All the wrong reasons

GH, i have to laugh at some of the questions that new drivers or yet to be drivers ask. I usually dont respond to those but since you brought pretty much all of them up in one post ill throw my thoughts in one their questions,

 

Oh hell, yall missed the biggest question of all. What's the best cell phone to text on while I am going down the road.

I swear the next douchebag trucker that tries to run me off the road with a cell phone in their hand is in for a world of #### from me!!!

 

I know I don't drive truck yet but i was with a trucker for 2 years in his truck and learned some things. Crash your thoughts on those questions that GasHauler brought up made me laugh. I see your point though.

 

Its like I have always said, Ignorance begins when you think you know all the answers.

A lot of these newbs think that since they have passed a class, went with a trainer, and have thier own truck they don't need to know anymore.

You can always learn something, no matter how long you have been out here.

 

I've been wondering the same things. But eh... let em ask away. Answer the questions the best ya can. If thats the info they are worried about then the rest will fall into place or fall to pieces.

 

There's a guy on the Central forums, 20 y/o, that kept asking in multiple posts if the company runs to Colorado a lot, reason being that his 'friend' wanted to go there a lot to visit cousins & other friends and stay there. I'll start training in October, and although I'm not out & driving yet, even I have the common sense to know that what he's asking is just not a reality like his 'friend' is thinking. I could imagine going there for home time, but just driving there out of the way because you think you can & because you want to screw around....??

 

I agree with you Gas Hauler. I read these posts and my gosh what truck driving school did they go to. I went thru a school in the late seventies and I knew the difference in transmissions when I got thru. I think the thing that gripes me the most is the idea that they want a brand new truck, new trailer,etc. I started out in 1977 Int COE with a 290 and a 10 speed. Cab heat and A/C didn't work, boot on trans was gone and you could see the concrete go by. I drove that truck until I proved I could drive something better. Got my experience, drove different trucks and have never looked back. Truck Driving is the one occupation where EXPERIENCE really counts. The more experience the better the job. These guys today by their questions just don't have any patience and that is a MUST. JMO

 

stepnfetchit, I do believe I drove that same truck. In '89. Talk about recycling. Ugly, unreliable, uncomfortable and oh so educational. After a decade or so, you get to where the boss is asking you what truck you want, within reason of course.

Unrealistic expectations are to be ... well ... expected. New drivers don't know what to be worried about and familiar ground is at least a place to start. How much? How often? Where to? Will I eat, sleep and get laid? My bigger gripes are those little things that never seem to get taught. Driving is largely mechanics. Physical motion that can be taught and repeated. Being a truck driver is much more. With courtesy, humility and professionalism a rookie can become a "good hand" rather than a steering wheel holder, mechanics of driving aside.