Pilot

Now thats worth leaving home for. Do newbees get the worst trucks?

Is it possible to take a shower at least a few times a week?

It's possible to shower every day! It's a question of priorities and preparation. I have a heated shower in my truck:

https://www.rei.com/product/167941/geyser-systems-portable-shower-with-heater

Just stand in a storage tote from Costco while bathing (get the rubbery one, the hard plastic ones crack and break too easily). When you're done, dump the water out and let it dry out on top of your bunk. Store the shower unit inside the tote with clean towels and toss it under your bunk when not in use. Not my everyday option but 10,000% better than wipes or going without when truck stop showers aren't available.

My truck also has cable (not satellite), wi-fi, fridge, freezer and microwave.

Do newbees get the worst trucks?

They get whatever is available. That could be a brand new truck, or it could be one that has been around the block a time or two. I witnessed a brand new driver at Knight be issued a custom ordered truck for a million miler driver who quit during the time they were waiting for their truck to arrive. You just never know how that is going to play out. The availability of trucks for drivers is in flux every week. Sometimes there is an abundance of trucks available and at other times they may have to get a truck from a distant terminal or recover one that has been abandoned by a driver in some distant area.

All of our trucks are 3 years old or newer. New trucks coming in all the time. With us getting diamond status at Love's it gets us free wifi. We also have free wifi at all of our terminals.

Just NEVER EVER park on the shoulder, or rest area off ramp at the back of those other trucks!!

Mentor sent me a pic couple weeks ago. A truck was on the shoulder, and got rear ended by another trucker. Which his tractor burst into flames. Burning the whole tractor and back half of the trailer he hit !! Don't know if the driver lived or not pretty much doubt they did.

Do newbees get the worst trucks?

They get whatever is available. That could be a brand new truck, or it could be one that has been around the block a time or two. I witnessed a brand new driver at Knight be issued a custom ordered truck for a million miler driver who quit during the time they were waiting for their truck to arrive. You just never know how that is going to play out. The availability of trucks for drivers is in flux every week. Sometimes there is an abundance of trucks available and at other times they may have to get a truck from a distant terminal or recover one that has been abandoned by a driver in some distant area.

I got a 2020 Kenworth with very nice amenities and some features enabled that werent supposed to be on (unfortunately they reset it when I last had it serviced) and low miles it had 147,000 on it. One of my classmates ended up with a brand new 2022 International, had 500 miles on it. As was said it varies. At least at Knight, you can state your preference and your DDM and or terminal manager will work with you, but it can be dependent on whats avail at your terminal. I was willing to drive down to Texas and get mine (They paid me to do that, paid all expenses and paid for my hotel while the truck was repaired and prepped) The thing is though, that I clearly stated what I wanted in a professional manner and let them know I was willing to do whatever they needed for it.

Is it possible to take a shower at least a few times a week?

It's possible to shower every day! It's a question of priorities and preparation. I have a heated shower in my truck:

https://www.rei.com/product/167941/geyser-systems-portable-shower-with-heater

Just stand in a storage tote from Costco while bathing (get the rubbery one, the hard plastic ones crack and break too easily). When you're done, dump the water out and let it dry out on top of your bunk. Store the shower unit inside the tote with clean towels and toss it under your bunk when not in use. Not my everyday option but 10,000% better than wipes or going without when truck stop showers aren't available.

One resource that is often overlooked is to use motel water park facilities. Some of the bigger hotels have small water parks attached. These motels are usually truck friendly. The idea is not to rent a room. Most of these places will give you a water park pass for about $10. For this you get to go for a swim and get a shower with a clean towel included. All you have to do is call ahead or go to the front desk and inquire. Great places to take your ten hour or 34 hour break.