Comments By Sneaky Pete

Thanks, I tend to agree with you. I know this isn't a legal forum and I didn't intend for my questions to make it appear that way. I just wondered if anyone had any awareness or had experienced such a thing. I also want to know from drivers who have a dash cam if it was $ well spent, a waste of $, peace of mind insurance? I guess I could say that since I'm in my 6th year and clean so far, do I really need one? On the other hand, as I stated previously, the way people drive makes safety more challenging every day and i'm sure most think it's the truck driver's fault when something goes wrong. Maybe I'm overthinking the whole thing.

I'm contemplating getting a dash cam. Curious about everyone's thoughts, opinions and experiences. Is it a good CYA move or a double edged sword? Could the information on the camera be used against me, could the company or DOT compel me to turn it over if they know I have it? I have a nice clean record and want to keep it that way, but it seems to get more challenging every day. People we share the road with are constantly finding new ways to do dumb things while driving.

Some companies will work with you, some SAY they will. Get it in writing. It's not a matter of lack of trust, it just helps all parties remember what they agreed to. Know what I mean?

Kat, seems like you have a few things going on. You may want to spend some of your down time figuring out what's distracting you so you can get it out of the way. The safest place to be distracted is in your sleeper berth. Not when you're hooking up, not when you're pre-tripping and not when driving down the highway. Also, human beings tend to be creatures of habit, I know I certainly am. You offered your own solution: get back to your routine. If you don't quite have one yet that you feel is sufficient, then make the necessary adjustments. If you're like most people, when you do something the same way every time you'll be much less likely to forget something. I see you post a lot, so you know there is plenty of valuable info on this site. Find what works for you and stick with it. I was taught the following two acronyms: PAL and LAP

When Picking up a trailer - PIN (check the pin connection visually WITH a flashlight, jaws locked, arm in, you know the drill) AIR - hook up air and electrical lines, LANDING gear, crank it up. Pin,Air,Landing gear. Now your trailer is hooked and you can proceed with pretripping your trailer.

When Leaving a trailer LAP. Opposite of above. After backing in to your space, Landing gear, crank it down. Air and electrical lines disconnected. Pin, release the pin. That way your trailer will not take a nose dive when you drive out from under and no lines will snap back like a slingshot into the back of your truck since you can't drive off without releasing the pin.

I know all of that is simple and basic, hope it doesn't come across as condescending. That's what works for me but there is more than one way of doing things and I'm sure you'll get more ideas from other drivers. The best way is the way that works best for you. Good luck!

Thanks Pete B. You will hear more. This is a good positive forum.

Congrats and good luck!! I agree that getting your doubles endorsement at the same time is a great idea. I would also add, and highly recommend that you also get your X endorsement at the same time while all of the information is fresh. It's more cumbersome to do it after the fact and since you'll be on the road, finding the time to study, go to DMV for testing and another place to get fingerprinted will be difficult. You'll also be tired of studying and testing. The hazmat portion is well worth it as hazmat will likely be the most requested/required endorsement when applying for work. The tanker portion of the X is so you can haul totes, even if you never intend to drive a tanker.

So you've been mad at yourself for at least the 20 min since you posted this and maybe a little longer. Long enough, give yourself a break. If it bothered you enough to post it here, then it made a strong enough impression so that you'll remember it and won't repeat the mistake. Reading your post, it seems apparent that you know what you did wrong. When I first started 6 yrs ago, patience, which I'm certain I was born without, was the hardest thing I had to learn and then put into practice. A lot of OTR is the hurry up and wait game. Too many things in OTR over which you have no control to let them get to you. Follow your routine and don't rush the things over which you DO have control. That will keep you safe, efficient, in compliance and save you time in the long run. Above all, don't beat yourself up over it. Experience is the best teacher and that comes with time. Look at your "mistakes" as opportunities to learn. Everyone, including veteran drivers, make mistakes or has an off day.