radio. I can’t remember a time in my life without trucks or music being a part of it. I spent my 20s traveling and playing music. After a divorce, I got custody of my two daughters and figured the music has been fun but it’s time to get a real job. In 2000 I got my CDL, hit the road and quit the music. Fate is a funny thing, but when I quit music is when it actually started gaining traction. I was blessed to find a company like ETI that allowed me to pursue my music and keep my job at the same time. The rest as they say is history. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What came first? Trucking or Singing?</strong></h3> Singing came first, but as a kid, like most other kids, I love those big rigs and still love them today. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What got you into music? Who are your music influences?</strong></h3> My mom is a huge music fan and an amazing singer herself. Growing up, she had a gospel group that would travel to different churches. I picked up the bass guitar when I was six and starting playing in her group at the age of seven. I have to give credit to my mom for getting me interested in the music. I have several artists that I love. Most know I'm a Merle Haggard junkie, but I also like many other artists like Keith Whitney, George Jones, Alabama, Charlie Daniels, Don Williams, Tom T. Hall, Johnny Cash, Midland and Jamie Johnson - to name a few. Then you have my southern rock and rock n roll side with artist like The Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, Journey, The Stones and E.LO. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How do you describe your music?</strong></h3> It’s for the blue collar working class. I still truck these highways every week and that’s what my songs are about. The journey... whether it’s the journey trucking out to California or the journey of life. There are so many similarities between trucking and life. That’s why the trucking industry has more songs written about it than any other industry and that is what makes them relatable to not only truckers but to the general public as well. A lot of writers these days stray away from reality. I feed on it when I’m writing. <h2></h2> <h3><strong> If you could do a show with any artist, who would that be?</strong></h3> It has to be Merle Haggard hands down. Elvis would be my second choice. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I always loved the big rigs. I grew up riding with my dad in the mid 70s through the mid 80s. I traveled playing music across the East from 1990 to 2000 in an old 84 model Chevy conversion van pulling a ten-foot equipment trailer. I would always fall in with a few trucks going the way I was going and get to chatting with them on the CB radio. I guess I was playing trucker - haha. My dad was my hero and damn good at what he did. He drove for 30 years hauling coal and then hauling tankers for Highway Transport out of Knoxville, TN. Who didn't want to grow up to be like their dad? <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <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 advances in technology has to be the biggest changes I have seen. Some for the better and some for the worse. Regulations have increased dramatically as the old school brotherhood has decreased. It’s still alive you just have to look a little harder. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What attributes must one have in order to be a successful truck driver?</strong></h3> Patience, dedication and a commitment to professionalism are so important. You treat the industry with the respect it deserves and it will give you respect back. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3> There are too many to recall, but I’d have to say running back from California one time. I hooked up with about seven other truckers - six men and one woman. We all stayed together from LA all the way to Dallas before we went separate ways. It was definitely and blast from the past and without a doubt we made old Southern Shaker proud and may have pissed off one Phoenix Evil Knievel who ended up having to chase his cowboy hat instead of us. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How do you balance driving, writing music, and performing?</strong></h3> I do the best I can. It’s a challenge for sure but I have an amazing team back home who carry the bulk of the day to day. My wife, Misty, and my step-daughter, Lacey, do a ton of work along with my Director of Marketing, Laura Bull, and Chief Financial Director, Audrey Russell. Having a supportive boss like I do in Cline and Lisa Everhart also allows me to take off work to record, play shows and film videos. I’m truly blessed to have these people in my life. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3> Easy: Peterbilt 379. My second choice would be the old Diamond Rios and then the W900 KW and the old Freightliner Classics. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice5.png" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> Loves is the one my company uses to fuel with and I like them. Some of my other favorites are Uncle Pete’s, Iowa 80, Kewanee One Stop, Davy Crockett TA, and the old Queen City truck stop. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR?</strong></h3> It happened last year. I was rolling east on 72 in Alabama and grenaded this ole Cat. We got 1.3 million on a rebuild so I guess I can’t complain too much about it. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Don't just be a driver. Learn the industry inside and out. Become as familiar with it as possible. It will benefit you tremendously down the road. Don’t allow yourself to become complacent with driving. After a few years, that is easy to do. It will bite you if you let it. Last but not least, no matter the situation you may find yourself in, NEVER… NEVER get in a hurry. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Mar 16, 2021 • Community

