Road Trip Tips Infographic
167 responses from Atlas van operators across North America were received, representing at least 37 states in the U.S. and 7 Canadian provinces.
1. |
How long have you been a van operator with Atlas? |
| (167 respondents) |
| 5% | Less than 1 year | |
| 16% | 1-3 years | |
| 16% | 4-6 years | |
| 8% | 7-9 years | |
| 28% | 10-15 years | |
| 27% | 16 years or more |
2. |
How many weeks per year do you spend on the road? |
| (167 respondents) |
| 20% | Less than 20 weeks | |
| 18% | 20-30 weeks | |
| 29% | 31-40 weeks | |
| 32% | More than 40 weeks |
3. |
How many miles per year do you normally drive your truck? |
| (167 respondents) |
| 22% | Less than 50,000 | |
| 36% | 50,000-74,999 | |
| 29% | 75,000-99,999 | |
| 8% | 100,000-124,999 | |
| 5% | 125,000 or more |
4. |
Why did you choose to join Atlas as a van operator? |
| (166 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 45% | Atlas Agency | |
| 33% | Company reputation | |
| 28% | Driver respect | |
| 28% | Money/Miles | |
| 25% | Family/friend influence | |
| 23% | Advancement opportunities | |
| 17% | Referral/recommendation | |
| 14% | Equipment | |
| 13% | Home time | |
| 5% | Agent joined Atlas | |
| 4% | Other (Atlas business approach/family business, love job/like company, career options, etc.) |
5. |
Would you recommend Atlas to friends or colleagues on the road? |
| (167 respondents) |
| 93% | Yes | |
| 7% | No |
6. |
What is the best part of being a van operator? |
| (167 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 69% | Meeting/working with people from across the country | |
| 51% | Entrepreneurship (run own business) | |
| 49% | Freedom of the highway (not working in an office) | |
| 18% | Being a part of the trucking community | |
| 6% | Other (tour country/see US, job satisfaction, challenge, downtime, money, etc.) |
7. |
What is your level of satisfaction with being an Atlas van operator? |
| (167 respondents) |
| 40% | Extremely satisfied — I love my job! | |
| 44% | Reasonably satisfied — life's good! | |
| 8% | Somewhat satisfied — OK overall | |
| 7% | Could be better | |
| 1% | Other |
8. |
How often do you stay at a hotel while traveling for work? |
| (167 respondents) |
| 9% | Daily | |
| 20% | 2-3 times a week | |
| 8% | Once a week | |
| 22% | 2-3 times a month | |
| 31% | 12 times a year or less | |
| 8% | Never | |
| 2% | Other (all the time, when I have to, etc.) |
9. |
What are the most important factor(s) when choosing a hotel at which to stay? |
| (166 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 87% | Truck parking/access | |
| 55% | Price | |
| 48% | Quality | |
| 46% | Location | |
| 21% | Perks (i.e. free breakfast, Internet access) | |
| 3% | Other (pet friendly, rewards program, clean, etc.) |
10. |
While on the road, which hotel chain is your favorite place to stop for the night? |
| (165 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 45% | Super 8 | |
| 41% | Days Inn | |
| 31% | Best Western | |
| 25% | Quality Inn | |
| 22% | Holiday Inn/Holiday Inn Express | |
| 21% | Motel 6 | |
| 18% | Econo Lodge | |
| 12% | Red Roof Inn | |
| 11% | Hampton Inn | |
| 10% | Other (Comfort Inn, Drury, La Quinta, Baymont, Hilton Garden Inn, Travel Lodge, etc.) |
11a. |
When you're on the road, which of the following do you use? |
| (167 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 60% | Smartphone | |
| 58% | GPS | |
| 56% | Cell phone | |
| 53% | Laptop | |
| 47% | Internet/email | |
| 36% | CB radio | |
| 5% | IdleAir |
11b. |
Of smartphone users, what OS do you use? |
| (100 respondents) |
| 51% | Apple iOS (iPhone) | |
| 44% | Android OS (multiple brands) | |
| 7% | RIM Blackberry OS |
12. |
What cell service/wireless network provider do you use? |
| (163 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 44% | Verizon Wireless | |
| 34% | AT&T | |
| 16% | Sprint | |
| 2% | T-Mobile | |
| 2% | U.S. Cellular | |
| 1% | TracFone | |
| 7% | Other (Rogers, Bell, Alliant, Virgin Mobile) |
13. |
When you're on the road, how often do you have access to the following:
|
| (163 respondents) |
| 77% | Daily | |
| 7% | 2-3 times a week | |
| 4% | Once a week | |
| 1% | 2-3 times a month | |
| 10% | Never | |
| 1% | Other |
