Mar 08, 2019 • Carriers

Industry Update March 8, 2019

Industry Update March 8, 2019

Trucking Industry Update March 8, 2019

By Jeremy Feucht

Did you Know?

This week in history saw its very first Adopt-A-Highway sign be placed. March 9, 1985, the Tyler Civitan Club committed to picking up trash on Texas Highway 69.

Trucking tip of the Week

Tornado season is upon us. Alabama saw 18 strike in a single day earlier this week. Tornado season usually lasts from March to June. Keep an eye out on weather forecasts and the FMCSA Declaration of Emergency page. Remember, you cannot outrun a tornado, so don’t try.

Infrastructure

The ATA is stepping up efforts to counterman the increases they are seeing across individual states to place road improvement costs all on the trucking industry. Instead, they are offering up another idea. Called the “Build America Fund,” the ATA’s CEO Chris Spear is calling for a $.20 per gallon increase on fuel tax which would be implemented over the next five years. While any increase in fuel means increases in prices every where else, Mr. Spear makes several solid points on why we can no longer ignore the infrastructure crisis in the US.

Legislation

Last week, we talked about the ATA pushing the “Drive Safe Act.” This piece of legislation would allow those who are under 21 to drive interstate. This week Mark Allen, President and CEO of the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) also weighed in on the topic. Mr. Allen, like the ATA, believes this is a good idea due to the increasing capacity crunch the industry is seeing. The crunch is finally starting to hit consumer pricing and presidents for associations like the ATA and IFDA are attempting to make the public understand why. Is this the best option? Maybe not, but at least groups are attempting to make sure the issues are seen and understood by those outside of the industry.

Avoiding Toll Roads?

If you have practiced avoiding toll roads in your big rig, you might need to reconsider doing it in the future. Maryland and Delaware State Police created their own blitz. The crackdown came on February 28-March 1 and focused on drivers avoiding the US 301 toll. 85 drivers in total were stopped with 77 receiving citations and two were forced out of service. More sprees like this are expected to be conducted. Make sure you check out state laws in the jurisdictions you will be traveling in if you plan on attempting to avoid tolls.

TagsATA trucking Trucking Industry Industry Update Did you Know Legislation weather Trucking Tips tornadoes IFDA Driver Safe Act fuel tax

