Author: Artem

Everyone enjoys their privacy, but being on the road can get lonely. That’s where the joy of entertainment comes in - sure, you could star gaze for hours, or have an engaging story-telling session with fellow truckers, but the option to kick back and watch something on an app is always there for you, as is the beauty of music and podcasts.

Netflix
A behemoth of an entertainment app, Netflix has brought in over 1 million subscribers, and for good reason. The streaming giant was the first in the game, offering a nearly endless option of tv shows, documentaries and movies, old and new, the broad array of options ideal for all ages and interests. Of course, with immense access to U.S. media comes the responsibility of not binging too much, but in healthy moderation this app can be a really great way to pass time. Netflix offers three types of payment plans:

• Netflix Basic: includes basic definition and access to one screen for a monthly charge of $8.99*
• Netflix Standard: includes HD streaming and access to two screens for a monthly charge of $12.99*
• Netflix Premium: includes HD streaming and access to four screens for a monthly charge of $15.99*

Hulu
Tied with Amazon Prime Video for being the next runner-up in the streaming wars, Hulu is a more affordable alternative to Netflix that offers several types of payment plans. With a generally lower cost comes lower access to movies and TV shows. Hulu also offers fewer classic programming, it’s strength being that it tends to focus on newer shows - so if you don’t like what’s currently on TV, this app ain’t for you. Hulu is also unique in that it offers live TV, so whether you want to watch a live ball game, the news or your favorite TV show the moment it airs, the app’s got you covered. Hulu offers four subscription plans:

• Hulu: Access to all ad-based programming for a monthly charge of $5.99*
• Hulu +: Access to all ad-free programming for a monthly charge of $11.99*
• Hulu Live TV: Access to ad-free programming, and 60+ ad-based TV channels for a monthly charge of $54.99*
• Hulu+ Live TV: Access to ad-free programming, and 60+ ad-free TV channels for a monthly charge of $60.99*

Disney+
With a genius ‘Disney Vault’ marketing scheme, the Walt Disney Corporation has forever withheld its movies from being sold, only allowing collector’s versions of classic films to be released in small-window time frames. Now, you can watch every single Disney movie and TV show, from start to current, for a single price - needless to say, Disney fans are leaping at the opportunity. The entertainment app is 100% ad-free, and because Disney also owns Hulu and ESPN, they offer a multi-package deal that can save a lot of money. They have two plans:

• Disney Plus: You can either subscribe monthly for $6.99*, or save a dollar per month by paying an annual fee of $69.99*
• Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+: Includes basic Hulu plan, with ads, ESPN+ premium services, and Disney + for a monthly charge of $12.99*

Apple TV+
Apple TV+ was one of the later entertainment apps to jump into the game, hence why it offers by far the lowest subscription price. What’s unique about this app is that it offers 100% original content, keeping the price low by avoiding paying for old shows and movies, and holding onto viewer attention with constantly new material. Though there isn’t much material yet, the quality and less time-consuming aspect can be all you need. With a heavy focus on rich story telling, and a wide range of markets that especially appeal to women and children, the app is family-friendly for the most part.

• Apple TV+ Monthly: $4.99*
• Apple TV+ Annual: $50*

Amazon Prime Video
Similar to Netflix and Hulu, Amazon Prime Video offers a combination of original programming, and popular programming. Developing special partnerships with high-quality networks like USA, HBO and Nickelodeon, they have developed a niche in only purchasing especially popular TV shows and movies, almost cult status, as opposed to amassing as many shows as possible. The streaming service is include if you’re already an Amazon Prime member, so this can arguably the best deal for the price. There are three options to choose from:

• Amazon Prime Video: Access to thousands of shows & movies for a monthly charge of $8.99*
• Amazon Prime: Access to thousands of shows & movies, plus 2-day free shipping for a monthly charge of $12.99* or annual charge of $119*
• Amazon Prime Student: Receive all the above-mentioned features for a monthly charge of $6.49*

YouTube
In addition to offering the freedom to watch hours upon hours of free user-created content, random old shows and the occasional trucker repair video, YouTube is a great app all by itself. The app features YouTube Red, which takes care of ads and offers original programming, though the programming is more geared toward a younger audience. Its new add-on, YouTube TV, is especially popular with truckers for its ability to stream live TV without using too much battery power. YouTube TV currently offers 70+ channels streamed at 1080p for a low price, making it one of the best tv streaming apps available - the app also has a partnership with Major League Baseball, making it a great option for those who never want to miss a game.

• YouTube: Free, with option to purchase movies & shows for low price. All videos are ad-based.
• YouTube Red: Includes original YouTube programming, and removes all ads for a monthly charge of $10*
• YouTube TV: Access to YT Red original programming, and includes 70+ channels for an annual fee of $50*

Spotify
For those disinterested in spending their time watching stuff, consider entertaining yourself by listening. One of the most popular music apps worth taking advantage of is Spotify, a music app especially tailored to those who know what they like, and want to keep it that way. Spotify offers any song you can imagine - there is a free version that includes commercials, and allows listeners to listen at normal or high-quality, however Spotify Premium allows music-lovers to listen without any advertisements and at an extreme quality streaming. Here are their plans:

• Spotify Free: Access to 50 million ad-run songs, podcasts and audiobooks
• Spotify Premium: Access to 50 million ad-free songs podcasts and audio books for a monthly charge of $10*
• Premium Family: Access to 50 million ad-free songs, podcasts and audio books for up to 6 people for $15*

Pandora
Contrast to Spotify, Pandora is an excellent listening app for music lovers always wanting to discover new music, hence ‘Pandoras Box’. If you’re set in your ways and you know what you love, Spotify is the app for you - but if you’re bored easily and want to discover something new constantly, Pandora is the app for you. A free version includes commercials, which can be troublesome because if you don’t like the song that’s currently playing, you have to listen to an ad instead. Overall, there are three options:

• Pandora Fee: Unlimited ad-based streaming
• Pandora Plus: Offers ad-free listening and limited offline listening for a monthly fee of $5
• Pandora Premium: Offers the same features in addition to unlimited offline listening for a monthly fee of $10

Radio Garden
The beauty of the radio is that you’re always listening with someone else, never alone, whether it’s on the other side of the world or in a city you grew up in. You heard that right! Completely free of charge and with no hidden fees, the Radio Garden app offers access to thousands of live radio stations from across the globe. The app is a non-profit Dutch research project that’s probably the best app for lovers of riding random wavelengths. With a cool feature that lets you save your favorite station, and an interface that lets you tap on cities from a global map, the app is a must-have for truckers looking to discover something new by their own hand.

Stitcher/Apple Podcasts
The Android-created Stitcher and Apple’s Podcasts apps are basically the same, each offering an ad-run marketplace with a focus on the most popular podcasts from around the world. Ideal for those looking to get hours of entertainment without paying a dime except their time, the apps have drastically undercut the once-popular talk shows on Sirius XM due to their high-quality celebrity interviews offered on the daily. Stitcher has original podcasts only allowed on their platform, giving them an upper hand, but Apple’s Podcasts plan to do the same in the future. Here’s the breakdown:

• Stitcher Free: Offers all podcasts, with ads
• Stitcher Premium: Offers all podcasts, plus bonus content and live comedy albums for a monthly fee of $5*
• Stitcher Annual: Offers the same as premium, but averages out to a monthly fee of $3*
• Apple Podcast: Offers all podcasts, with ads

*Prices expected to rise

It’s often said that truck drivers are the modern-day cowboys, trailing paths toward epic destinations while experiencing new adventures along the way. It’s even more true in the 21st century, what with ELDs, smart phones and of course, apps. Apps may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s the obligatory direction of the world, and like some beat-up dusted roads that drivers may not want to drive down, sometimes you just have to. With that said, here are the top 8 apps for the modern day cowboy.

