“We are honored to team up with Wreaths Across America,” said Courtney Niemann, executive director of SCF. “This partnership gives our community in the trucking industry a meaningful way to participate in a time-honored tradition of remembrance and gratitude for our veterans.”

Through this partnership, SCF is helping highlight WAA’s mission of Remembering the Fallen, Honoring Those Who Serve, and Teaching the Next Generation the Value of Freedom. Drivers, carriers, trucking industry partners, family, and friends are encouraged to visit the SCF landing page on the WAA site. From there, supporters can select “Sponsor Wreaths,” choose a location, and complete a sponsorship to place a wreath at a veteran’s gravesite.

Shared Values Between Truckers and the Military

The trucking industry has a deep connection with the military. Many professional drivers are veterans themselves, continuing to serve the nation by keeping the economy moving. Both communities embrace values such as commitment, resilience, and sacrifice, making this partnership a natural way to honor these ideals.

“By supporting Wreaths Across America, the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund and our partners are helping ensure that every veteran’s grave is recognized with a wreath, symbolizing the gratitude of a nation that will never forget their service,” said Norita Taylor, SCF board president and director of public relations at the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA).

How Truckers Can Get Involved

“The St. Christopher Fund encourages every individual and organization across the trucking and logistics sector to participate,” SCF said. “Whether sponsoring a wreath, volunteering on-site at the ceremony, or spreading the word among colleagues and loved ones, your involvement helps amplify the message of remembrance.”

Beyond honoring veterans, SCF supports the trucking community through nationwide short-term relief programs for Class A OTR drivers affected by illness or injury in the past year. The nonprofit also provides free preventive health and wellness initiatives, including tobacco cessation, diabetes prevention, chronic disease management, at-home cancer screenings, and vaccine vouchers, all aimed at keeping drivers on the road safely.

For those interested in donating or sponsoring the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, contact Diane Hutsell, director of philanthropy, via email at diane@truckersfund.org.

Source: The Trucker

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The U.S. Department of Transportation opened the door for feedback this week. In a notice published Monday, July 21, in the Federal Register, the DOT called on the public—especially those who keep America moving—to weigh in on what should take priority in the next surface transportation bill.

“The Request for Information is intended to gather feedback, ideas and recommendations to help inform legislative priorities and ensure future infrastructure programs focus on delivering safe and efficient surface transportation, without attaching unnecessary requirements,” the DOT stated in the notice.
“The reauthorization effort will focus on modernizing America’s infrastructure by improving safety, streamlining federal processes, promoting economic growth and strengthening partnerships.”

The current highway bill will expire on September 30, 2026, but lawmakers are already laying the groundwork. That’s why now is the time for truck drivers to share what matters most.

Back in March, Lewie Pugh, executive vice president of OOIDA, addressed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to outline truckers’ top concerns. He’ll take those same priorities to the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation on Tuesday, July 22.

At the March hearing, Pugh emphasized several key issues for drivers across the country:

• More safe and accessible truck parking
• Guaranteed restroom access
• Smarter, more effective driver training
• Broker transparency
• Realistic hours-of-service rules

OOIDA also reiterated its opposition to changes that could make life harder for drivers—such as increases to truck size and weight limits, raising minimum insurance requirements, lowering the CDL age for interstate driving, or adding more one-size-fits-all mandates.

How Drivers Can Share Their Feedback

If you’re a trucker with opinions on any of these topics—or others that impact your job—you can have your say.

Submit your comments by going to Regulations.gov and entering Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-0468 in the search bar. The public comment window closes on August 20, 2025.

Source: Land Line

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I’m here to tell you it’s totally doable to bring along meals that are not only good for you but also easy to prep and store. These make-ahead meals can keep you fueled without the hassle of hunting down something halfway decent every few hours.

Let’s break down why prepping ahead matters and share some real meal ideas that can make your life on the road a lot better.

Why Bother with Make-Ahead Meals?

