Comments By Dennis L

A lot of fault on both sides here.

If the truck stop has security camera video might see driver 1 pulling the release lever. I would report it to the police.

Driver 2 should have checked his equipment before “taking off”. My trainer instilled this in me during our time together. He told me that some joker pulled his release arm once, but he caught it in a walk around.

Driver 2’s company would likely view the dropped trailer as his fault

I met a driver today with Butler. He was hired in March directly out of a private CDL school in Kansas with no experience.

He said he was given 2.5 weeks training and turned loose solo.

His base pay rate is 45 CPM.

I’m parked at a closed weigh station on I-80 east of Des Moines headed west. There is an abandoned Yellow trailer sitting here. This big lot has been empty all day.

BK, I actually remember that song! Showing our age

So far I haven’t hit anything that I know of with my truck, except possibly a small tortoise.

Had a close call with a hen Turkey recently. The buzzards & crows almost had a turkey dinner.

With my car I’ve hit an owl (stuck in the grill) and a puppy (broke my heart).

My Fleet Manager sent out a fleet message recently stating that it is against our company policy for drivers to park on off or on ramps and roadside shoulders unless in emergency situations. Then the four-way flashers must be on and triangles put out. Contact Road Assist immediately for assistance.

GOAL = Get Out And Look as often as you need to.

Take your time, don’t feel rushed by other impatient drivers. Ask for help spotting the blind side.

An experienced driver recently reinforced this with me a couple weeks ago while he helped guide me through a challenging docking situation. He didn’t want me to hit his trailer on my blindside. He was very nice about it and supportive.

I got my CDL in Arkansas. You’ll need your birth certificate, current medical certificate, proof of residence (utilities bill with address, etc).

Arkansas requires a Truckers Against Trafficking certificate. If you don’t have it, take the free online 30 minute course and download the certificate to your phone is fine.

If you have a Hazmat Endorsement you may have to redo it. I don’t know for certain.

I moved from Arkansas to Missouri this year and had to redo my Hazmat for MO.