Comments By Dennis L

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.

PPS. If there is a truck stop near you, you could work a deal with the manager to park there during your home time.

PS. In my case I live 48 miles from my company’s main terminal. So I park my car there in security lot when OTR 4-5 weeks. I park my tractor in same lot while I’m home for 4-5 days.

In your situation you could consider renting a parking space for your tractor in a secure storage unit lot near home. They might make you a deal since will only be parked a few days a month.

I’ve seen a tractor & trailer parked in a storage unit where I store a motor home.

You would typically bobtail home from your last load for home time. Then be dispatched from home to bobtail to pickup a trailer for your first load out

The majority of lumpers take a digital Comcheck or a fuel card.

I’ve run into a few places that are low tech taking cash or a paper Comcheck.

I’ve also had to use a paper Comcheck a couple of times to pay a special fee to a shipper or receiver

Yes I paid $30 gate toll for incoming produce load. Cash or credit card. I’m getting that reimbursed.

Lumper fee was $100 by paper Comcheck.

Thanks BK.

I’m glad that I went into Boston at 3:30am, no traffic. When I came out at 7am it was different, but I was going in opposite direction of the rush hour into the city.

The New England Produce Center was very congested. Fortunately my dock was on the backside of the warehouse in less busy area.

Got it done OK.