Comments By John C.

Congratulations, and thanks for all the great info. Looking forward to learning more!

If you read enough posts on this site, I think you will find the experienced drivers here are very, very helpful, taking their time to answer questions as best they can. They also tend to frown on the kind of negativity you posted.

You will also find that there are many of us here with degrees and very successful careers who are trying to learn everything we can from those experienced drivers. That said, I have to ask:

Why would you think a career in front of a computer, a degree in a field unrelated to trucking, or being certified in anything in your spare time would ENTITLE you to greater pay than anyone else starting out?

The reality is that's just NOT how it works. I think expecting special treatment or extra pay from companies based on your unrelated past will only set yourself up for disappointment and failure.

do you ever get a change to tour the facilities where you deliver?

Yes, John I do get to look around sometimes. I came from a thirty year background in custom manufacturing before I started driving a truck, so I am quite enthralled with the whole manufacturing process of the materials that I haul around the country. I find the manufacturing business and the trucking business to be very intriguing.

Same here, it's all intriguing. For me the opportunity to see something manufactured into a real object (as opposed to a computer model that I've designed) is the best part of my job. I can see where transporting raw goods to mfg. plants would be a good fit. I've learned enough here to know I probably should start with dry van or refer, but that part of the reason I'm so interested in flatbed when my career progresses. Thanks!

I'm seriously considering applying to Knight, and their sponsored training. I wonder if they realize that you're a recruiting asset?

sigh: I still need to figure out how to use and edit the quote function properly.

Thanks OS!

Great advice and a good read, as always!

As a side note, I've designed dies for aluminum extrusion. Those hydraulic presses are a real impressive to watch. I know you're always focused on your task, and then the next load, but do you ever get a change to tour the facilities where you deliver?

Sorry for the omission.

THANKS Daniel!!!!!!

Wow, this is way better than my hack job PDF!

Thanks Brett!

I sometimes use melatonin. I'm sorry it wont help you tonight, but it's the best thing for insomnia. It's a naturally occurring hormone, so it should not be on any "do not take" list. You can find it any store that sells natural vitamins.

Here is a link with some info.

WebMD melatonin link

Tonight, try counting. The old adage does work. You don't have to count sheep, count anything. It's the mundane repetition that helps. Hope it helps.

Yeah, I imagine that whitelist would be huge unless on a dedicated rout!

Thanks G-Town. My old van would have been unkind to his car, but he probably would have been okay...but still rude, I'm sure.

I've become a better, safer driver (more aware) from reading this site. It was not my habit to leave room, and check my rear view a few months ago. That kids car was literally saved from what I've learned here.

I agree, hands free can be safe, and a necessity. I checked out the cellcontrol site, and the app seems to be very flexible.

Here is a quote from the site:

DrivePROTECT™ Cellcontrol's award-winning DrivePROTECT™ platform comes ready to stop all mobile device distractions, including texts, phone calls, emails and web browsing. Emergency calls (i.e. 911) are always allowed through the platform, and fleet administrators can decide which mobile functions to allow in safe mode (i.e. allowing navigation apps while blocking texts and hand-held calls).

It looks like they are trying to make a app that will be useful, and not hinder the driver from doing their job.

A free copy of the article Cornelios posted is here if anyone is interested. http://www.programbusiness.com/News/Americas-Truckers-Embrace-Monitoring-Technology-After-Costing-Insurers-Millions?utm_source=WhatCountsEmail&utm_medium=DNF_List_060517&utm_campaign=Daily_NewsFlash2017

They reference Cellcontrol which is customizable. You can choose which apps to block, and "whitelist" certain numbers.

As side note, I was almost rear-ended by a kid on his phone while on my way to work last week. I slipped onto the shoulder to give him room to stop, and he stopped inches behind the car that was in front of me. He also flipped me off as I got back into the traffic lane. The kind you guys deal with all the time, I'm sure.