Category: travel spot

Choosing between different types of routes

There are pros and cons to each one, more peanuts, less caramel, so it may seem like an impossible choice since both are great options. While you might not like driving as much as candy bars, the difficulty of the decision remains. The benefits of choosing one route over another may be less clear-cut. The best way to decide is to weigh your options objectively to have a good understanding of the different route types available to you.

The Road Being Traveled

When driving, you likely aren’t looking for the road less traveled regardless of the type of route you choose, but that’s not something you have to worry about most of the time when choosing a route as there are many drivers on the road with similar routes that understand the dilemma you are facing now when choosing a specific mode of travel. As far as routes go, there are four major classifications, local, regional, long-haul, and dedicated. Drivers on all these routes are an incredibly crucial component in the proper transportation of goods from pickup to drop off, but there are different conditions and expectations for each route classification that may make one stand out as a better option for you. 

Map It Out

Most routes are classified by their distance from home base. For instance, local routes cover very specific areas where you will likely not venture far enough for overnights and be able to return home each day. Regional routes cover a larger distance and may have you travel in specific parts of the United States, like the East Coast or Midwest. Long Haul drivers experience the furthest traveling distance and can expect to go anywhere in the country, and possibly even to Mexico and Canada.

Dedicated routes are a little different as they can be many distances, though they are often local distances. These routes are determined by their regular hours and continued employment, as many routes can be one-time deals with a particular company. Dedicated routes work quite well for those seeking very stable employment and regular hours.

Finding Your Path

Choosing a route should be dependent on how you feel and what you think you’re capable of when driving. If you really enjoy traveling for long distances and are okay with being away from home for a while, regional or long-haul driving may be a great choice for you as it allows you to see an incredibly vast amount of the country. If you’re a bit more tethered to home and would like to be back in your own bed for the night, or have a family that requires your support, taking on a local route may be more beneficial for you.

Planning and Preparation

Weighing the pros and cons of routes is the best way to discern which option may be the right choice for you. As you consider driving different routes, think about which type would benefit you the most and cause the least amount of stress and the most gain for your time. Trucking is a diverse field with many different jobs available to suit almost anyone, so be sure to do your research and take on routes that are good choices for your well-being.

Preparing your rig for winter

Winter is here! The leaves have fallen and frost is on the ground in the mornings, which means that the snow and ice of winter are coming soon. This holiday season, before the outdoors become uninhabitable, is the perfect time to prepare your truck and ensure it is winter ready. While you’re thinking about getting your truck ready for winter, read our helpful tips for making your winter travels safer and more comfortable.

Winter is Finally Here!

It may seem like Winter rolls around faster than other seasons, and that may be because we dread taking out the winter coat, gloves, and snow shovels. Even though Winter may be inconvenient, it should not be something to be dreaded as it is a very beautiful time of year with plenty of celebrations taking place. If you know the right procedures to stay safe while driving, your winter can be a blast! 

You may not have noticed the day it became cold enough to wear a coat because that change is usually gradual, but when the frost begins to collect on the ground, you likely know that winter will be approaching soon. Something that most people do automatically is to locate all the cold weather gear as winter begins to take hold. In addition to this, many families gather firewood, ensure their homes are well fueled, and stock up on groceries in case the weather becomes too bad to get outside. With all this home preparation, you should also think about your truck.

Frightful Cold

Driving in the winter can be scary as there are added hazards to the road including slick roadways, high winds, and low visibility. Keeping your cool is necessary in these situations. The best way to stay calm is by knowing you have the tools to get you out of sticky situations. Creating a game plan for how to act in dangerous situations can save your life and others.

