Good News Bad News... Inaugural Solo Run

Good News: I didn't hit anything.

Bad news : I didn't reach final destination.

My first load was a 1 stop, to Bangor, ME. While pre tripping the trailer, one of the rear lights was dangling, and two of the tandem tires were flat. After getting those issues taken care of, and scaling out the load, I head out. Shortly after my fuel stop, a light on the panel starts blinking. One that I was unfamiliar with. I learn shortly that it is the regen light. I call the shop, and they say to continue on, it should take care of itself. Their way of answering didn't really sit well, for some reason, so I call a driving friend, and he explained it, and calmed my doubts. A few miles later, it stopped blinking. 50 or so miles later, it started blinking, and the check engine light joined it. So thus time, I call my DL, and inform her I need to stop and do a manual regen. After 45 minutes, it is finished. So I get back on the road, and about another 50 miles later, the solid engine light, and the check engine light start swearing at me. So I call the shop, and they tell me to keep rolling as far as I can, and call OnRoad, while enroute. I am told that the first regen didnt work, and the soot level is even worse. They tell me to stop, do another regen, and then get as close to the receiver as possible, and they will have me towed the rest of the way, if needed. But this regen could take about 2 or more hours, due to the soot level readings, and they ask why one wasn't done sooner. I explained that this tractor was just assigned to me, and it is my very first run. He laughed, and sent his condolences. So I call my DL, and explain the situation. They decide to repower the load, and get me back to the DC. I get to a safe place to start the regen, and wait for the other driver, and, the regen switch won't work. I call the shop, and they tell me to shut power off for 20 minutes, and try again. Still no luck. So I call OnRoad. Once the other driver arrives, I will call them again, and then wait for a tow truck. Since the truck didn't derate during either incident, I wonder if I can just head back and get as close as possible. Once I get this load off me I will ask, before I call OnRoad back.

I am currently waiting for the other driver. At least my bunk is comfortable.

Well congrats! you've really been thrown into trucking with the first load.

the important thing is that you stayed in communication and knew what to do. GREAT JOB!

good way to stay positive too. things will get better.

Well congrats! you've really been thrown into trucking with the first load.

the important thing is that you stayed in communication and knew what to do. GREAT JOB!

good way to stay positive too. things will get better.

The biggest reason I knew what to do? The lessons learned here.

After all is said and done, I have a bunch of faulty sensors. The regen sensor died while doing my first regen, it appears. After a full diagnostic from OnRoad, they said to drive back an put it in the shop. I made it to a service plaza with 35 minutes left.

I think it is pretty cool, that we can run a diagnostic from Phoenix, on a Truck in New Hampshire.

Time to snuggle in. I have a split sleeper in my near future.

Congratulations on the first run. Like Rainy said, you get to start with trial by fire. Enjoy the rest.

Danielsahn..,you played the hand you were dealt and handled it as best you could. Fortunately,I believe you have many "good days" ahead.

It's "Container Season" at Walmart. Watch out for all them parked/scattered in the Walmart lots. They'll be there until after Christmas.

Good luck!

You did great man! Handled everything like a professional and communicated sufficiently with everyone involved. Personally, I'd try to get it as close as you can to the shop before calling for a tow. You might be able to make it the whole way back and save the company a ton of money. That's just what I would do though--don't know if that's the greatest advice in the world. I'm curious what some others on here would do.

Thanks everyone.

After doing the math, I realized that my pta will be the same, whether I do a split sleeper, or full 10. I called the DL, and they are now conversing with the shop to let me know which one will be better.

Those diagnostics are really something, aren't they? It's amazing to me how that works but yes, most companies can tell you what's wrong with your truck remotely.

Excellent job and it will get much better.

Congratulations! You did the best you could. Some days, everything mechanical will give you trouble. You're safe, the load is safe, your truck and trailer are all in one piece, and you'll get it there SAFELY as soon as you can. It was a good day.

Congratulations! You did the best you could. Some days, everything mechanical will give you trouble. You're safe, the load is safe, your truck and trailer are all in one piece, and you'll get it there SAFELY as soon as you can. It was a good day.

Oh, it was still a great day. Problems aside, I love driving. I just hate waiting. I am not worried about breakdown pay. I am worried about sitting, and not, putting in miles. If they add it on my check, great, but I am not asking for it. I just want my truck fixed, so I can get back on the road.