Comments By Steven E.

Errol V., yes I know it's no more than 8 hours. I misstated.

I am going to be making a run whereby I will be using an ELD for the first time (I only drive as CDL once a year or so). I have a couple of questions about the 30-minute break rule. I know it must be taken after 8 hours of driving, but what if it is easier to take it before a full 8 hours? In other words, could I drive for 5 hours or 6, take the 30-minute break, then resume driving for another 5 hours without having to take another break during the 14-hour window?

I have before me a copy of the Examination Report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol It lists Section 395.8 and Section 395(a)(3)(ii) as violations. What exactly does this mean? No citations were issued, so will there be a fine?

I'm glad I came back to Chicago via "Route 66."

Having gone through the process myself to get a Class B, I can say: Study all the parts that pertain to Class B. Don't worry about the sections having to do with trailers or HazMat, unless you are wanting to be a HazMat driver. In my case, the examiner sat in the cab and asked you questions. Be prepared to answer whatever he asks, and - this is important - don't volunteer any information and try to be fancy. Answer the question asked and no more. Simple, straightforward, no elaboration. MAKE SURE you're up to speed on the Air Brakes part. That is the one section you absolutely cannot goof up. That was my experience, for whatever it may be worth.

Thank you very much for the clarification. Yes, this type is driving is not what is talked about most of the time on this forum. Maybe I wasn't completely clear, either. I was inspected at a Missouri Port of Entry and I was asked for my log book. After the CHP officer told me I needed them, I got them and filled them out, but I made some mistakes. I didn't know they had to be signed every day, and I forgot to total my hours for each category. The trooper in Missouri was very patient after I told him it had been seven years since I had tried to fill one out. He pointed out the errors, as well as answered a question I had about time zone changes - you are supposed to stay with the time zone you originated with. I understand this is very old hat to most everyone on here.

I guess this happens to everyone at one time or another. I'm really glad it wasn't more serious in your case.

I fell out of the truck I was driving about a week ago. I didn't maintain 3 points of contact, and I missed the bottom step. and tumbled onto the ground, bracing myself with my left hand. Nothing was broken but I had some pain in my wrist for about 3 days. I sill have a little bit, bit it gets less each day. I take this as a warning from God - as though He were telling me, "Maintain 3 points of contact, because the next time it won't be a warning..."

Let me see if I understand. In order to be sure that the truck, when loaded with cargo, does not exceed 26,000 pounds, I need to know the tare weight of the truck - then I know how much I have to work with as far as cargo weight. Is this correct?

Thank you. One other question. When you say "lading weight," are you referring to the weight of the cargo? I have never before heard that term and can find no reference to it elsewhere on the Web.

That's good to know. The truck we're renting supposedly has a payload of 10,000lb. so I should be more than all right.