Comments By PackRat

You're on a roll lately, Joseph, going against the experienced drivers on most every post.

Do not worry about what the guy said about having one while training.

The "other guy" is Robert. He does heavy haul loads and overdimensional freight.He's been driving longer than you and I put together, plus a few other people thrown in. So when he posts something on here, it's worth reading and following up on the advice given, especially when you're new.

As he wrote, worry about learning to drive and a hundred other safety things that go with it first. A headset is about #108.

If you are only driving a five day week, what are you doing the other two days?

That's eight days a month not driving, yet you have not been home in nine months?

My suggestion would be to get off that gig, then start driving seven days a week.

Lack of situational awareness.

Double check everything, including your mirrors before any move. This is especially critical at the fuel island.

That's only 2000 miles per person--very low numbers. Less than 300 miles each day for a seven day week? That's a hobby.

Who do you drive for? What areas, as in a certain region or all 48 states? Dry or refrigerated?

I can't see how it could be profitable for your carrier with such low mileage for a team truck.

Team driving or solo operator?

Adding to this, any fluid level needs to be checked "cold", same as tire pressure checks.

The best time to get a true reading is cold, not running. The dipstick leads to the oil pan, which is just a reservoir. If the engine has been running, more than a gallon can be "up" in the motor.

Most 13 to 15 Liter engines will have around 11 gallons.

Also, on the wheel covers: when I am sitting in the driver's seat, these cannot be seen. Most every truck looks the same from the inside.

The money saved in fuel savings comes back to company drivers at the end of a year via a company sponsored dividend payment bonus.

Sean, don't go by the color of the tractor. Plenty of Crete trucks are blue, while some Shaffer drivers Pilot a red tractor. I have had the choice to pull refer trailers at times.

As far as switching to Hunt, you would first need to resign from Crete/Shaffer. It's a completely separate entity; another company altogether.

Idling is usually discouraged. However, we have Opti-Idle, which will keep a tractor running when you want to be cool. If that doesn't work out, run the engine normally.

Wheel covers are installed equipment, with the goal of fuel savings. If the company can reduce costs by only a tenth of a penny per mile, one wonders if it makes any sense. Multiply this by several thousand trucks, and it adds up to tens of thousands of dollars per year.

I think we've lost him, PackRat. I don't know if it was too many onion fumes, or having to tarp shingles that did him in. Either way, I think his hook has done come loose from the rub rail.

He told me yesterday (IN PERSON) that he has not hauled an onion load. He tried to waffle when asked about mushrooms or hemp trips, though.

Having some serious doubts right now.

GRRRRR!

That sounds like a trip to a shop or a dealership.

You can't go wrong with choosing Prime, especially if you settle there in Missouri.

During CDL school, what helped me the most was just "taking my medicine" and going through the pre-trip over, and over, and over and......, well, you get the point. You just have do it. Learning Pre-trip was the only part of training I disliked, only due to its boring and repetitive nature. When you can go through the entire pre-trip without hestitation or looking at notes, then you passed the first step. The second step is then continuing to go through the pre-trip ad nauseam, until you can do it in your sleep. Pre-trip is 1/3 of your testing and it has to be done, and done well. Unlike Behind the Wheel time and backing, practicing Pre-trip (along with book study) is the only part of learning where you have control over how much time you get to practice/study. Use your time very wisely.

Great points, Don! I agree with everything you wrote.

Pop the hood yet, to see where it's coming from?

It may only be a loose filter or a hose fitting that has backed off. Half a turn with a wrench or Channelocks, and good to roll again.

Be proactive.

Yeah I agree on the rather not taking calls. I'd much rather listen to you and Kevin talk

Brett will be on KC's show, not Kevin's.

Sorry Brett.

I don't really know because I've always had spare paper logbooks.

I would think it would show as more if a minor discrepancy, as opposed to say bald tires or a leaky air tank.

It will be a question on the medical forms and any insurance paperwork.

Sorry Michael. Arguing with an idiot is a waste of my time.

Done with this one.