Adobe Scan
Filing taxes at the end of the year requires a lot of expenditure recording, and as an owner operator, or company driver, keeping track of receipts is a crucial end-of-year task. In addition to keeping all receipts stored in a safe physical location, drivers should also consider scanning receipts through the Adobe Scan app. Also good for notes, important photos and other documents, the app helps drivers store all their important (but not too important) information in a jiffy. The app is also free, unlike some of its competitors.

Trucker Path
Trucker Path is a free app that helps drivers plan their trip, offering in-depth information on upcoming chain and independently owned truck stops - this info includes all their amenities, fuel prices and parking availability. The app also offers real-time updates on weigh station hours as well as other fun information like restaurants, rest areas and truck washes rated by your fellow truckers. Arguably the most popular app in the industry, Trucker Path has nearly 1 million users, and also offers a Trucker Premium, which adds Truck Optimized Navigation, Parking Prediction, Weigh Station Prediction, HOS Trip Planning, Fuel Optimization and Multiple-Stop Trip Planning.

EFS CardControl
EFS Fuel Cards are basically company credit cards - it’s a really important tool for fleet managers, offering simple payment solutions for all employees as well as independent contractors under one easy-to-use system. EFS CardControl makes the whole process even easier, allowing EFS customers to review real-time transactions and overall card balances, as well as the chance to find discounted fuel prices from competitive merchants. The app also makes bank transfers easy through a check registration system, and allows customers to control their EFS SmartFunds.

Google Maps
Introduced to the world in 2013, Google Maps took the world by storm with its highly intelligent interface that measures traffic, accidents and construction incidents. This feature has saved a lot of commuters from being late to work, and a lot of headaches from truck drivers who don’t know what lies ahead. An easy-to-view night mode also makes the app fantastic for late night drives, it’s ability to pick up on small and local businesses relevant to searches adding to the convenience. Though detailed trip planning is not a feature due to marketing and advertising issues, drivers still have the freedom to search any gas station or rest stop they want ahead of time.

Love’s Connect
The Love’s Connect app is designed to help truckers find their favorite Love’s stops as well as access their Love’s Rewards Points. Additional features include shower availability, and real-time updates on how much traffic the store is getting. To save time, drivers can check into their shower before they’ve arrived, and select their fuel from the comfort of their cab. Other features include allowed access of multiple card payments that include a Love’s Express Card, Combat, EFS, TCH, Fleet One, T-Chek and Multiservice. Further, company drivers can save every transaction through online receipts and share them with their employers.

TruckSmart by TA-Petro
An app made by TA-Petro, the TruckSmart app offers a myriad of features including easy access to one of America’s broadest roadside repair networks. They offer an extensive list of amenities and services from each stop, including shower availability, parking availability, on-site restaurants and services. You can also reserve showers and a parking spot before you arrive. On top of everything, the app offers the option to book TA Truck Service ahead of time, saving some money with the UltraONE Membership. This app competes fairly with others and runs relatively smoothly - it can also be a huge time-saver for those who often find themselves waiting in a long line for something as simple as a shower.

Pilot Flying J
With a near-perfect rating in the App Store, the Pilot Flying J app is one of the most downloaded apps in Apple’s ‘Travel’ section, winning multiple Mobile Web Awards including Best Retail Mobile Application and Best Transportation Application. The app showcases expected services, including parking availability, service center hours and shower reservations, in addition to extensive rewards offers that can’t be had elsewhere, from a free cup of coffee to complimentary breakfast on birthdays. With savings stacked up and the ability to save receipts, the app is a must-have for independent contractors.

One of the hardest parts about being a truck driver is holding onto your funds. Costs can stack up without realizing it, especially if you’re not keeping track of daily expenditures and having a little too much fun on the road. From saving to spending, there are loads of ways to save loads of cash, the most important tips listed below.

Preventative Maintenance
Some of the most common CDL violations have to do with easy technical issues that could have been prevented if the driver had just taken time to look. The three most common according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration include lights, brakes and tires. Take advantage of multi-point inspections while you take a breaks at gas stations, saving time and money by taking care of two chores at once, or taking time to do an inspection yourself - a good rule of thumb is to look over everything each time you stop at a gas station/rest stop, or every 500 miles.

Be Your Own Cook
If you’ve got the benefit of having a sleeper cab with some power outlets, you’re already well on your way to saving money. Not only can you avoid hotel costs by bunking in your truck, you can also make your own food through easy-to-bring amenities like a freezer, microwave or crockpot. You can easily avoid the high price of fast food by doing some light grocery shopping before trips too, or by preparing freezer crockpot recipes ahead of time - and if you’re not a chef, look at this as an opportunity to become one. For coffee and tea lovers, you can also bring your own coffee pot or electric tea maker.

Vices
A good thing to keep in mind is balancing what you want versus what you need. Do you really need a pack of cigarettes? A new pair of sunglasses? Some would say yes, and for them, so be it, but for others it’s an opportunity to save money, and perhaps make a change for the better. Other vices include fast food hankerings, alcohol and gambling - all of these, among others that can’t be named, can easily be tossed out the window, or at least be kept to a minimum. If you’re having trouble getting rid of some of these vices, consider a good ol’ fashioned strategy; a strategy that doesn’t just entail getting rid of a habit, but replacing it.

Good Habits
One good habit is driving at a steady speed, as grueling as it may sound for speed lovers. A lot of companies govern their vehicles to ensure their drivers are moving at a steady pace - they do this in the name of safety, but you can do it to save oodles on gas. The speed limit is the speed limit for a reason, and it’s because it places the least amount of strain on your vehicle, while simultaneously offering the best long-term gas mileage. In addition to taking care of your vehicle, it’s just as important to take care of your body - obesity and diabetes is a huge problem amongst the trucking community, which is why some rest stops as well as chain gas stations like Love’s and Petro offer fitness centers and hiking trails. Take advantage of them!

Design a Budget
An excellent tip is to give yourself a budget for a certain allotted time. Start by designing a yearly plan, then look over everything through a quarterly and monthly lens after the year is up. If it looks like you can make your budget stretch even longer next year, make next quarter’s budget a little bit less, and keep going until you reach the absolute minimum of what you need. To keep track of everything, keep a log book handy for every single thing you purchase, from peanuts to oil changes. No need to be a cheapskate of course - if you want something for your personal wellbeing, go for it. After all, a healthy state of mind can save you money in the end too!

Gas Station Amenities
To limit stops, try to stop at gas stations that offer multiple amenities, that way you can take care of everything in one place. From showers, to laundry, to a reliable brew of coffee, truckers can take care of everything by planning their trip ahead of time instead of stopping at several locations for different reasons. To help aid this process, download popular truck stop apps for discounts on coffee and gas - a lot of these apps also let drivers in on the availability of parking and showers, even going as far as letting drivers reserve before they’ve arrived. A good thing to remember while trip-planning is; the bigger the chain, the more amenities they offer.

Pay Insurance Altogether
If you’re taking care of your own insurance, consider a one-time annual payment instead of breaking it into a quarterly or monthly plan. Often times, it feels immediately cheaper to pay a monthly fee instead of a huge lump sum, but insurance companies typically balance this out by adding an APR surcharge to short-term plans. By switching to a lump sum, you can avoid APR rates, and save hundreds, if not thousands, per year.

