Profile For SAMUEL C.

Aby M.

I was a pediatric/neonatal Flight respiratory therapist for 20 yrs and gave it up to jump in a truck. As a rookie, the pay difference was drastic and had to learn to more with less. Six years later, I’m making more now than I was in the hospital.

I have met lawyers, doctors and bank managers, who gave up the white collar word, to become a Knight is the Highway.

A dropped loaded trailer makes a very distinct sound, many of us have heard, few will admit it was their fault. I came very close one trip and to this day, I am still "gun shy." In this profession, there are just somethings you have to learn on your own, and some of these lessons leave lasting impressions on us, listen for the jaws to engage and then do a visual inspection. When in doubt, check it out.

First, I would like to thank Brett and all the moderators on TT. Their input in invaluable. They have helped in ways I couldn't imagine, when I first started driving. Next week, I start with a new company. It's going to be a big change, going from flatbed to dry van, home more often and making more money doing it. I've waited for this opportunity for awhile. For the newbies, no matter how bad you think it is/gets, stick with your first company for at least a year, maybe two, keep a clean MVR and you can write your ticket to anywhere.

From this article:

[TDOT regional spokesperson Kathryn] Schulte said the restriction will affect some tractor trailers, but not all. The weight limit is set at 21 tons and will primarily affect loaded tractor trailers.

So what are you guys complaining about?

I guess I will have to wait on that load of "sailboat fuel", easy to tarp and secure.

Yeah, running up 48 from ****son is about the best route.

Get their attention by pulling up to he bridge when people are trying to get home, turn on the flashers, pull the yellow knob and cell the sheriff's office for help.

The only way something like this gets fixed or even noticed is for people to be an inconvenienced.

There is a low weight limit sign over a small bridge on that stretch of highway I noticed yesterday. No warning signs either

Welcome to the Worldof Beauracracy. Its a WONDERFUL THING!

The unfortunate issue is, a driver will catch a hefty fine, unbeknownst to him, that he would be unable to cross it. THP or the local sheriff dept will be waiting. As I heard a driver put it " it's at trap, and once you turn on to the highway, you are at the point of no return".

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — TDOT has reduced the weight limit on the heavily-traveled McClure Bridge over the Cumberland River in Clarksville to 21 tons, which means it's now off limits to loaded 18-wheelers.

This is a vital bridge to those of use who haul rolled paper to a Georgia Pacific gypsum plant and sheet rock out. My company issued a alternate route for us to take. I noticed yesterday as I was leaving the plant, that this approved route also has a small bridge that TDOT has lowered to 21T.

What's surprising (not really) , is there are no warning signs prior to either of these bridges and there is no way around them, nowhere to turn around, you're trapped.

Happy Anniversary and Congratulations Brett!!

Happy Thanksgiving. For those at hope,enjoy the family time. For my brothers and sisters on the road, my heart is with you and your family, God speed

Hey guys my names josh I'm in middle of CDL training . I've had CDL for year but never driven big rigs just straight work trucks with bumper pull trailers. So I'm making the switch to big rigs . I trying to make my mind up on company to try to go to work for after. I'm looking into Mcelrory as I'm located in dierks Arkansas just hour north of Texarkana . And also considering Maverick . I live by A Weyerhaeuser lumber mill have you heard of they haul any lumber for them. I'm looking for dedicated and local routes . And infonyou can give id welcomed I'm a big guy 6-1 300 lbs with a cpap. Thanks in advanever guys

I know we haul out of that area, just as parrothead stated, you may inquire if they have a dedicated out of the certainteed plant in Nashville

What an amazing journey!!! I've seen and done things, I thought I would have never done. Thank you Brett and all on the site, what an incredible wealth of knowledge and good laughs. To anyone just starting out, hang in there, it doesn't get easier, you just learn to manage it better. Thanks trucking truth.

Pros: the variety of freight we haul and the challenge of securing it.

Cons: the weather, i may be the exception, but the weather is never in my favor.

Is insane. I can't describe the smell. Wait, I'll try. Dip your index finger into a can of Alpo. Then smear it under your nose. Now close your eyes and go to sleep.

It could be worse, I guess. Kill plants are no joy either.

Ok, good night!!!

Cargill and Tyson are bad...feces and dead flesh..oh my.

How are you doing?

Agreed. I was with my PSD at a Tyson beef plant and he told me to keep the windows up as well as the truck would quickly fill up with flies.

And that is why I'm a flatbedder. Picking up paper at a paper mill is about the worst it gets for me.

I love the reserved parking out front

There are intersections at the base of hills with stop lights; they are always green when you are empty and always red when you are loaded; so you have to drag anchor to get stopped or get passed by snails as you are trying to climb them.

I believe there are civil engineers with a real warped sense of humor

With a Hurricane coming, Dispatch decides now is a good time to send you to South Carolina.

They can not see the hurricane on the load board, therefore, there is none.

When you have just fueled up and cleaned your windshield, that the bug that will leave the biggest gut splatter, will hit right at eye level.

I just came through Cincinnati today about around afternoon rush hour. South on I-71 and wanting to go south onto I-75.

Any experts know of the best route? I'm through it now. But following a navigator is useless unless that navigator is a human. Tunnel 71 was closed and a lot of the ramps to 71 were closed today too.

I managed to get through it but it was through a great bit of tourist section of town. You know, people everywhere on foot walking about wondering what the hell this semi is doing coming through here kind of thing. Cars parked in the right lane on skinny roads. Lot of fun I tell ya.

The construction signs just said "I-71 south closed, find alternate route". Really? You not gonna offer any help or point the way?

Went under no less than three 13-6 bridges. That was close. Managed to finally get back on 75 before the bridge. But I was having to navigate by general direction only there for a bit as the GPS kept trying to get me back on 71 north and then get back off for a turn around. Which would only put me back in the same problem.

Just curious as to what I should have done? Stay on the outer loop?

I have taken the 275 around, it's adds on some miles and eats up a little bit of time, but at least I was rolling, instead of watching my clock burn in grid lock

What is their policy about sleep apnea?

I'm unsure, i guess I'm it would depend on you physical

I think they should incorporate some sort of truck driving activity when getting a standard driving license. Do it at an airport or something where there's a lot of room, and make people have to get in these big trucks and try to shift them, and stop abruptly, and back them up and stuff. Then I think people would have a lot more respect for truckers and driving around them.

Putting a 16 year old in the cab of a truck is an insurance liability nightmare, never going to happen regardless of where it's done. Basic, current education would be a great start. Respect for trucks,...seriously? I'd like to see the average motorist respect basic driving rules; using turn signals, not tail gating, not weaving in an out of traffic, driving with prudence, compliance with posted speed limits, etc. It all boils down to we, the truck driver need to not only look out for ourselves, but them as well.

Preach on G-town!!! We live in a self absorbed "me" society with the mantra of " my time and agenda are more important than you and yours". I've only been in the seat 2 yrs, but several days through ATL and Nashville a week will make you a believer. As previously stated, it's not just 4-wheelers, but fellow drivers who recite the same mantra. My favorite act of stupidity is, when there is a backup, I slow and leave plenty of space between me and the vehicle in front of me, at least a truck length, because I hate the up shift and down shift, just to gain a few feet as traffic is creeping. Mainly 4 wheelers think we are being polite and giving them an opening to swoop in and then brake hard in front of me. I've had big trucks do the same, just to gain an inch of asphalt.