13. |
b) Internet |
| (162 respondents) |
| 75% | Daily | |
| 9% | 2-3 times a week | |
| 4% | Once a week | |
| 1% | 2-3 times a month | |
| 9% | Never | |
| 1% | Other |
13. |
c) Social Networking (Facebook, etc.) |
| (135 respondents) |
| 56% | Daily | |
| 6% | 2-3 times a week | |
| 3% | Once a week | |
| 4% | 2-3 times a month | |
| 30% | Never | |
| 1% | Other |
13. |
d) Computer |
| (155 respondents) |
| 65% | Daily | |
| 13% | 2-3 times a week | |
| 5% | Once a week | |
| 3% | 2-3 times a month | |
| 14% | Never | |
| 1% | Other |
14. |
While on the road, where are your favorite scenic spots at which to stop or appreciate the view that might be missed by less seasoned travelers? |
| (117 respondents - some of the more interesting spots below!) |
| Northwestern U.S. | |
| Clear Fork River in Western Montana | |
| Coeur d'Alane, Idaho | |
| Columbia Gorge along I-84 in Oregon | |
| Columbia River in Washington | |
| Crater Lake National Park, Oregon | |
| Kalispell, Montana | |
| Multnomah Falls, Oregon | |
| Roger's Pass, Montana | |
| Scenic View Pendleton, Oregon | |
| Snake River | |
| Snowqualimi Summit in Washington state (Rest stop on I-90) | |
| Spring in Montana. The sky really is bigger!! | |
| Washington State Ferries | |
| Southwestern U.S. | |
| 101 Coastal Highway in California | |
| Castle Rock, Colorado | |
| Crossing into Colorado at Raton Pass | |
| Donner Pass in California | |
| Grand Canyon | |
| Great Salt Desert in Utah | |
| Hemit, California | |
| Hill on I-40 East overlooking Albuquerque, New Mexico | |
| Hoover Dam | |
| Lake Powell, Arizona | |
| Little America, Flagstaff, Arizona | |
| Rest stop on NB I-5 at Mt Shasta, California | |
| Riudoso, New Mexico | |
| Texas Hill Country | |
| US 66 stops in Arizona and California | |
| Midwestern U.S. | |
| Picture Rock - Upper Peninsula of Michigan | |
| View from the St. Louis Arch | |
| Southeastern U.S. | |
| Black Mountain, North Carolina | |
| Blowing Rock, North Carolina | |
| Blue Ridge Mountains | |
| Fancy Gap I-77 at the Virginia, North Carolina Border | |
| Florida Overseas Highway | |
| National Harbor in Washington, DC | |
| Hot Springs, Arkansas | |
| Kelly Mountain, West Virginia | |
| Lookout Mountain in Tennessee | |
| Monteagle,Tennessee | |
| Outer Banks, North Carolina | |
| Ruby Falls in Tennessee | |
| USCG Blackthorn Memorial - Tampa, Florida | |
| Northeastern U.S. | |
| Fall Foliage in Connecticut, New York | |
| Mountains of Pennsylvania - great views | |
| Lake Placid, New York | |
| Cities along I-95 | |
| Canada | |
| Banff, Alberta | |
| Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island | |
| Drumheller Area, Alberta | |
| Hell's Gate, British Columbia | |
| Kicking Horse Resort, British Columbia | |
| Malihat Drive, British Columbia | |
| Setting Lake at sunset in Northern Manitoba | |
| Terry Fox Monument, Thunder Bay, Ontario | |
| Vancouver Island Ferry |
15. |
What is your favorite fast food restaurant? |
| (163 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 37% | Subway | |
| 23% | Wendy's | |
| 20% | Taco Bell | |
| 18% | Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) | |
| 17% | Arby's | |
| 17% | McDonald's | |
| 13% | Hardee's | |
| 7% | Burger King | |
| 10% | Other (A&W, Popeye's, Chipolte, Panera, Sonic, Church's Fried Chicken, In-n-Out, Steak & Shake, etc.) | |
| 9% | I don't eat fast food. |
16. |
Which antacid gets rid of heartburn the quickest? |
| (158 respondents) |
| 34% | Tums | |
| 19% | Rolaids | |
| 13% | Pepcid | |
| 11% | Zantac | |
| 4% | Mylanta | |
| 3% | Pepto-Bismol | |
| 3% | Other (Prilosec, Baking Soda, Gaviscon, Prevacid) | |
| 28% | N/A |
17. |
What is your favorite snack while on the road? |
| (159 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 48% | Fresh fruit | |
| 30% | Planter's Peanuts/Mixed nuts | |
| 13% | M&M's | |
| 13% | Reese's Peanut Butter Cups | |
| 11% | Doritos | |
| 10% | Lay's Potato Chips | |
| 8% | Little Debbie Snack Cakes/Cookies | |
| 16% | Other (trail mix, beef jerky, granola bars, pretzels, candy, yogurt, sandwiches, veggies, etc.) |
18. |
Whether it's a "Mom and Pop" diner, or particular franchise location, what is the best restaurant in America? |