Hire a CPA
If you don’t already know, there are so many tax loopholes when it comes to trucking, it will make your head spin. It may not immediately sound productive to hire a CPA to handle your taxes, but in the long term it will definitely help. For owner operators, this tip is especially crucial - because owner operators are also independent contractors, almost every expense can be written off, including part of your truck payment.

Working on the road can be rough on the body - what makes already bad matters worse at times, whether it’s bodily aches or general state of well being, is eating poorly. Ditch the fast food and day-old truck stop sandwiches for something fresh made, saving money, time and gaining a bit more energy than you would otherwise with these 20 freezer crockpot meals for truck drivers. Each recipe was hand-selected to include multiple servings, and high-calorie intake to keep you truckin’, all while avoiding high levels of sodium to keep you healthy. These recipes yield anywhere between 5-8 servings (depending on how hungry you are) and take about 4-8 hours to cook.

1. Roasted Beef & Carrots

A hearty and simple recipe, this roasted beef & carrots recipe is especially great for busy drivers because it only takes five main ingredients, and less than an hour to prepare.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 3 months

Ingredients:

• 2-pounds of boneless beef chuck
• 1.5 pound of carrots, diced
• 3 tbsp of olive oil
• 2 tbsp of red wine
• One seasoning packet of your choice (mesquite or chipotle preferred)

Freezer Prep:

• Combine all ingredients in a one-gallon freezer bag and mix. Remove all air. When ready to cook, place ingredients into crockpot and cook on low setting for 8 hours. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Kelly McNelis from Family Freezer
URL: https://thefamilyfreezer.com/2014/07/23/slow-cooker-beef-roast-carrots/

2. Chicken Tot Pie

A nutrient-filled meal breaded with tater tots, chicken tot pie is a fun way to revitalize the body at any given moment, making it a life-saver for feeling at home while in the middle of nowhere.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 2.5 months

Filling/Topping Ingredients:

• 1 pound of boneless chicken breast, diced
• 8 oz of frozen mixed veggies
• 15 oz of tater tots

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 a stick of butter
• 2 small yellow onions, diced
• 1/4 cup of flour
• 1/2 of celery seed
• 1/4 teaspoon of typical poultry seasoning
• 1 cup of milk, or original flavored almond milk
• 2 cups of chicken broth

Freezer Prep:

• Create sauce in a stovetop: First add butter, then onions until soft. Then add flour and seasoning, then milk and chicken broth, bring to a boil for five minutes. Cool down the sauce and mix with raw chicken and vegetables in a one-gallon freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw in fridge overnight - then pour mixture into slow cooker, with tater tots covering the top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Kelly McNelis from Family Freezer
URL: https://thefamilyfreezer.com/2014/05/05/slow-cooker-chicken-pot-pie/

3. Trucker Chicken Chili

A good bean-heavy meal that offers packed protein, this recipe for chicken chili can be especially great by itself, or with tortilla chips.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 3 months

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of boneless chicken, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 15 oz. can of black beans
• 15 oz. can of white kidney beans
• 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 15 oz. can of petit diced tomatoes
• 1 cup of sliced red peppers, green peppers and onions
• 2/3 cup of frozen corn
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 tsp of chili powder
• 2 tsps of cumin
• 1.5 tsps of oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper
• A dash of pepper

Freezer Prep:

• Place all ingredients into 1-gallon freezer bag at the same time. Remove all air before placing in the freezer. Thaw overnight before cooking, then cook on low setting for 6-8 hours. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Kelly McNelis from Family Freezer
URL: https://thefamilyfreezer.com/2012/12/06/freezer-to-slow-cooker-chicken-chili/

4. Mexican Chili with Cornbread

If the last chili meal wasn’t flavorful enough for you, consider trying out this Mexican Chili with Cornbread recipe instead, an especially great dish for truckers planning to drive through the southwest.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 3 months

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 cup of frozen corn
• 1 package of store-bought taco seasoning
• 10 oz can of condensed tomato soup
• 1/4 pound of cheese (if desired)
• 1 box of jiffy corn muffin mix (requires one egg & 1/3 cup of milk)

Freezer Prep:

• Combine all ingredients in a one-gallon freezer bag, except cornbread mix and cheese. Remove as much air from the freezer bag as possible. When ready to cook, thaw overnight and cook on low setting for 6-8 hours. In final hour, top chili with cheese and cornbread. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Kelly McNelis from Family Freezer
URL: https://thefamilyfreezer.com/2014/10/06/crockpot-mexican-chili-cornbread-topping/

5. Slow-Cooked Party Pork

A simple bone-in recipe that requires few ingredients and not a lot of time, slow-cooked party pork packs a hearty punch, and is a great way to enjoy ball games from your cab.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 3 months

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs. of bone-in pork shoulder
• 1 cup of grape jelly
• 1 cup of ketchup (Heinz preferred)
• 1/4 tsp of allspice

Freezer Prep:

• Keep the pork shoulders in your freezer, the rest of the ingredients in your fridge or pantry. Thaw pork overnight before cooking. Once ready, add pork to slow cooker first, then combine jelly, ketchup & allspice in a separate bowl. Pour the sauce over the pork, then let cook on low for 8-12 hours. When finished, separate meat from the bone and strain the juice to use as extra gravy. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Kelly McNelis from Family Freezer
URL: https://thefamilyfreezer.com/2013/09/09/slow-cooker-party-pork-recipe/

6. Pot Roast with Green Beans

This is a homestyle meal great for eating before long drives in the early morning, portions yielding four to six servings with very few ingredients and prep time.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 3 months

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. of boneless beef chuck
• 1 pound of green beans (fresh or frozen)
• 1 packet of onion soup mix
• 1 cup of water

Freezer Prep:

• Add all ingredients in a one-gallon freezer bag. Remove all air before putting in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and add into crockpot with one cup of water. Cook on low for 8 hours until beef starts to break up. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Kelly McNelis from Family Freezer
URL: https://thefamilyfreezer.com/2014/12/11/crockpot-pot-roast-green-beans/

7. Spicy Sausage Tomato Soup

A thickly soup that can be eaten with crackers, tortilla chips, or garlic bread, this spicy sausage spinach tomato soup recipe is rich in vitamins and energy, making it the perfect afternoon re-fuel.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 3 months

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. of spicy Italian sausage
• 24 oz jar of tomato sauce
• 1 can of white kidney beans
• 9 oz. box of frozen spinach
• 1/2 lb. of chopped carrots
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of dry pasta (your choice)

Freezer Prep:

• Add all ingredients to a one-gallon freezer bag, except for chicken broth and dry pasta. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and dump into cooker with chicken broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. In last 30 minutes, add pasta and change to high heat. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Kelly McNelis from Family Freezer
URL: https://thefamilyfreezer.com/2013/03/21/slow-cooker-sausage-spinach-tomato-soup-recipe/

8. Turkey Black Bean Chili

A lean alternative to traditional beef & pork chilis, turkey black bean chili gives truckers all the same energy without feeling too greasy - this recipe is especially great with fresh avocado, and a side of chips.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 3 months

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of lean ground turkey
• 28 oz. can of tomato sauce
• Two 15 oz. cans of black beans
• 14 oz. can of petite diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2/3 cup of frozen corn
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp of chili powder
• 2 tsps of cumin
• 1.5 tsps of oregano
• 1 tbsp of paprika
• A dash of red pepper

Freezer Prep:

• Add all ingredients to freezer bag. Remove all air before storing in the freezer. When ready, thaw overnight and then cook for 6-8 hours. Assist in breaking up the ground turkey while it cooks. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Kelly McNelis from Family Freezer
URL: https://thefamilyfreezer.com/2013/02/13/slow-cooker-turkey-black-bean-chili/

