July 17th, 2010 by
Over the years, things have really changed for long-distance drivers like me. It’s not like it was say 10, 15 years ago, when I started out as a trucker as a young lad. Because of the advancement in technology and development of GPS, you can rest assured that you will pretty much never get lost. I personally spent a lot of time working out which navigator would be best suited to my needs. My wife bought me one that I ended up exchanging but I was grateful for her for putting the idea into my head. The one I have also has a lot of different options including what voice you want to help you on your way. I made sure to choose one that wasn’t too relaxing as that would send me straight to sleep! In the end I settled on a lady’s voice (which is of course softer) but one that had a bit of toughness to it, reminding me a little of the principal of my old high school and she certainly had a way of keeping me on track! I even named her Gladys since that’s what we used as a nickname for our principal all those years ago. What I really like about Gladys is that for such long journeys when you’re on the roads alone, you feel like you have some company. And believe me, when you’ve been driving along for sometimes six hours at a stretch, you like to have someone else in the vehicle with you…or at least feel like you do. So I would advise anyone who has to go on long stretches to get their own personal Gladys in the car to accompany them at all times. Plus, of course there is the most basic part of GPS that will ensure you will never have to worry about getting lost again! In my book, that sure does count for a lot.
June 9th, 2010 by
It is a well-known fact that if you want a great cup of coffee while driving on one of America’s super highways, if you stop where all the trucks are parked, you won’t be disappointed. My question is, however, where do truckers go if they want a great cup of coffee? In other words, what does a trucker look for in a great truck stop? Here are some pointers for when you are rolling down that long highway and just need a little break to keep on trucking.
Some truck stops are really well endowed. In some of them you can find showers, laundry facilities, cash machines, pay phones and more.
Right on Interstate 77 in Canton, Ohio is 77 Gulliver’s Travel Plaza. This astounding truck stop also accommodates all types of travelers with 24,000 square feet of restaurants, shops and other traveler focused conveniences. Gulliver’s is the largest and most well-equipped stop in the area. The restaurant boasts accommodations for 200 diners, a huge stone fireplace, 35 foot high vaulted ceilings, and an additional 100 seat banquet hall. A full menu can please any taste or budget.
At Gulliver’s you can also experience the convenience of 17 refueling stations, private showers, TV lounge with cable, laundry, Table Top Telephones, Billiards Room, Electronic Game Room, CB radio repair shop, Hair and Tanning Salon and Free Parking for more than 125 trucks.
For this kind of luxury you might want to schedule a trip to Northeastern Ohio on your next cross-country trip. And I hear you can get a really great cup of coffee at Gulliver’s , too.
May 30th, 2010 by
Sometimes I hear things about the trucking industry that are just plain not true. I never hold it against people when they complain about trucks being road hogs, or road hazards or, what I really gets my goat, that we are a polluting industry and we just don’t care. I just assume that most people simply don’t know much about the trucking world and are voice their opinions in ignorance of the truth.
Most of the truckers I know, and I am included, love the majestic beauty of our amazing country. We drive from one coast to another, north, south, east, and west, enjoying the delightful landscapes and breathtaking views. We see clearly the differences between the smoggy cities and the pristine mountains, and we really want to help keep the country’s rivers, land and especially air as clean as possible.
Understandably the great challenge of the trucking industry is to minimize the impact the release of the byproducts of carbon-based fuels have on the environment. Well, there is a little known company (outside the trucking world) called IdleAire, which has recently announced its intention to explore more green alternatives for their function. IdleAire specializes in reducing air and noise pollution, reducing the waste of fuel by idling trucks, while allowing truckers to continue to stay warm and comfortable while stopping at rest areas or waiting to load and unload.
I hope that clears up some misunderstandings about us truckers. We love our environment as much as anybody else, maybe even more and perhaps more than some other industries, we are trying to do something to help.
March 4th, 2010 by
I’ve been on the road for quite a few years now and I enjoy my work most of the time. Sure, it gets tiring driving a truck for hours at a time, but if you really think about it, it’s not that different than sitting behind a desk all day. The main difference is that I”m out on the road – and I get to see the scenery, the people, and the action.
When I’m not driving my truck and running my small company, I’m interested in all sorts of other activities. I’m an avid exercise fanatic – burning off that energy that’s pent up while I’m trucking. I also love to read and I certainly enjoy spending time with my two teenage boys when I get to see them.
I figured there aren’t too many trucker blogs out there – and that people could use some information about us truckers. We’re an interesting group, really, and one that many people have misconceptions about. Let’s dispel those and enjoy some time getting to know each other – on the road and off!