What important skills of truck driving did you learn after your first year of trucking?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by expedite_it, Dec 17, 2024.

  1. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

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    10# when dropping a trailer, I should have the feet of the landing gear about an inch off the ground so that the trailer is not too high for the next driver. And I should dump the air bags when I pull out from a trailer that I am dropping to put less strain on the drivetrain. I didn't know that until I had been trucking for seven years.
     
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  3. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

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    I did not write this articulately when I posted the OP last night. I should have written the following:

    2# I should stop at all railroad tracks that don't have warning lights or a gate arm even if I don't see a train coming.

    5# It is illegal to drive a semi-truck in the third lane in most states. In my rookie year, I (erroneously) thought it was only illegal to drive a semi-truck in the third lane where there are signs explicitly forbidding it.
     
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2024
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  4. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    What the hell are you talking about? Not important how long it takes to stop? :dontknow:
     
  5. rpad139

    rpad139 Heavy Load Member

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    The first year of trucking, let me think about this.

    I was a team driver my first year.

    So what did I learn about as a team driver?be careful what you post on this website. They are monitoring all channels and outlets including social media
     
  6. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    First rule of trucking . Develop thick skin
    2nd rule - never stop learning
     
  7. broke down plumber

    broke down plumber Road Train Member

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    like the Vietnamese massage parlor:laughing6:
     
  8. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    What important skills of truck driving did you learn after your first year of trucking? The more I did it, the less I liked it.
     
  9. striker

    striker Road Train Member

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    75% of what I learned in school was wrong

    Chains are never installed in a warm shop in shirtsleeves or on the side of the road in a bright sunshine and shirtsleeves

    45% of what I learned the 1st year was wrong

    If my dispatchers lips are moving, he's lying

    Shippers always lie

    Lot Lizards always always lie

    Never, ever trust a wet fart

    When stopped on the side of the road to cool a tire, look before you step

    After my 27th year, I'm still learning
     
  10. broke down plumber

    broke down plumber Road Train Member

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    really ? No pros outweighing the cons ?
     
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  11. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    It’s only illegal to run the hammer lane on 70 in MD on the hills where it’s posted.

    From the Beltway out to Frederick it’s legal.
     
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