9. Spicy Pork & Butternut Squash Ragu

This may sound like a fancy dish, but it only sounds fancy - super simple and quick to make, spicy pork and butternut squash ragu will make you feel like you just stepped into a 5-star restaurant, all without leaving your sleeper.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 3 months

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. of boneless pork ribs
• Two 14 oz. cans of stewed tomatoes, undrained
• 12 oz. of frozen pre-cooked winter squash
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1.5 tsp of red pepper
• 1 tsp of salt
• A dash of garlic powder
• A dash of paprika
• 1 cup of dry pasta

Freezer Prep:

• Combine all ingredients in a one-pound freezer bag, except for the dry pasta, and shake to mix thoroughly. Remove all air before storing in the freezer. Once ready, thaw out overnight and toss into the crockpot on low for 6-8 hours. In the last 20 minutes, throw in dry pasta and set heat to high. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Monica Osterhaus
URL: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/spicy-pork-and-butternut-squash-ragu/

10. Slow-Cooked Stuffed Pepper Stew

A pepper-rich soup heavy with tomato flavoring, this slow-cooked stuffed pepper stew will make you feel at home wherever you are, and is especially good for cold nights.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 3 months

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs. of Italian sausage
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 green peppers, chopped
• 2 tbsps of brown sugar
• 2 tsps of beef base
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• Two 15 oz. cans of tomato sauce
• 1 can of diced tomatoes with chilies
• 2 cups of tomato juice (can substitute with beef broth if you don’t like too much tomato)
• A dash of paprika
• 3/4 cup uncooked instant rice

Freezer Prep:

• Mix all ingredients in a 1-gallon freezer bag, except for the rice. Remove all air from bag before placing in freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in refrigerator overnight and place on low heat for 6-8 hours. Microwave instant rice when the meal is finished, then serve over rice. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Debbie Johnson
URL: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/slow-cooked-stuffed-pepper-stew/

11. Meatball Subs

A classic meal that takes hardly any prep, Italian-style meatballs are a great crockpot option. You can serve them with any kind of pasta, by themselves, but especially on a hoagie.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 4 months

Ingredients:

• 4 hoagie buns
• 16 oz. bag of frozen meatballs
• 1 jar of 24 oz. marinara sauce
• Parmesan cheese
• Peperoncini slices (optional)

Freezer Prep:

• No pre-prep required - just keep frozen meatballs in the freezer, and the rest of the ingredients in your cab’s pantry. When ready, place meatballs and sauce in crockpot for 3-4 hours. When finished, place meatballs in bun and top with parmesan & peperoncini slices. For leftovers, place meatballs in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Stacie Nicholls
URL: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/slow-cooker-meatball-sandwiches/

12. Spaghetti & 2-Meat Sauce

A special recipe that adds hefty servings of vegetables, the already hearty classic spaghetti & meat sauce recipe can be made even better by bulking up the sauce, and the meat.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 3 months

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. of ground beef
• 1 lb. of Italian sausage
• 1 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes, undrained
• 1 green pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• One 8 oz. can of tomato sauce
• One 6 oz. can of tomato paste
• 1 tbsp of brown sugar
• 1 tbsp of Italian seasoning
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
• A dash of salt & pepper
• 12 oz. box of spaghetti

Freezer Prep:

• Mix meat sauce and place in a large freezer container. When ready, let thaw overnight and add to crock pot for 8-10 hours on low, or until it starts to bubble. Cook spaghetti separately - when finished, serve over spaghetti. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Mary Tallman
URL: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/meat-sauce-for-spaghetti/

13. Classic Crockpot Jambalaya

An award-winning recipe especially beloved for lovers of Cajun cuisine, this spice-heavy jambalaya is sure to appease driver’s cravings while passing through the sweet-smelling bayou state.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 3 months

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. of diced chicken breast
• 1 lb. of sliced smoked sausage
• 1/2 lb. of medium-sized shrimp
• 1 can of 14 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can of 14 oz. beef or chicken broth
• 6 oz. can of tomato paste
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 green peppers, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 5 garlic coves, minced
• 3 tsps of parsley
• 2 tsps of basil
• 1.5 tsps of oregano
• 1.25 tsps of salt
• 1/2 tsps of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsps of hot pepper sauce
• Instant rice

Freezer Prep:

• Combine all the ingredients into a freezer container, except for the rice and shrimp. When ready, let everything thaw out overnight, including the shrimp. Mix everything into the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours, holding off on the shrimp. When chicken is no longer pink, stir in the shrimp and cook for another 30 minutes. Microwave instant rice separately and serve together. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Cindi Coss
URL: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/forgotten-jambalaya/

14. Cajun-Style Pot Roast

Another bayou favorite, this cajun-style pot roast recipe is heavy in seasoning, with a few secret ingredients only the deep south can think up.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 3 months

Ingredients:

• 2.5 lbs. of boneless beef chuck roast, diced
• 2 tbsps of cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp of olive oil
• 2 cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1.5 cups of celery, chopped
• 3/4 cups of onion, chopped
• 1.5 tsps of minced garlic
• A dash of salt
• 1/4 cup of instant tapioca
• Instant rice

Freezer Prep:

• Place everything except for rice in a one-gallon freezer bag, and mix thoroughly. When ready, let everything thaw out over night, and dump together in crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until meat is tender. Cook rice separately, and serve the meat with juices on top. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Ginger Menzies
URL: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/cajun-style-pot-roast/

15. Chicken Tuscan Pasta

This is a hearty and creamy Italian dish perfect for those looking for something fresh, authentic and full of flavor - especially lean because it only includes chicken, it’s a fantastic carb-heavy meal for marathon drives.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 2 months

Ingredients:

• 1.25 lbs. of boneless chicken breast, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 clove of garlic, chopped
• 5 oz. of baby kale
• 7 oz. jar of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
• 3 oz. of cream cheese
• 1 cup of milk, or regular flavored almond milk
• 1/2 cup of parmesan
• 1 cup of mozzarella
• 1 13 oz. package of dry penne pasta

Freezer Prep:

• Combine all ingredients, except for cheese and pasta to create the sauce. Shake well so chicken is well-seasoned. Place this mixture in a container, and be sure to remove all air from the bag. When ready, thaw out overnight and toss into a crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until chicken is no longer pink. In the last 20-30 minutes, throw in the pasta sauce and cook covered on high. Mix cheeses together, and serve on top. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Rachel Cooks
URL: https://www.rachelcooks.com/2017/03/31/chicken-tuscan-pasta-bake/

16. Ranch Chicken and Mushroom

This is a classic freezer meal filled with unique vegetables, including a medley of mushrooms, perfect for those wanting something gourmet on the quick.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 2 months

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. of chicken breast, diced
• 1 can of mushrooms
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• Half a stick of butter (optional)
• 2 packets of ranch seasoning
• 3 tbsp of corn starch
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 squash, chopped
• Instance rice OR 12 oz. box of pasta

Freezer Prep:

• Keep vegetables and meat in separate containers when placing in the freezer. When ready to eat, let everything thaw out overnight - then throw everything except the corn starch in a crockpot for 4-6 hours on low heat. In the last 30 minutes, throw in the corn starch and pasta with a bit of water into the crock on high heat, covered. If eating with rice, make rice separate. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Slow Cooker Kitchen
URL: https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com/crockpot-ranch-chicken-and-mushrooms/

17. Barbecue Chicken Thighs

It’s the heart of summer, and you’re craving some barbecue - a lot of people don’t realize it, but you can actually make a full barbecue meal in the crockpot. Here’s how.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 3 months

