Comments By Rev

Thanks everybody. Sure appreciate you all taking the time! Be safe !

Thank you both. Google earth it’s become my best friend. Ha ha ha ha.

I do walk every new place that has saved my bacon more than once. Thanks again!

Hey everybody! I hope all is well and you all are safe and sane

Quick question and advice needed. I’m driving a dedicated route where I’m delivering the coveted building supplies TL various big box retailers Home Depot etc etc and smaller venues as well.

Some of these places their yards and or “delivery areas” as many of you probably know are so crammed with stuff it makes maneuvering an interesting game of skill and luck - mostly luck for newbie like me 🤣

What I’m running into more is being asked to: “just back up the way you came on to the road” when I try to explain “it’s to dangerous” I get the wild eye look and the comment “others do it all the time”

Well, yesterday I got stuck between two trucks at a Home Depot - one driver couldn’t blind side into the dock- not his fault to much product in the way. Another flat bed came in the wrong way and refused to back up into the busy parking lot blocking the 53” foot box trying to blindside, then there’s me - and wait... another flatbed came in behind me. He ended up backing up into traffic.. he had a 28 foot flat with day cab. I have 48ft flat - curtained with sleeper.

I politely said “I’m not backing this up to a blindside 90 into a busy road” by the way the “didn’t have time” to watch the road for me. The were concerned another truck would show up and would not be able to get unloaded if I stayed put.

I stayed put. They weren’t happy with me one bit. No one else came by the way.

Am I being unreasonable about backing up into streets without spotters etc etc - I think it’s unsafe.

Thanks everybody!

It’s very independent. You’re the captain of that ship. That’s a two-edge sword but you won’t be micro managed. Depending on what type of job you have in the industry will determine how much interaction you will have with other employees of the company you are hauling to and from- for example I’m on a dedicated flatbed account and haul the coveted “building supplies” to places like Lowe’s and Home Depot etc. sometimes the employees can be a little rude but - killing them with kindness always wins for me... 🙃

Well I just don't quite know yet? Errol, I have come from a passenger centered industry (the Railroad), maybe I am worried that it will be the same nonsense I suffered there. I would get called into the office because some passenger though I was "mean" for doing my job. Worried about making the wrong choice and having to adjust my plans. This forum has allowed me, if nothing else, to put my thoughts into words.

Being a new driver I was super concerned going into my 2nd week as new solo driver and passing 3 weight stations on my 1600 mile round trip. No issues and most the time - the WS were closed.

Getting ready to start my 3rd week solo and if I was micromanaged I would quit. Just to much out in the road to deal with then having someone hundreds of miles away “over your shoulder” give me my load and let me run.

🙂

There is an app that a truck driver created that may help you lots especially if you’re a visual learner. It’s called My Trucking Skills it’s a a simulator game and you can also watch his videos on YouTube

It’s been very helpful to me. 🙂

As a super new driver starting a 2nd career, I would say this...

For a country that the majority of goods is transported by truckers the facilities for those who do the job is so subpar it’s not even funny- truckers spending lots to time just trying to find a safe place to park and take a shower.. 🤦🏼‍♂️

The demand from companies on their drivers and the pay scale - compared to how much the company is profiting is GREAT if you OWN the company.

Why do OTR versus local - many have already posted the reasons. ❤️🙏🏼

I’m not saying I would skip them all together. Just to many people around for my taste. 😅

Though hot showers are nice!

There are some truck stops I'd really never want to visit:

(The only truck stop in Corpus Christi, TX)

Other than that, Jared, what got you to wanting to skip truck stops altogether? The chain ones are very popular. Some "mom & pop" class ones are great. So what made up your mind for you?

Thank you!

I just read your other post about being hourly. Unloading while off duty is beneficial to conserving your clock but if they track your pay by the time on your 70 clock you'll get unloaded quicker but your paycheck may be lower. In your instance you may be better off making them wait a couple hours to finish your break, unless you're trying to make it home a little earlier.

Creeping and unloading while off duty is far more beneficial to somebody paid CPM.