Nov 05, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Tierra Allen

Trucker Spotlight - Tierra Allen

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 Tierra Allen, 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.

What made you decide to be a trucker?

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.

In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you’ve noticed in the trucking industry?

I’ve noticed more and more women are getting into trucking.

What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?

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.

Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?

Whenever I get lonely, I talk on the phone with friends and listen to podcasts and music.

As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?

Us truck drivers put our health at risk because we high a high chance of catching Covid19 because we are driving cross country.

What’s your favorite Truck Brand / Model?

My favorite truck is the Kenworth Studio Sleeper .

Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?

I want to become an actor.

What’s the best truck stop for you?

The best truck stop for me is Petro truck stop.

What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?

As a female, I encounter a lot of harassment, hate, and other truckers underestimating me because I am in a male dominated field.

What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?

I dislike how some cars tend to cut truck drivers off.

What are your trucker essentials when you drive?

Dash cam, GPS, bluetooth headset, refrigerator, microwave, sleeper bag, emergency bag, and boots.

We’re glad that you use the Trucker Path app on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?

What I enjoy the most about Trucker Path is the fueling feature.

What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?

Be prepared to work in crazy weather conditions.

Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?

They can view my videos on my Youtube Channel, The Sassy Trucker.

Hope you guys enjoy!

By Aldous Aldwin

TagsTruck FCMSA truck drivers Owner Operator Trucker Path Trucking Industry truck stops Owner Operators Technology Covid19 Trucker Spotlight

Misconceptions of Truck Drivers [p]The misconceptions you hear from 4-wheelers [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]about truck drivers[/a] can be laughable and frankly, absurd. At Trucker Path, we like to refer to these misconceptions of truck drivers as “Tales of an Uninformed 4-Wheeler”. Some are so crazy that all you can do is laugh at them.[/p] [h2]Tales of an Uninformed 4-Wheeler – Volume 1[/h2] [p]Sometimes 4-wheelers just don't understand what it's like being a truck driver. Trucking requires learning an all new set of laws, regulations and the skill to drive an enormous big rig in some of the tightest spaces. It's unlike any other career.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/01/McD-Pay-me.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Why do trucks pass each other on the highway?[/b][/p] [p]You hear this all the time. A 4-wheeler gets stuck behind a truck for a few seconds while the truck driver passes another big rig. There are several factors that play into this. It's partly because some trucks are governed at a certain speed (some 60 mph) and some are governed at a higher mph or not at all. Also, some trucks carry much heavier loads than others. An incline in the road can also factor into this occurrence as some trucks hauling cargo uphill struggle to even go 50 mph. Due to this, some truck drivers have no choice but to pass a slower or heavier truck but at times, can only go a certain speed to pass.[/p] [p]Now the Department of Transportation has proposed a speed limiter for all commercial trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds. If the proposed truck speed limiters mandate passes, you will see a dramatic increase in this “inconvenient truck passing”.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/01/Speed-limiters-traffic.jpg" alt=""] [p]Then there are some 4-wheelers who think trucks are an inconvenience on the road altogether. Not only do truck drivers deliver 80 percent of all cargo in America, but they are used for disaster relief and various other tasks to make life easier for 4-wheelers.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/01/snow-plow-2.jpg" alt=""] [p]Or the ones who think driving a truck is a simple job because all truck drivers have to do is sit in a chair.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/01/I-have-skills-TAKEN.jpg" alt=""] [p]Did we forget to mention that [a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucks-delivering-cargo-in-the-usa/"]driving a truck is the deadliest job in America[/a]. In 2015, there were 745 truck driver fatalities, more than any other.[/p] [p]<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTruckerPath%2Fvideos%2F1045972602215688%2F&show_text=1&width=560" width="560" height="463" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>[/p] [p]It's time we debunk the myths about truck drivers. Don't like trucks? Better rethink that one. Without truck drivers, shelves would be full of dust within a few days.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/01/Thank-a-Trucker-hotdogs.jpg" alt=""]