Ingredients:

• 3-4 pounds of barbecue-seasoned chicken thighs
• 1.5 lbs. of baby potatoes, diced
• 5 medium-sized carrots, chopped
• 1 lb. of fresh green beans
• 5 corn on the cob halves
• 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce

Freezer Prep:

• Place barbecue chicken, as well as all the chopped up vegetables and corn halves in a one-gallon freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw out overnight and pour into crockpot. Drizzle barbecue sauce over everything and let sit for 5-7 hours on low heat. For leftovers, place in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Slow Cooker Kitchen
URL: https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com/crock-pot-bbq-chicken-thighs/

18. 3-Ingredient Ranch Pork Chops

Fast, simple and most importantly, delicious, this 3-ingredient ranch pork chop recipe is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 3 months

Ingredients:

• 4 thickly cut pork chops, bone-in
• 2-3 tbsp of ranch dressing seasoning
• 15 oz. of chicken gravy

Freezer Prep:

• Pre-season the chicken with ranch dressing seasoning and gravy in a one-gallon freezer bag. Shake it so it’s well seasoned, then lay flat in the freezer. When ready to eat, let it thaw out overnight, then toss it into the crockpot for 6-8 hours on low heat. For leftovers, refrigerate in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Slow Cooker Kitchen
URL: https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com/3-ingredient-crockpot-ranch-pork-chops/

19. Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Tot Casserole

A thickly casserole that comes out like a fresh slice of pie, this dairy-heavy recipe takes care of every food group in a really creative way.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 1.5 months

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 package of bacon, cooked & crumbled
• 1/2 cup of yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tsps of garlic, minced
• 10 oz. can of cheddar cheese soup
• 10 oz. can of cream of mushroom
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• 2 tbsps of Worcestershire sauce
• 2-3 tbsps of ranch seasoning
• 1 lb. of tater tots
• Shredded cheese
• 1.33 cups of milk, or regular flavored almond milk

Freezer Prep:

• Pre-layer this casserole in a freezer bag, and freeze upright. Layer it by beef & onions, bacon, cheese, tater tots, soup mixture, and cheese again. Do NOT use sliced cheese. If you have leftover ingredients, do this again in a separate bag. When ready to eat, flip the bag upside down and cut it from the bottom with scissors. Carefully flip bag into a crock pot so that it cooks upright, and cook on low heat for 5-7 hours. For leftovers, refrigerate in container and re-heat the next day.

Credit: Slow Cooker Kitchen
URL: https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com/bacon-ranch-cheeseburger-tater-tot-casserole/

20. Cheeseburger Soup

Another cheeseburger recipe! We put two on this list because we know every trucker starts to crave a good-old fashioned cheeseburger. Instead of pulling over at a grease factory, satisfy your taste buds with this rewarding crockpot cheeseburger soup.

Freezer Lifespan:

• Approx. 2 months

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. of ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, diced or peeled
• 1 stalk of celery, diced
• 14 oz. can of chicken broth
• 1 jar of chicken gravy
• 3 cups of hash brown
• 14 oz. of Velveeta
• 2 cups of evaporated milk
• 1 tsp of basil
• 2 tbsps of parsley
• 1/4 cup of sour cream
• A dash of salt & pepper

Freezer Prep:

• First, pour chicken broth, gravy and sour cream into a freezer bag, and then knead to mix. This will be your soup base. Next, mix in the ground beef and all the vegetables. Close the soup base bag and shake rigorously. Keep hash brown in separate bag, keep soup base in separate bag, and keep shredded Velveeta in a separate bag. Lay them all flat in the freezer - when ready to eat, thaw everything overnight and throw into the crockpot with the evaporated milk for 5-7 hours on low heat.

Credit: Slow Cooker Kitchen
URL: https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com/crockpot-cheeseburger-soup/

A driver’s CDL is a Commercial Driver’s License, and every move you make as a driver, whether it be good or bad, is attached to your CDL. From the moment you hit your first mile, it’s important to know that your CDL is a living, breathing record of your career as a trucker, and that every company you try to find work with will look at it before they hire. Most companies disregard drivers from positions if they have more than 4 violations in the past 5 years, some won’t even tolerate one - that means that just one violation could stand between you and the next five years of your driving career, or make the difference between you working for a good company, or a great company. So to sum it up, everyone’s trucking career depends on keeping their CDL clean. But how do you do it?

A good way to start is by understanding the most common violations; Lighting, Brakes, Tires, Logging, Medical Issues and English Proficiency.

Did you notice anything in common with the above violations? Well, half are technical issues (i.e., Lighting, Brakes and Tires), and half are human error (Logging, Medical Issues and English Proficiency). But all of them are preventable. By far, the most important thing you can do to avoid running into any of these violations, or any others, is by taking Preventative Measures. You can do this in multiple ways.

Inspect!
Before hitting the road, turn your truck on and walk around your vehicle, inspecting the three most important technicalities; Lights, Brakes (including fluid levels and lights), and Tires (including pressure and overall wear). Further, every single truck service center offers preventative multi-point inspections as a minimum service. They are low-cost and can save you a fortune not only in future costs but future violations. In addition to the three most important specs, multi-point inspections go above and beyond by checking vital engine components, battery health, seat belt security, water & A/C hoses, and more.

Slow Down
Slowing down doesn’t just mean literally driving slow (although that does outstretch the longevity of your vehicle). It also means slowing down to make sure you’ve done everything correctly. Ensure your ELD logs have been adequately inputted after long drives. Check to see if you are too tired to drive or have any issues with your wrist, back or ankles, the most commonly effected injury areas for drivers. Also, don’t let your dispatcher rush you into getting back on the road if you’re not ready - if you run into equipment issues, it’s not coming out of their pocket, it’s coming out of your CDL. Finally, brush up on your English if it’s not your first language - it doesn’t have to be perfect, but practicing on the road can kill two birds with one stone, whether that means speaking with an English-speaking driver on the CB, or taking self-taught radio lessons.

Avoid Bad Weather
It doesn’t matter if you are comfortable driving in bad weather, whether it be light rain or heavy snow - what’s important to keep in mind is that there are so many inexperienced drivers on the road. This unfortunately includes your fellow truckers. You may be fine driving through a flurry of snowflakes in the middle of the night, but if someone spins out in front of you, and you clip them, then you are suddenly involved. The best thing to do during bad weather is to just wait it out - it’s better to be late than to get there with a violation.

