Help! In over my head!

**Ranger70** · 08.06.2012

Originally Posted by AfterShock

Get yourself a Rand McNalley Official Motor Carrier's Road Atlas ASAP.
The first sections explain things like how to properly log, restricted routes and low underpasses, etc.
Don't leave home without it.

If you decide to make the trip, you're taking quite a chance. I understand you need the job and your kid and family need you, but one mishap could end your career before it gets started. If you're involved in a mishap, and someone is injured, or worse, as a result of your inexperience, could you handle that memory? Incarceration is another possibility, --- in another state many miles from home. Would your employer have your back, --- or throw you under the bus? They'd be on the hot seat as well for even allowing you to pull an oversize load without proper training.

When assigned a Big truck with serious mechanical problems, it's the duty of the driver to have the problems corrected before hittin' the highway. Until the problems are corrected, a driver should refuse to drive it. When the driver's lack of training and/or experience is the problem, it's no different. Refuse to drive until you're confident enough with your abilities to get-er-dun.
Bottom line, --- it's your choice.
Choose wisely.

Well said. Op I understand you wanting to take care of your family, but this is not a joke. You will be of no good to your family if something goes bad and you are gone from them and can't earn money. Most of the basics have already been coverd, I drive Chicago everyday and it is a challenge most days to say the least. Are you going into the city or just close enough to call it Chicago. If you decide to make the run let me know, I didn't drive OTR very long but I know the city and surronding area pretty good. Good luck to you and your family.

**NavigatorWife** · 08.06.2012

Good luck, I sure wish you had someone to go with you that new the ins and outs. It is really dangerous doing something on the fly and going to Chicago to boot.

Also I don't know if anyone mentioned the pre-trip and post-trip inspections that have to be logged also.

**FatDaddy** · 08.06.2012

I understand the need to care for your family, but there is no way you should be making this trip by yourself

**NewbieRick** · 08.07.2012

Watch it, d.o.t. Will rip you a new one if something happens. Sounds like the company your with didnt teach you a whole lot before throwin you under the gun. Pre-trips and load securements are two most important things. Good luck to you and your family.

**drdave** · 08.07.2012

Wow, talk about starting with all the balls inside someone elses court. You can do this, we all had to learn, and you will too. Go to the first CAT scale, and make sure you are legal weight. Because if you get a ticket at a state scale for being over weight, the company does not pay it. You do. One guy said don't use your clutch. You do what works best for YOU. If you chose to use your clutch, Double clutch. It does not work well, if you don't. Fuel, before you get down to 1/4 of a tank. (The company should give you a fuel card, and tell you where you can fuel) If you are worried about backing up at a truck stop, there are other legal places to park for your break. Rest areas have pull in forward parking, be sure to swing wide, and watch your trailer pulling into those spots. Or you can sleep at a scale house, if it is open or closed. No matter where you decide to shut down, LOCK YOUR DOORS! and do not open them for that knock on the door. There are lots of drivers out on the road that have been trainers, and all most anyone will assist you in backing that truck up, if you want to stay at the truck stop. Just don't let anyone else have the keys to back up for you, if they wreck your truck, they can say sorry man, and just walk away. Most of the guys will not admit it, but they were all afraid at first... And no one really wants you to fail, regardless of how rude they are to each other on the radio at the truck stops. The way you know that, is what happens when the weather turns horseshit, they all are lots nicer to each other. You are going to do fine, and my prayers will be with you. Linda

**Sweeper777** · 08.07.2012

I don't even know where to start to thank each and everyone of you. What an awesome group of people truckers are... Thanks for the prayers, the advice and encouragement. I've written down all the key points from everyone's posts and feel alot better. Tomorrows the big day. I'll try to keep this updated through my phone. God bless and thanks again for the helping hand. If by chance I ever meet any of ya on the road, I owe you a steak dinner.

**-insert name-** · 08.07.2012

Originally Posted by Sweeper777

I don't even know where to start to thank each and everyone of you. What an awesome group of people truckers are... Thanks for the prayers, the advice and encouragement. I've written down all the key points from everyone's posts and feel alot better. Tomorrows the big day. I'll try to keep this updated through my phone. God bless and thanks again for the helping hand. If by chance I ever meet any of ya on the road, I owe you a steak dinner.

I think just knowing we helped you is enough, hope the trip goes well!

**vavega** · 08.07.2012

the more you plan, the greater the chance of success. having said that, do you know how to get to your delivery? with all that you're going to have on your mind just driving down the road, the last thing you need is to get lost in or around chicago.

**drdave** · 08.07.2012

Or St. Louis. #### I can get lost there evey fricken time. If I have the music up, and the brain only 1/2 the way on, I will take the wrong highway every time.... LOL

**shantyshaker12** · 08.07.2012

Different states have different requirements for oversize, make sure you have permits for each state you are traveling through. Follow the routes that are on your permits and read through the permit and provision (rule) sheets. Pulling oversize through Chicago can be confusing if you aren't familiar with the routes you have been given. Do yourself a favor, buy a Chicago city map and find your routes on it. Write them down and which direction you will be turning on each route. I did this on many O/D loads going into and around Chicago on countless oversize loads, it made things much easier going through there. If you miss a turn there you could be screwed. P.M. me if you have any questions, I have been hauling oversize for 17 years.