My Trucker Life

Welcome to Author’s Corner, a place where I step outside the structured handbook and talk straight from the heart.

After finishing the Trucking Advisory Handbook, I realized there are always going to be more questions, new challenges, and stories worth sharing. This section is where I’ll:

Add personal reflections and commentary

Answer reader and group member questions to the best of my ability

Share updates when the industry changes (rules, expenses, technology)

Talk about the things that didn’t quite fit in the handbook series

This isn’t a textbook anymore — it’s a conversation.

 If you’ve got a question, a story, or a topic you’d like me to cover, drop it in the Facebook group or in the comments below. Chances are, if you’re wondering about it, other drivers are too.

Let’s keep the lessons rolling. The handbook may be complete, but the journey isn’t.

✍️ Written from the driver’s seat of experience — Gerry Jones

Every driver will face the day when the keys get handed in. For me, it was June 19th. The road doesn’t last forever, but what you plan now determines what life looks like after trucking.

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Q1: How should drivers plan financially?

Save early, even if it’s just a little. Retirement accounts, investments, and smart budgeting keep you from scrambling when health or age forces retirement.

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Q2: What about health planning?

Insurance matters more after you hang it up than while you’re rolling. Know your Medicare, supplemental options, and long-term care needs.

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Q3: How do you mentally prepare for life after trucking?

Truckers are used to constant motion. Stopping is harder than you think. Find hobbies, volunteer, or share your knowledge (like I’m doing here). Purpose doesn’t end when the driving does.

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> Pull Quote:
“The road may end, but the journey doesn’t. Plan for the last mile, and you’ll still keep moving forward.”

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Hashtags

#LifeAfterTrucking #RetiredTruckers #TruckersLife #IndependentContractor #ATruckersLifeBookOne #MyTruckerLifeBookTwo

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 Support the Author

If you’ve found value in this blog, please consider supporting the author. Your contributions help keep these insights coming.

PayPal: paypal.me/jonesg6257

Cash App: $GeraldJones6257

Venmo: @Gerald-Jones-194

Zelle: teddybear_46158@yahoo.com

✍️ Note: More handbook content is being added every Wednesday. Check back soon for the next series in this guide.

Trucking takes more from your body than most people will ever understand. The long hours, bad food, and constant sitting are a recipe for health problems if you don’t fight back.

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Q1: How can truckers eat healthy on the road?

Avoid the fried truck stop trap. Simple habits — grilled over fried, water over soda, fruit over candy. Pack your own food when you can.

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Q2: What about sleep?

Protect your sleep like your CDL depends on it — because it does. Use blackout curtains, avoid caffeine late, and stop scrolling your phone before bed.

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Q3: How do you handle mental health?

Loneliness, stress, and depression are real on the road. Stay connected to family, talk to other drivers, and don’t be ashamed to ask for help. A strong mind keeps you rolling as much as a strong truck does.

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> Pull Quote:
“Take care of your health, or trucking will take it from you.”

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Hashtags

#TruckerHealth #LifeOnTheRoad #TruckersLife #IndependentContractor #ATruckersLifeBookOne #MyTruckerLifeBookTwo

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 Support the Author

If you’ve found value in this blog, please consider supporting the author. Your contributions help keep these insights coming.

PayPal: paypal.me/jonesg6257

Cash App: $GeraldJones6257

Venmo: @Gerald-Jones-194

Zelle: teddybear_46158@yahoo.com

✍️ Note: More handbook content is being added every Wednesday. Check back soon for the next series in this guide.

Trucking has changed. Technology isn’t just gadgets — it’s survival. But it can either be your best friend or your biggest headache.

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Q1: What tech tools are essential today?

GPS systems designed for trucks, load board apps, and fuel planning apps are the backbone of modern trucking. A good GPS saves time, a bad one can send you under a 12-foot bridge.

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Q2: Are ELDs a curse or a blessing?

Both. They force compliance, but they also help with trip planning if you use them right. Know your hours, plan your breaks, and let the ELD keep you honest.

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Q3: What about communication?

Phones, CBs, and dispatch apps all matter. The key is balance — stay connected without being distracted. Your eyes belong on the road, not the screen.

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> Pull Quote:
“The best technology is the kind that saves you time, money, and stress — without taking your eyes off the road.”

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Hashtags

#TruckingTechnology #ELDs #TruckersLife #IndependentContractor #ATruckersLifeBookOne #MyTruckerLifeBookTwo

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
 Support the Author

If you’ve found value in this blog, please consider supporting the author. Your contributions help keep these insights coming.

PayPal: paypal.me/jonesg6257

Cash App: $GeraldJones6257

Venmo: @Gerald-Jones-194

Zelle: teddybear_46158@yahoo.com

✍️ Note: More handbook content is being added every Wednesday. Check back soon for the next series in this guide.

