Comments By Robert D. (Raptor)

Jamie

Glad you are alright. The deer that hit me took out my rt headlight assembly, on-board sensor, bumper and the front grille. Anyway, the 2019 and 2020 freightliner they took out the air bag dump, the use of air actuated kingpin release and the weight air guarge. Just to let you know.

Raptor

Ok sorry last minute stuff for the grandkids. Anyway, use the humidifier that is in your sleep apnea machine. It took one night to get used to it. The pillows that I use are very comfortable. Now federal law says mandatory 4 hours. I tell it is not enough. You must use it for your whole time your sleeping. When you wake you're refreshed. My mentor when I was in TNT training only used his for the mandatory 4 hours. He set his alarm for that amount of time. And would wake up later tired and cranky. What is with men and their macho stuff that they can get along without medical care. Anyway, DO NOT LIE ON YOUR FEDERAL MEDICAL FORM. PERIOD!

RAPTOR

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it will be recorded at DMV. Mine was. There are many machines out there and many masks. The one I use is the 2 pillow style that go into the nose only with a strap that is very comfortable. I'll continue this after eating.

Raptor

But I thought West Side trucks could fly? Sounds like some other news is brewing around Tennessee? I guess we'll all have to wait though. Glad mom and baby Genesis is doing well.

Raptor

I drove fuel tankers for 7 of my 11 years driving. This not a job for a newbie. Though you have the heart for it. It takes a special person to drive crude oil. It's very dense and very capable of Jack knifing if not treated with respect. Most companies that haul crude require at least 2 yrs. OTR. I'm not saying you won't get on with someone, but it might be difficult. Search for the ones do want you haul the sand and water. Once when I was in Oklahoma at a truck stop a trucker who was doing the sand and it paid real well, did off me a position. Of course I turned him down. But you're young enough they might take chance on you. Good luck

Raptor

Rob T

I see this on all the roads I go throughout this beautiful country. But your going to change these trucks minds on how fast they go. They zip by yesterday in a huge downpour and slow down. Saw several cars in a ditch because they wouldn't slow down. They seem to be in a hurry to die or kill someone else. Anyway glad your safe. Keep up the good work.

Raptor

Good You came through and took the bull by the horns. Remember most of the stuff learned 10 years ago may not apply now. Rules change, what was allowed then may not be allowed now. As long as you go through this new adventure, you're not going through it alone. But also be patient, so things will come back to you and will not. Good luck, Priscilla. And don't forget to come back to the forum. Write your own diary about your experiences. You never know, your diary might help another person out there with the same questions as you have had.

Raptor

Errol

That was great. But are talking about the ones that do 55 mph or the ones who fly by do 70 mph or more?

Old School

If I remember when that song first came out does that mean I'm showing my age?

Well, the east hasn't got it that bad. Wyoming was shutdown for 2 days, we had 3 drivers stuck up there. I had just left before the storm hit. Lucky me.

Raptor

The truck did that but he was close to the shoulder I'm in the middle of 6 lanes. I need my 30 break. I only had to drive 27 miles but that is when I had 3 hours left. Now I have 12 minutes left. I went into personal conveyance but that was 30 minutes ago. If I could have stopped I would have. Raptor

What if your stuck in traffic on the freeway and are almost out of hours to drive. Haven't taken my break yet but traffic is moving about 3 mph for the last 2.5 hours.

Raptor

Welcome to the forum Blue j. Keep coming back, with your questions, many here are willing to give you the true answers. Take what can from School, but remember it's so you can pass your CDL. Good luck

Raptor

No problem I have been dealing with what I thought was a brake problem but it turns out I have a broken driveshaft. So seeing it is still under warranty I have to wait for the Freightliner tech to come in on Monday to fix it. Probably loose the load I'm on. Well maybe next time when we're in the same place. Be safe it's snow pretty good now. So it's best that you did leave.

Raptor

Well, I'm back in the shop again for Qualcomm problems. No one seems to be able to fix it. It froze again yesterday for the umpteenth time. But maybe I'm hopeful for a good outcome at West Valley.

Raptor

Are you in West Valley? And at the Swift terminal? Come on down to the cafe meet. Raptor likes meeting people from TT.

Brett

That would be great to have a dancing turkey.

Raptor

Hey Drew

I went to Walmart to get it but then I saw the size of it. It takes up half my sleeper floor. Well not really but sure does take up a lot of room. Just my two cents.

Raptor

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I'm staying out until Christmas. Then 5 days to reflect on everything. Best to you all.

Raptor

Well, I have never hooked up with anyone from TT. Oh well maybe another day. Thanks for responding.

Raptor

I see a lot of Swifties here. I checked the TT MAP and many are jumbled up here. Seeing I had to take my 30, I would indulge in the RPlace here. Anyway if you are still here before I leave I'll buy you cup of JO.

RAPTOR

Well thanks for the support all. I know I did wrong when the trailer slid to the right on that ice. After it happened they came out with ricksalt for the dock area and the city brought out the sand and salt combo for the road. I have been scheduled for close quarter class at one of our terminals. I just need to get it scheduled. I'm going to try to get it done in PA since I'm going to be unloading a Nestle load there.

I have no problem admitting my mistakes, no one else made them but me. Plus telling it on TT, could help someone else out.

Raptor