Profile For Boomshaker E.

Thanks for all the responses. And it was absolutely my fault for not getting out and look. I thought I saw it clearly when I pulled out in the street. But when I went to back up, it disappeared from view that fast. It was a quick and hard lesson to learn about G.O.A.L. I won't make that mistake again.

Not sure what Werner pays, but US Xpress on their Dollar General account, of which there are a number of Werner trucks that pull the same freight at the same location for Dollar General. The get paid .39cpm, $90 a trailer, and $25 per stop. Some of these guys average abound 1,000 to 1,200 a week. If you hustle more then you make more. This is based on at least 5 trailers a week. As G-town said, these types of accounts will challenge you backing skills big time. And you will almost for sure get into a backing accident quickly. I wouldn't recommend it to a new driver. I am on this same account and already had a booboo in just over a month. Not going to stay with this account as I have told my safety director 53ft trailers should never go in to a small strip mall with cars everywhere, children running around, old people waking, and cars always trying to beat you in or out of the parking area. And there is no one out there to spot you. Don't want to scare you being a newbie, but at least you're getting the info before you start. Just something to think about. Good luck.

Also, ask him/her how do they handle their down time or off time? If you guys are gonna split the driving, then ask how does he or she spend their off time? I had a trainer that left all of the driving to me. Never wanted to drive. Company never said anything about him not logging in either. So when it came time to end my shift and get some rest this MOFO wanted to watch dvd's at night (no head set) and drink his beer. If I had opened my mouth to say something it would have come out wrong. So i bit my tongue the whole time. But to me, how the other person handles their down time is very important. Along, with the other points others have made here. If you don't get your rest your time out on the road will be miserable. Good luck to you.

Was backing up at 5am into a loading dock up in Rouses Point NY a few days ago. Backed into a traffic sign and knocked it over. Why did they put it so close to the stupid dock I have no idea. Store manager even said "don't worry, other drivers have knocked it over plenty of times too". There was no one around but I figured let me still do the responsible thing and so I called my claims dept and they advised me to call the local police for an incident report. State police came out and took the report. Trooper sighted me for "unsafe backing". He saw that I didn't have anything else on my driving record and was like "sorry i gotta do this to you man". He was actually a pretty cool about it. Mind you I called the cops on myself. LOL So now that this is on my driving record, how do I explain this to another potential employer. This is my very first incident ever and I have no clue how to answer if asked have I ever been involved in an accident? Is this considered an accident, moving violation or what? Thank you.

This is one of those type of professions that you don't know what you are getting into until you're in the drivers seat. Company I am training with gave us a 3 day orientation. And never once except for the first seaters asked any of us to perform a road test. I would think this is a basic fundamental thing. NOPE. After I was hired, on the second day the trainer moved over and said "ok, your turn". I told him no one ABC company ever road tested me. He was totally shocked.

Getting in the drivers seat will be a challenge from day one. I am on my 3rd week of training. And I can tell you, you will learn what and what not to do quickly out there. One bit of advice I can give is, always leave your self plenty of room around you, and be courteous on the road. I have found many of seasoned drivers know what to look for in newbies on the road. And they give you extra help out there. Also, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with other drivers. I found they are more than willing to talk and pass on knowledge. My trainer who has been at it for a while doesn't talk to anyone. But I say, screw him. I want to learn as much as I can. And everyone I have met is very helpful. Good luck to you.

If u need anymore info let me know

Jeff, does US Xpress have any company locations with showers or laundry place to wash your clothes? I'm just curious. Thank you

Lots of good info. Thanks everyone.

I looked at the Averrit site and they look like a great company to start out with. Does anyone have any info into this company?

Averrit, wants you to have a least 30 days of recent driving experience or attended one of their "approved schools". They really need to either upgrade their school list. (called them last week just to see, so the info is current)

Maybe I'm lazy, but I use the Qualcomm GPS nearly exclusively. Google Maps/Satellite helps.

(When GoogMaps sends out a traffic jam warning, it could save you hours by turning you on to a bypass.)

I have never used googlemaps because Waze has always gotten me by. (for my car) I am assuming if your using googlemaps at the moment they will alert you to a traffic jam in live time?

Steve, I have trucker path. How do you like it?

T Man, Rand McNally Motor Carriers Atlas- gotta pick this up soon.