Lawyer Up
You can try to prevent incidents all day, every day, but the bottom line is that you can’t control the actions of others. That’s why having solid legal representation is the best preventative measure. One good thing to note is that legal representation is a lot more likely to get behind you and offer good rates if you work for a reputable company, so be sure to check your company’s track record before signing on as a driver - it makes a world of difference. To save you time, we plucked out the top 3 best companies for legal representation:

TVC Pro Driver
Short for ‘Trucker Voice in Court’, TVC Pro Driver has been representing truckers in all 50 states since the early 1990s. In addition to having a great winning streak, TVC Pro Driver has an A+ rating with the BBB. They also balance representation and subscription costs by offering a myriad of cost-saving benefits in each plan. Their three plans include:

• Silver: This plan includes Moving and Non-Moving Violations, CSA/DataQ Challenges, Fuel & Shop Discounts, Serious Accidents, Cash Appearance & Police Bail Bonds, and Roadside Assistance for $32 a month
• Gold: Includes the Silver Plan + Pre-existing Commercial Citations, 25% Legal Discount, $50K Accidental Death/Dismemberment Coverage, Worldwide Travel Assistance, Free Wellcard Health Program, Driver Rewards Program for $49 a month
• Platinum: Includes Gold Plan + Tire Discounts, Freight Factoring, Nationwide Roadside Dispatch and Network Insurance Specialists for $55 a month

CDL Legal
In partnership with the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) as well as the American Association of Owner Operators (AAOO), CDL Legal is especially reputable amongst independent drivers, offering a much lower rate than most legal companies and a high industry win rate of 95%. They offer a single plan, with a discounted rate of $32.50 for OOIDA and AAOO members. Non-members have to pay $40 a month. Perks of their plan include:

• Nationwide network of CDL defense attorneys
• 24/7 roadside assistance
• 100% coverage for moving & non-moving violations
• Free coverage for spouse
• Coverage in any vehicle
• Access to over 300K discounts nationwide, including hotels, car rentals, restaurants, pharmaceuticals and entertainment

U.S. Legal Services: CDL Defender
A company that sprawls across every state, U.S. Legal Services offers an array of different insurance plans for owner operators and fleet managers. Their CDL Defender Program is one of their most popular options on their website, and they boast that 92% of clientele is happy with their court results - that doesn’t necessarily mean they win all those cases. Regardless, they offer a lot of unique perks that other plans don’t. Here’s what you should know:

• Covers 100% of legal fees
• Covers Unsafe Driving, Driver Fitness, Controlled Substances/Alcohol, Vehicle Maintenance, Cargo-Related and Crash Incidents
• Identity Theft Protection
• Financial Coaching
• Coverage for Spouse
• Discounted Legal Services for Personal Matters Outside of Trucking

Owner operators first starting out may want to keep costs down by leasing, avoiding maintenance and commitment, but those with bad credit who want the option to eventually own may want to look into lease purchasing, or ‘lease-to-own’, instead. Notorious amongst drivers for being sketchy practice by smaller companies, hopeful owner operators have to be very careful with this route, especially if they are new to the industry - before starting, consider being a company driver first to gain experience, or simply go with the most reputable companies. You can do the latter by following the list below, which features some of the best lease-to-own companies for aspiring owner operators, the list factoring in company reputation, personal necessities like pet and spouse approval, and financial securities.

Before diving into our list, you should know that 77% of Lease-to-Own contracts are not successful. The reason for this is that drivers run into maintenance problems, and don’t prepare adequately. So how can you avoid this? Follow these quick 3 steps, and you’ll be sure to be in the 23% success rate:

• Maintain the value of your truck - that means drive an average of 60 miles per hour, conserve your brakes and do regular oil changes
• Learn Maintenance - if you run into any issues, do the labor yourself. This can make a huge difference in lease purchasing payments, lowering expenditures enough to where you are basically making a regular purchase payment
• Build a Savings - in the event you run into a heavy maintenance issue, have a rainy day fund to pull from. You can start one by cutting obvious costs like fast food and by getting a non-credit fuel rewards card

Nova Lines
Nova Lines promises new owner operators with bad credit the ability to own their own truck through their popular ‘Pathway to Ownership’ program. This works by taking over lease payments of a company-owned vehicle, and paying a bit extra on top of that. Though this process can be costlier than leasing or purchasing, it offers aspiring owner operators the chance to make the move from company driver to owner in a fluid way. Here’s what you should know about Nova’s Pathway to Ownership Program:

• Weekly Gross Revenue starting at $5,500
• Walk-away leases
• $1 buyout at the end of the lease term
• Well-maintained vehicles
• Pet-friendly
• Co-riders over 12 are okay
• No truck governing
• Flatbed experience preferred
• Contact: 1-844-695-6682

AFC Transport
AFC Transport mostly focuses on U.S. deliveries in the Midwest, Southeast and Northeast, making it a great option for owner operators living in that area. The company is more interested in relatively familiar drivers, rather than those who are just jumping into their career, so new owner operators may want to look elsewhere to Lease Purchase. For seasoned drivers, here’s what you should know:

• Valid CDL-A required, with 2 years experience
• Must be 23 years or older
• 6 months flatbed or reefer experience required
• No more than 2 moving violations in the past 3 years
• Weekly payments are between $400 - $900
• Vehicles never any older than 5 years
• Truck governing at 70 mph guarantees light maintenance and optimal fuel mileage
• Choose between Peterbilt, Volvo, Freightliner or Kenworth models
• One pet allowed
• Co-riders over 12 are okay
• Contact: 331-333-8200

JB Hunt
A contract-free lease-to-own program puts JB Hunt at the top of this list, in addition to other helpful perks that include paid driver orientation, payment plans across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as multiple third-party payment plans that tailor to both experienced and inexperienced drivers. Compensation plans are also offered, payments based off mileage and percentage. Though specifics aren’t clear due to so many plan options, here’s what you should generally know:

• 0% down lease purchase
• Discounts on fuel and insurance rates
• Dental, Medical, and Vision Insurance offered
• Safety bonuses
• Pet-friendly
• Co-riders over 12 are okay
• Truck governing at 70 mph guarantees light maintenance and optimal fuel mileage
• Maximum of 4 violations & accidents allowed
• Service Discounts at select service centers
• Relatively new trucks available
• Contact: 1-866-384-713

Prime, Inc
Popular amongst refrigerated, flatbed and tanker drivers, Prime, Inc. is an industry favorite for its strong earning potential and relatively low risk walk-away options ideal for those who may grow unhappy with their agreement. They also offer plenty of incentives to complete your lease, ranging from safety bonuses to helpful fuel discounts. Overall, here’s what you should know:

• 0% Down
• Extensive OEM Warranties
• Truck governing at 65 mph guarantees light maintenance and optimal fuel mileage
• Trucks are no older than 3 years
• High maintenance standards
• Walk-away options
• Three-passenger program allows driver, and two passengers - these two passengers can be another adult, a team driver, a pet below 40 pounds and one child. Child can only be below 12 if two adults are in the vehicle
• Contact: 1-800-491-1240

Ace Doran
Popular amongst lease-purchase drivers for having one of the most affordable programs, Ace Doran is a historic hauling & rigging company that’s been around since 1913. Their plan forces a specific trailer size, model and weight capacity, so with the exchange of freedom of choice comes forgiving lease-to-purchase rates and the guarantee of their newest model, not to mention early buyout. This is probably the best option for owner operator hopefuls. Here’s what you should know:

• Specific truck has to be a Reitnouer Big Bubba Flatbed; size 48’ x 102’
• Guaranteed owned in 5 years
• Guaranteed to be the newest model, from that year
• Escrow is fully funded through weekly payments
• Early buyout available after 2 years
• Pet-friendly
• License plates, physical damage insurance and GPS included in weekly payments
• Contact: 270-316-1723

In the modern trucking world, load boards can prove crucial for logging data and communicating information on loads, not only for drivers, but shippers and freight brokers. As far as owner operators go, it can be the most important tool in your arsenal. Drivers are now able to cut down on time through load board systems, and if you can master it, it can save you a lot of money in the end. With a lot of brands popping up to help drivers with their daily needs, especially independent contractors, we put together the top seven boards perfect for owner operators.

DAT TruckersEdge
Known for having the most available loads in a vast database across DAT Solutions, DAT TruckersEdge follows industry trends and top carriers for the best freight rates. The company offers a free demo before purchase for those who want to get acclimated. With over 600,000 truckers using the log system daily, many owner operators stick with DAT because the interface is a breeze. There are three different plans for TruckersEdge; Standard, Enhanced and Professional, and its compatibility with the KeepTruckin’s ELD log system makes it an industry favorite.

