My First Bad Rookie Story

I had one time where I was in New Hampshire and I missed the turn to get on the road to the interstate. I just kept going trying to find somewhere to turn around and ended up stopping in an intersection because it was a weight restricted road. I put on my hazards and got out to tell the cars behind me to go around until I could figure out what to do and one of the cars was actually a cop lol. He put on his lights and had me do a u turn right there. He didn't even know the road was posted with a weight restriction lol. So all turned out good there.

It's nice to have some good luck like that every so often, isn't it?

I'm rolling with my Swift trainer right now. He's had me bust multiple U-turns...although he's a L/O so no cams.

I've been in situations where it's just necessary to do so...like in the middle of backwoods upstate NY and the QC signal completely dropped. Luckily he has a Rand MCNally unit too (with much better reception).

My first order of business when I upgrade...getting another GPS device with my fuel points. I've lost QC signal on at least 3 deliveries this far.

I'm rolling with my Swift trainer right now. He's had me bust multiple U-turns...although he's a L/O so no cams.

I've been in situations where it's just necessary to do so...like in the middle of backwoods upstate NY and the QC signal completely dropped. Luckily he has a Rand MCNally unit too (with much better reception).

My first order of business when I upgrade...getting another GPS device with my fuel points. I've lost QC signal on at least 3 deliveries this far.

Charlie, Paul I get it, I really do. But Guys and Gals U-Turns can kill people, damage property and can cause significant traffic issues if something goes "bump". Beside that the whole world knows who we work for by the rolling billboard we are dragging around. Motorists will call your company if they are delayed while your ship is changing course in front of them. With that said, I have had to "bust" a few ubees,...however in 4 years I can count on one hand the total times I used this as a "last resort". The best prevention is preparation, know your route and do not rely solely on the QC NaviGo or RM GPS. You already know these tools are not fool proof. Even with a b/u unit, if the satellite is out, its out, period, no connection. Last Sunday I lost both connection on I-95 through North Jersey for almost 45 minutes, regardless I knew exactly where I was going. Swift sends fairly detailed route instructions through the QC. In addition they will at times issue messages with special instructions and specific warnings of nearby low overpasses en-route. Without exception I handwrite my trip instructions on a fluorescent Stickie-Note using a black Sharpie to enhance contrast. I park the Stickie next to my QC, it's part of my planning routine. Writing the instructions forces familiarity with the route. In addition I review the QC has generated route to determine if it differs from my written route, RM Truck Atlas and then note any deviation. My handwritten instructions are my primary route,...always. The QC is a supplementary tool that I use as an alert for turns and highway exits. Call me Retro, but this works for me, kept me out of trouble and eliminates blind dependence on the GPS.

The below image was taken from the pages of the Swift handbook specifying U-turn policy and procedure. The last bulleted item is the catch-all, and emphasized by the word "never". My somewhat educated guess is all of the large carriers including Prime have a similar written policy. Not trying to be a party-pooper, or the u-turn narc, but its important to understand and be aware of the potential ramifications of our choices and decisions. And Charlie, I encourage you to show this to your trainer because regardless of his L/O status, this policy applies to him as well. "Good luck" is "never" a strategy you can count on. Safe travels.

G-town, party pooper confirmed.

JK..thanks for that advice and reminder.

G-town, party pooper confirmed.

JK..thanks for that advice and reminder.

As Popeye used to say..."I am what I am!"

G-town I kid, I kid!

For real though, I like your suggestion about the sticky notes. I've been writing my trip plan down on my notepad, which helps me remember it better, but I don't have it visible when I'm driving. I'm sure using sticky notes would make a big difference.

I've read of some people (I think ChickieMonster, among others, has said she does this??) using dry-erase markers on the window/windshield. I just don't think I could get used to that.

G-town I kid, I kid!

For real though, I like your suggestion about the sticky notes. I've been writing my trip plan down on my notepad, which helps me remember it better, but I don't have it visible when I'm driving. I'm sure using sticky notes would make a big difference.

I've read of some people (I think ChickieMonster, among others, has said she does this??) using dry-erase markers on the window/windshield. I just don't think I could get used to that.

I do use dry erase markers.

I write it up high on the driver's side so it doesn't interfere with vision but it just takes a quick glance to check where I'm at. Once I've made a turn or taken my exit I can just wipe it off. There are a few variations on how to do this.

My husband does the same thing on his side except he is looking up possible parking options and writing down exits and town names and such.

Or he's drawing random pictures on my windshield and taking pictures of them... Someone was asking what he did when he gets bored!

G-town I kid, I kid!

For real though, I like your suggestion about the sticky notes. I've been writing my trip plan down on my notepad, which helps me remember it better, but I don't have it visible when I'm driving. I'm sure using sticky notes would make a big difference.

I've read of some people (I think ChickieMonster, among others, has said she does this??) using dry-erase markers on the window/windshield. I just don't think I could get used to that.

I do use dry erase markers.

I write it up high on the driver's side so it doesn't interfere with vision but it just takes a quick glance to check where I'm at. Once I've made a turn or taken my exit I can just wipe it off. There are a few variations on how to do this.

My husband does the same thing on his side except he is looking up possible parking options and writing down exits and town names and such.

Or he's drawing random pictures on my windshield and taking pictures of them... Someone was asking what he did when he gets bored!

Oh ok I see. Whatever floats your boat! Not criticizing--just don't think it would work for me. I can't stand having anything on my dash or windshield. My first mentor's mounted gps drove me nuts, and I would clear all of my second mentor's stuff off the dash before I drove (that drove HIM nuts haha). I'm just super distractable.

I write directions on the little triangular side window with dry erase marker. I tried writing on the big side window, but I would forget and roll the window down for something, and . . . all gone! It only works in daytime though, can't read it off the window at night.

Thanks G-Town! I'm in my later half of training & am more comfortable discussing my concerns than I was when I first got on the truck.