How much do you guys and gals trust your on-board GPS device? Or is there some other device or app that you use, that you have found works better? I have heard from a number of folks they use multiple options to get the best directions. Especially for a big rig. What have you folks found that works best for you? Thank you

Better make sure your company allows Inverters before you purchase one.(or a fridge or microwave for that matter). You can't use a "cigarette lighter" inverter for those appliances. I'm going with Swift. No inverters or apu's, just 12 v outlets. I have purchased a thermoelectric cooler, lunch box oven, single burner butane stove, and a stove top coffee percolator. I should survive nicely on those essentials. Also, from Costco, paper plates/bowls, plastic "silverware", paper towels, etc. I don't really want to wash dishes in the shower! (Daniel) Lol. Hope that helps. Oh....I got all of the above appliances on Amazon

Definitely wrote down the inverter question for tomorrow. thank you

Whats the "average" size for a fridge? (assuming there is a standard size)

Tyler, I remember in a previous thread you had mentioned in a reply to someone. "If all goes well for me at orientation and the company offers me a position, I will be hauling dedicated out of PA. For me I was told it will be a 500-600 mile radius of Carlisle including possibly to Canada". Can you elaborate a little more on this please. Is this for Maverick and do they have a yard in Carlisle Pa? I didn't see anything online for them in the Pa area as far as yards go. Only for hiring locations. Unless they are one in the same?

Sorry been busy. Ppg is located in Carlisle, technically Mt Holly Springs. Maverick hauls out of there and occasionally will have a opening for a dedicated position. Dedicated is home weekends and occasionally a night or two during the week. All loads are preloaded so all you do is hook up and tie down and go.

Nice, thank you.

Great replies, thank you. G-town, yes sir I have looked and done my research already brother. Will look again at all links posted. Thank you again everyone.

Nice, I shop at Amazon myself a lot. Never thought of them though for big rigs. Thank you

Errol, I really enjoy thinking about how would I maneuver my rig if it were my situation. Please post more of these when you can.

Like others have said, straight line back, and 90 alley it.

I know most of you folks over time have purchased many things for your trucks either locally or at one of the truck stops. I will find those in due time when I get out there. But for those of you that have found some good websites with good pricing, can you share which websites you have purchased from. Examples: cb radios, convertors, refridge, microwave, and anything else you have bought to outfit your truck with more personable items at a good cost.

Thank you

So after some delay I have pulled the trigger with three companies. I have my first interview tomorrow with Schneider. I have done my research on here and have read the questions they may have for a new candidate. But I haven't read "what questions as a new driver" I should be asking them? I have a few written down, but I would really like to hear some of the questions as experienced drivers you would ask, knowing what you know now.

Thank you

p.s. has some health issues I had to deal with and pray about before i jumped in and started working again. Which is the reason I haven't posted about my driving and experience with any company yet.

Thank you everyone for the replies, today I made the decision that I was no longer going to pursue employment through Schneider, at least at this moment.

You can't leave it at that! What's going on? Why are you dropping Schneider after the first day?

Well, today I found out that what my recruiter told me about the account that I applied for was incorrect. One example was that it was strictly over night. I was told that I would be starting at between 2 or 3. I know that it might not seem like a big difference but for a local account, I was surely not looking to go all nights. I only found this out because my trainer said that I was supposed to talk to the manager of the location. I called and talked to him and found this out. He seemed like a really great guy and the lead instructor was a really great guy and completely understanding.

They offered me other positions, however it all really rubbed me the wrong way. I thanked him, but respectfully declined. They said that I have an open invitation to come back.

There were a few other little small things that rubbed me the wrong way, but I must say that I grew a lot of respect for the Lead Instructor. I was a manager in a previous life and he was as professional as I have ever dealt with.

Not quite sure what is all involved in your situation, but if it doesn't pass the smell test right up front. Then go with your gut instinct because you know what's best for you at this point. Good luck.

I use yellow sunglasses at night and its amazing the difference it makes. Get a cheap pair and try them out. If it helps then drop some dough on a nice pair.

Theron, I was going to suggest this but some one beat me to it. Copy and paste to keep it simple: Night Time Driving Glasses are scientifically engineered to enhance your vision in low-intensity light situations. Their non-polarized, anti-glare lenses go to work instantly to filter out high-glare light from oncoming headlights, street lights and illuminated billboards. Theron, I believe this may help you. Ask your eye doctor about night time non-prescription glasses.