Category: keeptruckin

What You Need To Know About The 40th Annual I-80 Trucker Jamboree

Posted on July 12, 2019 by - express truck tax, expresstrucktax, Form 2290 filing, i 80 truck jamboree, i 80 truckers jamboree, keeptruckin, OOIDA, truck driver, truck stop, truck transport, truckers jamboree, walcott jamboree

It’s been a busy summer with many miles under your belt, and many more to go, but if you find yourself passing through Iowa then the time is NOW to take a load off at the I-80 Trucker Jamboree!

To ensure that we “Keep America Trucking” it is important to stay energized while on the road and take a well-deserved break when needed.

Come celebrate with dozens of customized rigs and hundreds of fellow American truckers at the “World’s Largest Truckstop.”

Here’s what you need to know about the 40th Annual I-80 Trucker Jamboree if you’re attending this year or plan to attend in the future.

What You Need To Know About The 40th Annual I-80 Trucker Jamboree

The 40th Annual Walcott Trucker Jamboree is currently underway and ends on Saturday, July 13, 2019. Held at the Iowa 80 TruckStop, Interstate 80 Exit 284, in Walcott, Iowa, you can conveniently stop by and enjoy free concerts, fireworks, and of course everything trucking.

This three-day event will also include a Super Truck Beauty Contest, an Iowa pork chop cookout, an antique truck display, more than 175 exhibits, two fireworks shows, and a Trucker Olympics.

This event goes all the way back to 1979 and is still going strong as a great place to celebrate the American trucker and learn about the trucking industry. While this event is a good time and an educational experience, at the end of the day, it is a way to thank you (the truckers of America) for all that you do to keep America trucking.

If you find yourself elsewhere in the country and can’t make it, you should still put the Iowa 80 Truckstop on your list of places to visit! 

It is not only the largest truck stop in the world, it practically has everything a trucker on the road could ask for. They even have a 24-hour Dogomat where you can get your travel buddy groomed and ready to hit the road.

You can also get a haircut, go to the dentist, watch a movie, and so much more all from this one truck stop.

I-80 Trucker Jamboree Parking and Admission

Great news! Parking and admission is FREE at the I-80 Trucker Jamboree! There will be tons of exhibitions for you to visit and learn about what they do for the trucking industry. You can even relax and enjoy an evening of free country music concerts.

However, when you hop back in the saddle on Sunday don’t forget your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is hurtling at us at full speed. Complete your Form 2290 filing with the 100% US-based industry leader, ExpressTruckTax.

All you have to do is spend less than 10 minutes following our simple step-by-step filing guide to transmit your forms directly to the IRS and receive your stamped Schedule 1 in minutes!

Need some help? Our 100% US-based bilingual support team is available to answer all of your questions via live chat, phone, and email.

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5 Need To Know Trucker Tips For Driving in The Mountains

Posted on September 20, 2018 by - deadly roads, driving jobs, keeptruckin, Mountain, mountain driving, off road truck, OOIDA, truck driver, truck driving tips, truck pro, truck tips, Trucker, trucking safety tips, truckthat

7 Need To Know Trucker Tips For Driving in The Mountains

Driving in the mountains can be intimidating for truck drivers, and that is especially true for rookie drivers. However, you can quickly gain confidence on mountain routes by following some basic safety rules and taking advantage of safety features available to you. Here are the seven need to know trucker tips for driving in the mountains.

Trucker Mountain Driving Tips


#1 Slow And Steady

Taking it slow and steady is probably the best advice for driving mountain routes. So many drivers make the mistake of traveling too fast on the steep grade because they misjudged its elevation based on its appearance. It’s tough to tell the grade of a hill just by looking at it, so it’s easy to make this mistake.

However, once your truck gains momentum traveling down the grade, it is nearly impossible to regain control. So take it slow and steady so as not to put yourself in this situation.

Our advice is to let the jake brake do the work of maintaining the constant speed. Also, touch the brake occasionally to keep your unit straight as you go down the hill. 

