Comments By Cleft_Asunder

Oh yeah, and I was wondering if you guys prefer the 5 inch or 7 inch screen, and if you know of any sales/deal on the RM 530 or 730 in case I pick one up.

So I'm trying to avoid paying for something I don't need like a Rand Mcnally GPS. How useful is this thing for you guys? I normally use the paper map and call the consignee for directions. (because our quallcomm directions suck) What I need most of all are GPS maps to get to the shipper/consignee so that I know which lane to be in and how far they are from the main routes. Is a smartphone a better investment?

I am with them right now, went solo last friday. Their idle policy is 10% in winter, 40% in summer, and there are exceptions. There are no apu's but they do have bunk heaters for winter time. Gordon has apu's so if that's important I would go with them but they require 3 months previous experience. May trucks are mostly newer and maintained well and have windows in the back. If you want an inverter its 225 from them, and they can take out 25 dollars each friday to pay for it, or you can get a used one from a driver.

The employees tell me that if you request home time you get home time unlike many other companies. It's 1 day for every 7 you're out. They seem to be a good company but they are governed at 61mph on cruise control, 58 on peddle, and 1500 rpm on tach. It's kinda a good thing though for new drivers and you really don't gain any more torque or speed after 1500rpm on the cummins. (it just feels like you're burning extra fuel) They run 13 speed eatons which is a plus.

Any one have some advice on if it's better to run hard n take a 34re set or only drive so many hours a day?

Ultimately that depends on how long you want to stay out here and if you want to sit or keep it moving. I drive 8 1/2 to 9 hrs a day so I can roll for 4 weeks straight and not have to sit around. I hate sitting.

So if you get less than 70 hours per week, you can skip the 34 hour break? Does the '70 hours avaiable' start over each week?

I remember seeing storage space under the lower bunk bed on some trucks. Any way, I went for RedGator's suggestions and now I've got a smaller suitcase. I'll buy some bungee's if I feel the need.

Exactly on point Old School. I only stayed with my first company 7 months before switching, but it was what I felt I needed and could handle. Not the companies fault. I made the move and have done very well for myself. The advice you laid out is how I live my life and in just under 3 months proven myself once again and enjoying the rewards of that in my relationships with the company and customers. In my opinion the most important thing I see go wrong is drivers want to jump on the "the company is screwing me" band wagon when things dont go perfect. First off you have to understand the volume in this business is horrific. Things are gonna go wrong, but its the nature of the business, not anyone with a conspiracy plan. Roll with it the best you can. I have found it all evens out by itself soon enough. Here is a quick example what I mean: I got a load to the northeast from the south. It paid well. Then I got a crappy load. I did the load where most would not have. I was then given a great load that paid through the roof. I was told I had to dead head 350 miles back out for my next. Keep in mind I do not get paid empty miles in my situation. I wasn't too thrilled, but I kept the faith when my dispatcher told me it would balance out. I did it and now have pulled an ok load, and just got a preplan taking me through the weekend. All in all I will make 2 consecutive weeks with awesome paychecks. Dispatchers and planners have a tough job that I would not do for anything. The more dependable and reliable you are and willing to work with them instead of against them makes everyone's life a little easier. I don't care who you are, no one likes problems. Just my opinion.

What do you mean by crappy loads? Are you getting payed CPM?

What stinks is when you can't open them without pulling all the way out, and you can't pull straight out because there's trailers, trucks, or a wall on the opposite side of you!

How does the cargo stay in with the doors open? Never looked inside before.

At least you didn't uncouple without taking the glad hands off.

Thanks, I'll keep it minimal.

This makes me less nervous about May Trucking orientation because I thought I would have to know mostly everything regarding skills and shifting.