Profile For Sandman J

Excuse my ignorance as I haven’t driven OTR in over 15 years, but is idle air still a thing at the truck stops? The company I worked for didn’t want us to idle while in the bunk so they paid for it if it was available. I haven’t seen it in a long time but then again, I get to sleep in my own bed every night. I wish we could have had APU’s on the trucks, that would have made it a lot more comfortable. Nowadays it’s just annoying if the AC doesn’t blow cold enough 😂

I think I've only seen two truck stops with them still up. Can't imagine they were functional as the only reason I know what they are is from reading on this forum for so long!

I have a ThermoKing TriPac and love it, even though I'm writing this while sitting at a dealer for service. My company's newer trucks have Carriers and I haven't heard a lot of great things. I briefly drove a Freightliner with Opti-Idle and didn't get used to it. I wouldn't want to be in a truck without an APU.

The first stint I did on the midnight shift in my last career, I maintained my sleep schedule even on my days off. It was great for being well-rested but horrible for work-life balance. Every other time I worked mids I adjusted on days off and readjusted when back to work. I drive mostly overnights now and I've found taking melatonin as soon as I shut my clocks off for the day. Then when I need to go to sleep, my body is more prepared for it. Listening to binaural music, keeping it cold and all the curtains drawn helps me.

Scary stuff Ryan. Glad you survived and are taking your time deciding your future plans.

Team or slip seating could explain the truck/driver radio.

Good point Errol, I hadn't considered that.

Kearsey mentioned the mirrorless camera setup so just a side note on that. I don't have them yet but my company is in the process of adding those. My shop told me it's a four day process! They're not removing our mirrors luckily but saw a few trucks on the highways recently with cameras that didn't have the mirrors, I would not like that setup. Technology can fail so I don't know why they'd take the mirrors off as a backup system. When they were installed on my friend's truck, they used the wiring or whatever for the mirrors' heaters to power the cameras, so he had to go back to get them to do something else so he still had the heat feature. Haven't verified myself but heard Canada doesn't recognize the camera-only system so something to keep in mind if you cross the border.

I looked them up on FMCSA SAFER. Looks like they do dry van and reefer loads. Seems to be a small carrier, 62 trucks and 63 drivers which would concern me. They already have more drivers than trucks, so if yours has a major breakdown issue there wouldn't be a replacement truck for you to earn in. I don't know anything about them good or bad, just what I looked up there but personally I'd go with a larger carrier with a proven track record of training new drivers. Have you applied to several companies or just them? You don't need to live near a company headquarters or even terminal. Good luck whatever you decide, and stick around here as you start your career so you can get any questions answered.

Whatever you can't bring with you, maybe donate whatever's still in its original packaging to a local food bank/pantry/homeless shelter? I'd suggest shelf-stable foods like soups or Ramen noodles and such, along with a reusable bowl and utensils you can wash; if you're parked at a truck stop on your 10hr break, a lot of them have a microwave you could use. I've been using Uncrustables, the pre-made pb&js, as my breakfasts lately. I don't know if they need to be refrigerated or not, I keep mine there but don't know if it's necessary. Maybe you'll get lucky and your trainer will share a bit of fridge space. If that's the case, I'd suggest some deli meats and get a loaf of bread.

Looks like a happy family! Glad you're enjoying life how and where you want to Stevo.

Congratulations on all your successes, especially achieving financial freedom and following your new dream. I was in read-only mode for a long time before starting my driving career and always enjoyed your posts.