Profile For Sonnydogg

So, first, I should tell you that I'm a regional driver. I run the upper Midwest - Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Kentucky. Mostly tho, OH, IND, ILL. 70% of my loads are live load and unload. This has really gotten on my nerves the last few weeks. The fact that I had to wait 4+ hours in a dock today for the 5th time in 7days, once was 7hrs, and watching other trucks come and go, and seeing the workers go on break twice before I was even started, I don't think I can take it. They had me done 30min before my 14 were up. Luckily, I can park across the street, but I lost my next appt, so now I'll be off like 16 hrs, waiting for my new appt time. That's a lot of lost $$ and waisted time. My Q is, Is this normal for a regional gig? Cuz, I'm kind of a go getter, and this constant sitting has me wondering if this is right for me. I mainly haul food containers, soda, and furniture. The waiting is pretty equal for each. I do have to help unload some of the furniture sometimes, almost always by hand. I'm really trying to get my first year down, then I know my options will open up, but wholly cow.

I personally wear steel toed mainly for kicking tires. I have a thumper also, but find kicking to just be easier and quicker. They're slip on, so I can change easily if I want for driving. As for gloves, I wear those fabric/rubber palm type for fueling and such. Not really warm in winter weather, but keep my hands clean and dry.

This is another reason I like my automatic. I can concentrate on those pesky tandems and not worry about shifting. I sometimes forget about canceling that blinker tho, lol

I'll 2nd the home weekends lifestyle. I usually go out anywhere from 2400 sun night to 2300 Monday and am always home by 1900 Friday. I average 1700-2400 miles per wk and make $650-$900 take home. It's not great, but as Brett said, I'm home every weekend and got to spend Easter with my family and was able to celebrate my daughters pregnancy with her.

You can also ask the other drivers who are there. Most of the time they've been there a few times and know the ropes, especially day cab drivers. Also, if they have switchers running around, ask them.

I know exactly how you feel. I always get nervous when I go to a new place. What will it look like? How much room will I have? Is it in town with narrow streets, or in the country? After 2 months, it's getting better. I've learned to look up my address' on google earth so I'm not so surprised when I arrive, and I take each day one day at a time. Don't worry about tomorrow. Just do your best today. When backing, as Sue D said, gooo slooow. It's amazing how much control you have when you just take a deep breath and take your time. You CAN do this! As time goes by, your confidence will grow.

Plus, your truck may break down and you may get a stick until then. Now you're stuck unless you know how to shift correctly.

This is a fact. Had this happen 2 wks ago.

I have a small Jack Russell/Bull terrier and would love to bring her along, so today I took her for a short 20mi ride (bob tail) and the poor thing just shook with fear, so I'll be leaving her home. She may get used to it, but I'm home every wknd so why stress her. So, make sure they'll be ok with it also. Just my 2 cents.

I can't speak for all schools or tests, but mine consisted on 1 offset followed by 1 90 degree alley dock.

I might start with the yellow pages (huh? Whats that?) or try googling local excavation or road construction companies. Your school may also be able to help and may have a job board with some opportunities.

That sounds great! So happy for you! Congrats and keep us posted.

Hahaha! Now that's some funny s*it right there!

You and I. We're fighting. >:)

I forgot about your sock full of bearings. My apologies. I want to keep my brains in my head, lol. : )

Hahaha! Now that's some funny s*it right there!

The 2 biggest mistakes I saw at school were turning the truck off, then forgetting to turn the key back on, and forgetting to press and hold the break peddle for 1 min. Just go slow and you'll be fine.

What r ur thoughts? You can see sinnizter using it here: http://youtu.be/Ivd87F3lMY8

Congratulations! What a great way to start the new year.

These are all great questions. I'm very curious myself.

Congrats!

We had another driver a while back who started out at a dairy driving a tanker full of "angry milk" as he called it.

Didn't know companies hired recent grads for tanker gigs. How'd you pull that off?

I think the fact that I live only 5 miles from their offices helped. I've studied a lot about the sloshing effect as you make turns, accelerate and stop. Angry fits that effect, lol. The company also has a school, and is very accomadating as far as the learning curve is concerned. Safety is #1 to them and they'll work with me as long as it takes. They have 50 drivers and 1 on 1 is important to them.

Anything is possible. A lot of places will take ppl with some issues on a case by case basis, so call around and talk with some recruiters. They should be able to answer any Qs you have. Good luck.

Have my driving test next Tues and if all goes well I'll be hauling milk! I'm really fascinated with tankers and can't believe I have a chance to drive one right outta school. I've read on here how they're a different animal as far as timing and shifting, and am looking forward to the challenge. I'll keep y'all posted as I go along.