It’s no secret truck driving isn’t the healthiest gig out there. The CDC says almost 70% of long-haul truckers are dealing with obesity — way higher than the general population. That means more health issues down the road like heart problems, diabetes, and trouble sleeping.

But here’s the thing: when you plan and pack your own meals, you’re in control. You can choose food that keeps your energy steady, helps you stay alert, and doesn’t leave you crashing mid-shift.

Plus, prepping meals saves money. Think about it — how many times have you dropped cash on greasy burgers or overpriced snacks that didn’t even fill you up? Making meals ahead means fewer impulsive stops and more money in your pocket.

What You Need to Get Started

Before you dive into meal prepping, you’ll want some gear to keep your food fresh and tasty:

• A cooler or mini fridge: This is a game-changer. You can keep fruits, veggies, dairy, and cooked meals cool and safe to eat.
• 12V slow cooker or portable food warmer: Some trucks have power outlets you can plug these into. Reheat your meals without needing a restaurant microwave.
• Insulated containers: These keep your food warm or cold longer. Trust me, eating a warm meal after hours on the road feels great.
• Reusable containers and utensils: Saves you from using a ton of plastic and keeps things tidy.

Easy Make-Ahead Meals That Travel Well

Breakfast

• Overnight oats: Toss oats, milk (or a dairy-free option), and your favorite toppings like berries or nuts into a jar the night before. Grab it in the morning and go.
• Hard-boiled eggs: Prep a batch on your day off. They’re packed with protein and easy to eat on the move.
• Breakfast burritos: Scramble some eggs, add veggies and cheese, wrap it all in a tortilla, and freeze. Just heat it up in your portable cooker.

Lunch and Dinner

• Grain bowls: Cook up some quinoa or brown rice, and toss in roasted veggies and chicken or beans. Portion it out for a few days.
• Wraps: Use whole-wheat tortillas with lean meat, cheese, and plenty of fresh veggies. Easy to eat in the cab without mess.
• Salads: Make a hearty salad with kale or spinach, add nuts or seeds, and some protein. Keep dressing separate so it stays fresh.

Snacks

• Trail mix: A mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit gives you a quick energy boost.
• Fresh fruit: Apples, oranges, and bananas don’t need refrigeration and are great for quick bites.
• Yogurt: Grab low-sugar cups you can keep cool and eat when you need a snack.

Tips to Make Meal Prep Stick

• Set aside a couple of hours once or twice a week for cooking and packing meals.
• Cook in batches. It’s way easier to make a big batch of chili or pasta and portion it out.
• Label your meals with dates so you don’t forget what’s fresh.
• Stay hydrated. Water’s just as important as food when you’re driving long hours.

Wrapping It Up

Making ahead meals might sound like a hassle at first, but once you get into a routine, it’s a total lifesaver. You’ll save money, eat better, and feel way more energized behind the wheel.

Next time you’re loading up for a trip, try packing a few of these meals. Your body (and wallet) will thank you.

The post Make Ahead Meals for Truckers That Actually Work on the Road appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Drawn by the Beauty of Truck Designs

SuperRigs, a yearly celebration of hardworking truckers and their dazzling rigs, showcases competitions in categories such as Best Chrome, Best Lights, and Best of Show. Attendees are treated to more than just aesthetic appeal, with over $25,000 in cash and prizes awarded. Winners also have the chance to be featured in the Shell Rotella SuperRigs Calendar, complete with creative settings from Atlanta.

For Elliott, it was the artful paint designs on the trucks that first captured her attention.

“I saw that paint and it was done so beautifully on all of these trucks,” she shared with enthusiasm.

Elliott, who worked for an automotive paint company for 25 years before retiring in 1999, was enthralled by the craftsmanship on display.

Surprised by a Sense of Community

While Elliott came for the trucks, what surprised and delighted her most was the opportunity to connect with truck drivers at the event.