| (121 respondents - top responses) |
| 1st | Iron Skillet /Petro Truck Stops | |
| 2nd | Cracker Barrel / Golden Corral / Longhorn Steakhouse / Outback Steakhouse (4 way tie) | |
| 3rd | Red Lobster | |
| 4th | Austin's Steakhouse / Buffalo Wild Wings / Chili's / Ernie's Truckstop / Texas Roadhouse (5 way tie) |
19a. |
When I'm on the road and have the radio on, most likely I am listening to (style): |
| (163 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 44% | Classic 60's, 70's & 80's | |
| 44% | Talk/News/Sports radio | |
| 42% | Rock and Roll | |
| 35% | Country | |
| 12% | Christian | |
| 11% | Pop/Top 40 | |
| 10% | National Public Radio | |
| 9% | R&B/Rap/Hip-Hop | |
| 8% | Jazz/Blues | |
| 5% | Other (weather, instrumental/easy listening, old time radio, story books, etc.) |
19b. |
When I'm on the road and have the radio on, most likely I am listening to (system): |
| (159 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 55% | Satellite radio | |
| 53% | FM/AM stations | |
| 24% | iPod/MP3 player | |
| 6% | Other (CD player, computer, Internet, iPad, etc.) |
20. |
What are you doing to be more eco-friendly while on the road? |
| (157 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 47% | Throw aluminum, glass and plastic containers in recycle bins | |
| 46% | Use PrePass | |
| 39% | Use reusable drink containers | |
| 31% | Use reusable grocery bags | |
| 29% | Use generator/APU | |
| 16% | Use biodiesel fuel | |
| 12% | Use IdleAir | |
| 5% | Other (never/barely idle truck, use Espar heater, reuse packing material when practical, etc.) |
21. |
Who builds the best tractor? |
| (161 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 30% | Kenworth | |
| 27% | Peterbilt | |
| 27% | Freightliner | |
| 26% | Volvo | |
| 7% | International | |
| 5% | Western Star | |
| 1% | Other (Mack) |
22. |
Who makes the best tires? |
| (160 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 44% | Bridgestone | |
| 41% | Michelin | |
| 16% | Goodyear | |
| 12% | Yokohama | |
| 11% | BF Goodrich | |
| 4% | Firestone | |
| 3% | Other (Continental, Kelly/Springfield, General) |
23. |
Which brand of motor oil do you use most often? |
| (162 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 47% | Shell ROTELLA | |
| 33% | Mobil Delvac | |
| 13% | Chevron Delo | |
| 8% | Castrol | |
| 4% | Penzoil | |
| 4% | Valvoline | |
| 2% | Other (Lucas, oil additives) |
24. |
What is your favorite truck stop chain? |
| (163 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 39% | Petro | |
| 36% | Flying J | |
| 32% | Pilot | |
| 29% | TA (Truckstops of America) | |
| 24% | Love's | |
| 2% | AMBEST | |
| 4% | Other (Wilco/Hess, Husky, Irving Big Stop, Little America, Sapp Brothers) |
25. |
While on the road, how many times have you stopped to aid another motorist? |
| (163 respondents) |
| 48% | Once or twice | |
| 28% | 3 to 10 times | |
| 16% | More than 10 times | |
| 8% | I have never aided another motorist |
26. |
Which state has the best rest stops? |
| (153 respondents - top 3 responses) |
| 24% | Florida | |
| 14% | Ohio | |
| 12% | Texas |
27. |
Who has the best coffee? |
| (162 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 35% | Dunkin' Donuts | |
| 23% | Truckstops/Gas stations | |
| 18% | Starbucks | |
| 12% | McDonald's | |
| 4% | Tim Horton's | |
| 3% | Other (homemade, 7-11, Panera, Quick Check, Waffle House) | |
| 18% | N/A |
28. |
You've had your morning coffee, what do you drink the rest of the day? |
| (163 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 71% | Water | |
| 21% | Gatorade/Sports drinks | |
| 18% | Tea | |
| 13% | Pepsi/Diet Pepsi | |
| 12% | Mountain Dew/Diet Mountain Dew | |
| 12% | Coke/Diet Coke | |
| 10% | Juice/Fruit drinks | |
| 9% | Other (more coffee, Dr. Pepper, energy drinks, Sprite, Sunkist, ginger ale, V8, Tropicana, etc.) |
29. |
What is the most difficult part of life on the road? |
| (161 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 57% | Eating right | |
| 32% | DOT hours of service regulations | |
| 30% | Exercise | |
| 27% | Staying in touch with family | |
| 24% | Paperwork | |
| 22% | Keeping on top of finances | |
| 13% | Work schedule | |
| 11% | Getting my mail | |
