May 5, 2021 There s no denying it, these are busy days for the American trucking industry. The number of COVID-19 vaccinations climbs every day and more communities and even entire states are edging toward life as it was before the arrival of the pandemic more than a year ago. Freight demand is up, meaning more drivers are doing, well, more driving. All of this activity is also putting more demands on drivers, and the current edition of the Overdrive and Truckers News Truckers Gear Guide from the RoadPro Family of Brands is loaded with tips, insights, and products to ensure drivers have as easy a time on the road as possible. With summer looming, driver comfort is important, and the guide offers help on that score as well.
All of the Big Three truck stop brands have reported closed locations because of the winter conditions that have descended on Texas and Louisiana. Jon Osburn, skipper of OOIDA’s tour trailer, the Spirit of the American Trucker, was parked at the Petro in San Antonio on Feb. 17 and reported it is a mess. “Everything is closed,” Osburn said. “No food, no fuel, no showers, no DEF – no nothing.” At that San Antonio Petro, he said reserved parking had been opened up for truckers for free. He has heard reports of broken water pipes closing truck stops, power outages closing fuel pumping, and other issues.