“I didn’t know I would get to meet drivers,” she said. “It has been a wonderful evening.”

Although the event had been plagued by poor weather earlier, including a nearby tornado that touched down east of the Speedway, Elliott’s adventurous spirit wasn’t dampened. Instead, she embraced the experience wholeheartedly.

An Adventurer at Heart

Elliott’s love of exploration is deeply ingrained in her life. She has visited 25 countries and 47 U.S. states, recently returning from a trip to Greece and Turkey. Her travels have been a mix of personal adventures and mission work with the Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief and Builders for Christ.

When Shell Rotella staff learned of Elliott’s presence, they made her visit extra special. They provided her with a golf cart to easily move around and explore the nearly 50 trucks on display.

“Everybody is so welcoming,” Elliott remarked, adding, “It just seems like you are in a family reunion.”

A Night to Remember

For Elliott, the Shell Rotella SuperRigs event was far more than a showcase of trucks; it was an evening filled with artistry, adventure, and connection. Events like these highlight the vibrant community within the trucking industry, a family bound by hard work, passion, and camaraderie.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: (Bruce Guthrie/The Trucker.com) Mary Elliott, 89, of McDonough, Ga., saw news coverage of this weekend’s Shell Rotella SuperRigs and decided to attend the event Friday night.

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This three-day event runs Thursday through Saturday and brings together truckers, fans, families, and showstoppers from all over the map. Whether you’re here to show off your rig, catch some live music, or soak in the vibes, Kenly’s pulling out all the stops.

From custom rides and car shows to fireworks, live music, and even pro wrestling, there’s something for every kind of road warrior.

Here’s what’s happening:

TODAY – Thursday, May 8

• 10 a.m. – Gates open & truck show registration begins
• 7 p.m. – Jim Quick & Coastline bring the beach music vibes

Friday, May 9

• 10 a.m. – Truck show continues
• 6 p.m. – Trial By Fire, a Journey tribute band, rocks the stage
• 9 p.m. – Fireworks and Lights at Night truck show judging

Saturday, May 10

• 9 a.m. – Truck show judging kicks off (rags down!)
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Car show
• 12 p.m. – Dangerzone pro wrestling throws down
• 1:15 p.m. – Heaven’s Saints Motorcycle Ministry trophy presentation
• 3 p.m. – Closing ceremony and truck show awards

Whether you’re rolling in solo or bringing the whole crew, Kenly 95 is the spot to park it this weekend. The chrome’s shining, the music’s loud, and the community’s strong—just how trucking should be.

Source: Truckers News
Image Source: Kenly 95

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“It’s a charity that’s real close to mine and Misty’s heart after what she went through,” Justice shares. “and learning how that disease impacts the entire family, not just the person with the cancer, but everyone around them. And it’s a big deal to go through, so we definitely support that.”

Additionally, the event will raise money for the Bristol Children’s Charity, helping young ones across Tennessee and Virginia.

Bigger Venue, Bigger Dreams

Last year, Large Cars & Guitars showcased nearly 200 trucks at Smokies Stadium and raised nearly $56,000 for charity. With the move to Bristol Motor Speedway, Justice is hopeful for an even larger turnout.

“We actually have unlimited space for bobtails and combos,” Justice said. “That’d be cool to see that place filled up, all that parking lot around there. But that would take probably about 10,000 trucks.” He quipped that he’s not sure if he wants to “tackle that kind of goal or not, but you never know what something might turn into. We’re happy with where it is.”

Rather than being a competitive truck show, Justice calls the gathering more of a “trucker reunion.” The goal is connection and camaraderie, with an emphasis on enjoying the trucks without the pressure of perfection.

”The truckers who bring their rigs clean their trucks up, but they’re not stressed out about them being just dialed in perfectly,” he added.

The only judging involved? That’s up to the kids attending, who vote for their favorite trucks.

