Pinching Pennies: saving money on the road

For some reason everyone assumes truck drivers are rich. WELL THEY ARE NOT! But this doesn't stop truck stops from charging extreme prices for everything from soda and candy bars to GPS navigation systems and satellite radio receivers. Why do truck stops do this? Because they think truckers have no other choices available to them. This simply isn't the case. So lets go through some helpful hints on ways to save on the road.

1. Don't buy things at truck stops! Don't eat at truck stops. Make food on the truck. you will eat better, and cheaper than at the truck stops. In the near future I am going to post an extensive blog about cooking on the truck, in addition to my weekly recipes.

2. Use your "points" from your loyalty cards. Almost every major truck stop offers drivers a loyalty card. In most cases, you earn 1 point (equal to 1 cent) for every gallon of fuel you purchase. As any truck driver will tell you, these points can add up very fast. Use them for items you need to purchase immediately. DO NOT buy junk, electronics, audiobooks or videos with them.

3. The Mighty Amazon! Amazon.com has literally EVERYTHING! Whether your looking for Books, DVD's, or Washers & Dryers you can find them on Amazon. The great thing about Amazon is they have a LOT lower overhead than retail stores, so they can offer savings on almost anything. This is where I buy all of my cooking appliances, electronics and video games, at a much lower price, better selection and better quality than truck stops or even Walmart. It is also GREAT for gifts since Amazon has a gift wrap service. Your mom wants a kayak for mothers day? No problem it will be on her doorstep waiting for her. Your son needs crochet needles for Home Economics? They got 'em! Even items you need for the truck, like windshield wipers and all the rest. More on Amazon in a future post.

3. Wally World: You non-drivers have seen it before. You pull into Walmart late at night and see 15 trucks parked at the far end of the parking lot. HUNDREDS of Walmarts allow trucks to park in their parking lots overnight. Why not take advantage of it? I stay overnight at Walmart at least once a week, if just so I can buy food and whatever supplies I might need. I will tell you now, I eat like a pig and I only spend about $70 a week on food at Wal Mart. BUT don't make the kneejerk assumption that Walmart has the best price on things though. I always compare with Amazon before I buy anything.

4. No impulse buys. Do you REALLY need that Arizona shot glass? or that magazine filled with information you could get for free online?

The more you save on the road, the more you have to spend when you get home. Drive Safe!