AAA for Straight Truck Expediters?

jimby82 · Apr 4, 2011

Does anyone use AAA as an straight truck expediter? Other than discounts on lodging, is there any value to having AAA on the road as a professional driver? (Is it worth the cost?)

Are there any other similar programs geared toward truckers in general? I know several of the larger carriers offer fuel discounts through some of the various truckstops, but do other programs exist that some of you may use?

Letzboogie · Apr 4, 2011

If you are 50 or over, an AARP card will get you excellent discounts at many different places.

RoadKing06 · Apr 4, 2011

I would rather pay the extra than carry an AARP card. I don't agree with their politics and refuse to support them by paying for their membership. Although there is now another membership program similar to AARP that is conservative in their politics and Christian oriented. I have their website but haven't signed up for the service as of yet. So other than insurance discounts I don't know what other discounts are passed on to members.

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chefdennis · Apr 4, 2011

I am with RoadKing, AARP gets none of my money or support...

Letzboogie · Apr 4, 2011

I was answering somone's question for options. I fail to see the logic in not taking advantage of a discount program due to a particular political stand.

chefdennis · Apr 4, 2011

I don't think AARP extends their benefits including their discount programs to NON-members...I am pretty sure to be able to have access to those discounts and benefits one needs to be a member in good standing in the organization (AARP) and that means paying a annual membership fee. Paying that fee allows the organization to continue it left leading liberal agenda...something that I won't provide money for them to do...

RoadTime · Apr 4, 2011

Letzboogie said:
I was answering somone's question for options. I fail to see the logic in not taking advantage of a discount program due to a particular political stand.

I guess my wallet would make that decision for me. I can understand refusing support to an organization that differs in my beliefs, but at the end of the day if it hurts me more financially and I can't find a better alternative, then I would need to reevaluate how strongly I really feel about it. I don't know any of their political stands, I just hope when I do come of age for it, I will not need it or be a huge issue.

RoadKing06 · Apr 4, 2011

An alternative to AARP is www.GenerationAmerica.org. I personally would pay more or go without rather than support something I don't believe in. Because in the long run it does hurt you as an individual when the agendas of the liberals are passed due to having enough money provided to the lobbyist who represent them.

By choosing to support organizations that support ideas or political positions against your own you are supporting those positions. Every vote counts including the votes we make with our dollars.

As an example I used to be a big time Pepsi drinker. After finding out that they forcefully encourage their employees to be tolerant of homosexual lifestyle, I have chosen not to allow Pepsi in my home any longer.

If you don't stand up for your beliefs you will fall for others.
I don't donate to the United Way since I don't want any of my funds going to Planned Parenthood. I can donate to the Girl Scouts or the Red Cross any other place without going through the United Way. That way I make the decisions where my funds go. I vote by my purchases and donations.
Just like the slogan "Buy American".

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matlack · Apr 4, 2011

We have AAA and it has paid for itself with the savings on just

one car rental...We had shopped around for rental car discounts

through Costco, Sam's Club and websites online, AAA had the

best deal through Hertz.

There is a Hertz Gold Club through AAA that we have thought

about joining...It is suppose to give even bigger discounts but

since we don't rent cars very often we have not yet tried it.

(I used to fly or rent cars quite often after delivering new

trucks. This was prior to us getting into expediting.)

I think that the discount is up to 55% off your first rental after

joining the Gold Club.

Notes:

When renting a car through AAA, it may also include the

extra auto insurance as some credit cards also do.

AAA can also quote other rental car companies, but they

usually offer the better deal through Hertz.

It is also to cheaper to reserve online or call than inquire in

person at the rental car company.

Some rentals also earn airline miles; the renter must be the

frequent flyer member.

We reserve the smallest and almost always have been upgraded

for free at least one and sometimes two car sizes...Reason;

There is more demand for the smaller size gas saving cars.

Renting at airports sometimes have extra taxes than at off site

locations.

Experience:

Just before last Memorial Day the truck broke down on the way

to a p/u ; The Dealership could not get the part overnighted

before the Holiday and the closest replacement part was 125

miles away.

I rented a car to go get the part instead of losing the load and

going out of service for several days.

It was good time to have a discounted rental and it actually

came out cheaper as I was able to replace the part myself the

same day and then make the p/u on time.

We also found they offer the best deal for DirecTv through AAA

(and cheaper than Dish.)

A couple of threads that might be helpful for discounts;

http://www.expeditersonline.com/for...um/46068-looking-motel-discount-packages.html

http://www.expeditersonline.com/forum/truck-talk/33516-break-down-help.html

http://www.expeditersonline.com/forum/daytrippers-guide/46217-discount-tickets.html

I hope this helps.

Dabus1952 · Apr 4, 2011

I too carry a AAA card for hotel discounts or in case of car rental. I bought it more for my wife in case she would need road service and I wasnt in town. I dont think you can use it on a commerical truck unless there is a program I am not aware of.

golfournut · Apr 4, 2011

We use Good Sam RVr. Hotel, rental car & camp ground discounts. Towing for any vehicle you drive except (so I've been told) a straight truck, but they tow RVs. Sprinters not a problem and its unlimited miles.

Your best bet, hire a vet! Please.

LDB · Apr 4, 2011

An alternative to AARP is AMAC, Association of Mature American Citizens. They are not socialist liars like AARP who helped push through Obamacare because it means hundreds of millions of more dollars to AARP through their Medicare insurance programs.

purgoose10 · Apr 4, 2011

Good Sam is great for road service on any size truck, especially towing. Road King is good and AAA is good as well.
AARP is a O'bama supporting bunch of Numb Nuts and I'll pay a premium before using them.

RedBird · Apr 5, 2011

Can't speak for use with straight trucks but I have AAA and have used it many times for towing and for road service. Couple of years ago while delivering freight to a town below Davenport, IA had a blowout on Hwy. 61. and used AAA had fantastic service. They offer two types of plans go with the upgraded service versus the basic service they offer!

nightcreacher · Apr 5, 2011

for motel discounts,just ask for the truck driver rate,usually its even better than the corporate lodging card.you pay 4.95 everytime you use the card and the discounts aren't as good as they say.Truck driver rates are in most cases the best rate,AARP rates are sometimes the same.It use to be with AARP,at MOtel 6 second person stayed for same rate as 1 person,havent been motel 6 in years.I have a motel card that about every 7th stay is a free room,motels wont honor it when useing the ccl card
just remember when getting a room,always ask for the cdl rate