Comments By Greg S.

Well here's an update from the greyhound we are 2 1/2 hrs late due to a driver being threatened by a passenger at the Atlanta terminal. The driver quit on the spot so they had to get a new driver.

Well similar to your situation we had two women go at it on my bus. When we pulled in they pulld the crazy lady off and security was not taking chances. Mostly weather delays for me. I'm here now and wish I had knowledge of the room situation before I checked in. I'm in room 145. Suppose to go to room C-4 in the morning. Thanks for the heads up about the UA in the morning. First thing I did after getting here is take a long hot shower to get the bus funk off. I left Friday morning just north of Los Angeles and got here about nine this morning. Took a long walk to work the knots out of my body from the ride and filled out all of the paperwork they gave us. Now just relaxing and eating my box dinner.

I brought some dockers and a nice sweater with me to orientation. Never wore them, there just taking up space in my duffle bag now. Once you get there and see your peers, you'll understand that your jeans and white t shirt are top of the line. Just wear what you wear. If you're going to be there and do a good job and make it through, they'll love you. The guy who busted my balls in my integrity interview shook my hand and thanked me for being there when I was in smith system class between psd and tnt. Just do a good job.

Dude who are you driving for? I've read some of your prior posts but don't remember coming across who you selected. Best of luck in your training and Happy New Year.

I will also be there afternoon of the 4th. It will be jeans and polos for me that's about as close to a dress/collared shirt I have. Also for those who will be there if you guys want to get together for dinner on the 4th would be awesome. Like some one said we are in this together figure can help each other out.

Your on for dinner if we can find each other. Happy New Year, safe travels and see you on sunday.

Snappy I know exactly what you are talking about. This attitude is not limited to just trucking. Its unfortunate people behave this way and in the end I find people that behave this badly end up isolating themselves because no one wants to be around them. Keep your chin up and maintain that pay it forward mindset. It will take you farther in life than those who choose a different path. It will be people like you that help to change this industry and perspective people will have of truck drivers. Happy New Year.

Scott I'm broke as a joke right now and will probably only have a weeks worth of clothes that are worthwhile to bring. I'm washing my clothes in a tub already! Not kidding.

What's the dress code like? I have nice clothes from my last office job but I'd rather not be the only guy in kackis and polos. I want to be warm and comfortable. Do most people show up in jeans and hoodies? Since from the time you step off the bus the whole process is an interview are people who aren't dressed to impress looked down on?

And did you really need to bring the pens, pencils, paper and binder? Or did Prime give you that stuff anyway.

Sorry Brian, not trying to hijack your thread. I was glad you asked what to bring.

I'm just a single dude and don't need all the frills. The link David gave was great (thanks David btw) but I only want to bring bare essentials.

I am bringing jeans and some collared shirts for the orientation. Once in the truck long sleeve t's and polo's. I would recommending bringing your own paper and pens and highlighters. If you show up and don't have it I will share some of what i have with you if need be. WE are all in this together and i believe in helping other people out. Let me know.

Howdy everyone,

Hope everyone had a great Christmas. I think I am finally ready for my new adventure. Have my learners permit in hand with necessary endorsements and my final call from my recruiter at Prime. He said everything looks great for me on my end but I won't be able to meet him during orientation since he will be on Vacation (one day would like to shake his hand). He made everything easy on me, never had one issue come up on his end. So I will have another recruiter helping me once I get there if I have any issues.

I have my Greyhound ticket for Jan 3. I have to say I am not looking forward to the 34 hour bus ride. I am hoping that there will be some people I met here going on the same bus. My bus arrives in Springfield at 10:25 pm on Sunday with stops in Tampa, Orlando, Tifton, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville, Elkhart, Mount Vernon, and St. Louis. Anyone? I plan on reading Bretts book and studying on the way there.

One question I have is how much clothing to pack. Prime asks you to bring enough clothing for 2 weeks. I don't want to overpack since I will be a guest in someone elses truck and it seems to me I have too much. My 30" duffle bag is stuffed. Should I bring less? Thanks again for everyones help Brian

Brian I will be there the morning of the 4th. Like you i am taking the bus as well. My ride is 30 hours. I thought about the train but I will grit my teeth and bear the ride. Like you I have my permit. I packed for 10 days and plan on doing laundry just before i go on the road with the trainer. I cant imagine the trainer going for much longer than that before they do their laundry as well. If I have to stretch it I will.(Good thing there are two sides to socks, t-shirts and underwear) Definitely don't forget your documents and cash. See you there and Happy New Year.

Diesel gels at 17 something degrees

Maybe without the additives the fuel companies put in it for winter time. But think about it....if diesel gelled at 17 degrees you'd have tens of thousands of trucks disabled every time the temp hit 10 degrees. I just don't want people panicking every time it hits 20 degrees that they're about to freeze up. They're not.

So I have a little history on this. I make biodiesel and have learned and experienced alot with this. Normal diesel at the pump has a pour point (gel) at about -15F. If you buy diesel with a mix of biodiesel it will lower the gel point to around 0-10F. The diesel once it goes solid will not liquify until 30-40F. But similar to what Bret has mentioned the fuel because of all of the additives becomes junk or will make your engine performance very poor until you do get it out of your system. My personal truck (Ram 3500) underwent this when i lived in NM and the temp held at -15F for almost 2 weeks. I could not get the truck started and had to pull it into my shop and let it warm up to get it out of my truck. Replaced the fuel filter and drained the tank. She was a little cranky until i got new fuel into her. If you are not using anti-gel additive and know you are headed into severe weather like this call your company and get some input first. You were lucky that you did not experience hyperthermia. It can kill you in matter of 2 hours or less at the temperatures you are speaking of. For the rest of you out there please use caution and be fully prepared. I lost a friend this way and was the one that did the recovery. Very hard.

With regard to engines, today's diesels are more sensitive to fuels and with all of the advances in technologies makes this a challenge. But, if you are buying the antigel read the label first before you use it or better yet consult your company mechanics. For the most part these antigels are tested on multiple makes of diesel engines before it is released for use. Buying from a reputable manufacturer is also a plus as well. Hope it all turns out well for you and back on the road soon. To all Happy New Year and stay warm.

You know Daniel your entry pictures into Idaho remind me of the days when i lived there at the very top of the state about 25 miles south of the Canadian Border. Very beautiful but dangerous weather and road conditions in the winter. Safe travels and look forward to reading your daily adventures. You mentioned leaving? If so wherever your next job is good luck. I was hoping you would take me as your next trainee. I start with Prime on the 5th. You would have a lot to offer a student based on your experiences and what i have read here.

That so funny!!! I had to look twice at that!! And laughed so hard!! I would just keep your Avatar and see how many more comments you get on it! LOL!!

Love it!

ok that's one vote to keep it. Any more?????

This is what my dog looked like before i got glasses. Just kidding. I used to have a rottweiler and one of my friends sent me this picture as a joke. i loved it so much i still use it to this day. But no worries. I am heading out to Prime this coming friday and start on the 5th of Jan my new career in trucking. I have my permit and studying my brains out in preparation for the training at the company. Once i complete my training and am a rookie solo driver i promise you a more relevant avatar. Thanks for the feedback. Wish all of you a happy new year.