Orientation 02/29/12

I used to use my android as a tethering device (via an app). For the most part, as long as I stayed off of youtube I didn't use to much data. Would usually only use it to browse different forums that I visit on a regular visit. After a few months I used a 3g card from virgin mobile (because it was basically the only one that had unlimited bandwidth, not anymore though) and it was good for the most part. Some parts of the country would be spotty, but it seems as long as I'm near a main interstate it ran pretty good, slow but good.

 

Hey Sarge so far not to bad, I think I got a good trainer, Picked me up around 10am and we headed out to our final drop off wit the load he picked up en route to get me. He drove the 1st half and then he turned it over to me! To the front of me was the WV and VA hills, cool old flash backs from my old driving days. Not bad for a old rusty ditch digger. New truck shifting was slightly different maybe do to being a newer truck (only 21,000+ on it) I had a few grinds here and there. then dropped at the Roanoke VA, terminal not the best, the yard was a good size alot of parking and easy to get into. And they have (wifi) good deal! We dropped our trailer and bobtailed over to wally world for a few goodies then back to the yard to do some cooking. Then it was lights out, First call will sound early to hook up to an empty and head to Goodyear about 80 miles away to load at 8am or so then back to springfield ,Oh for the drop. I'll try to keep you all updated. By the way trainer is laid back and lets you show him what you can do! and he keeps you informed on what his plans are and how they do things in the world of USA Truck!

 

Most of the DirectTV loads are very light lol. They are also usually pretty "fun" to get into the dock (at some places). If you go to the DirectTV in Pittsburgh prepared to look somewhat like this unless they have moved the dumpsters...


Here is the Arial view of it.

Red - Forward, Blue - Tractor back, Black - Trailer back, Yellow highlight - cars/DTV vans.

It was fun trying to go around the building coming within 8-12" at one point to a car. It took me a good 20 minutes or so backing that into a single dock designed for a small straight truck with dumpters in the way. Finally said forget it and went up on the bank to get the trailer in there.

Now the one before that for me on Brush Mountain Rd in Altoona, PA wasn't to bad. A nice big lot for me to turn around and line up.

 

These runs are always great, but trust me they are not the bulk of the loads you will see. Right now I have according to my bills a bit under 25,000 pounds in my box, and this is a light load for me. I average somewhere from 38,000 to 46,000, these loads are heavy, you need to get the trl tandems slid right and the load weighed. Make sure you pay close attention to your trainer on how to do this. Don't guess, ask! Make sure you have a good working knowledge of the bridge laws too, if your trainer can't give you a good answer ask in here. Once you get off that trainer truck it's YOU that is 100% responsible for getting your rig legal in all the states you will cross. The fines for overweight and bridge law violations can be steep and USA Truck won't pay them.

 

I've never had an issue anywhere but Cali with the tandem length. I was too long but I had to set it such to avoid being overweight. I understand Maryland is really serious about the overhang but I've never had an issue. New Jersey has started HEAVY enforcement of the truck routing. 2 miles off the interstate means 2 miles.

 

Not quite interstate... but the national network. Although you are still allowed to drive on most NJ Access roads, it is only to terminals and the most direct route to your destination and back to the national network.

http://www.nj.gov/transportation/freight/trucking/map.shtm

 

Yeah you're right I meant the network. It might as well be just the Turnpike or interstates though, unless you are in Newark, Atlantic City, Jersey City, etc. Many of the surface roads are off limits. It can be deceptive if you aren't paying attention to your atlas as many US or state highways that would bs authorized in other states are not on the network in Jersey. It's easy to get caught in the trick bag. This is also why I tell drivers not to depend solely on a GPS (even the commercial ones like I use). You still need to cross reference and trip plan.