Jan 12, 2017 • Community

Trucker Spotlight - Natasha <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/2020/12/ts-natasha-blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Natasha</strong>, who's a 27 year-old trucker/Youtuber and was born and raised in Hawaii. She's been driving for 1.5 years as a team owner operator together with her husband. She likes to make people laugh and smile through her Youtube videos. She and her husband are team owner operators. Let's get to know more about Natasha and her trucking adventures. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> From watching other Youtuber truckers on youtube actually! At that time, me and my husband had nothing to lose but sell everything we owned and join the trucking world. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/ts-natasha-blog-1.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> Since I haven't been driving long enough, the one thing I have noticed is that the trucking industry is getting bigger by the day! Theres so many diverse truckers, you have to stay open minded dealing with everyone across the country on a daily basis. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> I've always filmed random Youtube videos since I was 16 on old channels. I was bored one day trucking and uploaded one for fun, and slowly more people watched and asked me to post more. So thats how it snowballed into me uploading videos full time now! I wanted to post videos to help other truckers with owner operator questions I had when I first started. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> Since I'm always with my husband, I'd appreciate some alone time, but I'm always grateful that we have each other. Sometimes, i miss my family and friends since it can be hard to see them. Having my little toy fox terrier dog with me has really made trucking it best! <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/ts-natasha-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> The hardest thing so far for us during COVID is food. Most fast food places did and still are closing the lobby and only opening drive through which we definitely cant go through. Also many restaurants closed all together, in the beginning especially we ended up eating canned soups, ramen, TV dinners, etc a lot. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3> I like the newest Freightliner Cascadia's interior features the best, the outside is slick too, but my favorite thing is they made every tiny thing very user friendly and more livable. We had an older Freightliner before. It's WAY different in their new ones. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/ts-natasha-blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3> I started investing in real estate a few years ago. I only own 1 house so far, but plan on continuing to build my portfolio over the years to come. Also, I dream of being a mom one day to a lot of kids and dogs! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> Russells in NM is one of the coolest - it has a car museum inside. We like Quicktrips, and Mavericks, their fuel is usually the lowest in their area, and they're clean and have good food. Many Jack Flashes are brand new and have tons of food options and a shop inside. Of course we found all these stops on Trucker Path! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> For us it's learning the different trucking seasons of the year and how it affects our rates, each season we have to adjust the routes we do in order to do well. Also, since I drive night shift, finding a place to stop for a break or sleep is the most difficult thing sometimes, it's crowded out here for trucks! The other thing is finding a decent bathroom/shower or any at all, sometimes I have to just toughen up! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> Regular car drivers! They're always chillin in your blind spots not paying attention, and of course they like to cut in front of trucks really fast which is always a dangerous situation. We have to drive and break so differently than regular cars, so driving around a lot of cars can be stressful. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your trucker essentials?</strong></h3> My morning travel bag I found on Amazon, it's big and I need it 2x per day so it has everything I need when I first wake up to right before I go to sleep. Another trucker essential is having everything in the truck as mini sized as possible since our space is limited. <h2></h2> <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> As owner ops, we use the <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a>'s fuel prices the most! Secondary to that would be the restaurant tab to see what food is at each stop. Then, the trip planner to find stops along your route is very cool, especially when going cross country twice a week like we usually do, its a long trip to plan! [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/ts-natasha-blog-5.