Musical Lineup to Rock the Speedway

On top of the incredible truck displays, music takes center stage during the two-day event. Fans can look forward to performances by Tony Justice himself and country music powerhouse Montgomery Gentry ft. Eddie Montgomery on the evening of May 24.

Other acts joining the lineup include:

• Long Haul Paul Marhoefer, an Overdrive contributor

• Past Trucker Talent Search winner Taylor Barker

• Rising star Elvie Shane

• Breakout artist EmiSunshine

And that’s just the start! With more artists to be announced, attendees are in for two days of unforgettable live country music.

Registration and Event Details

Truckers interested in bringing their rigs to Bristol can register online. The fees include:

• Bobtails: $100
• Dump Trucks: $100
• Combos: $150

Source: Overdrive

Image Source: Bristol Motor Speedway, Overdrive, Bennett

The post Large Cars & Guitars 2025 Gets Bigger with a Venue Change appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Starting Saturday and continuing through March 7, registration will cost $10. After that, and for on-site registration, the cost increases to $20.

This year’s event will be held from March 27-29 at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, offering truck enthusiasts, professionals, and industry leaders a chance to connect and explore the latest advancements in trucking.

Show Schedule:

• Thursday, March 27

• • 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by the exciting Opening Reception

• Friday, March 28

• • 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., concluding with a free concert featuring Tony Justice and Colt Ford

• Saturday, March 29

• • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this event. Register online here and secure your spot before the deadline!

Source: Truckers News

Image: Mid-America Trucking Show

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1. Millard E. Tydings Memorial Bridge (Maryland)

Spanning the Susquehanna River on I-95, the Millard E. Tydings Memorial Bridge connects Cecil and Harford counties. While the bridge itself isn’t structurally difficult, its high elevation leaves trucks vulnerable to intense crosswinds. For drivers hauling light loads, strong gusts can make steering unpredictable, forcing them to reduce speed significantly to maintain control.

2. Chesapeake Bay Bridge (Maryland)

Officially named the Governor William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, this 4.3-mile-long structure stretches across the Chesapeake Bay, linking Maryland’s Eastern and Western Shores. At nearly 200 feet above the water, the bridge is notorious for high winds and poor visibility during storms. Some drivers find it so unnerving that they hire professional services just to drive their vehicle across.

3.Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Washington)

This twin suspension bridge, spanning Puget Sound, is infamous in engineering history—its original version collapsed in 1940 due to wind-induced oscillations. Today’s structure is far more stable, but it remains a challenge for truckers. With long spans exposed to unpredictable Pacific Northwest weather, it’s common for strong winds and rain to impact visibility and vehicle stability.

4. Independence Avenue Bridge (Missouri)

A low-clearance nightmare in Kansas City, the Independence Avenue Bridge is one of the most unforgiving spots for truckers who miscalculate their route. Despite repeated warnings and bright signage, the bridge has claimed countless truck roofs over the years. Standing at just 12 feet high, this bridge has even been reinforced with steel beams to absorb the frequent collisions.

5. Sackett Point Road Railroad Bridge (Connecticut)

This railroad bridge in North Haven, Connecticut, sees an average of four truck crashes per year due to its low clearance of 12 feet, 9 inches. Even with warning signs, GPS errors and driver oversight lead to frequent accidents. Local officials have worked on better signage to prevent costly mistakes, but truckers passing through still need to double-check clearance levels before approaching.

How to Stay Safe on Tough Bridges

If you’re a truck driver, these bridges don’t have to be a nightmare. Here’s how to handle them with confidence:

Plan Ahead

• Check your route for low clearances, weight restrictions, and bridge conditions.
• Use trucker-specific GPS systems to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Check the Weather

• High winds? Reduce speed and keep both hands firmly on the wheel.

Heavy rain or fog? Increase following distance and use hazard lights if needed.

Follow Posted Signs

• Height and weight restrictions are there for a reason.
• If a bridge looks questionable, don’t risk it—find an alternate route.

