
Truck driving is a challenging profession that requires incredible mental fortitude. You are constantly on the road, away from family and the warm embrace of your home. On top of that, you are driving most of the time, so there is hardly time for any rest. Therefore, it is a good idea to choose a suitable trucking job that fits your schedule and allows you to relax. There are plenty of opportunities you can explore!
There are plenty of opportunities you can explore!

Dry Van Hauling
Dry van hauling is tailor-made for beginner truckers. You only have to deliver non-perishable items from one place to another. The loading and unloading are also done by the client, so you only have to focus on the driving.

Freight Trucker
Freight is a very broad term, so anything other than dry goods come under the definition. It’s tough being a freight hauler as you are expected to transport all kinds of goods. They can be hazardous, liquid materials, or anything that dry haulers are not allowed to carry.

Oil/Gasoline Tanker
Hauling a tanker is no easy task. You have to be focused every moment and take care of the cargo at all times. One mistake could result in a horrible accident. Tanker haulers are some of the most sought-after trucking jobs in the industry. The high risk means there is a high reward as well. So, it is natural for truckers to look for tanker jobs.

Refrigerated Goods Transport
Transporting refrigerated goods does not require a lot of skill, but it involves being punctual. You cannot fall behind the deadline, or the entire cargo can spoil. There is a lot of responsibility on such truckers but the good thing is that these jobs are close to home. You are not always expected to transport goods to far-off places.

Flatbed Trucker
Any item that is too large or has an irregular shape, is transported by flatbed truckers. Flatbed trailers are open, which means the cargo is exposed to the elements at all times. The job requires extreme skill, to deliver the goods safely and on time. Trucks, cars, heavy machinery, and other similar items are transported using a flatbed hauler.

Regional Trucking Jobs
If you are not worried about earning the big bucks and you are happier near your home, then regional trucking is for you. Such a job is easy and does not pay much, but at least you don’t have to be away from home all the time.

Hotshot Trucking
There is no need to be disappointed if you like trucking and you don’t have a semi. A class 3 or 5 truck can also do the job. Hotshot trucking is attaching a trailer to your small truck and transporting goods using that setup. Once you have the capital and experience to upgrade, you can shift to a semi and accept more serious trucking jobs..
What about you? Which one are you or which one would you want to try out? Comment below.
By Aldous Aldwin
Signing off.




Industry Update - May 17, 2019 <h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5>
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<h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3>
We are just under 7 months away from the final deadline of the ELD mandate. The grandfather clause that allowed drivers to continue to use their AOBRDs will expire on December 16, 2019.
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<h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3>
We are seeing record amounts of rainfall across the US. While stopping a big rig is difficult enough on dry roads, add in wet pavement after a hot spell, and vehicles with the best tires and breaks can have trouble stopping.
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<h3><strong><u>Autonomous Vehicles</u></strong></h3>
More trouble for the autonomous vehicle industry as a <a href="http://fortune.com/2019/05/16/latest-fatal-tesla-crash-involves-autopilot/">Tesla was involved in another fatal accident</a>. The investigation results have become available in the fatal wreck and it has been determined that the autopilot was engaged but did not detect a semi. On March 1, a Tesla collided with the semi at about 68 mph while crossing a highway in Delray Beach, FL killing the driver of the Tesla. Events like this will further delay autonomous trucks from entering the industry.
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<h3><strong><u>Tariffs </u></strong></h3>
Tariffs have been a common theme recently, but we may see a change to that. The <a href="https://menafn.com/1098536915/Trucking-Cheers-US-Agreement-with-Mexico-Canada-to-Lift-Tariffs">US has agreed to lift tariffs</a> on Mexico and Canada in regard to steel and aluminum that is manufactured in those countries. Further helping the trucking industry is that the agreement also includes the removal of retaliatory tariffs placed on US goods by Mexico and Canada. The removal of these tariffs should help reduce the costs to consumers and increase margins for the manufacturers which in turn should help stabilize or even increase rates paid to drivers.
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<h3><strong><u>FMCSA Seeking Comments</u></strong></h3>
Last year, the FMCSA requested comments for a pilot program allowing those 18-20 years old with military experience to drive interstate. This week, the FMCSA is now requesting comments from anyone who would like to have their voice heard on allowing those 18-20 years old and without military experience to drive interstate. Currently those 18-20 can drive big rigs commercially, they just can only drive intrastate. If you would like to read the request by the FMCSA and comment, you can do so <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FMCSA-2018-0346-0001">here</a>. Comments must be received by July 15, 2019.
Trucker Spotlight - Tashauna Thomas <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/2021/04/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tashauna-Thomas-4.jpg" alt=""]
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Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Tashauna Thomas</strong>, who's a 25-year old trucker from Brampton, Ontario, Canada. She has been driving for about 3 years, started driving locally and now doing OTR. Let's get to know "Tashauna" and her life over the road.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3>
I was offered the opportunity to get my CDL while I was working in the warehouse at Coca-Cola, so that was how and why I decided to be a trucker.
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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 a trucker, the only major changes I’ve seen would have to be the hours of service in regards to the split sleeper berth.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tashauna-Thomas-2.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What are some things you dislike about being a truck driver?</strong></h3>
Sitting for long periods of time, hitting animals, and being stuck in bad weather conditions.
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<h3><strong>What attributes must one have in order to be a successful truck driver?</strong></h3>
Patience and great driving skills.
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<h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3>
Seeing all the different types of landscapes across America and Canada.
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<h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model? </strong></h3>
Peterbilt 579.
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<h3><strong> Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3>
I wanted to be in a Missy Elliot music video like Alyson Stoner.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tashauna-Thomas-3.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3>
Any truck stop that is clean and doesn’t have a bunch of dropped trailers in parking spots.
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<h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR?</strong></h3>
The starter on my Volvo was corroded so that took a while to get fixed just because it’s a Volvo.
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<h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3>
What I like about <a href="https://sixdays.page.link/tLUu">Trucker Path</a> is I can see which truck stop has parking available so I can plan according for my 10 hour break.
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<h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3>
I say go for it if you feel you want to try it out. Nothing wrong with seeing if trucking is for you. When you do become a trucker, don’t forget to do your pre-trip!
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tashauna-Thomas-5.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3>
They can view my videos on my Youtube Channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9M6B5FXm_D9_peBNX2Lzqg/videos">Slimteetee</a>.
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vWfKm-TZ4hE" title="YouTube video player" 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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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>
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice2.jpg" alt=""]
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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.
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<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.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice3.jpg" alt=""]
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<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.
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<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.
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<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.
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<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.
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<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?
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice4.jpg" alt=""]
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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 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.
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<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.
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<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.
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<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.
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<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.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Tony_Justice5.png" alt=""]
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<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.
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<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.
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<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.
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Hope you guys enjoy!
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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