| 14% | Other (being away from family, traffic/other drivers, living in truck, etc.) |
30. |
How do you exercise while on the road? |
| (161 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 79% | Moving furniture/Work | |
| 27% | Walk/run at truck stops | |
| 20% | Who has time for exercise? | |
| 13% | Push-ups and sit-ups | |
| 11% | Use the hotel gym | |
| 9% | Use dumbbells | |
| 6% | Other (local gyms/member, walk dog(s), mountain bike, resistance bands, yoga, etc.) |
31. |
What is the most interesting or most unique thing you've ever loaded onto your truck? |
| (101 respondents - some of the more interesting items below!) |
| 1913 Model T | |
| 25,000 lbs of Antiques | |
| 28 Motorcycles | |
| 4000 Year Old Mummy | |
| All Original 69 "Super Bee" Road Runner | |
| Animated Dinosaurs | |
| Antique British Phone Booth | |
| Biplane | |
| Declaration of Independence | |
| Egyptian Artifacts | |
| Elvis Presley's Mercedes Benz | |
| Enormous Genie Lamp | |
| Horse-drawn Fuel Wagon | |
| Hydrogen Car | |
| Jesus and the Twelve Apostles (life size wood sculptures) | |
| John Lennon's Steinway Concert Grand Piano | |
| Lens Going to Space | |
| Mazda Race Car | |
| Model of Mars Rover Opportunity | |
| Nemo the Fish | |
| Rocket Engines | |
| Shroud of Turin Exhibit | |
| Wedding Cake Display (with real frosting, under plexiglass case) | |
| Wells Fargo US Mail Stagecoach & Mail Cage |
32. |
What are some of the most interesting types of people you have assisted in moving? |
| (142 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 51% | Pro-Athletes | |
| 26% | Actors/Actresses (TV/Movie/Stage) | |
| 25% | Scientists | |
| 14% | Singers/Musicians | |
| 12% | Politicians | |
| 12% | Authors | |
| 11% | Regular "Everyday" People/All of Them | |
| 9% | Religious Leaders | |
| 5% | Comedians | |
| 4% | International Leaders | |
| 4% | Military | |
| 11% | Other (Astronauts, CEOs/Presidents/VIPs, Engineers, Older folks, NFL Cheerleader, Professor, etc.) |
33. |
Okay, you're finally off the road. What's your favorite pastime when you are not working? |
| (159 respondents - Exceeds 100% due to multiple responses) |
| 72% | Hang out with family/friends | |
| 35% | Spend time on a favorite hobby (golf, motorcycles/ATV's, auto restoration, boating, sports, music, etc.) | |
| 33% | Have a relaxing dinner | |
| 25% | Go hunting or fishing | |
| 23% | Go to a sporting event | |
| 19% | Go to a movie | |
| 16% | No contest...sleep! | |
| 16% | Go on vacation | |
| 8% | Other (reading, walking, relaxing, watching tv, working around house, yardwork, etc.) |
34. |
When you take a well-deserved vacation, what is a favorite destination you visit that regular tourists might miss? |
| (118 respondents - perhaps not surprisingly, the #1 vacation spot listed was home - here are some of the other suggestions!) |
| Africa | ||
| Alaska (Skagway, etc.) | ||
| Arkansas | ||
| Blue Ridge Parkway | ||
| Branson, Missouri | ||
| Buffalo, New York | ||
| Canada (Vancouver Island Interior, Victoria, British Columbia) | ||
| Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico | ||
| Carribean Islands with Beaches/Scuba Diving (Aruba, Dominican (Punta Cana), Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Nassau, Bahamas, Virgin Islands) | ||
| Disney World | ||
| El Salvador | ||
| Europe (Ireland, Lampedusa-Italy, Paris-France, Tuscany-Italy) | ||
| Florida (Key West, Orlando, Tampa, Beaches, etc.) | ||
| Hawaii (Maui, etc.) | ||
| Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri | ||
| Las Vegas, Nevada | ||
| Mexico (Acapulco, Cancun, Cabo, etc.) | ||
| New York City | ||
| Newport, Oregon | ||
| Northern Michigan/Upper Penninsula (Snowboarding, Two Hearted River) | ||
| Obihiro/Kushiro, Japan | ||
| Ocean City, Maryland | ||
| Pigeon Forge, Tennessee | ||
| Pinehurst, South Carolina | ||
| Scottsdale, Arizona | ||
| Shea Stadium (NYC) | ||
| Smokey Mountains (Tennessee/North Carolina, Cades Cove) | ||
| South Carolina (Hilton Head Island, Myrtle Beach) | ||
| Surfside, Texas | ||
| Topsail Beach, North Carolina | ||
| Virginia Beach | ||
| White Mountains (New Hampshire/Maine) | ||
| Wilderness with Canoe & Tent | ||
| Yellowstone Park |
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