Newbie Tips.

ill be reading this thread anytime someone adds to it. great idea ! Thanks

 

I don't know, that's a pretty good tip right there lol. I try to run about 65 although I do kick it up a notch from time to time. Avg. 7.2 hauling a 46k load[yeah I picked that dam thing] from OKC to Flagstaff and was running mostly 72 going out. Got it back up to 8.1 coming from LA to NY, but the load was only 12K and yeah I did run some 75 across 40, but did drop to 65/67 coming across OH and PA. I do look a lot at fuel prices, but don't run myself too low trying to get to them, but will put on 50 gal or so to get me to the cheaper fuel instead of filling up wherever. I need to get better at shifting at the proper rpm's instead of the usual 1300 and 1600. These newer trucks can be upshifted at about 1400 in high and will do ok lugging down to 1100, but man I can't get used to that yet. Didn't add too much, but personal experience. There is improvements I can make for sure.

 

Trip plan, trip plan, trip plan.....

 

That's the biggest tip there is.
That and manage your money..don't buy it because you can.
Run areas that are profitable..sure you may not like them but follow the money.
Follow freight trends..read online about where and what to run.
Maintenance on the truck..sure it may be a new one but it still needs to be looked at.
Pretrip is very important..don't let something small become a problem and shut you down.
TIRES..check air pressure often.

You are a small business owner..learn as much as you can about it.

 

Where does one do that, exactly? Thank you!

 

Great question ! what web sites are good for trucking info ?

 

DAT.com
Generic but still good info.
Plus I run a chart of every load I've pulled since starting.
I run certain ''Triangles"..start and end points that pay well.

 

You can go down a mountain too slow 1,000 times but only once too fast. And, slow down around curbs, I see way too many people in general taking curbs too fast. I have just started out going down this road a year ago, but I read, watch, or take any extra info from others anytime I can. You can never learn too much, the day you think you know it all is the day you should not drive. And, do remember this is your CDL so you are responsible for knowing the laws.