• Standard Plan: $34.95
• • Includes Unlimited Search & Post, Load Match Alarms, Mileage & Routing, Load Counts by State and Broker Credit Data Access
• Enhanced Plan: $49.95
• • Includes Standard Plan + Call to Post & Search, and Average Lane Rates
• Professional Plan: $99.95
• • Includes Enhanced Plan + 15-Day Lane Rates, Tri-Haul, DAT Assurance, Access to Canadian Loads, and IFTA & Fuel Optimization
• Visit: TruckersEdge.net

TruckStop.com
Specializing in load boards, and offering a free 1-month demo for access to its log system, TruckStop.com equips drivers with a wide range of ELD services for every type of truck and trailer, from reefer to heavy haul, making it especially easy for owner operators to keep track of their business. Offering three separate systems for Carriers, Shippers and Brokers, an overarching network connects everyone with an easy-to-use ELD Marketplace. This marketplace allows carriers to compare rates and performance history on brokers, and offers high efficiency for sellers with access to a third-party logistics network. Here are the details for owner operators:

• Carriers (Owner Operators)
• • Basic Plan: $39
  • • Includes Unlimited Load Searching, Unlimited Truck/Lane Posting, Option to Negotiate Loads, View Truck-to-Load Ratio, View Truck Volume by Location, and Instant Load Booking via Truckstop Mobile App
  • Advanced Plan: $125
  • • IncludesBasic Plan + Route Optimization, IFTA Taxes, Option to See Rate Trends, Plan Fuel Stops, View Broker Credit History
  • Pro: $149
  • • Includes Advanced Plan + Real-time Updates, Negotiating through Rate Mate, Trip Planning through Outbound Rates, Access to Best Paying Loads, Ability to Plan Multiple Trips

Visit: TruckStop.com

123LoadBoard
With availability online and through a popular mobile app, the easy-to-use 123 Loadboard is great for drivers with low tech experience, as well as those who just appreciate a simple interface. The marketplace specializes in freights, hotshots and backhauls, and is geared toward owner operators getting the most profits possible. Here’s the details of their plans:

• Standard Plan: $35
• • Access to Load Logs 24/7, Real-Time Load Alerts, Website/App Access, For 1 User
• Premium Plan: $45
• • Includes Standard Plan + Mileage & Map Data, Document Capturing and Storage, Option to See Broker/Seller Credit Scores, Load Planning, Free Fuel Card, For up to 2 Users
• Premium Plus Plan: $55
• • Premium Plan + Enhanced Mileage & Map & Toll Data, Industry Freight Rates, For up to 3 Users
• Visit: 123LoadBoard.com

NextLOAD Board
Understanding that budgets must be kept at a minimum for owner operators, NextLOAD is a free-of-charge load board designed for drivers to find freight and broker shipper loads 100% free. The company requires credit card information for credit checks, ensuring that everyone who uses the simple interface is at least somewhat reliable, but there are never any promotional periods, so you’ll always receive this product for free. Here’s what you get:

• Real-Time Load Postings, Credit Trustworthiness of Brokers/Shippers, Expired Loads Removed Daily, Create Unlimited User Accounts, App-Based, TMS integrations for Automative Postings, and a Free Fuel Card
• Visit: NextLoad.com

DirectFreight
Operating since 1997, Direct Freight has one of the largest log databases available, and have have been in the online load board systems industry since the dawn of the internet. With a professional support team who always knows what they’re doing, the company offers a simple app and online system that showcases over 300K daily loads, and growing - owner-operators interested in posting can have access to a forever-free account, while those wanting to search the database must pay for a single-type plan that costs $39. Here’s what you get with the plan:

• Unlimited Load & Truck Searching/Posting, Access to Seller Credit Scores, Weather Checks, GPS Truck Routing, Search Filtering, Private Load Information, and Customized Direct Freight
• Visit: DirectFreight.com

DAT MembersEdge App
Especially popular with owner operators looking to take advantage of the DAT network on the road without paying as much for TruckersEdge, DAT MembersEdge is an exclusive app-only system, and is the official board for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. Because of this, almost 1 million loads are posted a day, each relevant to what you are looking for, and a low month-to-month subscription of $32 makes the whole package worth it. Here’s what you get:

• Unlimited Searches and Postings, Refined Searching, Views of Broker/Shipper Credit Scores, and Ability to Negotiate Rates
• Visit: MembersEdge App

Trucker Path
Trucker Path is a free load board especially popular with owner operators due to its fast sign-up, and its showcase of about 150,000+ daily load posts. Mentioned in FleetOwner, Transport Topics, Commercial Carrier Journal and Overdrive, the load board has gotten a lot of reputable attention in the community. Also home to a quickly growing membership of 100,000+ carriers and offering choices between over a dozen trailer types, this is a great opportunity for flatbed, dry van and reefer drivers looking to practice data logging before joining larger networks. Here’s what you get:

• 100% Free Searching & Posting, Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Trip Planning, and Search Refining
• Visit: TruckerPath.com

If you’re a flatbed expert and want to work with a company that respects your skill, look no further than this list. The beauty of being an owner operator is that the job offers all the freedom in the world, but at some point drivers may want to settle down with the right company to gain more benefits. For those looking to transition from OO to Company Driver, we put together the best companies with the best offerings, the most important factors being retirement, bonuses and insurance plans.

TMC Transportation
A self-proclaimed employee-owned company, TMC is always looking for company drivers to haul flatbed, with an especially keen interest in hiring veterans. Hiring mostly in eastern states, the company offers great benefits and a high earning potential for those who’ve been in the business the longest. They’ve also been awarded Flatbed Carrier of the Year by Home Depot, and National Carrier of the Year by Firestone. Here’s what you should know:

• Performance-based earnings average $65K - $70K
• Per-mile earnings range from .49 cents - .64 cents
• Paid Training for experienced drivers
• $5K signing bonus
• 401K with employee ownership
• Health, Dental, Life, Vision and Prescription insurance
• Paid vacation
• Access to company-owned Peterbilt trucks
• Contact: 1-833-720-0532

MadCo Transportation Inc
An Ohio-based company that offers company drivers highly competitive rates, constant bonus opportunities and most importantly, respect, the family-owned MadCo Transportation is always looking for new flatbed haulers. A kind owner who is okay with past incidents, each hire is looked at closely and case-by-case, the company is more interested in where drivers are going as opposed to where they have been. They mostly look for drivers in the Midwest and southeast areas, as they are based in Columbus, Ohio and Chattanooga Tennessee, but all are welcome. Here’s what you should know:

• Mandatory drug, background & credit check
• Guaranteed weekly pay of $1,000
• 401K Retirement Plan
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Two weeks paid vacation
• Borrow exotic company-owned car for date night
• Pet friendly
• Various bonus opportunities for safe driving, long days, loyalty and Christmas
• Choose your truck
• Online calculator helps find exact annual earnings before signing
• Contact: 614-219-3160

Maverick
Constantly looking for flatbed company drivers, especially those who can haul glass, Maverick is a reliable company that’s been hiring flatbedders since 1980. With over 1,600 units that haul from coast to coast, including Canada and Mexico, odds are there is a job here for you. Especially friendly towards U.S. veterans, and those who have been in the industry for a while, experienced drivers will find better luck at Maverick. Here’s what you should know:

• Guaranteed weekly pay of $1,000
• Paid Training
• 401K Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Contact: 1-833-912-1794

Williams Brothers Trucking, Inc.
Operating since 1977 out of Hazelhurst, Georgia, Williams Brothers Trucking mostly hauls timber, containerized freights and other bulk material. They are always in need of flatbed drivers for what they do, and treat every customer and employee with equal respect. Here’s what you should know:

