Comments By Mark P.

So the saga continues as I scratch my head. Shop foreman here in SLC says the truck needs to go to Freightliner for repair and am waiting for Prime's Road Assist folks to determine if I take it to their facility here or in Springfield MO. Fleet Manager says to let him know what RA decides. Still no word whatsoever as to any action to be taken in terms of going back to a training situation etc.

Sometimes no word is good. But if you are like me I wouldn't have any finger nails left as the unknowing would be eating me up. Been following this and hope things work out for you

Thanks friend. So far I have no word on when to go to Springfield, but am making a local delivery tomorrow morning here in SLC. And I have run out of fingernails to chew just fyi.

No. No. No. I would not give a stranger a ride even in a truck I owned. And would certainly never give the future Mrs any reason to doubt my fidelity. This all sounds "messed up" to put it politely.

So the saga continues as I scratch my head. Shop foreman here in SLC says the truck needs to go to Freightliner for repair and am waiting for Prime's Road Assist folks to determine if I take it to their facility here or in Springfield MO. Fleet Manager says to let him know what RA decides. Still no word whatsoever as to any action to be taken in terms of going back to a training situation etc.

The school I attended didn't really say much about this topic and the company I hired on with doesn't have much of a training period...like 3 days to be exact. I've been driving alone for over 5 weeks now and just thought I should know something about this if/when the situation arises.

I can tell you from recent experience that you barely have time to react. Keep your feet off the pedals, keep a good grip on the wheel and don't overcorrect. You won't have time to steer much anyway. Once the trailer has met the tractor you're pretty much just waiting for the skid to stop. I saw another truck jacknife one day. Happened as fast as you could spin a toy truck sideways by hand. When in doubt about the road surface.... Slow down.

Are you leasing? I Mena hence the loaner truck?

Nope. Company. So it'll be another lightweight.

Hopefully it's the same, just have to redo the training. I've been in the ramada since Friday night just waiting on another trainer. Have to call my dispatcher tomorrow see if I need it for another night. Hope the guy is legit. Have to downsize my posessions.

If they have you redo training be sure to get a receipt for your load locks and tire chains. You turn them in at the gatehouse just make sure you get a name, signature and date. I had to press to get the signature and date, most of the people working in the terminal are pretty biased against drivers. I don't blame themthey deal with alot of negative people but they could be a bit more accommodating of you ask me.

Were you driving an International? Think I saw it. My future Mrs is riding with me so no idea how that might affect things. I feel in Limbo here. No word from any level, but it takes an act of God to get my FM to communicate.

So far very little to tell. Didn't have to pee in a cup when I came in the gate, dropped my trailer and talked to the shop foreman who says they will look at my truck in the morning. Probably will have to go to the Freightliner dealer he says. Also told me I would be set up with a loaner truck. No word at all from my Fleet Manager or Safety or anyone else.

And just arrived at the SLC terminal. So I will share what goes on next.

Whether or not you go back out for training, you learned a hard lesson and didn't get yourself or anyone else hurt which is a good thing. One simple piece of advice regarding the weather, keep an eye on the thermometer, I'm being your truck has one. You mentioned it was windy which drives the temperature down and will speed up ice formation. Even though it might have been above freezing, it's still possible so if that temp drops below 40 and that wind is kicking up, be on the lookout.

Appreciate the tip. Lived in MI growing up bit been in GA for over 30 years now so that one would be good to remember. Do have a thermometer on the dash. It was reading 32 when other vehicles were still kicking up water spray. Not sure if that is an accuracy issue or there was already treatment on that bit of road.

A clarification:

I meant that in regards to whatever action is taken by Prime!

Yeah, you don't have much control there. But remember Second Chance talked his way back into a job!

Headed towards the SLC terminal. I have a feeling I will learn what my fate is once I arrive. Spoke to my former Trainer and he said he would be glad to take me back out if they put me back in training. I am not feeling like I will be out on my backside. Just hope that whatever happens the accident goes down as unavoidable. The Oregon State Trooper who wrote it up certainly did not hold me to blame. And to further clarify - I am immensely respectful of the potential danger my truck poses to myself and anyone else on the road. I take safe driving very seriously. I was down to +/- 30mph when I hit the ice and trying to slow further. But we all will never stop learning if we know what's good for us.