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strongWhat are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Be patient and stick with it, everything will be 200% harder at first, but eventually even the smallest things will get easier and better almost without trying. You will feel very rewarded after some time, and it all will be worth it! <h2></h2> <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/UCXtbBerWrhRFN7E-aJ-5M7g">Youtube Channel, Natasha Trucking</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vY6NQ5-x6Qo" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Dec 11, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Vicki Simons <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different people in the trucking industry 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> <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Vicki</strong>. <h2></h2> <strong>Introduction</strong> <h2></h2> My name is Vicki Simons. <h2></h2> While living in our first company-issued truck full-time in the early 1990s, my husband Mike and I learned quickly that some of the products that are marketed and sold to truckers are what we concluded to be cheaply made but expensive to buy trucker junk. <h2></h2> In those days, technology was not as advanced as it is now, so the only options open to us -- to cook food in our truck -- were 12-volt appliances. <h2></h2> One appliance that we felt would serve us well was a 12-volt "hot pot." <h2></h2> Because these units were constructed with no temperature control, the units were either "all on" or "all off." <h2></h2> So, they burned out quickly. <h2></h2> The warranty -- if there was one at all -- was usually either 30 or 90 days. <h2></h2> Because there were no other cooking solutions that we knew of at the time, we ended up going through eight -- yes, eight! -- of those units. <h2></h2> I was very upset and I kept thinking, "You know, someone ought to do something about this." <h2></h2> Oh, sure, there were occasional articles in trucking magazines that were geared toward helping truckers save money, but after searching for a long time, I found no resources that focused on this topic. <h2></h2> I kept feeling the Lord directing me toward being a "trucker consumer advocate" to help keep truckers from being stung financially. <h2></h2> So with Mike's consent, I spearheaded a website that we envisioned being a clearinghouse of how professional truck drivers from around the world save money -- in order to help each other save money. <h2></h2> That website is: <a href="https://www.Truck-Drivers-Money-Saving-Tips.com/">Truck-Drivers-Money-Saving-Tips.com.</a> <h2></h2> I have been a professional truck driver and Mike's home support team member, both in-truck as a passenger and at home while he's been on the road as a solo trucker. <h2></h2> With nearly 20 years of professional truck driving experience between us -- and my insatiable appetite to research and write in such a way that helps others -- our website has grown to well over a thousand pages. <h2></h2> Every week since 2010, I have written multiple tips and inquiries in order to help truckers save money. <h2></h2> And every week since 2017, I have written a weekly trucking commentary entitled TDMST Weekly Round-Up. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Tell us a short story about you. Any trivia? </strong></h3> <h2></h2> My husband Mike and I had both earned college degrees before we became a professional truck driving team. <h2></h2> After graduating from truck driver training school, we began orientation at a large trucking company. <h2></h2> On the very first day of orientation, there were 5 prospective truck drivers in the class. <h2></h2> We were told by the "Orientation Director" that in 45 days, 3 of the 5 of us would not be with the company! <h2></h2> Ouch! <h2></h2> I determined that with all of the time and money we had spent to get to that point, Mike and I were going to be the two who would succeed! <h2></h2> And we did! <h2></h2> <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> <h2></h2> The most significant changes I've noticed in the trucking industry since the 1990s have been: <h2></h2> <li>increasing regulations;</li> <li>more advanced technology; </li> <li>a desire among some cheapskates to want to replace human truckers with machines (so that they don't have to pay people to move freight); and</li> <li>some truckers relying too much upon GPS units not geared for commercial motor vehicles -- and as a result, being involved in many completely preventable accidents, including: <h2></h2> <ul> <li>hitting low clearances,</li> <li>collapsing bridges on non-truck routes, and</li> <li>getting stuck in places where big trucks are not supposed to travel.</li> </li> </ul> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker before?</strong></h3> <h2></h2> Originally, we thought that Mike would be the only trucker in our family. <h2></h2> When we visited with a truck driver training school recruiter, he asked Mike if I was going to drive, too. <h2></h2> The thought of me driving a big rig surprised me greatly, but the option was made available. <h2></h2> With a great deal of prayer and consideration, it made sense to us that if we were going to be together on the road, both of us should know how to drive a truck. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Tell us a story about you and your husband and how you tackle the trucking industry?</strong></h3> <h2></h2> The way that I have tackled the trucking industry is by publishing -- so that others can learn from -- the true accounts that: <h2></h2> <li>we have had on the road and </li> <li>which we have learned from others (including Mike's co-workers).</li> <h2></h2> I ask a lot of questions, including on our website and through my TDMST Weekly Round-Up trucking commentaries. <h2></h2> From my unique perspective, I've also written numerous comments to the FMCSA about various types of proposed trucking regulations <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your trucking pet peeves?