Learning the 10 speed almost seemed more like "un-learning" how to drive a stick shift (car). I had a little vlkswgn for a few years that was a stick, and the thing that really threw me off with the truck...the shifting pattern....its upside down!

Double clutching is a pain in the rear, but our instructor showed us how to float the gears once we showed him that we *knew how to double clutch. I do not float the gears because for some reason, it messes me up, I still use the clutch.

I also refuse to use the jake brakes or cruise control. They make me feel out of control of the truck and that is not a comfortable feeling when being passed on both sides by other trucks. I am sure I will get more comfortable with all of those extras later on down the road (pun intended). For now, I will keep it simple.

Spent a few hours on I-20 today, which made me realize how valuable my cruise control is, still not comfortable with it. Downshifting is getting a little easier. Although if I don’t quit trying to shove the gear stick where it doesn’t want to go, I just might tear something up.

Did finally get pulled out in front of a few times today. Again, pretty uncomfortable. Saw lots and lots of skid marks on the road from 18 wheelers.... wonder what thats all about.

Our instructor said something pretty funny today. The funny part is the tone of voice in which it was delivered. He was entirely sincere and did not realize the irony of what he said until I lost it in the backseat.

"I'm not pickin on you, I'm just pointing out everything that you’re doing wrong!"

Luckily we are a pretty easy going group so no one was offended by my inappropriate laughter.

RoadWarrior....

"Specially designed" (lol) items for personal protection are being lovingly handcrafted for me as we speak He likes to make things. I also intend to get a permit to carry. Hopefully I wont ever get myself tangled up in a situation that would require me to use any of it....but hope for the best, prepare for the worst and all that.

Okay...back to the questions as my personal onservations must be pretty boring.

What is forced dispatch? Does SNI do it?
What is the difference between % pay and milage? Which is the better option?
Keep per diem pay or drop it as soon as i can?
Does SNI pay loaded and empty?
Breakdown and layover pay?

Originally Posted by millsjl01

Okay...back to the questions as my personal onservations must be pretty boring.

What is forced dispatch? Does SNI do it?
What is the difference between % pay and milage? Which is the better option?
Keep per diem pay or drop it as soon as i can?
Does SNI pay loaded and empty?
Breakdown and layover pay?

Forced dispatch means you take the load they give you, like if they say your going to NYC at 3pm on a friday after noon your going weather you like it or not

Do they do it I donno

% pay means you get a % of what they Load pays them EX: if the load pays SNI $1000 and your on 25% you get $250. No matter how long or short the run is. On CPM you get paid by the mile (how many miles depends on the mileage system they use

Per Diem- Ditch it! ASAP

cant answer the last two either




American Trucker

I would not think you would even be allowed to drive off the specified route...assuming you are driving off it for an approved reason, detours, road closures, bad wrecks...etc.

Why ditch per diem?
Is % pay or milage a better way to go?
Do any of you SNI guys know about the " forced dispatch "?

Originally Posted by millsjl01

I would not think you would even be allowed to drive off the specified route...assuming you are driving off it for an approved reason, detours, road closures, bad wrecks...etc.

Originally Posted by millsjl01

Why ditch per diem?
Is % pay or milage a better way to go?
Do any of you SNI guys know about the " forced dispatch "?

YOUR driving the truck, a company shouldnt be telling YOU how to get there....especialy since they arent even paying you for all the miles that they are routeing you for....SNI does NOT pay hub miles...


Per Diem: Your giving up your $59/day deduction by takeing per-diem (i got back $5100 on my taxes this year..how would you like to donate that to Obama?) Also your W2 will read your Gross income NOT COUNTING per-diem so at SNI you'll only make $20,000 - $30,000 to begin with, and with per diem your W2 will read like Gross $15,000....good luck getting a loan

25% of $0 is still $0. Takeing % with a cheap freight hauling van carrier is just stupid, and there is no way to guesstamate your income...vs miles you can say well i drove 2000 miles at .27cpm = X


I already explained forced dispatch....not sure what part of that you dont understand




American Trucker