Profile For Ducky

Almost had a claims issue because I failed to notice this. They pinned my chute to the trailer ceiling,

The load was still frozen, but outside of the customer's specs, and it was an issue. I now know to inspect the load and speak up, take pictures, and voice concern when necessary. Ultimately, it's my responsibility.

Y'all ever had issues that could have been avoided by simply paying more attention rather than hurrying away like I did in this case?

Thx guys...yea g-town, the front drives. Thanks for the explanation. I knew there had to be one!

I have seen this twice now, both times at truck stops.

Typical 53 foot combo rigs, no heavy haul or extra sets of axles, and axle 2 drives (front) aren't touching the ground. The latest one I witnessed must have been nearly 2 inches off the pavement , on level ground. It was VERY obvious, yet no one seemed to notice, or alert the driver, or frankly seem concerned.

I'd like to know what causes this in case it ever happens to me. Am I missing something simple?

Thanks for any insight.

Bright, sunny, warm day on a two-lane highway. I'm going to be on this stretch for 100+ miles, so I'm already thinking other drivers are going to be inconvenienced by my slow governed truck. Plenty of passing lanes though, so all is good. I thought! Eventually, I caught up with a truck *gasp * and settled in safely behind, at a whopping 55mph. Cool, I get to pass at the next passing lane☺. Nope. Not today! The driver pulled into the right lane in the passing zone, and, wait for it... sped up to 63. Drats! Then the lanes narrowed back and the driver dropped back to 55 again. Oh well, maybe next time. Naw. This scene played out over 100 miles. I eventually starting laughing at the fact he/she just didn't quite grasp the whole passing lane concept, put on the cruise control, and settled in for a nice stress-free drive. I'm going to arrive at my destination safely, what's a few minutes.

Now for the truly magical part. I was on US89 coming from Utah (Beaver area) to Flagstaff AZ. I never knew such beauty existed on American roadways. I was blown away by the views and landscape of this amazing stretch of creation.

It was a great day to be a truck driver, indeed. I was thankful for the opportunity to be able to cruise through, relaxed, and take it all in.

Delivery was made, another picked up, and future journeys are always a day away.

Looks like Illinois either wanted to get a jump on CVSA "Operation Safe Driver Week " or something. Either way, this upcoming week will have agencies across the US participating in this campaign, so everyone please be safe.

As I am changing fleets, I asked my fleet manager for 5 minutes phone time to express appreciation, but also to ask how I can improve going forward. He works as many hours as I do it seems, and I value his feedback.

1. Drive safely Always. Back safely, goal, and take care to fix any equipment issues.

2. Trip plan properly. Even if it is a run you have done a dozen times, circumstances change. HOS is key and he stressed the management of HOS over and over again.

3. Communication. Be precise, and realistic regarding ETA and PAT. Don't be vague and more QC messages are better than too few.

I'll miss this FM.

Oh, and I forgot to mention one thing that might help, Kenny. If you can, find the person in orientation who seems to have the same motivation to succeed as you do and begin a conversation. I did, and although awkward at first, he stood in pouring rain late at night scoring me on pretrip while everyone else was tucked away sleeping comfortably, lol. Mason was his name, and I never properly thanked him for his time and consideration.

We were not prompted for anything and they don't allow a pretrip sheet or list in Kentucky. You either know it or you don't.

The examiner just stood there and took notes/scored us as we did our pretrip.

This is exactly how I was tested by our company's examiner, and we are a third party tester. He simply read me the rules, and got silent. He even seemed agitated when I asked should I start? It was MY pretrip after all.

After I finished he said "you did great, but you didn't point to or touch the pushrod on the slack adjuster."

Thinking back on that, I can't recommend strongly enough the importance of study, study and study pretrip.

That 12v box oven Steve mentioned has been a workhorse and provided many tasty meals for me. Love that thing!

Big T, I look forward to reading your posts. As you can see by my status, I team. Well, I did. I accepted a solo position that's a better fit for me just today. But I don't regret teaming at all...I rather enjoyed it.

Finally I am an Experienced Rookie. No longer a pure green horn.

This quote speaks to me. Learning after one year must certainly continue at an advanced level... I'm not there yet. Patrick, I've learned more than you know from your contributions on this terrific site. I have respect for you, and I hope you take a moment or two to celebrate the successes of the past year. Safe travels and again thanks for selflessly helping others entering this business.

My understanding is follow the BOL instruction regarding reefer temp. My company requires we circle it with pen on the paperwork. When you do, it is a document that can't be misinterpreted, and you'll be fine.

Welcome Jeffrey! You are more fortunate than you might realize right now to have received the responses above from professionals who can and will help you with your new career. This site is so rich with content...explore, think and ask questions. If you really, really want this (and it's AMAZING) you, sir have landed right where you need to be for advice and encouragement, and sometimes tough love.

Read, re-read and consider all things discussed by the professionals who are succeeding.

I learn from this site every single day...and have for some time. These folks will help you.

Good stuff OS, good stuff!

I am kinda nerdy when it comes to maps, the RM atlas and such. Just love studying them...it's fun. Really makes me feel more prepared and relaxed when I include it in my trip planning.

I like what you said about the mature imposing trees on the reroute. Staying alert and observant can help us make decisions that our brains and past experience agree are the right ones. At least in many cases.

In training, I missed a turn and the RM truckers GPS rerouted, wanting me to turn into a "one way in, one way out" apartment complex. I was like "No way in hell I'm turning in there...I was looking at the road, it was beyond obvious. He still wanted to think it must be right...the GPS won't like. Huh?

I hope more trainers realize how valuable it is to spend time teaching this to students.

Thanks so much Bob and Susan (and everyone) for taking the time to comment and advise. You are what makes this forum and site invaluable to me. It shows that while I am doing many things right, there is this HOS side of the business I need to seriously focus on and master to move to the next level. I didn't really see that clearly until you all offered feedback. I can't thank you enough. Man, I love this site!

Very good point G-town. I will absolutely try and recreate the trip and learn from this. I'm all about getting better with things under my control rather than luck or sheer happenstance.

I think they can only go on the logs you haven't "approved" which you should daily. Maybe my oversight in approving daily benefited me? Omg I am a degenerate...jk lol

Oh, my bad. They went through my logs and found minutes here and there that they could convert to off duty status I assume. I dunno exaxtly, I just know it worked.

Yep, what Brett and OS said. England has opportunities, miles and a culture of safety. Sure, it's a training company for those entering the industry and that's a good thing. Heck, it's a great way to learn, earn money, experience OTR, drive nice equipment and get your truckin' legs. It's puzzling to me why 2 people going through the same process experience entirely opposite outcomes.