✍️ Note: More handbook content is being added every Wednesday. Check back soon for the next series in this guide.

Regulations and inspections matter, but safety is a habit. After 47 years, I can tell you the most dangerous thing on the road isn’t the weather or the truck — it’s complacency.

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Q1: What’s the #1 safety habit for truckers?

Always assume the other driver doesn’t see you. Defensive driving is your lifeline. Space, mirrors, and patience save more lives than luck ever will.

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Q2: How do you handle bad weather?

Slow down, increase following distance, and know when to shut it down. No load is worth your life. Parking early in a snowstorm isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom.

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Q3: What about cargo securement?

Whether flatbed, van, or reefer — securement is more than DOT rules, it’s protecting lives. Double-check straps, re-check after 50 miles, and never assume “good enough.”

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> Pull Quote:
“A safe trucker isn’t just protecting themselves — they’re protecting every family that shares the road.”

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Hashtags

#TruckSafety #DefensiveDriving #LifeOnTheRoad #IndependentContractor #ATruckersLifeBookOne #MyTruckerLifeBookTwo

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 Support the Author

If you’ve found value in this blog, please consider supporting the author. Your contributions help keep these insights coming.

PayPal: paypal.me/jonesg6257

Cash App: $GeraldJones6257

Venmo: @Gerald-Jones-194

Zelle: teddybear_46158@yahoo.com

✍️ Note: More handbook content is being added every Wednesday. Check back soon for the next series in this guide.

Fuel isn’t just an expense — it’s the expense. For most truckers, it makes up 30–40% of operating costs. A smart driver learns quickly that every decision on the road affects the bottom line.

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Q1: What’s the smartest way to save on fuel?

Fuel card programs and apps can save real money. Plan stops where diesel is cheaper by state, not just by exit. A few cents per gallon adds up to thousands a year.

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Q2: How does driving style affect MPG?

Idling, speeding, and hard acceleration all burn profit. Smooth throttle, cruise control when safe, and avoiding excessive idle time can mean the difference between profit and loss.

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Q3: Should I ever avoid certain states for fuel?

Yes. Some states (like California) have much higher fuel costs. If possible, fuel before entering and buy just enough to get through. Always plan around the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) so you’re not surprised later.

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“Fuel is where good truckers become business-smart truckers. Every dollar saved at the pump is one less mile you have to run.”

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Hashtags

#FuelManagement #TruckingExpenses #TruckersLife #IndependentContractor #ATruckersLifeBookOne #MyTruckerLifeBookTwo

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 Support the Author

If you’ve found value in this blog, please consider supporting the author. Your contributions help keep these insights coming.

PayPal: paypal.me/jonesg6257

Cash App: $GeraldJones6257

Venmo: @Gerald-Jones-194

Zelle: teddybear_46158@yahoo.com

✍️ Note: More handbook content is being added every Wednesday. Check back soon for the next series in this guide.

No matter how experienced you are, every truck driver will deal with law enforcement on the road. From weigh stations to roadside inspections to random stops, how you handle these situations can make all the difference. Respect, preparation, and professionalism go a long way.

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1. What should you do when pulled over in your truck?

When you see the lights in your mirror, stay calm. Safely slow down, signal, and pull over to the right in the first safe spot available. Keep your seatbelt on until the officer approaches, roll down your window, and keep your hands visible. Speak politely and clearly.
 Avoid arguing on the side of the road — if you disagree, you can contest it later in court. On the road, professionalism always wins.

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2. How should  you handle a weigh station and roadside inspections? (This is mentioned briefly in a earlier series but here is some additional information)

Always enter weigh stations when required, and don’t take the gamble of blowing past one. Keep your paperwork neat and accessible: CDL, medical card, registration, logbook/ELD, and shipping documents.
 A clean cab, polite attitude, and organized paperwork set the tone for a quick inspection. If your truck is in good shape, most inspections are over faster than you think.

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3. What are your rights as a CDL holder?

Officers have the right to inspect your truck, logs, and paperwork. They do not have the right to treat you with disrespect — and you have the right to remain calm and professional at all times. If you feel something is unfair, document it and fight it the right way.
 Remember: your CDL is your livelihood. Protect it by knowing your rights and your responsibilities.

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4. What mindset keeps you out of trouble with law enforcement?

Respect. Even if the officer is having a bad day, your calm and professional response will keep things from escalating. Don’t take it personally — they’re doing their job, and your job is to keep moving freight without unnecessary delays or violations.
 At the end of the day, it’s not about “winning” — it’s about protecting your CDL, your record, and your reputation.