Maintain Your Truck

• Check brakes, tires, and steering before long hauls.
• An unstable truck makes bridge driving even riskier.

Know When to Wait It Out

• If conditions feel unsafe, pull over and wait.
• No load is worth risking your safety.

The post America’s Toughest Bridges for Truckers and How to Handle Them appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Since 2018, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has proudly collaborated with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to ensure this three-quarters scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial reaches cities across the country. This 375-foot-long mobile memorial wall, engraved with the names of over 58,000 service members who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War, travels alongside an educational exhibit to honor and remember these heroes.

The TCA is actively looking for truck drivers and carriers to take on the vital task of hauling the wall and its accompanying education center to one or more locations. This is an incredible opportunity to play an essential role in connecting communities to this historic tribute.

Are you interested in helping to transport this meaningful project? Sign up online to join the effort and make a difference.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

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The Journey of Valentine’s Day Flowers

Roses may symbolize love, but their path to your hands is a logistical masterpiece. Did you know that almost 80% of flowers sold in the U.S. are imported? Countries such as Colombia and Ecuador produce these blooms, which first land at Miami International Airport—the primary hub for floral imports. From there, it’s up to truckers to deliver them across the nation.

According to data from DAT Freight & Analytics, a staggering 500 truckloads of flowers depart Miami daily in the seven weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day. This immense task is handled by a combination of major trucking companies and independent drivers, who work hard to meet the high demand. These truckers are the reason thousands of bouquets are ready in-store just in time for February 14th.

Overcoming the Challenges of Flower Freight

Transporting fresh-cut flowers isn’t like moving your standard shipment. The process involves extra care, precision, and often a lot of manual labor. Some of the main challenges truck drivers face when delivering Valentine’s Day flowers include the following:

Perfectly Controlled Temperatures: Flowers must be transported using refrigerated trailers to maintain their freshness. A small fluctuation in temperature could ruin an entire shipment of delicate blossoms.

Non-Negotiable Deadlines: Since flowers have a very short shelf life, delays simply aren’t an option. Drivers operate on incredibly tight schedules to ensure they arrive fresh and beautiful.

Demanding Unloading Conditions: While conventional freight may involve forklifts or pallet systems, flowers are almost always hand-unloaded. Imagine a single trucker unloading thousands of boxes—one driver logged more than 2,500 boxes over four stops. It’s exhausting, labor-intensive work, but it’s all part of the job for these hardworking pros.

It’s Not Just About Flowers: Flowers might be the star of the Valentine’s Day show, but they’re far from the only deliveries truckers handle for the holiday. Their efforts encompass a wide variety of festive essentials, from sweet treats to sparkling surprises.

Chocolate & Candy: Every year, Americans spend over $2 billion on Valentine’s Day candy (yes, billion!). Major confectionery brands depend on truckers to transport vast quantities of chocolates and other treats to satisfy the country’s sweet tooth.

Greeting Cards: Approximately 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually. Truck drivers are essential to getting those heartfelt messages—whether funny, romantic, or cheesy—to every store shelf and mailbox across the nation.

Jewelry & Gifts: From engagement rings to teddy bears, Valentine’s Day gifts are another major responsibility for these drivers. Ensuring these valuable items arrive on time and in perfect condition is no easy task, but truckers make it look effortless.

Drivers Deliver More Than Shipments—They Deliver Love

While most people mark Valentine’s Day with romantic dinners and heartfelt moments, many truckers spend the day on the road instead of with their loved ones. Their dedication ensures everyone else can enjoy the holiday’s little luxuries.

The next time you unwrap a box of chocolates, admire a bouquet of roses, or open a sentimental card, take a moment to appreciate the skilled, hardworking truck drivers who made it possible. They’re the real MVPs who keep Valentine’s Day running smoothly—and for that, we owe them a big “thank you.”

The post How Truckers Deliver Valentine’s Day Love Across America appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.