Comments By Lynn B.

I love the driving and seeing all the beautiful scenery and funny/cool sights.

I hate driving in just about any city, even on the loops around. People are just nuts!

I do dislike driving in cities, but it is different and makes me appreciate home more.

What I like best is being out there and driving. What I dislike most is Chicago rush hour traffic.

I have been in training and dislike driving into the Bronx, with their tiny little roads and all the bumps. I like coming back home to green trees and air that is nice to breathe.

Today in one truck stop I saw 6 female drivers. It was nice to see. My trainer how is a female and has been driving for ten years says there a lot of us out there, they just keep to themselves and do their jobs. Statistically women are better drivers. To all the ladies...,what do you like best, what do you dislike most about driving?

If you need childcare while you are in training, what are going to do when you are out on the road for days at a time? I think you need to re think this if you have small children and don't have someone who can watch your kids and be there all the time...

Yep!

You always turn to your problem right? I was told that if you can't see both tire then you are not backing straight.. For example, you can't see ur tire on ur left side.. Then you need to turn ur steering all the way to left? So It will correct the left side???

I was able to pass all the cone..but when you see the alignment of the last cone My trailer was a lil over..So I failed but I didn't touch the cone or bump.

In straight-line backing the corrections are slight. If you over correct you will get into the cones. My problem was even with slight corrections I always ended up moving too far left or right. I did eventually figure it out. But, once outside the cones it didn't matter if the trailer was straight. With the offset it needed to be in the cones, and with the alley docking the tractor and trailer needed to be straight. I am only 5'4 and I could do it. I did raise my seat a little. You don't need to push the clutch all the way to the floor. One little trick they taught me too is....the mirrors tend to vibrate so if you rev the engine very slightly the mirrors stop vibrating (at least in the truck I was in). It helped a lot but took a couple of times to get right.

I should add that I school is done, passed my CDL test I am in training. I hear a lot about CYA. Where do you draw the line and who do you trust? I have been through many weigh stations, got to do log books. Much training I have been through, yes!

How important is HOS? When you are dropping and hooking? Should you be on the clock or not? I know time is fleeting, but what is legal? Should I be okay with how it has been done or how it should be done now?

Lynn, knowing and using HOS is about as important for a trucker as oxygen. Almost everything you do during the day is connected to the Hours Of Service regulations.

You should learn ways to "maximize" your drive time as that's what makes your money. Basically, HOS rules limit your work time, and specify the minimum break times.

Are you working in these in school, or are you preparing for the CDL test?

I am in training to work for a company. I am hired, but in training with a person who knows the tricks. A good trainer, nice person. Just worried about new regulations and if something happens while off the clock.

How important is HOS? When you are dropping and hooking? Should you be on the clock or not? I know time is fleeting, but what is legal? Should I be okay with how it has been done or how it should be done now?

Well she wants to go out. She told me she bought a new dress. But I want it to be special. I thought about taking her to the melting pot. Then go for a stroll along the lake. And just talk. Then stop by and get her some chocolate covered strawberries for the house.

I don't know what the melting pot is, but if she bought a new dress she wants to go out to show it off. Again what does she like? Is she the type of person that wod rather stay home with a book or movie, does she like to go out and hang out with friends at the bar, or 4 wheeling, horses? Don't ya know?

Not blaming anyone.....I was on a road with trainer missed my turn because they (we) were not paying attention (didn't know what I was looking for either). Kept driving got into a weigh station not on an interstate. Level 2 inspection went well, BUT I was cited for length violation ( this state is very vague and you have to call a number to find out requirements). No CSA points and supposedly company won't know. Trainer says I don't have to tell, but I am thinking otherwise. Medium sized company with good local support?????? What would you do? BTW trainer didn't say I shouldn't tell, just that I may get away with them not finding out.