</strong></h3> <h2></h2> I have a number of trucking "pet peeves," including: <h2></h2> <li>people who make decisions affecting truckers who have never spent a day in their lives as truckers;</li> <li>regulations that treat people like robots; </li> <li>the push toward self-driving, driverless, and autonomous trucks; </li> <li>truckers who haul illegal drugs and smuggle illegal aliens;</li> <li>truckers who set themselves up for failure, such as by engaging in distracted driving and/or not maintaining proper following distance; and</li> <li>truckers who blindly follow GPS units -- especially those that are not designed for commercial motor vehicles -- and end up in completely preventable accidents.</li> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you go into blogging?</strong></h3> <h2></h2> I began <a href="https://www.Truck-Drivers-Money-Saving-Tips.com/">Truck-Drivers-Money-Saving-Tips.com</a> as a rant against cheaply made but expensive to buy trucker junk, the first of which was a series of 12-volt "hot pots." <h2></h2> Because these units were constructed with no temperature control, the units were either "all on" or "all off." <h2></h2> So, they burned out quickly. <h2></h2> The warranty -- if there was one at all -- was usually either 30 or 90 days. <h2></h2> Because there were no other cooking solutions that we knew of when we started in trucking in the early 1990s, we ended up going through eight -- yes, eight! -- of those units. <h2></h2> Since we started our website, we have grown it to well over a thousand pages, including: <h2></h2> <li>a huge number of pages filled with information and truck drivers money saving tips, </li> <li>lots of reviews, and </li> <li>contributions from our readers. </li> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Do you have a favorite truck model/brand?</strong></h3> <h2></h2> The only brand of truck I've ever driven professionally has been Freightliner. <h2></h2> Therefore, I have no other brand with which to compare the Freightliners I have driven or lived in. <h2></h2> In general terms, I believe that trucks driven by regional or long-haul truckers should be equipped with enough space and conveniences so that each trucker can work, sleep, and live comfortably on the road. <h2></h2> Concerning tractors with sleeper berths, I consider the following options to be critical for trucker well-being: <h2></h2> <li>a minimum of 1500 watts AC (alternating current) interior power (to let truckers operate cooking appliances and use other electronic devices);</li> <li>reliable, non-battery-dependent climate control for both cooling and heating (to let truckers rest and sleep comfortably); and</li> <li>an in-truck toilet (whether portable or not).</li> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Could you identify the current pain points in the trucking industry? And maybe some suggestions on how to fix them?</strong></h3> <h2></h2> As of late 2020, these are the current pain points I see in the trucking industry: <h2></h2> <li>Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs);</li> <li>the Hours of Service regulations; </li> <li>problems with broker transparency; and</li> <li>the fact that the U.S. federal agencies that are supposedly devoted to motor carrier "safety" and the "transportation" of goods in our country do not seem to be standing up for truckers as they face problems on the road.</li> <h2></h2> Because the FMCSA is influenced by many people who have never spent a day in their lives as truckers, I believe a lot would change for the better if every agency employee was required -- every year -- to spend a minimum of one week with an experienced trucker, so that they can understand life from a trucker's perspective. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What keeps you busy nowadays? </strong></h3> <h2></h2> As of late 2020, I have in the works two books: <li>one for aspiring truck drivers and</li> <li>one for those who are already professional truckers.</li> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Did it ever cross your mind to be a CDL instructor?</strong></h3> Yes, and to a certain extent, I consider that I am a CDL instructor because of the information that I provide on our website. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Do you have a favorite truck stop? Also truck stop meal?</strong></h3> Based on changes at both the corporate and management levels over the years, I will not name a specific truck stop as my favorite. <h2></h2> Whether at a truck stop or other restaurant, Mike and I always enjoy a perfectly flavored and cooked steak, together with all of the side dishes. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers? Also some tips and things to look out for based on your recent experiences.</strong></h3> <h2></h2> I will go into a lot more detail about tips for aspiring truckers in one of my upcoming books. <h2></h2> However, the one big overview tip that I will give to prospective truckers -- because trucking is different from every other kind of job out there -- is to make absolutely sure you're cut out for the trucking lifestyle before you start down that path. <h2></h2> For example, regional and long haul truckers are required to sleep away from home, usually in the truck they drive, wherever they park, during their sleeper berth break. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>Vicki Simons</h4> <a href="https://www.Truck-Drivers-Money-Saving-Tips.com/">http://Truck-Drivers-Money-Saving-Tips.com</a> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Nov 19, 2020 • Community