So you wan to know why Wyoming closes I-80 so much?

It's the CDL mills and the Bottom Feeders that cause this problems. I ought to know, I'm a byproduct of them. I was behind the wheel of my first rig by myself only 8 weeks after I drove ANY truck for the first time. I was not ready for it and I couldn't believe the company didn't give a shyte. They even gave me a load of copper (I'm sure it wasn't cheap) out west through the grades of US-60 (just east of Phoenix, those mines over there) as my second load ever. A rookie should've never started out like that, but I guess it was a great learning experience.

 

Yes I believe they should require newbies to drive with a experienced driver for a least a couple of months. I know having ridden with my husband, after he first started and was trained by another driver 1st, that there still is a learning curve and it takes awhile to learn it all. A driver is never done learning in my estimation, but a new person with no clue like some of the companies are turning out is why there are so many rollovers and other accidents. With the company he was working for lately as a trainer, they are hiring the bottom of the barrel if you ask me. He would not pass one student when he was doing Phase 2 because he blew through a red light with no attempt to stop. I am not sure if this person is not the same one we heard later who ran a red, but this time he t-boned a car. The kid would be ok for a few hours and then go brain dead. Husband would even counsel the person or persons about their eating habits and how it affects the mind and body. It is hard to fathom some of the things which go on in the trucking industry and know that it continues.

 

The problem I see here is EXPERIENCED DRIVER--Who--what defines this? While I agree wholeheartedly with your post and the concept--I have seen/heard too many who claim to be experienced who are not--I have heard drivers from Mega's that are trainers/ or finishers or whatever term they use--who have been driving only a year or two--so I ask how/who makes the determination to do this properly--and of course on the other side--I know of drivers--and 4 or 5 personally who have been driving as long as me or longer--and I wouldn't get in any type of vehicle with them driving with a gun to my head!
just sayin

 

You pretty much outlined the problem with this industry. I personally laugh at people who say they are a 'trainer' after only 6ish months of driving. WTH are you teaching when you're still a greenhorn yourself? The blind leading the blind.

 

It's no wonder why the industry is losing the veterans. The industry is geared around greenhorns, giving them the false illusion that they can make 50k+ in their first year, and have it handed to them on a platter. Then they quit before they can get any experience because the job is 'too hard'. The industry then follows up by hiring more greenhorns. The OTR industry doesn't want veterans. They want greenhorns who will bend over backwards and allow their company to drill their butt. Some companies use KY though.

 

I haven't been over Elk Mountain in an 18 wheeler since 1993 . I decided to try US 30 through Medicine Bow, Wy early in 1993 and haven't been back on I80 since. It's 15 miles longer to go through Medicine Bow.. but there's NO mountain, no climbing, no decending.. Takes less time, burns less fuel, easier on the truck.. running 70mph is not a problem if you are inclined. Once you try US 30 you'll wonder why they even built I-80 over Elk ..
There's a Hotel in Medicine Bow where President Teddy Roosevelt stayed .. the Virginian .. they have a cafe in it. Pretty easy to park on shoulder and drop in. Its a nice change of pace.

 

WTH, i just read whole bunch of angry posts just to find out that OP's video has NOTHING to do with some Euro driver crashing on I80 in WY!!! #$^#$%#%&* :smt071:smt059

 

Iv been in trucking for over twenty years, and i still do not know about to many things !

 

Sounds like a cool T-shirt.