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✅ Truckers who stay calm, prepared, and professional have fewer problems on the road. Law enforcement is part of the job — handle it right, and you’ll keep rolling smoothly.

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 Hashtags

#TruckingHandbook #TruckersLife #CDLDrivers #LifeOnTheRoad #MyTruckerLifeBookOne #MyTruckerLifeBookTwo

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❤️ Support the Author

If you’ve found this guide helpful and want to support my work, consider donating:

PayPal: paypal.me/jonesg6257

Cash App: $GeraldJones6257

Venmo: @Gerald-Jones-194

Zelle: teddybear_46158@yahoo.com

✍️ Note: More handbook content is being added every Wednesday. Check back soon for the next series in this guide.

After nearly half a century behind the wheel, I can tell you this: trucking is more than an occupation. It’s a way of life that demands sacrifice, discipline, and grit — but it also gives back in experiences, friendships, and lessons that can’t be learned any other way.

I’ve covered just about every topic that drivers ask me about: the business side, life on the road, maintenance, taxes, tolls, rules and regulations, relationships, and more. Each post has been my attempt to give you not theory, but lived reality.

If there’s one final thought I’d leave with every reader, it’s this: your success in trucking depends on balance. Balance between the business and the home, between the truck and your health, between patience and urgency, between toughness and humility. Lose that balance, and the road will eat you alive. Find it, and you’ll discover a career that can sustain you for decades.

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My Personal Reflection

I won’t pretend it was easy. There were times I wanted to quit. There were mistakes I regret. But looking back, I see that every breakdown, every missed moment at home, every long haul in the dead of night built me into the man I am today.

If you’re reading this as a new driver, know that it’s possible to last 47 years in this business — but only if you respect the lifestyle for what it is. If you’re a veteran, you already know the price. Either way, I hope these posts have given you something real to take with you.

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> Pull Quote:
“Trucking will take more from you than you think you can give — but if you stick with it, it will also give you more than you ever imagined.”

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What’s Next?

This isn’t really the end. The road goes on, and so do the questions. That’s why this blog will stay open as a place for truckers, families, and anyone curious about the industry to ask, learn, and share.

So whether you’ve just found the site or you’ve followed every entry, know this: you’re welcome here. Keep asking. Keep learning. Keep rolling.

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Hashtags

#TruckersLife #TruckingWrapUp #TruckingAdvice #LifeOnTheRoad #ATruckersLifeBookOne #MyTruckerLifeBookTwo

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 Support the Author

If this blog has encouraged, informed, or inspired you, please consider supporting the author. Your help makes it possible to keep sharing these stories and hard-earned lessons.

PayPal: paypal.me/jonesg6257

Cash App: $GeraldJones6257

Venmo: @Gerald-Jones-194

Zelle: teddybear_46158@yahoo.com

✍️ The Trucking Advisory Handbook may be complete, but the conversation doesn’t stop here. Join me in the new Author’s Corner, where I’ll share ongoing thoughts, updates, and answer your questions.

Straight Talk from 47 Years Behind the Wheel

by Gerald Lee Jones

About This Blog Book

This series isn’t theory — it’s real answers from a lifetime on the road.
Whether you’re a new driver, an independent contractor, or just curious about trucking life, you’ll find honest insights into:

Getting started in trucking

Managing money and expenses

Vehicle maintenance and inspections

Life on the road and family balance

DOT rules and weigh stations

Taxes, insurance, and hidden costs

The mindset that makes or breaks a driver

And much more — straight talk on the questions every driver has asked me over nearly five decades.

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 Start Reading the Table of Contents

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✍️ Written from the driver’s seat of experience — Gerald Lee Jones

My Experiences of Being a Professional Truck Driver as a Business Owner and Independent Contractor: “This is everything I wish I’d known before I started; what I’ve learned on the road; mistakes, wins, and tools to help you succeed.”

Quick Reference Guide

Getting Started & Core Business
(Series 1 − 3)

Regulations & Safety
(Series 6, 7, 14, 18,19.)

Life & Wellness on the Road
(Series 4, 5, 8,20, 21, etc.)

