Back in the day . . .

i think when i started in 98--i got 29 for 2 axle deck--then more for 3 and i think it was 33 for super b------and that wasnt the good old days--wages sure dont go up as to everything else

 

And Detriots used a gallon of oil a day and had an emergency cut-off so you could stop them if they ran backwards.
if you didnt drain tanks daily and got too much condensation, old roadrangers(shifter)would spin out!
Ether was in every truck next to your 9/16 wrench!
never had truck stops change headlights,mudflaps,Ect!............we did it!
carried cash for everything...........no comdata,fleetone!
Trucks could park anywhere........and where welcome!
checked Oil,Water,brakes,tires,Ect.....daily!........least I did!
"CB rambos" and "shut up stupid" didnt exsist!
A/C, power steering,power/heated mirrors,air ride cab,quiet cabs.......yeah right! the list goes on
Had an old broomstick to check fuel level!
didnt need to turn on heater in winter cause the heat from the floor and doghouse was enough!
and the list goes on and on!
Next?

 

cant resist this!
I did most of my driving in the 11 western before moving to Texas, And I had a dedicated run On I-5 from northern Cali to Portand,Or twice a week. I used to go by the May trucking yard in Brooks,Or(Salem) and drool over their K100 cabover Kenworths! They paid very well and were very respected then. I finally got the balls to stop and apply and was pretty much laughed out of there! (not really)
in 1991 May required you to have the following,
1. 25 yrs of age or older
2.18 months Min.snow/Ice and mountain driving
3.At least 5 yrs Exp. driving Class 8 truck
4.stable work history

Now look at May trucking.........Trucking has gotten alot better in some aspects, But now companies exploit and treat drivers like dirt! Thanks for listening to me rant....you all drive safe!

 

If its any consolaton I started driving 8 years ago, and I have never paid anyone to change a headlight, mudflap, headlight or any other kind of light for me.

 

MrBeast, I just meant that most big fleets wont let there drivers do minor repairs anymore. even adjust their own brakes either which amazes me at times. I was not taking a stab at all. Drive safe!

 

This statement just sounds so negative! I happen to be one of those people driving what you call a "plastic" truck. Funny thing, though, when a big bug hits the body, it has this odd *ping!* sound that is impossible to get from fiberglass.

I do change my own headlights and wipers, pull the air filter, add grease to the fifth wheel when necessary...which is something a lot of your "professional" large car drivers don't do. How many rusty fifth wheels do you see on them?

The truck does not make the driver. And I wish you would stop with the better than you attitude because some of us prefer to be real professionals and own something that doesn't burn money out the stack, disturb the peace or take four acres to turn around.

 

I didnt take it as taking a stab, im just proud of the fact that I dont need a big company to hold my hand to go truckin.

 

I fail to see why you should be offended by my remarks, because I dont consider you one of those folks. I think you may be carrying a bit of a unessacary perception of what I or anyone else thinks of you Injun.

And as far as taking acers to turn around, I didnt need the back 40, I could back my 265" WB tractor into any dock I ever had to when I was pulling a van, and the van I was pulling was a 94 Utility Tripple Axle Spring Ride non sliding high cube 53 footer. I had that thing in many grocery warehouses, and into some pretty tight spots, and I did it with out ever hitting the trailer next to me.

I thought we had cleared up the fact that I think you are one of the folks out here who knows what they are doing. And for the record, I do know what outfit you drive for, but I have no idea what make/model truck you are in, and I do know they have a whole bunch of KW long hoods over there in thier fleet. In fact there is an 05 Glider I am looking at right now that is a former Swift truck that might make a suitable platform for my next W9.

I will stick by my comment though because yes there are a lot of drivers out here in a truck that came cheaper by the dozen, who are getting rick rolled by the company they are working for, just flat out getting a bad deal, and many dont really have anyone who knows better to turn to.

One of the greatest sayings I have ever had passed on to me while I was in the Navy was "Assumption is the mother of all F-ups"

If you are asuming that I look down my nose at anyone driving a company truck, you are wrong. I know just as well as anyone else who has done it that you have to work your way up.

I started in a "plastic fantastic" truck, an old KW T2000 was my first solo ride. It was a piece of junk, I hated every minute of it. But I made the best of it, ran my butt off, bought my big red shiny W9 long hood big sleeper owner opperator spec truck and was happy.

Now as far as disturbing the peace, I had mufflers on my truck, I dont get the point in listening to a really really loud truck all day long. Burning money out the stack? I was getting 5.5-7 MPG depending on how heavy I was loaded, and what the profile of what I had on the trailer was.

On that note, how many 2 million mile freight liners or volvo's have you seen lately?

As for greasing my 5th wheel, well I had a Teflon 5th. It was nice and was always clean

And another thing, I have run into plenty of large car drivers who were hee haw idiots, dont think I am denying thier existance simply because I didnt mention them, Cause there are a lot of super truckers out there, and what kind of truck you are driving has nothing to do with how smart you are. Expecially when you are brand spankin new to the game.