Owner Operator of the Month – June 2024 – Michael
July 23, 2024
Owner Operator of the Month – July 2024 – Terry
August 21, 2024Owner Operator drivers have the unique opportunity to see the big and small of the USA.
Power only drivers know the value of a good route. It’s where the freedom is – and the money! Life on the road can get pretty routine – miles of highway, rest stops, and highway hypnosis; but it doesn’t have to be just the job.
This blog is for the truck driver with a sense of adventure. We’re all about helping you turn those long hauls into unique experiences. Whether you’re leasing on to a new company or a seasoned owner-operator, we’ll show you how to find those hidden gems, local festivals, and quirky roadside attractions that make the journey just as exciting as the destination.
Ready to make the most of your time on the road? Let’s get this road trip started!
Historic Landmarks
The United States is brimming with historic landmarks that tell the story of our nation. With Trailer Transit your routes could take you from coast to coast with time and opportunity to mark a few off your list. From Independence Hall, Civil War battlefields, to our amazing national parks, Mount Rushmore, the Alamo, or the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO, you could piece together your own roadmap of the events that shaped the country we travel today.
Roadside Oddities
Beyond historic sites like the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, America’s highways are dotted with one-of-a-kind roadside attractions like the Jolly Green Giant in Blue Earth, Minnesota, the world’s largest ball of twine in Cawker City, Kansas, or Pops 66 Soda Ranch outside of Oklahoma City! These quirky stops provide a fun break and great conversation starters when you roll into the next town or truck stop. For a great list, check out Roadside America or Atlas Obscura!
Local Festivals, Food, and Fun
Many towns along your routes come alive with vibrant local festivals throughout the year. These celebrations offer a taste of regional culture, history, and of course, delicious food! With the flexibility offered by driving with Trailer Transit, you’ll have the time to make new friends and fuel up on authentic barbecue at a summer street fair or drop into a small town music fest! You can find information online about upcoming festivals or ask friendly folks at truck stops. A few great events you can always count on include, Battle of Gettysburg Reenactment in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania around the 4th of July, Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming at the end of July, or various Bluegrass festivals in Colorado in the early summer months!
Off-the-Beaten-Path
Sometimes, the most rewarding discoveries happen when you veer slightly off course. Keep your eyes peeled for those hidden turnoffs leading to breathtaking overlooks, a short detour leading to cascading waterfalls, or interesting natural caverns. These off-the-beaten-path adventures provide a welcome break for an owner operator, and a chance to capture some stunning photos to share back home.
Museums of All Kinds
Love learning something new on the road? While hauling your load for Trailer Transit, take advantage of the countless museums scattered across the country, like the I-80 Trucking Museum outside Davenport, Iowa or the Monorail and EMP Museum in Seattle, Washington. Immerse yourself in local history, explore fascinating science exhibits, or marvel at artistic masterpieces – with little or no detour from your route. These educational pitstops can be a refreshing break and a chance to expand your knowledge on anything from dinosaurs to hydropower to cowboys!
Night Sky from the Cab
Independent drivers know the beauty of the open road at night. Take advantage of those clear skies and vast horizons to experience the incredible night sky, without the light pollution. Spot constellations, shooting stars, or even the Milky Way – a natural light show that most city dwellers never get to see!
Street Art and Murals
Something the cities can offer are vibrant street art scenes. Turn your layovers into mini art tours! Seek out these hidden masterpieces – they not only add a splash of color to your day but can also offer a glimpse into the local culture and spirit of the community.
Abandoned Places
For the adventurous owner operator, there’s a thrill in exploring abandoned places like ghost towns or forgotten amusement parks. Just be sure to prioritize safety and legal boundaries during these explorations.
- Old Los Angeles Zoo
- Fort Jefferson, near Key West, FL
- Spectre Set Ruins, Millbrook, Alabama
- Waverly Hills Sanitorium, Louisville, Kentucky
- Lake Shawnee Amusement Park, Rock, West Virginia
- Silver Mine, Leadville, CO
- Wamego LSD Missile Silo, Kansas
New Favorite Fishing Spots
For Trailer Transit owner-operators who enjoy a good catch, there’s no shortage of incredible fishing spots across the country. Try casting a line into a crystal-clear lake after dropping off a load, or spending a peaceful afternoon reeling in fish at a hidden riverbank in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Trailer Transit’s flexible leasing program allows you to incorporate these relaxing detours into your schedule, transforming your job into a rewarding adventure.
Driving with Trailer Transit, Inc. is about getting the job done – but we value your experience too! Maximize your downtime and turn those long hauls into unforgettable adventures. It’s one way to experience America that most don’t have.
Of course, safety should always be a priority when truck drivers are looking for things to see on the road. Make sure to give yourself enough time to get to your destination safely; and always, watch out for the other guy.
