Local / End Dump

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Smokin28, Aug 22, 2014.

  1. Smokin28

    Smokin28 Bobtail Member

    24
    12
    Jun 29, 2014
    0
    Ok, so I just finished truck driving school on the 15th of August. I applied at 15 different OTR companies but still haven't signed with anyone yet. So a company here in town called me today and they want me to do a test drive for their company in one of their end dumps. As a new class A driver with 0 experience, am I shooting my self in the foot by taking a position like this? They are smaller trailers, 32 foot I think. I want the right experience that will get me moving forward.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

    9,705
    61,612
    Jun 13, 2011
    PNWET
    0
    Go for it. It will test your skills. Maneuvering the truck in tight areas and learning about the Construction trade. 2 things. Make sure your on level ground when you dump! Close your tailgate latch. Piece of cake. Good luck.
     
    Smokin28 Thanks this.
  4. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

    19,805
    63,669
    Apr 8, 2012
    Orion's Belt
    0
    Go for the local gig.......... The megas will look down on the local job, but you don't want to work for them anyway......

    I've been local most of my career . I make more money with less miles........
    I will worn you there will be some short nights.....a 10 hour break with a hour commute ..... Etc.
    get use to 4/5 hours sleep a night..... If this place is buzzy.
     
    Last edited: Aug 22, 2014
    Smokin28 Thanks this.
  5. Smokin28

    Smokin28 Bobtail Member

    24
    12
    Jun 29, 2014
    0
    Thanks for the advice. I've seen a few end dumps roll over because they weren't on level ground. Also, ripping electric lines down because the driver wasn't paying attention to where he was. But any kind of trailer experience has to be positive at this point, right?

    The "megas" will have to get over it. lol I really don't like being a number anyways. I'd much rather have a boss I know personally.
    It makes going to work everyday, that much more satisfying. Thanks again.
     
  6. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

    7,740
    14,412
    May 7, 2011
    0
    In order to excel at end dumps, you've got to have skills and common sense. Most drivers don't like to think about what they are doing, and they are the ones with their trailers laying on their side, caught in a ditch, tangled up in power lines, etc. When you get to an unfamiliar site, find a safe place to park the truck and take a walk. Take a look around and see what obstacles you'll have to navigate around. Plan the route you'll drive in, where you'll get turned around, and how you can get back out. Make sure you've got solid enough ground so as not to get stuck, and look up to see if there are any power lines or any other obstructions in the way. Take a look at where they want the product dumped, and figure out where your truck & trailer need to be positioned to be level while dumping.

    Sounds like a lot...but once you've been at it a while and learn how the truck handles, it doesn't take long.

    Personally, I enjoy the difficult dump sites since they present a challenge and put my skills to the test. You'd THINK anybody with 1/2 a brain could dump on a concrete pad...but there are those who still manage to lay them over....which brings me to my next point:

    NEVER dump next to another driver or allow yourself to remain next to a driver who decided to dump next to you!!! We'll be getting talked to at the next safety meeting after one genius layed his trailer over on top of another's trailer...dumping on a concrete pad. I have a fairly high tolerance for stupidity and in all my years driving I've only called into safety on 1 driver. I was just starting to put my bed up when he backed in 5' away and started raising his bed, and that was on relatively unstable footing. I lowered the bed and pulled forward...and called safety. I don't care if you want to put yourself in contention for this year's Darwin awards...I would rather you not put MY safety in jeopardy in the process.

    Overall, dumps are a lot of fun. Generally speaking, there are good folks you'll run with and most of the time if you need help they'll lend you a hand. Not to mention, you are home with the family having an actual life instead of being cooped up in a truck by yourself for weeks at a time...
     
    okiedokie and Smokin28 Thank this.
  7. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

    9,705
    61,612
    Jun 13, 2011
    PNWET
    0
    Just so you know there are 2 types of tub/semi-end dump drivers. Ones that have and ones are going to. You know what I'm talking about Bulldog.:biggrin_25513:
    Carry a chain. It's the only way to get some hitchikers out of the duels.
     
    Smokin28 Thanks this.
  8. Smokin28

    Smokin28 Bobtail Member

    24
    12
    Jun 29, 2014
    0
    Thanks Bulldog, some good advice there.

    My previous 18 years work experience is a combination of concrete mixers, 20' flatbeds with PTO and dump trucks. So I have no doubts about being able to do the job it self. Like you said, common sense plays a major role in it. But yeah, the advice is much appreciated.
     
  9. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

    22,474
    20,134
    Jul 19, 2008
    Sioux City,ia
    0
    I drove belly dump for 2 construction companies hot tar and dirt.A couple plus sides to construction,it pays better then going otr,home every day off when its raining and during the slow months you can collect unemployment.You'll probably be required to clean your trailer out everyday after work.You have to constantly be alert and when dumping watch the back where the gate is to make sure you slowly move forward while the product is dumping.They might frown if you dump it all in one huge pile.It'll take getting use to but you can do it.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.