Types of Truck Freight [h2] Types of Truck Freight [/h2] [p] There are many types of truck freight, each with a unique yet important role for moving different truck freight across the nation and load boards make it easy to find truck freight. [/p] [h2] Truck Freight [/h2] [p]Truck freight is responsible for <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-industry-trends/">70 percent of all cargo that is transported in America</a>. That's over 10 billion tons each year![/p] [p]Companies ship a variety of truck freight ranging in size, value, and contents. Ever wonder how ice cream somehow stays frozen when shipped across America or how huge machines make their way from a factory in Kentucky to a warehouse in California? It's all thanks to truck freight and the specific trailers and equipment necessary for the dedicated men and women of the trucking industry to haul the freight. [/p] [h2] Find Truck Freight on Truckloads Load Board[/h2] [p]If you have <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-authority/">trucking authority</a> and are looking for truck freight loads you can use Truckloads free load board to customize your truck freight search and filter results that are the best fit for you. You can choose from 11 different trailer equipment types when searching for loads and search based on location, date, deadhead and even load weight. [/p] [p]Use Truckloads web version or download the app and view over three million loads per month including unlimited access to premium loads as well as the ability to call a broker right from the app from anywhere. Stay loaded and know where nearby truck freight loads are with Trucker Path Truckloads![/p] [button text="Try Truckloads for Free" href="https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/free-load-board/?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=truckfreight&utm_campaign=Aug10" width="250px"] [video id=snyBYpnuhWw] [h2] Flatbed Trucks [/h2] [p]Flatbed trucks are truck freight with a trailer that is leveled off and open with no sides or top, hence the name flatbed. This design makes it easier to load and unload large freight that otherwise couldn't fit into a standard 53-foot trailer. Truck freight is secured on flatbeds with straps, tarps and other locking devices to keep the load tied down. [/p] [p] Generally, flatbed trucks are used as truck freight for construction goods, large manufactured parts, and various oversized loads. An oversized load is any truck freight that is over 8.5 feet wide. This type of truck freight requires red flags and lights to help identify the oversized truck freight on the road. [/p] [img src="/uploads/2017/08/Flat-Bed-Final.png" alt="flatbed truck freight"] [h2] Step Deck Trucks[/h2] [p] Similar to flatbed trucks, step deck trucks also have a level surface that is open. The main difference between truck freight with a flatbed and step deck truck is that the step deck truck will have a lower position set closer to the ground. This helps truck freight that is taller sit lower to avoid potential hazards such as bridge clearances. [/p] [img src="/uploads/2017/08/Step-Deck-Final.png" alt="step deck truck freight"] [h2] Reefer Trucks [/h2] [p]Also known as refrigerated trucks, reefer trucks are truck freight with a trailer that is temperature controlled in order to haul goods that must remain within a certain temperature zone at all times such as food. While reefer trucks commonly haul loads that include perishable foods, they also transport things like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/hazmat-transportation/">hazmat materials</a>, though not at the same time of course. [/p] [img src="/uploads/2017/08/Reefer-Final.png" alt="reefer truck freight"] [h2] Dry Vans [/h2] [p]Dry vans are the most common truck freight. They are typically a standard 53-foot trailer like the ones you see connected on the back of a semi-truck on the interstate that might say Walmart, Target or Schneider. Although not an actual van, they are the most common truck freight to haul goods, providing a trailer that is sealed and protected from the elements. [/p] [p] Look around your home and chances are the things you see were hauled by dry van truck freight. Dry van loads are used by a variety of companies looking to ship anything from consumer products, home goods, electronics, and a variety of other products that don't require refrigeration. [/p] [p] Choosing to haul truck freight with a dry van can result in an increased opportunity in available freight to haul due to the volume of truck freight shippers have for dry vans. [/p] [img src="/uploads/2017/08/Van-Final.png" alt="Dry Van freight"] [h2] Other Types of Truck Freight [/h2] [ul] There are several other truck freight loads you'll find as well, including: [p] [li]Auto Carrier - trailer that hauls automobiles and other vehicles[/li] [img src="/uploads/2017/08/Auto-Trailer-Final.png" alt="auto carrier freight"] [li] Dump Trailer - trailer with a lift to incline and allow for loads to be dumped [/li] [img src="/uploads/2017/08/dump-trailer-Final.png" alt="dump trailer freight"] [li] Tanker - trailer that is a long cylinder shape hauling liquids like fuel[/li] [img src="/uploads/2017/08/Tanker-Final.png" alt="tanker truck freight"] [/ul]

Aug 10, 2017 • Carriers

Industry Update - May 19, 2020 <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3> <img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b1.jpeg" alt="Truck Stops" /> <h3><strong>Truck Stops to Remain Open</strong></h3> As the nation endures the Covid-19 pandemic, <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/truck-stops-remain-open-pandemic-despite-hit-bottom-line">truck stops have been working to ensure that drivers have a helping hand</a>. Some truck stops like Iowa 80 have enforced measures to limit the Covid-19 spread while keeping the showers and restrooms open. Loves installed plexiglass at all its stores, restaurants, and truck registers. Petro has remained open and has packaged their convenience store foods in a way that prioritizes customer safety. <h2></h2> <img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b2.jpeg" alt="FMCSA" /> <h3><strong>FMCSA HOS Rule Updates</strong></h3> The <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/hours-service-drivers-final-rule">Final Rule</a> features four key changes to existing Hours of Service requirements. <ul> <li>The Agency will increase safety and flexibility for the 30-minute break rule by requiring a break after 8 hours of consecutive driving and allowing the break to be satisfied by a driver using on-duty, not driving status, rather than off-duty status.</li> <li>The Agency will modify the sleeper-berth exception to allow drivers to split their required 10 hours off duty into two periods: an 8/2 split, or a 7/3 split—with neither period counting against the driver’s 14‑hour driving window.</li> <li>The Agency will modify the adverse driving conditions exception by extending by two hours the maximum window during which driving is permitted.</li> <li>The Agency will change the short-haul exception available to certain commercial drivers by lengthening the drivers’ maximum on‑duty period from 12 to 14 hours and extending the distance limit within which the driver may operate from 100 air miles to 150 air miles.</li> </ul> <h3></h3> <img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b3.jpeg" alt="Jobs" /> <h3><strong>More than 80,000 Jobs Lost Last April</strong></h3> According to the<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.t17.htm"> Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>, 88,300 jobs were lost in the trucking industry, a 6.2% year-over-year decline, as the entire economy continues to suffer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that around 60% of the jobs mentioned are drivers.

May 19, 2020 • Carriers