Be Winter Ready

How can you be winter ready? Checking up on your truck and assembling a safety kit are great first steps. Inspecting your fuel filter, battery, and cooling system is crucial to starting the winter season correctly. Ensuring your fuel filter is clean and not contaminated with water can save your engine from failure. In addition to this, make sure your batteries are still strong. It is never a good idea to enter winter with  weak batteries. Finally, while the cooling system may seem to be a weird place to check when you’re entering the coldest months of the year, checking to make sure your antifreeze is sufficient for freezing temperature is important.  Antifreeze testers are cheap and can save thousands of dollars in engine repairs. Items you should include in your winter kit are extra winter clothes (especially gloves), a first aid kit, extra blankets, a flashlight and extra batteries, extra fuel filters and coolant. After creating this kit, there are many recurring things you should do throughout the season to make sure your truck is running at peak performance.  

Alongside these preparations, you can use fuel additives throughout the winter to reduce the effect of diesel fuel crystallization at colder temperatures which will make the engine work efficiently. On the coldest days keeping the engine running may be your best defense against fuel gelling.  Many trucks are equipped with fuel heaters that only work when the engine is running.  If you can’t leave your engine running in sub zero weather a block heater can be a life saver.  Check to make sure yours is working before you need it.

Final Thoughts

As winter progresses, it is important to make sure you have made all due preparations. Taking the time to prepare yourself and your truck will give you the best chance of having a safer, warmer, and happier winter. The cold is coming, so be safe out there!

The Most Fun and Unique Truck Stops Across America

the-most-fun-and-unique-truckstops-across-America

Truck stops in the early ‘40s first opened to offer diesel fuel which was difficult to find at regular gas stations.  With the development of the highway system, truck stops began popping up, catering to the needs truckers and travelers.

Truck stops have evolved and many are more than just a place to fuel up and get a bite to eat.  Most modern truck stops today offer showers, laundry facilities, TVs, and ample parking for drivers to park for the night.  While some may consist of only fuel pumps, a fast food joint, and a place to park, others are elaborate food, shopping, and entertainment complexes that have become fun destinations for everyone.

south-of-the-border

South of the Border

This Mexican-themed truck stop is located not near the Mexican border as you would think but instead is off of I-95 in Hamer, South Carolina near its border with North Carolina.  Pedro the Bandito invites travelers to enjoy the amusement park, a round of mini-golf, or to check out its reptile exhibit and its dinosaur (and other) statues that are located around the sprawling property.

Iowa 80 Truck Stop

This truck stop claims to be the World’s Largest Truck Stop.  It was opened in 1964 in Walcott, Iowa and has grown to be the size of a small city.  Besides ample shopping, it has a trucking museum that has a multitude of trucks on display from the early 1900s onward, as well as an impressive collection of antique toy trucks.  Amenities for drivers include a barbershop, chiropractor, dentist, dog wash, library, movie theater, and a gym.

5069_sparks-alamo-casino

Alamo Casino and Travel Center

Aside from the typical amenities and truck services for drivers, this travel center located in Sparks, NV has great food, a motel, bar, and a casino.  You may want to extend your visit. One thing’s for sure?you’ll remember the Alamo!

Morris Travel Center

This stop in Morris, IL features R Place Restaurant, a slice of home with a fresh bakery and a restaurant full of comfort foods such as hearty breakfasts, pot roast, fried chicken, steaks, and of course, burgers.  For the adventurous eater, there’s the Ethyl Burger, a cheeseburger with all the fixin’s that weighs 4 lbs. If you finish it in less than an hour, it’s on the house.  You may even get a hat if you survive.

The Czech Stop

Located right off I-35 in West, TX, the Czech Stop offers hungry travelers top-notch Kolaches as well as other traditional baked goods.  If you’re looking for a quick meal, they also offer ham and sausage pastries and sandwiches too.

For drivers, finding unique stops can drive away the boredom and can be a reminder of why they were drawn to a life on the road to begin with.  If driving a truck is the life for you, Trucker Search can help you find a great company. Post your resume or search companies looking for drivers to join their teams. Start your new career in trucking by visiting Trucker Search today.

Sources:

https://www.sobpedro.com

https://iowa80truckstop.com

http://www.thealamo.com

https://www.ta-petro.com/amenities/restaurants/r-place-restaurant-morris-il-60450

http://www.czechstop.net/about-us/