First Day Solo Snow Storm Coming :(

So first off I just want to thank you all for the resources and support to get through training. I finally made it! Got my own truck!

Now the fun part. I brought my truck home last week and told FM I’ll be ready to go Monday. Got to spend some much needed time with the family and get the truck packed. Also yesterday dumped 60lbs of salt on the flatbed so I can be ready for my first dispatch tomorrow.

The weather here just north of Nashville unfortunately is going to be doodoo. And I’m already having anxiety about it. It’s enough pressure just driving this big ole truck on my own without a blizzard thrown in.

So I made the call to extended services and left a message saying I might not be ready to roll. I just feel like crap because I finally made it on my own truck and I have to “call out” if you want to call it that.

I had to reason with myself that it’s better to stay home than crash my truck the first day. I’m under the training FM for now so I’m sure he’ll understand. I’m going to check in with him tomorrow.

I guess I’m just trying to do the right thing and play it safe but I’m just disappointed in myself for not being ready to roll.

I would feel better if I at least left the house and had to shut down for weather. It just feels like a bum start. And yes I did drive in snow with my trainer but not 4-6”. That may not seem like much to you guys but as a new driver I think it’s a little out of my safe zone.

My pride wants to go but my common sense says that’s just stupid. The good news is my trailer is empty so nobody is waiting on me lol.

2-4 inches of snow

+

Up to 1/4 inch of ice

+

First day new driver

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Empty flatbed

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Nerves on edge

=

STAY HOME.

AT least for the day, until they get things cleared up. Your fm will understand. You aren't even assigned to a load yet presumably, so there isn't even the hassle of rescheduling a load. Play it safe.

My bad. Congrats on the solo truck, as well!

Don't put it in a ditch on your first day.

I’m curious about salting the deck. I know a couple of Maverick loads that would get you turned away if they saw you show up like that. Did you ok this with somebody or is this a new company procedure? A quick shovel was all I ever needed, if even that.

Yeah I kinda wondered about that too, but it's not like you won't get salt up there just from road spray.

It’s going to get brushed off. I didn’t figure anybody would put a load on the 1/4 inch of solid ice I had going on. Thanks guys.

It’s going to get brushed off. I didn’t figure anybody would put a load on the 1/4 inch of solid ice I had going on. Thanks guys.

Lol, you’d be surprised. I loaded lumber in Massachusetts in an ice storm. I had built up more than 1/4” on my deck by the time it was my turn. It was so slippery, the forklifts stopped by ramming into my rub rail-annoying.

If you’re with Maverick, don’t worry about calling off due to snow. They are exceptionally forgiving about that. The only time you’ll hear anything about it, is if there’s twenty trucks in the area and 19 are moving and you aren’t.

Stay home, those weather conditions plus a empty trailer are a recipe for disaster. I've called off 4 times this winter and tomorrow night looks like number 5, no shame in playing it safe especially since you are new.

Remember better to be at home wishing you where on the road, rather then on the road wishing you where at home.

Congrats on convincing your company to trust you to be alone with one of their trucks!

On you're very first solo dispatch you have enough to worry about in getting everything done right. You don't need to add in the snow.

I assume you don't have a dispatch yet - a good thing if you can't move right now. You're right to call extended services. Yes, contact your FM as soon as they get on shift to talk it out. Remember, as a rookie you're not sure about driving in snow. Play it safe. Your FM should understand. Next year you'll know more about how to handle doodoo winter weather. Just not yet.

Welcome to the forum, trucking and flatbed.

Because you posted about weather and although Turtle gave you some good solid advice I must warn you. When you encounter adverse weather in the future, especially ice, DON'T ask Turtle for alternate routes!