Series 1: Getting Started in Trucking — What You Need to Know…What equipment, licensing, mindset, and prep work are required to begin this journey?
➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/21/series-1-getting-started-in-trucking-what-you-need-to-know/

Series 2: The Business Side of Trucking — Money, Expenses, and Big Decisions…How to budget, manage major costs, and make strategic decisions that affect your bottom line.
➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/21/series-2-the-business-side-of-trucking-money-expenses-and-big-decisions/

Series 3: Vehicle Maintenance — Keeping Your Truck (and Career) Rolling…Preventive care, repairs, inspections — everything you need to know to avoid downtime.
➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/21/series-3-vehicle-maintenance-keeping-your-truck-and-career-rolling/

Series 4: Life on the Road — Challenges Every Trucker Faces…Fatigue, loneliness, meals, logistics — the human side of long hauls.
➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/21/series-4-life-on-the-road-challenges-every-trucker-faces/

Series 5: Trucking and Home Life — Balancing the Road and Relationships…How to stay connected with home, family, and life when you’re often miles away.
➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/21/series-5-trucking-and-home-life-balancing-the-road-and-relationships/

Series 6: DOT Rules & Regulations — Staying Compliant on the Road…Hours of Service, inspections, paperwork — what regulators expect and how to stay legal. “Everything you need to know about Hours of Service, required inspections, logbooks, and paperwork to stay within legal limits.”
➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/21/series-6-dot-rules-regulations-staying-compliant-on-the-road/

Series 7: Weigh Stations & Inspections — What Every Driver Needs to Know…Strategies for passing weigh stations, avoiding fines, and knowing inspection standards.
➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/21/series-7-weigh-stations-inspections-what-every-driver-needs-to-know/

Series 8: Driver Attitude — The Mindset That Makes or Breaks a Trucker…Developing resilience, professionalism, and problem-solving when things go wrong.
➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/21/series-8-driver-attitude-the-mindset-that-makes-or-breaks-a-trucker/

Series 9: Taxes in Trucking — What Independent Contractors Need to Know…Deductions, quarterly filings, avoiding surprises at tax time.
➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/21/series-9-taxes-in-trucking-what-independent-contractors-need-to-know/

Series 10: The Hidden Cost of Tolls — How They Impact Independent Contractors…What tolls cost, planning routes, and minimizing these unexpected expenses.
➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/21/series-10-the-hidden-cost-of-tolls-how-they-impact-independent-contractors/

Series 11: Insurance for Independent Contractors — Protecting Your Business on the Road…Coverage types, liability, claims, and costs every contractor should understand.
➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/21/series-11-insurance-for-independent-contractors-protecting-your-business-on-the-road/

Series 12: Permits & Hidden Expenses — What They Don’t Tell You…Permits, fees, over-looked costs — the fine print matters.
➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/21/series-12-permits-hidden-expenses/

Series 13: Dealing with Brokers & Shippers — Navigating Expectations and Costs…How rates, payment rules, and negotiations affect your profit and reputation.
➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/21/series-13-dealing-with-brokers-shippers/

Series 14: Handling D.O.T Regulations…A deeper dive into regulatory changes, auditing, and keeping up with evolving rules.
➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/21/series-14-handling-dot-regulations/

Series 15: Time Management & Trip Planning — Staying Ahead of the Road…Maximizing time, minimizing delays, planning rest, and staying efficient.
➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/21/series-15-time-management-trip-planning/

Series 16: Dealing With Law Enforcement as a Professional Driver…Your rights, how to stay calm, and what to expect during stops or inspections.

➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/27/series-16-dealing-with-law-enforcement-as-a-professional-driver/

Series 17: Fuel Management — Saving Every Mile and Every Dollar…Fuel strategies, efficiency, and route planning to reduce fuel costs.

➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/09/01/series-17-fuel-management-saving-every-mile-and-every-dollar/

Series 18: Safety on the Road — The Habits That Keep You Alive…Defensive driving, emergency readiness, and making decisions under pressure.

➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/09/10/series-18-safety-on-the-road-the-habits-that-keep-you-alive/

Series 19: Technology in Trucking — Tools That Make (or Break) Your Day…Apps, logging devices, tracking, maintenance tech — what works and what doesn’t.

➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/09/17/series-19-technology-in-trucking-tools-that-make-or-break-your-day/

Series 20: Health on the Road — Taking Care of Body and Mind…Sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mental health while living out of a cab.

➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/09/17/series-20-health-on-the-road-taking-care-of-body-and-mind/

Series 21: Life After Trucking — Planning for the Last Mile…A closing look back — what I’d repeat, what I’d change, and what I’d pass on to future drivers.

➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/09/17/series-21-life-after-trucking-planning-for-the-last-mile/

Series 22: Straight Talk Q&A — The Questions That Don’t Fit Anywhere Else…Your feedback, questions, and the stories readers share in return.

➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/21/series-16-straight-talk-qa-the-questions-that-dont-fit-anywhere-else/

Author’s Corner — Comments & Q&A…An opportunity for all readers to engage is creative conversations.

➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/09/17/%e2%9c%8d%ef%b8%8f-authors-corner-comments-qa/

Final Entry: Wrapping Up 47 Years of Lessons

➡️ Read Entry https://my-trucker-life.com/2025/08/22/final-entry-wrapping-up-47-years-of-lessons/