Comments By Glenbob

That looks about where I run mine here in FL. Some Knight trailers have it marked. Otherwise, I use the reinforcement piece there as approximate guide. The chart in the front of your Motor Carrier Atlas will tell you exactly where the measurements are taken for the different states that have restricted requirements.

OS, you know what a rookie I am. You’ve heard the phrase “a nickel for ever time” well I wish I had one for every LO/OO that’s told me…… you won’t get rich working for them, mega carrier’s rip you off, to make real money you have to work for yourself blah, blah blah. Like you I’ve previously owned my own business (3 ReMax franchises and Auction Co). Frankly, I like the no stress of ownership, do my job and call it a day. I’m not a rocket scientist but can figure 100% of risk vs 3-5% additional profit over company driver. The other side of this goes along the lines of I don’t work for anyone else, I’m my on boss etc. Well guess what we all have something/someone be it customers, creditor or family driving us. Had I entered this business in my 40’s probably would have looked at OO myself, was up for the challenge then. Much like you in this case I move along, often wondering were they trying to convince me or themselves.

During Top Gun you’ll learn 1/4 turns coupled with slow approach and GOAL will prevail in most situations. I have trouble at times visualizing my pivot point for my tandems when docking at some locations. For that I carry two small orange cones about 12” tall. GOAL, set my pivot points and go from there usually make myself proud. Remember it takes 8-12’ to see reactions from 1/4 inputs. Originally, I’d become impatient and crank more steering than needed setting myself up for doing it the hard way. In my short experience there have been docks that required quicker turns due to maneuver room or lack there of you’ll become confident in your ability with practice. Once you gain confidence, learn the reaction of the equipment with given input and paired with instruction received you’ll be backing like a boss.

Asked this question to a friend who lives upper NW Ohio. He said when the highway was built they excavated to get dirt to build up for ramps and overpass construction. I figured that was a reasonable as anything.

I had the pleasure of attending Top Gun school there at the Memphis academy. Stay focused on why you are there. I found the training and equipment top notch. Spent time on the same range as those learning to obtain their CDL. As someone who went to private school I can say SWIFT is light years ahead of my experience. DO NOT let the internet BS get in your head. I would have no problem working for them, currently a Knight employee. The negativity towards “mega carriers & rookies” seems to be a favored topic around the web. Remember, everyone was a rookie at some point. Unless you fall into or born into a opportunity your first job will probably be a mega carrier. Again, stay focused, learn everything you can, be proactive. This training is the foundation you will build upon. Lacking experience training is all you’ll have to start with.

Being a rookie myself my only experience is my personal situation. I too made a bad decision on a right turn. No damage but it did require a wrecker. Biggest thing with the safety department was owning the mistake and learning from it. Sounds as if you have pretty much done that. Move forward using it as learning point. You can only offer on the restitution part. Probably a little embarrassment on his part also. From my previous career learned; nobody hurt, nothing that can’t be repaired, use it as a learning/training point and move on.

It’s been awhile since my last update. The education continues…… Volunteered to take a load over the weekend to NW PA. Rolls of paper that were weeks past delivery date. So I was told. Arrive at shipper 2p Friday afternoon only to be told the load will not be ready until 10-10:30 Saturday morning. No, big deal call DM he acts shocked says he’ll pay extra. Finally, get load head out going up I-65 then to 71 across Ohio to Erie PA and across 86. Saturday driving sucked as most of the day was in rain of some sort. Sunday, beautiful set out to make up some lost time. 628 logged Sunday. While having lunch and checking the weather I see the winter storm headed for PA. Research several weather apps and determine if I drop and hook at 6am I should have several hours to get south of the weather front. Hatch my plan set in motion. Show up at receiver to find they are closed today for Easter. To add fuel to the fire my empty is still sitting there loaded. Takes DM a while to come up with an alternative. Needless to say I did not beat the weather. Keep in mind I’ve been strictly SE region Atlanta N to Miami SE to Corpus SW. Now I’ve experienced the 6% grades of the Allegheny Forrest. Snow slush and reduced visibility like I’ve not seen before understand a whiteout. At one point I had stopped on the shoulder planning to stay there. Snow plow comes along a says “you can’t stay here follow me”. That was the worst 3 miles I’ve driven in my life! Yes, that was the 6% grade that trucks slow to 20mph in good weather. Get this I’m behind the snow plow 6-8 mph with cars overtaking on the left going everywhere. Some successful some not. The log truck in front of the plow drug his trailer along every guardrail we came to. Twice I could feel the drives start to slide. Each time my heart dropped and butt puckered. No cowboy here, never again for me. I now sit typing this in a Lowes parking lot waiting on morning, temps have improved and roadways are fairly clear. Visibility was the biggest issue this afternoon and not wanting to be on the road after dark and things re-freeze. Hopefully, head to Ohio tomorrow for load then Adairsville GA. Nothing above I-40 in my future.

Sorry for the slack in posting. I’ve been out a couple of weeks nursing a shoulder. Then we had some family life stuff crop up. Dr gave the all clear last Friday the 25th. Hit the road today a 3 stop journey. I’ve had to switch over to dry van. Enjoyed the flatbed just not physically able at this point in life. Everyone take care and I’ll try and improve on posting.

Completed my first load yesterday 11:30ish logged 618 on the odometer before shutting down for the evening. Needless to say I didn’t have any trouble going to sleep. Bad part was an hour and half from sleeping in my own bed. Head back to Delhi for a load to South FL that changed 3 times. Now I’m doing a reset in beautiful Delhi. Lol. Long story but short version shipper is short handed.

I’ve been busy since getting off the truck with the trainer. Monday was spent at the terminal largely waiting and more waiting. Finally had road test and two backing evolutions which were uneventful. One between cones one between trailers. Finally truck assignment. Let me say up front I did not expect a new truck. However, neither did I expect the first two on the list. Ended up with a late 18/19 Volvo 347k. After my first 1k since assigned I’ve come to the conclusion we both have a little age and wear. But overall I’m happy with it. For you Knight guys 522803. On the funny side first scale house stop. Guy ask what a you hauling, me aluminum green light comes on as I roll away I hit the window button and nothing happens. It’s only 46 degrees outside and 65 mph doesn’t get any warmer. Find a safe place to pull over and for what seemed like 30 minutes I pull up on it nothing. I sit and ponder what next it’s 1am. I walk around the truck taking in the fresh cool air. Debate myself about what I can block the hole with. Climb back into the cab slam the door and the damn window slowly very slowly creeps up. So far today it’s worked every time. A little over 500 miles today ready to call it a day. Will try and post tomorrow’s adventures when I stop for the day.

Anne, those shoulder surgeries are a bear sometimes. My Dr has been reminding me I’m not getting any younger. Something about taking longer to heal. Lol. Take it easy they are brutal if have to redo. My neighbor fell on his about 3wks after surgery. I saw what he had to go through.