• Mandatory drug test
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401K with Company Match
• Christmas parties
• Paid Orientation
• Paid Vacation
• Various bonus opportunities for loyalty (3-5 years employment), quarterly achievements and holidays
• Contact: 1-800-822-7730

Combined Transport, Inc.
A major player in the trucking world, Combined Transport Logistics is a strong network of other companies that help transfer various flatbed materials, with a heavy focus on a-frames hauling flat glass. In 2014, the company grew to be one of the largest glass haulers, and currently operates in 48 states as well as parts of Canada. Company drivers will get to see the beauty of America from coast to coast, and will also have the chance to receive solid perks. Here’s what you should know:

• Earn up to $70K first year
• No felonies or DUIs in the past 5 years
• Annual raises
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance available after 8 days
• 401K after 90 days
• Tarp & Rack pay
• Paid vacation
• Bonus opportunities
• Contact: 541-618-6554

Maintenance is the lifeblood of your business, each expenditure cutting into your profits and each new face you meet on the road another person you have to trust. Based off number of locations, years of customer service experience and convenience, we compiled a list of the 10 best truck maintenance chains for Owner Operators. Almost all of these shops are open 24/7, and offer a consistent repertoire due to their collective business plan.

Pilot-Flying J
Once two large trucker stops, Pilot and Flying J joined forces to become a mega-sized network for truckers and travelers alike, and has since become one of the largest privately held companies in America. With over 750 locations across 44 states, and parts of Canada, Pilot-Flying J has also become the largest trucker stop chain with service bays, constantly refining its interiors through unique add-ons like celebrity-chef menus and high-speed WiFi. In terms of assistance, every stop includes a Truck Care service team, 24-hour roadside assistance and reliable warranties. Their app also lets you book service requests before arrival.

• 24-Hour Roadside Assistance: 1-888-997-1034

Petro-TravelCenters of America
With a little over 300 locations across America, the Petro-TA network offers a relaxed down-home feel at almost every location; not too big, not too small. They are located in every state except Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont, residents in Ohio and Texas finding especially high convenience. Almost every location includes multiple service bays, as well as fun extras like fitness rooms, chapels, walking trails and private showers. Their service bays include certified truck and trailer inspections, tire changes, and preventative maintenance, while a 24-hour RoadSquad is there for you in case of breakdowns.

• 24-Hour RoadSquad: 1-800-824-SHOP

Ryder Maintenance Shops
A massive network that sprawls across 800+ truck repair shops internationally, Ryder Maintenance is one of few truck service chains that mainly specialize in truck repair, as opposed to snacks and amenities. Technically the largest chain of truck repairs, Ryder offers the most experienced mechanics who work day in, day out on every brand. As friendly toward major fleet operators as owner operators, many Ryder stops perform 24 hours a day to keep the wheels greased. Ryder SelectCare also offers special on-demand maintenance at 500+ locations, including guaranteed pre-negotiated rates, warranties and 24-hour roadside assistance.

• Ryder Roadside Response: 1-888-715-7272

Love’s Travel Stops
Love’s Travel Stops are a classic American staple located in almost every state, except Alaska, Hawaii and some northeastern states. 380+ of their 500+ locations include truck maintenance shops, making it a gamble depending on where you are, but if lucky enough to find one with a service bay, you won’t be disappointed. Focused more on light maintenance, their service bays include TirePass Lanes designed to quickly check tire pressure & tread to lower driver’s price per mile, as well as oil & tire replacement offered with a warranty. A 24-hour road service program also helps those with breakdowns, while great on-site amenities include small hotel rooms, private showers and on-site laundry. Those in need of heavy duty repairs may want to head somewhere else.

• Love’s Emergency Roadside Service: 1-800-OKLOVES

Freightliner ServicePoint
Especially popular for those who drive Freightliners, the company’s ServicePoint network runs for 24-hours and handles both light and heavy-duty repairs, including problems with alternator, trailer maintenance, electrical & heating, brakes and engine cooling. Although there aren’t many official locations, if you can find one, keep it in your noggin - they are located at every main Freightliner Truck dealership, and in partnership with many TravelCenters of America, though the Petro-TA network does not offer the same warranty you’d get at an official dealership. In addition to helping out in-shop, they also offer a 24-hour roadside assistance program.

• Freightliner Roadside Assistance: 1-800-367-6372

Roady’s
Roady’s is home to over 300 locations across North America, all of its maintenance shops owned by individuals as opposed to being under a chain control. Over 30 of its locations include light repair, and over 20 locations include heavy maintenance, making it one of America’s smaller service chains. Where it lacks in locational convenience, it more than makes up for in speed that will get you on the road quicker. Owner operators in Alabama, Texas, Michigan, Missouri and Washington will find better luck finding this shop than other states. In addition to quiet service bays, this chain also offers a gas rewards program, a partnership with RoadsideMasters.com, as well as private showers & full-service restaurants.

• Roady’s: 1-888-540-2909
• RoadsideMasters.com: 310-412-6608

Sapp Bros Travel Centers
A travel center chain mostly located in the Midwest, Sapp Bros Travel Centers offers locations from Utah to Pennsylvania. Only home to 17 locations, with expectations to grow, every location offers a full-service and tire center, as well a 24-hour roadside assistance. Their service centers offer light and heavy-duty work that includes alignments, oil changes, suspension work and DOT inspections, as well as intensive engine repair. Known for its odd-ball marketing and unique deals that include free meals with every oil change, truckers love the light-hearted feel and family-like atmosphere of each travel stop. A rewards program also offers gas discounts and free showers.

• Sapp Bros 24-hour Roadside Service: 1-800-233-4059

Speedco Truck Lube and Tires
Technically owned by Love’s, Speedco still operates under the same name, and offers a lot of locations where Love’s is not. Specifically a repair shop, and not a travel center, special locations are usually open until 11 PM on weekdays, and 8PM on weekends. They are mainly located throughout the southeast, as well as Indiana and Illinois, though they are expected to transition into Love’s and/or shut down completely in the next few years. Each location also offers light mechanical repair and preventative measures, as well as select access to 24-hour roadside assistance through their parent company.

• Love’s Emergency Roadside Service: 1-800-OKLOVES

Boss Truck Shops
Located across 22 states, and home to 50+ shops, Boss Truck Shops is a medium-sized chain that’s been focused on servicing the trucker community since 1948, their services including extensive preventative measures such as truck and trailer inspections, tire replacement, and both light and heavy-duty engine repairs. Owner operators passing through Nebraska, Kentucky and Indiana will especially find luck coming across one of these. In addition to in-shop maintenance, Boss Truck Shops also offers 24-hour roadside service at each of their stops, alongside a rewards points partnership with Pilot-Flying J.

• 24-Hour Boss Truck Roadside: 1-888-595-BOSS

Rush Truck Centers
There are over 120 Rush Truck Centers in the U.S. located coast to coast, the chain partnering with Peterbilt, International, Ford, Heino, Isuzu and Mitsubishi Fuso to not only offer specialized maintenance but sell as a dealership. Every truck center is home to a service team, their state-of-the-art bays offering RushCare Xpress PM, a preventative maintenance program that does an 86-point inspection in your truck’s most critical components, while the RushCare Mobile Service Truck offers 24-hour roadside assistance. Though only located in 22 states, Rush Truck Centers are especially popular with owner operators passing through Texas, Florida, Georgia, Southern California and Midwest states Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.

• RushCare Customer Support: 1-855-787-4223