#2 Pay Attention to The Weather

If you are planning a route into the mountains, you will need to check the weather conditions. Mountain weather is unpredictable, so it is essential to check the weather the day of. If you find bad or dangerous weather conditions, you can consider an alternate route hopefully without a steep grade.

You should prepare yourself for changes in the weather as you are climbing or descending the mountain. The difference in altitude can bring a slew of weather conditions, so it is essential for you to stay alert to any changes.

Also, if there is a chain sign, please respect it. Put your chains on at the bottom of the hill. Don’t wait until you spin out and come back down the mountain.

#3 Don’t Tailgate

Leave as much room as possible between your and the vehicles ahead of you. Never tailgate on a mountain road. In the case of an emergency and you need to straighten out the truck. If your unit gets out of shape, you will want plenty of space to adjust.

7 Need To Know Trucker Tips For Driving in The Mountains

#4 Easy on Corners

Take corner on a mountain extra slow because your truck and trailer are extra vulnerable when not straight. Your rig is much more likely to jackknife when turning. You have much more controls over the unit when it is lined up traveling a straight line.

#5 Regaining Control

If you feel you are starting to lose control of the rig, try crowding the unit to the shoulder of the road if possible. This will hopefully allow you to catch gravel to straighten it out. Also gently tap on the trailer brake. This might be enough to pull your unit straight again.

Stay Safe Out There

Keep in mind, not every driver on the road is following all the proper safe driving rules and tips. They are just as likely to lose control or hit a patch of ice. Give yourself plenty of distance and be aware of potential dangers.

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See What’s Happening at the Truckers Jamboree

Posted on July 13, 2018 by - express truck tax, expresstrucktax, Form 2290 filing, i 80 truck jamboree, i 80 truckers jamboree, keeptruckin, OOIDA, truck driver, truck stop, truck transport, truckers jamboree, walcott jamboree

Truck driver and rig at the trucker jamboree


The 39th annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree is officially underway at the Iowa 80 Truck Stop. They are featuring a truck beauty contest, live concerts, trucker Olympic games, and so much more! If you aren’t able to attend the Truckers Jamboree, we completely understand (we are in the same boat), so to help you feel a part of the fun, we are sharing what’s happening at the Truckers Jamboree!

Here are a few photos and videos of the trucks and event happening at the show:

A few of the entrants from today’s “Super Truck Beauty Contest” at the #WalcottJamboree! @thyssenkrupp is excited to be one of the sponsors and is looking forward to meeting you 7/12-7/14. So, come check us out and find out what it’s like to #drive4tk. #Iowa80 #thyssenkruppUSA pic.twitter.com/lN2eIl4l7M

— thyssenkrupp Career (@thyssenkruppjob) July 13, 2018

— Desiree (@TruckerDesiree) July 13, 2018

Who loves Fireworks? You can see them Thursday & Friday at the Walcott Truckers Jamboree! #walcottjamboree #iowa80 pic.twitter.com/GPymygev3j

— Iowa 80 Truckstop (@Iowa80Truckstop) July 11, 2018

Can you pull this truck? Come give it a shot at the #truckerolympics #TruckersJamboree @Todaystrucking pic.twitter.com/H3FSMdnlaU

— David Henry (@crazycanuckdave) July 13, 2018

Come visit our booth and check out our truck decked out in #RoadWorksMfg accessories at the #Iowa80 #WalcottJamboree this weekend! pic.twitter.com/rSutyKdRlo

— RoadWorks Mfg (@RoadWorksMfg) July 13, 2018

“End of Watch” tribute to fallen Law Enforcement Officers. Designed and built by Jake and Stephanie Robak. @Todaystrucking #TruckersJamboree pic.twitter.com/4hW5tQbR5X

— David Henry (@crazycanuckdave) July 13, 2018

There are 27 trucks parked for the Super Truck Beauty Contest. Who else is on their way? pic.twitter.com/JfWjaXta9U

— Iowa 80 Truckstop (@Iowa80Truckstop) July 10, 2018

Truckstop hosts 39th annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree https://t.co/gy6cL5te4E pic.twitter.com/d0bXoGHLCh

