Comments By Sly48

Sly, your most recent, or maybe I should say the last card you received, is your current medical card. When changing jobs, it is your responsibility to self-certify your new card with your state. You don't want to be caught carrying two or three different medical cards around with you.

Thanks!!! I'll do some digging and see what I need to do!!

Hello Drivers, I have to share my most recent experience to possibly help anyone and also gain some knowledge myself.

I know Sleep Apnea has been discussed a million times on here and other boards, etc. but here's my story.

I went and renewed my DOT Medical Card at the end of July. All clear, no sleep study required and got my 2 year card. I get hired with my new company and BAM, the Dr. says, " You are borderline for a sleep study". My BP was 122/82, my neck size is under 17 inches and my throat is clear and good, but my BMI is high (36). The current Dr. wanted to order the sleep study and I told him I wasn't sure but I don't think I will have Medical Insurance for 90 days and I can't afford it without help from Insurance. He then proceeds to only issue me a DOT Med Card for 90 days and said once I get the study and it's negative he will give me a 2 year card. If I don't pass and need a CPAP I will need to be compliant for X amount of days and then he will issue me another card for 1 year.

1st, I think he's in bed with a sleep study company because he wants me to use the company he ask, for that reason alone I doubt I will (my new company said I could use who ever I want). If I need it, I will find my own. 2nd, If he really thinks I'm at risk why would be give me a 3 month card? So it's ok to drive for 3 months with him thinking I have Sleep Apnea, but will let me get insurance 1st then recommend I go to his preferred place for the "at home study".

If I need it, that's fine. If I have it and need a machine that's fine too as I know it will improve my health and make me a safer driver, etc...etc.

But here's the kicker I need help with. If I have a new 2 year card that's registered with the DMV in the state I live in already and now I get this one for 90 days that's NOT registered with the state. Which one is legally binding?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

For me, the pro's to night driving is 1) Less Traffic 2) Less Weight Stations open 3) You get to see some awesome sun rises. The Con was my body wanting to sleep between 2-5am.

Day driving, if I was able and I could trip plan accordingly, I always wanted to be on the road by 4am, get a few hours of driving in before the sun came up and other drivers were asleep and I could then park that day by 3:30-4pm and know I could usually find a good parking spot for the night. Get fed, showered and chill in my bunk with some TV.

I can only speak for Prime.....but what I found out was there wasn't really an interview where you sit down with someone and had a face to face interview. My whole orientation was in interview. By that I mean, the whole time they are looking at you, observing how you handle yourself, are you on time to class (on time meaning early). Remember, on time is sometimes late and early is on time. They watched that you were attentive (not sleeping in class), courteous, following instructions, etc...etc.

Is this what I'm looking for in the hard copy?

2014 Deluxe Motor Carriers' Road Atlas (DMCRA) - Laminated (Rand Mcnally Motor Carriers' Road Atlas Deluxe Edition... by Rand McNally (Jun 15, 2013)

That's it

ARE THERE COMPANY SPONSORED SCHOOLS IN THE NORTHEAST?

How far NE? Prime has training out of Pittston, PA.

If I happen to get into a rig that doesn't have turn by turn navigation, what are the popular Brand / models to get me in the game for Commercial, Truck Specific, Turn by Turn Navigation.

Too many options to guess on this one.

For me, Rand McNally hands down.....you can pick up a new Rand McNally TND 720 in the $250-$270 range or it's newest replacement the Rand McNally TND 730 in the $360-$370 range.

But DO NOT depend on any GPS solely, it's just a tool. Learn your Road Atlas!!

Fuel efficiency! They average about 3mpg better then manuals do. And though they may be more costly to repair they are becoming increasingly more reliable and the amount of money saved in fuel alone would more than out weigh the cost. Plus now that you mentioned that they are being offered at no additional cost over the manuals then companies have no added costs up front. We all know guys that want to hammer down and get through the gears quickly. This kills the fuel efficiency. With autos there's no way you can do that so they begin to save even more with just those drivers.

It's all about money my friend.

I figured as much!! Personally, I like the idea of the new auto's for reasons you mentioned. They tested manual shifting vs auto and they guy could not beat the auto. I watched this video :

I'm seeing more and more companies going to automatics these days. I even noticed Volvo is now offering automatics as "standard or a no cost option".

I know this is a huge debate from many and many drivers don't want to see automatics take over the industry, etc...etc.

My question is why are several companies doing this? It seems as though maintenance and repairs would cost more? While I like being more in control of my shifting, I can see many advantages to them in terms of fuel cost and less driver fatigue, etc.

While in Atlantic city this weekend, I saw a trucking company specializing in loads for the entertainment industry. The name of the company was Stage Call and they are based out of Arizona. The tractors were gorgeous brand spanking new Freightliner. Anyone out there have experience with this kind of trucking? It looks kinda fun.

I often wondered how cool that would be to drive one of a bands tour trucks. The big bands always have pristine equipment. but then I looked at it from a Driver only perspective and I really don't think it would be much different, maybe worse. You're traveling city to city, most likely (due to the times of the actual concert) during the night AFTER the road crew gets you all loaded back up, probably 2-3 AM maybe. Then drive to the next city. You have to get your sleep when they are setting up and playing so I would imagine you'd have to hear/feel them loading and unloading and then the concerts that are outdoor venues would be load.

But I too would like to hear first hand from someone that does this type of gig.

I also wonder what it would be like to drive the actual tour buses for them. I would imagine you would be a glorified baby sitter, maid, driver and mechanic,...etc.