Comments By DMF

Well, after 37 pages ... this is by far a diverse group. So, I may as well throw my 2 cents of time in.

Oldest of 7, family farm, livestock mostly but grain a huge part. Graduated, BS Business Administration. Independent Insurance Agent 13 yrs, then found my love: photography. 18 year run, loved them all. Something about photographing a 2 yr old, per honesty I’d say. ... I have no idea the number of children I have photographed throughout the years, I have been blessed. But the tides of change are upon me. No regrets.

Trucking, for what I can see from the outside, is one of the last places of some semblance of independence. I’ve read and realize the time work restrictions. But in the end, it’s me. I still get to decide to take a load or not, decide if weather is permissible. And to problem solve on the fly.

I suppose I need uncertainty to feel comfortable.

Ryan, Prayers is all I have to offer. 19 is simply too young! I am thankful you will be there, I have had the discomfort of burying my parents. I’m one of 7, with relatives countless. They all helped, and I am sure you will within her family.

My wife is a single child, and when her maternal grandmother ( the one who raised her ) passed. The enormity enormous.

Regardless, the situation; a loss is heart felt. It’s been 7 yrs since Dad passed, I still miss him. ... But He is never forgotten, may this young man of 19 never be forgotten as well.

Brett, once again I can not thank you enough for this forum and the CDL study material. I have been through it all once, and now just review prior to taking my exam on the 10th this month. It is my intention to test and obtain all endorsements short of public transportation. ( I did read where that endorsement came in handy for you, but for grins I spent a morning riding our Mass Transit, it is not for me. )

The biggest concern I have currently is managing HOS. What I thought would be a rather straight forward equation, in fact is not, or at least it is not in my mind just yet. The examples and samples provided here are excellent and present the material in a manner I can learn from; however, for the life of me they do not present these elements: Specified time of arrival or departure, weather, traffic, unexpected roadside inspection or the countless mishaps that occur in life. All causing delay or worse, being late.

Managing my time correctly is my biggest concern. From the outside looking in, there are a number of moving parts/players in getting a load from point A to B, and only a few that I can control personally. Doing my part correctly is what I am after. Not sure there is an answer to this, with the exception of time and experience. But it is a concern, to fit my task within the framework of someone else’s time table.

I do own an Atlas, and it is filled with a wealth of information. That being said, a Garmin is on its way to me. I am old enough that travel with a map was once the only option, but GPS, weather/traffic reports, and truck stops miles ahead are all types information I wish to know.

Again, thank you. I certainly would not have made it this far comfortably without this site.

Good morning all, and once again thank you for the ideas, experiences and suggestions. I can see that after my licensing and training there will continue to be numerous nuances I will need to learn as well. I hope I am paired with a trainer that does not mind questions. ... It makes total sense to simply walk across a street for personal items vs unhooking. Sometimes I wonder about my thinking!

Big Scott, had to laugh, the road atlas is the only item I have actually purchased. I suppose I am “old school” with a touch of apprehension relying solely on an electronic device. Besides there is a wealth of information included.

Grumpy, I will look into the app. I have plenty of time and numerous other items on the list prior to my need for that type of assistance. The only other one I have ear-marked to look into is the Trucker-Trip Planning app. I am in no position to comment on either with the exception Trucker-Trip is a one time purchase. For my wife & I, those “little” monthly/annual fees have a tendency to add up without us realizing it, and when we do, ... well it’s an interesting conversation.

I hope everyone has a safe and profitable day.

Danny

Raptor & Tim, Good points on both, I did a quick look at a kingpin lock via Amazon: $250! So, Tim you are VERY correct, would prefer they provide, but would like one regardless. And yes, I spend most of my time here in the CDL training area. It has been a minute since I have had to study, but the format with questions following truly make it easier. And this is information I wish to know, which makes it less a chore and more an adventure.

Oddly it is the pre-trip inspection that has me more concerned than a multiple choice exam. I have watched the video there numerous times and printed the worksheets, 7 pages! I hate to say it, but I typically only concern myself with fuel, oil, washer fluid and tire pressure on my SUV. Water pumps, alternators, air lines, break lines, heavens I did not know there was such a thing as a “slack adjuster” until now. The in cab items, I run through “as if” first thing when I leave in the morning. Kinda feel silly, but I need to hear myself say the list of items out loud, besides my wife has her own car, so I do not have to listen to her teasing :)

Turtle & Rick,

Thank you both for the information. I will look for and pick up a kingpin lock. Anything that will assist in avoiding a problem is time saved. Yes, I am hoping the company will allow me to take the rig home. As I understand it “time off” begins when I arrive at a terminal or park the tractor. One company I am seriously looking at is 5hrs away, and would prefer not to use 10hrs for personal travel. I do have a farm, no longer personally live there, but at which I am hoping to gain permission to park the tractor, trailer if necessary, within the Morton shed there.

I will add these to my questions for perspective employers. Thanks again guys.

First and foremost, I want to thank Brett for creating and maintaining this site. The information I have found here is invaluable. And, I would also like to thank all the veterans out there that take their time to freely share their knowledge and experiences. I hope to somehow "pay it forward" in the future as I have benefited from your giving.

I have had the idea of OTR for nearly 18 months now, and once I fulfill my obligations with a couple of remaining schools it is my intention to begin my training after the first of the year. I realize it will be the winter months, but that is partly by design, as I would prefer to experience snow and ice with an experienced driver vs just myself.

Okay, on to the question I have not been able to find here. Is it taboo, too risky, or simply not allowed to drop a trailer at say a truck stop and use the tractor only to shop for food, personal items or simply eat at a nice restaurant ? The 13' trailer I use here has a coupling device that prevents anyone from hooking onto a 2" ball and did not know if such a device exists for a 5th wheel? I will be more than happy to ask my particular company, but if it is so left-field thinking I would rather be embarrassed here.

I have more questions as it relates to the 11/14 & 70/8day limitations, but wish to do more personal research. Seems rather straight forward until pickup/delivery deadlines & delays are thrown into the equation. Thereby making time management a true challenge for my mind.

Again, thank you all for the help given.

Danny