Profile For Bravo Zulu

Big milestone. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

My 1st time out with trainer I had everything in one great big large duffel (think hunting duffel and you get the picture). It was not the best choice because I could really position it in the bunk where it wasn't in the way.

My 2nd trip out I brought several smaller bags. Pants and shirts in one, underwear and socks in another, etc... in any case, I had 5 small bags. I could line them up along the wall of my bunk and had plenty of room to stretch out.

Just another option to consider in the future.

Oh Sculpy, believe me when i tell you as a new rookie, you will be utterly physically and mentally exhausted. You should have no trouble sleeping on your 10 hr break.

Sue, I couldn't agree more. I was worried I wouldn't be able to sleep with the truck moving. That is no longer a concern.

I've learned to get my butt in the sleeper and close my eyes. Sometimes I sleep, sometimes I dont. But I feel better than I would sitting up in the seat or hanging out in a drivers lounge.

Yep, Tyson doesn't like them either. They will give you a short run or give you a plant to plant transfer with like a 3 day delivery for 800 miles.

I've heard some drivers run their clock out on purpose. I don't understand that personally.

I think everyone's situation is different depending on size of the fleet and the freight type. It's like comparing a drop and hook van driver and a temp control driver when talking about 8/2 split sleeper. But that's for a different thread!

My FM doesn't allow them. If I have five hours left on my 70 he wikk run me that five hours then get my hours at midnight.

Only get 34/on home time

I have no idea if this is the situation, but my trainer chooses to focus on learning to drive well first, then move on to the "other stuff".

He says it's too much to throw at a trainee at one time. I've just started backing this week and I am on week 5 of an 8 week program.

I'm in a similar situation right now. 3 weeks 1 day to go! I'm sticking it out. It's temporary. It's disgusting, I'm disgusted with myself, but it's temporary.

Did I mention that I keep reminding myself that it's temporary!

Maverick

Ok, so I am just finishing my 5th week with my trainer, so take my comment with that in mind.

In 5 weeks, we have slept at a major truck stop only one time. We use rest areas and mom and pop truck stops to sleep. We even used an out of the way industrial area one night. The major truck stops are just plain dangerous during the busiest times. Truckers creating their own parking spaces, newbies like me backing into spots, the list goes on.

Fuel there, eat there, shower there, then get the hell out of there.

Just my newbie opinion.

Yep Rainy, Kentucky is the only state I am aware of that basically grants you "safe haven" or whatever you want to call it. If you are there when they open back up you can bypass and get rolling.

Weigh stations. I've stayed at a couple in IN where each rest area was Jammed pack. Get to the weigh station only three trucks.

I think its Kentucky that has signs saying "courtesy parking..come in and get your rest"

A lot of drivers won't park in WS because they are afraid of inspections. I haven't had any problems

I paid closer attention today. It's mostly distracted drivers on their phone or eating/drinking. I stand corrected!