Trucker Spotlight - Larry Cothran <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-larrycothran-blog-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Larry Cothran</strong>, a.k.a. L- Boogie. He's been driving trucks for more than 13 years and is also a businessman. He is the owner and founder of Ministry Marketing Pro. He's also an entrepreneur who has been helping businesses, political leaders and churches leverage the power of social media. <h2></h2> After realizing there was a lack of churches using social media to spread the gospel, he decided to focus his efforts and marketing strategies on churches. <h2></h2> Larry took the knowledge he learned over his 18+ years of studying marketing and advertising and created unique strategies that applied specifically to churches. Let's get to know more about Larry, his trucking life and, his ministry. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> Truthfully, I needed a job and I needed something that would be self sustainable. Something that would always be in demand. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/ts-larrycothran-blog-2.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 biggest change has been going from paper logs to e-logs, plus the DEF addition to the trucks. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> I wanted to help other truckers and entrepreneurs. I wanted to give information because when I started there was a limited amount of people to talk to that would give me truthful information . <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> Yes. I’ve had to deal with loneliness on the road. When I first started out, I missed Christmas, my son’s first steps, birthdays and etc. I learned to deal with it by watching movies on the laptop, talking with friends and family on the phone. As the times started going, by I would become more useful with the time and use it to study my Bible, create content or counsel different people I met along the way while driving. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/ts-larrycothran-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> Having to wear a mask and forgetting to wear a mask. There are limited places to sit down and eat. Mostly everything has to be done in the truck. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3> I love the Volvo 780 with the table and bed in it. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/ts-larrycothran-blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3> Yes, I love doing marketing for churches, small businesses and politicians so I’m focusing more time on that so that I can eventually transition into full time ministry and become a motivational speaker so that I can share my story to the youth. I’m also a published author with a book called “More Than A Conqueror” which can be purchased on Amazon and I plan on writing more books. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> I love going to Loves. It’s clean and friendly. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> Most common problems are breakdowns and traffic delays, but the biggest is health and weight management. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/ts-larrycothran-blog-5.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> Cars that cut you off and then press the breaks. Distracted driving. There are a lot of people that text and drive and drink and drive. I continually have to drive for 5 which is defensive driving. <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> The feature of Trucker Path that tells you how full the truck stop based on the truckers response. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> First get a mentor. There’s nothing wrong with apprenticeship before ownership. Learn all you can while you’re training and during your 1st year. You won’t make much money the 1st year but if you continue you will make the money you deserve later. Keep your record clean and be safe. <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/user/fastestfoot">Youtube Channel, L Boogie</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K9bQ1RmUZo8" 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 16, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Maggie Jessop <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/2020/07/maggie3.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Maggie</strong>, who's a trucker and a blogger. She's a mother of eight kids (six sons, two daughters). She taught high school language arts over 20 years time while simultaneously managing a sewing manufacturing company. When her children grew up, she felt the need to learn something new so she wouldn’t get too old too fast. Let's get to know more about Maggie and her colorful story. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How long have you been trucking?</strong></h3> I got my CDL when I was 52 years old and have been driving for 3.5 years. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/maggie5.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I went into trucking mainly to improve my circumstances financially. My previous work experience had been in school, office, and warehouse and I excelled in domestic skills like cooking, sewing, and child care. I got really tired of lady wages. It’s a struggle to make a living unless you’re a rock star, movie actor, or have a string of abbreviations following your name. Trucking was a whole new ballgame with strange new terminology and monster trucks and a terrifying and dangerous environment but it tripled my income. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/maggie2.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Are there times of loneliness while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> Trucking can be boring and lonely if I let it be. I use my solitaire hours to think up ideas and write books in my head. During mandatory rest breaks, I write. So far, I have published two full size memoirs, two children’s books, and fifteen low content books like coloring books, notebooks, sketchbooks, and journals. Trucking and writing make a great team! Rest breaks are too long. I only need seven hours of sleep. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you start a blog? Any chance you'll start your Youtube channel soon? Any plans of being a CDL Instructor?</strong></h3> I keep busy driving 60+ hours per week driving over 3,000 miles. I keep a blog called <a href="https://teachertailortrucker.com/">Teacher Tailor Trucker</a>. I am getting ready to publish my third memoir called Stranger in a Strange Land. My fourth memoir comes next and is called Search for the Highroad. It tells the story of my trucking life. I also put out new children’s books every few months. I am also planning to create a YouTube channel. I invested in a home recording studio and plan to record songs, contract voiceover work, and record audiobooks. <h2></h2> I plan to keep trucking until I can match my income as an author and voiceover artist. Since I have teaching experience, I’m sure I could be a CDL instructor, but my other plans will likely take precedence. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/maggie4.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your trucking pet peeves?</strong></h3> My pet peeve in trucking is when little car drivers get too close and then want to cuss out the big rig drivers. Car drivers don’t seem to understand that a semi truck and trailer is over 70’ long and weighs 80,000 pounds when loaded. They take much longer to slow down safely. Cars beware! I try to be patient because I was once a little car myself, but sometimes I have to slam breaks and lay on the train horn to get their attention. <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> When I went to CDL school, trucking seemed to be a male dominated industry. I got yelled at, cussed out, made fun of, and told I was waaay too ladylike and persnickety. “You don’t belong in this industry!” they said. <h2></h2> They said I would get run over because I’m too nice. They said I’d get taken advantage of by the rough characters in the industry. They said I’d never make it and would give up when I finally realized I was out of my element. <h2></h2> I replied that just because I work like a man doesn’t mean I have to look like a man or act like a man. I said there’s no law in the universe that says truck drivers have to be fat and filthy and foul mouthed and illiterate. I told the naysayers, “I’m not leaving the trucking industry until I make it better.” <h2></h2> I’m still here. I am a professional driver. I have never had serious trouble on the road. Other drivers treat me with respect. If I ever break down, it’s not hard to find a decent truck driver to help me out. I’ve been treated better by truck drivers than I have by professional office people. <h2></h2> As a solo driver, I can control my own environment. I can choose my hours, dress how I please, eat how I please, listen to what I please. I keep my truck clean and I exercise every morning. I work hard and wear a dress because I’m a lady. <h2></h2> I mentioned one pet peeve, but the most unsavory thing about trucking that I’ve ever known is the rudeness and indifference that truckers deal with at shippers and receivers. Office and warehouse workers often treat truckers like they’re on the bottom of the totem pole. I don’t think there should be a totem pole. I believe that all of us should treat the rest of us with respect. <h2></h2> Those who have never been a truck driver have no clue what truck drivers deal with. I sure wasn’t aware before I became a driver. My respect has grown by leaps and bounds. Think about it. Every single thing you eat, drink, wear, or use in your home or business came from a truck. The Good Lord provided and a Trucker delivered. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/maggie6.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can we read some of your stories on the road?</strong></h3> Here are some of my blog posts where I share thoughts and experiences about life on the road. My writing is more on the light side with a humorous approach to life while informing my audience of real life experience. Mine are not the norm but hey, if I can get one smile, it’s worth it. <h2></h2> <a href="https://teachertailortrucker.com/blonde-moments/">https://teachertailortrucker.com/blonde-moments/</a> <h2></h2> <a href="https://teachertailortrucker.com/mama-truckers/">https://teachertailortrucker.com/mama-truckers/</a> <h2></h2> <a href="https://teachertailortrucker.com/triple-trucker-trouble/">https://teachertailortrucker.com/triple-trucker-trouble/</a> <h2></h2> <a href="https://teachertailortrucker.com/hug-a-trucker-day/">https://teachertailortrucker.com/hug-a-trucker-day/</a> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jul 17, 2020 • Carriers

MATS 2019 Recap

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