Profile For Pete B.

A working pay phone! (I picked up the phone to see if it had a dial tone, and it did)! ... at the Pilot in West Wendover, NV.

By the way, I like that you dug up this old thread. It shows that you took the initiative to do a little research before asking your question. There are a plethora of redundant threads on here because people don’t do that very thing.

(Apologies in advance for reviving old posts)

Do company drivers get additional insurance to cover truck maintenance not covered by the company? Or, do most just rely on their normal auto insurance, without and added rider clause?

As a company driver, you do not need additional insurance to cover maintenance to your company truck. (I’m speaking for Schneider, but I can’t imagine it would be that much different from the other company carriers). Your company will pick up the tab on any maintenance required to keep your truck running. Now, if you hit something and maintenance is required on your truck to repair the damage, your company will charge you with the dreaded ‘preventable accident’ citation, which will go on your record, but you still won’t be responsible for paying the damages. Allow that to happen repeatedly, and you’ll be looking for a new company to drive for.

Hi Gary, Like you I enjoyed exercising nearly every day before I got into trucking; fortunately I’ve been able to continue that habit. In my photo are the two pieces of equipment I use most: running shoes and my mini stair-stepper. When I run, usually from a truck stop but sometimes from an O.C. or tank wash, I look for the roads offering the least amount of traffic. The stair-stepper I’ll set next to my trailer; during the summer months I always park next to a dry van, that way I can work out in its shade. During inclement or really cold weather I use it inside the truck. Not pictured are some other things I use: dumbbell, padded mat, and grips for push-ups.

Most days your schedule will afford you time to get in some form of exercise; because there are times when I cannot, I never miss the opportunity when there is one. If it’s something that’s really important to you, as it is to me, you’ll figure it out and make it happen.

So very sorry to read this Old School... Godspeed with your recovery. I hope something works out with Knight, as longs as it’s what’s best for you. I and everyone else sure do miss your presence here. Take care and heal quickly.

PJ, here’s a picture:

Whoops, sorry! That’s a pic of the cutest dog in the world! Let me try again…

They are on a chassis, but they’re not the short fat ISOs you’re probably seeing. They are similar to our stainless steel trailers in size and dimensions. The openings are the same as well. Same external valves, dome lid, wash out caps…

, make sure you are issued a ‘drumming nozzle’ and the intermodal fitting. I’ve learned of several deliveries recently that were delayed because the drivers didn’t have these items.

Okay Pete, what the heck is a drumming nozzle and intermodal fitting?

They should be standard issue for all new Schneider tanker drivers, but either that’s not the case or some drivers are just becoming careless and not keeping up with them.

PJ is right about the drumming nozzle; the external valves on the back of the intermodal trailers are the same as on our stainless steel trailers, but the valve is recessed inside a box and within the framework of the trailer. You can’t get the hose attached to the valve without the intermodal fitting, which extends out about 18 inches, allowing you to hook up with a hose. Think of it as an external valve extender. It also has its own bleeder valve, which has been useful when I’ve gotten a trailer where the handle on the bleeder valve was missing. You just stick the intermodal fiitting on there, and use its bleeder valve to bleed the pressure from the hoses before disconnecting.

Good luck to you. When you’re all done with training, passed SQT, and they’re outfitting your truck with all of the necessary hose adapters, spare lights kit, etc., make sure you are issued a ‘drumming nozzle’ and the intermodal fitting. I’ve learned of several deliveries recently that were delayed because the drivers didn’t have these items.

Hi, My question is this......how many miles are too many miles for an over-the-road truck? At some point, most all trucks accumulate too many miles and become regional or local service trucks no longer suited for over-the-road.

Sounds suspiciously familiar, but the name is different.

Hey Mickey,

Did you move the nest to a safe area not far from where the trailer was dropped? That bird did a fine job building the nest and hopefully the eggs hatch ok. Looks like a pair of Robin eggs.

Nah, wasnt really anywhere to put it. This is a Star rental trailer. I drove about 200 miles after pickup, this morning I looked and it and the eggs are still there so I imagine it is old from when it was sitting, before being rented. Kind of makes me feel better about it anyways. (Yes ladies, us straight male truckers have feelings too) lol. Eggs probably haven't been viable for quite a while. But yes, it is a very well built nest, just a really poor choice in build locations. Poor birds probably came back and wondered where the nest was,

Her: where's the nest

Him: it was right here

Her: oh sure it was, you probably got rid of it, you never wanted kids in the first place, just tell me what you did with them, you don't love me, you never loved me, I should have listened to my mother, she said you were irresponsible and bad father material, all you did was complain I didn't keep the nest clean enough, you never even noticed when I ruffled my feathers differently, you are why we can't have nice things, (unintelligible chirping) hrueidjfb jdjux hide sic sjkaks f jchchwpqp. f djsjkxbfhdikfkfjwxncfjgj jsjjdjdbxjjdk disk Jsjdi is fy stag wovpvmsmkwogyxjeoefunslxchdoqbdhxhdhxdjdjw!!!!!!!

Him:🥴🤪🥺💣💣💣

Great post! Thanks for making me laugh!

Congratulations on your backing, and your high level of confidence! It’s great that you’re familiar with the gentleman who will be testing you out; if there are any loose nerves, he’ll calm them. This is just a process. Another step towards the end goal. You’ll do absolutely fine. Looking forward to seeing you post your first photo of your nused truck.

Keep your head up, when you’re not keeping it down, OS. This will pass. Best that these nagging injuries pop up now while you’re safe at home rather than on the road, 2000mi away. Best of luck with a speedy recovery!

An Iowa sunrise a couple weeks ago in the morning fog.

This one parked next to me a couple weeks ago. Old and new. Check out the air conditioner at the rear of the sleeper. It's hooked up to a portable generator behind the passenger steps.

Then there's the satelite tv antenna on the left corner of the sleeper.

I love seeing those little window-unit air conditioners mounted on vehicles… something about the ingenuity and resourcefulness of it. Here’s one I saw at a truck stop in Fernley, NV… I’ll bet it gets wicked cold in there!

Godspeed with your recovery, OS... your presence and wisdom here and on the roads is missed.

Love’s didn’t participate. :(

Re: the additional cost of learning to drive a manual, albeit on a simulator, keep in mind you’ll get that money back. It’s standard (or at least it was 3 1/2 years ago) for companies to offer tuition reimbursement, as long as you agree to work for them for at least one year.

Eric, you’ve been given advice on what to do re: training on a manual, by experienced drivers. The problem is, it’s not the advice you want to hear. Here’s some more advice: you should re-think this school you’re considering. Not because it’s private, but because the training on manuals is all simulator. That’s a terribly inadequate way to learn to drive a manual truck. Which you should do, for reasons already mentioned.

Re: your other questions, learn the manual; you never know when you’ll need it. Which ever company you end up driving for, may start you out in an automatic, but that truck may end up in the shop, and it’s possible you might be given a manual as a loaner. If you have zero experience with a manual, then you may end up sitting, making zero dollars, while your automatic is in the shop. That scenario is not far-fetched.

About safety… If the concern is causing you great anxiety, then get some pepper spray and stick it under your pillow, or near your bunk. I’ve parked in some sketchy-looking areas, but none so much that I was worried about my well-being. Common sense also comes into play here; don’t be the only truck parked on a dark or dead-end street. Safety in numbers, even if that number is a small one. Trip-plan smartly, have more than one option for taking your breaks, and you’ll be fine.

Definitely an over-the-top concept. I hope the long wheelbase smooths out the ride. No hot tub inside?