Comments By Dave I

Mike, the first six months of 2020 have been my busiest ever. I'm making more money driving a truck during this "pandemic" than I've ever made as a driver.

Good to know Old School. I got recently got accepted to TMC and I’m thinking about my start date. With COVID cases increasing daily and a possible “spike” in the fall, should I be concerned about not having the opportunity for miles/money?

Should I start now or wait?

2: I sometimes forget which way I need to turn the wheel to make my trailer respond. I know it's opposite (I turn my wheel left to make the trailer go right) but in the mirror I get stuck and panic a little.

I move my elbow in the direction I want the trailer to go and pull the wheel with the opposite hand. It simplifies things for me.

I was told by a Roehl recruiter that inexperienced drivers aren't eligible to apply for the HomeTime Plus fleet which offers 7/7, 7/4, and 7/3 options

i dont have kids..if i did.. i wouldnt be here. think long and hard. this is not a romantic "saving the universe, dad is a military guy keeping the country safe"... this is a "dad is hauling food, tires, Nike sneakers while he eats alone and misses our life" job.

Very well said!

Would it be worth my applying for the hearing exemption?

The hearing test was included in both my DOT physicals . Maybe a hearing aid would be the way to go?

All,

Thanks for the useful feedback. I have my feelers out and hope to hear something next week. Will keep you posted!

Hello all,

I'm a diesel mechanic and have my CDL A. My work schedule have opened up the opportunity to pursue a part time driving job and I'm excited about it. Another diesel mechanic in our shop drives part time and loves it. I'm just starting this journey and will keep you posted as things progress.

We were told at our last safety meeting that a build up of old grease was causing locking issues.

Only 75W-90 gear oil should be used to lubricate 5th wheel jaws during cold weather months. Scraping out built up grease and steam cleaning, if needed, is a very important part of the PM process.

Great job, Dave Diesel! You earned it!

Thanks!!

I'm currently in a 10 speed manual

The truck was a 10 speed. Used gears 4-9 throughout the drive. Downshiffting took some practice. Really had to learn to pay attention to the RPMs. Was required to double clutch for the test but was told most drivers float the gears and use the clutch only to stop/start the truck.