Newbie questions........

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Newbie25, May 1, 2010.

  1. Newbie25

    Newbie25 Bobtail Member

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    Hi there,
    OK, I've been thinking about being a trucker for some time now. From my research, I think the best place to train would be at a community college (my local school is paired with Sage). Anyone else go through them? Thoughts on your own experiences??

    I had a few questions that a school might not be able to help with though( hope they haven't been asked too recently on this board ).......

    1. This might be a little personal but, how hard is it to maintain good hygiene out on the road? (showers, brushing teeth, etc.)

    2. Is it really true, or even practical, that some truckers bring mini-refrigerators and microwaves in the back of there cabs?

    3. How much night driving do truck drivers normally do? I 'm sure that depends on what you're hauling right?

    Any help/comments would be appreciated
     
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  3. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    After your community college you sound like you believe that your now a driver, Your ot the industry will not look at you as anymore than a trainee. Truth is they make money off the 3000 bones they charge for training you, and most will probably still charge you for training and rightfully so.

    You are not a qualified driver simply because you have a license. Make sure you have a job beofre you bother or you may very well be wasting your time.
     
  4. rockee

    rockee Road Train Member

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    Good luck....
     
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  5. Kittyfoot

    Kittyfoot Crusty Ancient

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    Ok, the wis have spoken, now here's the serious answers.

    1. No harder much than during most other forms of travelling. Most truckstop chains (Love's, Pilot, T/A, etc) have Driver's Rewards cards that award points for fuel purchases that you can redeem for things like showers. Alls you gotta do is find out where your company fuels the most and ask for a rewards card at the fuel desk.

    2. 120 volt fridge or microwave requires a good power inverter to run off the 12 volt system in your truck. You will buy these and pay for installation. Do not buy an el cheapo and make sure the one you get has enough wattage to handle your accessories. Make sure the install is done by someone who knows what they're doing, more than one truck has been burnt up by a sloppy job. Be sure you ask about company policy first because some will NOT ok them.

    You can buy 12 volt versions but be aware that they have less capiabilities.

    3. Day/night is usually not an either/or thing. You'll be doing both because of things like the time you load/unload. Eg, if you load at 10pm or midnight or such you'll be expected to get moving on down the road as soon as you're loaded. You'll be sleeping at all kinds of different times day and night and it's gonna be hard for your body clock to adjust to that. Fact of the Trucking Life.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 2, 2010
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  6. rockee

    rockee Road Train Member

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    Was there something in my answer that did not agree with you??
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 2, 2010
  7. Kittyfoot

    Kittyfoot Crusty Ancient

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    Just the Taco sauce.:biggrin_255:
     
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  8. rockee

    rockee Road Train Member

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    Oh that certainly explains it then.........
     
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  9. kickin chicken

    kickin chicken Road Train Member

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    Hello and Welcome to the Site. I like that you are attending a community college for training. Have you applied for free funding through the WIA program? Keep us posted as to your progress. Best of Luck!
     
    JustSonny Thanks this.
  10. Newbie25

    Newbie25 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for all the comments.....

    I know about that WIA program but not sure if I qualify for it yet. I'm still looking into it.

    I knew sleeping at all kinds of weird hours would be part of the game but I just hope that I get enough sleep.
     
  11. ukdon

    ukdon Light Load Member

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    The. first few weeks on the road will be hard until your normal clock relinquishes control. After a few weeks, you should be able to sleep any time anywhere. That is, until you arrive home for a few days and it is just too darn quiet to sleep.
     
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