Comments By Driver

Maybe the lack of trailers at the terminal is because they moved them to Amazon or Walmart for Christmas. Just a guess. I'm having a hard time finding empty trailers at customers.

Every time I'm in California, I just want to get out of there. Nice place but too much traffic, 55mph and the list goes on..

I am surprised that a company has not designed an aftermarket shower for a semi. I believe there is room for a small one and the water could be recycled/filtered. It takes some engineering, but am sure it's possible.

I've started using a gallon jug to shower inside the truck recently . I had to come up with some type of solution. Just close the curtain and pour overhead. A gallon with sponge, soap and shampoo is just about right. I am thinking of upgrading to a solar shower...hehe. I use the bunk heater to preheat the water. And yes, water gets all over the rubber floor mats, but I have a broom to sweep it out. I actually find it better than waiting, etc. for a truck stop shower. It's different, but but I feel much better than not taking one.

The reason I posted this, is kinda funny, but also serious. It's that I have a form of what is known as 'shy bladder'. If I go to the bathroom and urinate and then get tested a few hours later without drinking LOTS of water, I cannot produce a sample.

When I was hired during orientation we were given two glasses of water and I almost failed to produce a sample in the 2 hour alloted time. Literally, it was down to the last few minutes. If I could not, it would have been marked as a refusal on my record and probably un-hireable. I would have had to see a doctor, etc.

There is an organization that advocates for changing UA drug testing: http://paruresis.org/drug-testing-reform/

Obviously, I would like to see more testing options, than just UA. Even a hair sample, as an alternative and from my understanding is more accurate.

So, if anyone is new to truck driving and think they may have a problem with producing a sample, the first day of orientation is when they usually do their UA test, so drink water.

:)

Yea sounds like an alcohol test to me as well. Not 100% sure though

Yes, I agree was probably for alcohol. One of these days DOT will allow for saliva or hair samples.

Thanks!

. As for the big 18-wheelers becoming automated...I don't see that for a LONG time.

When semi trucks become automated(awhile), I think it will be only interstates and with a driver in the bunk. You could pick up a load on the east coast going to the west coast and once the truck is on the interstate, just watch TV and sleep until the truck needs to fuel and the driver would help for that. You don't have to worry about logging. The pay will really go down then because your job will be just babysitting the truck.

Driving for Swift, I was sent a message to come into a terminal on my qualcomm, which I had a feeling it was for random drug testing because I normally don't receive messages like that.

Anyway, I could not make it because of hours and had another pickup and went to another smaller terminal to drop the trailer.

I was then called on my arrival at the smaller terminal and was explained I would be randomly drug tested.

To my surprise, was told it would be a spit(saliva) test.

It was a much easier test because the results were immediate and only took a few seconds. Just swab in your mouth and check to see if it turns color. With the UA tests, it is a hassel and I need to prepare myself by drinking a lot of water.

My question, if anyone knows, is this a DOT authorized test now? Are they doing spit tests for new hires? I hope the industry is heading in that direction.

Thanks!

I only found this.. https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40/40-171

"Blaze the trail afterall.." That is funny.

I was going to update this thread later this week, but might as well now.

My attitude towards the camera has changed almost 100% and want to provide some positive feedback.

When I switched trucks, I new there was going to be a camera and I was not excited. In fact, the first day, I hard braked enough to cause qualcomm to record an event and the camera, of course created a video. I was so focused on the device, it felt like my every move was being watched.

I have since had time to review Swifts policy and FAQ in detail, documentation from Lytx website and read through the California 1945 Assembly Bill along with numerous articles.

How the camera is implemented at Swift, is that on average only 10 seconds of video is uploaded daily. With good driving, you can go a week without any uploads! It's not creating these massive amount of daily videos, that I first thought.

When the red indicator lights activate, you know that a file is being saved. So, the camera is not secretly video taping you. This also gives you live feedback.

With off duty privacy. The trigger threshold appears to be set high, geared for high gforce, hard breaking, collisions, etc. I've purposely tried to active a video by going over large pot holes, speed bumps and it has not triggered. It did create a video, when I had to quickly stop for a red light, but it was scored a zero(non issue). It takes more than someone backing into you at a truck stop, they have to really ram into you. I guess it could happen, but the chance is in the millions. I don't think about it.

If I could suggest improvements, it is to allow 24hr video in the front camera. If there is an accident with a pedestrian/motorcycle, etc. the driver has to remember to manually initiate the record button, to guarantee a video.. Second recommendation is a beeping sound during video creation.

I recently spoke with a driver that draped his seat belt over his waist, rather than secure the buckle while driving. Another, was a team and they were not using the safety netting when sleeping in the bunk. Changing those habits may have saved their lives!

I feel comfortable driving with the camera now and I hope anyone thinking of working for a company that has an in cab camera, does not stop them. If you are at a company that will be installing them, relax and don't jump to conclusions. The key is how each individual company implements their program.

I hope this feedback provides better understanding, because this is a new technology.

Stay safe out there!

I use Google maps for my primary navigation! It pulls realtime data and on large cities, provides the fastest route through due to traffic delays. However, she is a cruel mistress.

I remember once there was a complete shutdown on an interstate and google maps displayed a 2hr delay. It rerouted me on a side road for about 10 miles and once I got back on the interstate, it was completely empty.

So, how I do it is I akways use Google maps for a visual of traffic and route. Like really look at the route and terrain. Study it. Then, I set my gps garmin and qualcomm.

Anywhere 30 miles around shipper or consignee, I use qualcomm as primary routing. To many neighborhoods and small streets for google maps to mess up. Once on a highway, I switch to google maps.

I have a cradle for my cell phone, just above the qualcomm attached to a vent, so I can look at them both.

95% of the time, google maps routes the same as qualcomm.

Once I am getting close to shutting down,(1 1/2 hr before) I switch to Truckers Path. I put velcro on my steering wheel and set phone there, so not a distraction.

If google maps gives you any inclination of routing you into somewhere not truck friendly, switch to qualcomm immediately. Also, my garmin starts barking in bad areas.

With the garmin, qualcomm and google maps navigating together, I get there quick. But remember, google maps is not truck friendly, so study the route first.

The hard stop, critical event, it happens and you know how to resolve that.

I am not sure why the planners are giving you loads that run into your 14hrs. Before you accept them though, make sure you have enough time.

I run out of time a lot during live loads and do the 10 mph thing also. We don't have a point program, not a problem a few of those messages.

There is a way to get an extra 8 minutes drive time after your 14hrs expire on qualcomm, but I am not going to post that here.

I would suggest really looking at your trips before accepting and depending on the situation, use the 8/2 split.

Honestly, I don't think it depends on how much time a person has behind the wheel.

Yes, experience is necessary, but just because a person has 20 years experience doesn't mean he can train better than someone with 18 months.

You have to want to train for the right reasons. Are you personable, would be patient with students? Want to teach safety?

I would rather have a trainer with 18 months experience that communicates well, then some guy/gal that has 30yrs, but is only interested in the extra paycheck.

If you feel you can teach safety and make the learning experience enjoyable and feel qualified with your driving, check with your mentor program to join. I think it would be rewarding.