— Quad-City Times (@qctimes) July 8, 2018

How to Stay Cool And Survive Summer Trucking

Posted on July 10, 2018 by - driving jobs, keeptruckin, off road truck, OOIDA, summer trucking, truck driver, truck driving tips, truck pro, truck tips, trucking safety tips, truckthat

How to Stay Cool And Survive Summer Trucking

We are sure that you are very well aware that summer is here in full force. Whether you have recently received your CDL license or are a seasoned veteran, you will want to take precautions as the summer continues to heat up. We know you are putting in a lot of hours on the road, maybe even in areas with record-breaking high temperatures. Even though you are in your vehicle, you still face the risk of sunburn, skin cancer, overheating, and even heat stroke. Summer means a whole new set of issues for those in the trucking industry so to help here is how to stay cool and survive summer trucking.

How to Stay Cool And Survive Summer Trucking

Sitting in a hot cab all day long can be brutal and even dangerous to your health. Follow these tips to beat the summer heat while driving your trucking business to new levels.

 

Stay Hydrated

It is easy to forget to drink water while on the road, however, it is critical to stay adequately hydrated particularly during these next two months. Keeping a few bottles of water within reach while driving will serves as a constant reminder and make it practical for you to drink water throughout your drive. Also, it is worth mentioning that sodas and other carbonated drinks are no substitution for drinking water. The sugar and caffeine in sodas will dehydrate you and will not replace the fluids you are losing while you sweat.

Check Your Tires Constantly

The chances of tire blowouts increase dramatically during the summer months because of the high temperatures. What you can do to try and prevent this is to check that your tires are adequately inflated each time you stop for a required break or when you are pulling out in the morning. Under-inflated tires are more likely to blowout, so it is essential to be prepared.

Check Traffic Reports

Families, teenagers, and college students are all hitting the road during summer vacation, so it is crucial that you stay on the lookout during all hours of the day. You should remain alert and cautious while on the road this season. Heavier traffic means more danger for truck drivers, so you will want to check the traffic report and be aware of your surroundings.

Check Your Brakes

Hot summer temperatures can lead to brakes fading or even losing friction when brake components can’t absorb any additional heat. Always be sure to check your brakes to make sure they are functioning correctly before leaving on your next haul. It is recommended that you bring spare brake pads before leaving home. This will not only potentially save you but also some money because you won’t have to pay the service center. 

Protect Yourself From The Sun

Spending several hours a day driving means you will have a lot of sun exposure on your left side. Don’t believe that just because you are in your cab that you are protected from the sun. While the sun is shining through your window, it is still a serious health risk that can lead to sunburns and even skin cancer. We recommend you wear a long sleeve shirt, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses as much as possible while on the road.

Bring a Hardhat

How to Stay Cool And Survive Summer Trucking

Because of the warmer temperatures, more construction companies will be out working on the roads. You should always be careful when passing through construction zones and remember that the Get Over law is still in effect in every state. It is required by law that if you see an emergency vehicle or someone on the side of the road you must get over or slow down. Your rig is likely over 55,000 Ibs, and it does not stop on a dime, make sure to hit the breaks sooner rather than later.

Fines and other fees also skyrocket in construction areas, and likely officers are waiting to get someone. We don’t want it to be you.

Also, bring a brightly colored hardhat with you on the road. People are statistically more likely to take notice of you on the roadside if are wearing a hard hat. If by some unfortunate circumstance you find yourself on the side of the road, be sure to wear it.

Have a Great Safe Summer

While summer is hot and we like it, UV rays and high temperatures can do a number on our bodies! So remember to protect yourself while you are either hauling or enjoying a well-deserved vacation.

For more trucking tips and advice click here and be sure to share this blog with your fellow drivers!

If you have yet to file your HVUT Form 2290 click here to learn more! The Form 2290 due date is August 31st. Trust us you don’t want to be late and have to pay insane IRS penalties and fees.

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