Returning to the road.

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by TarnishedSoul, Mar 5, 2022.

  1. TarnishedSoul

    TarnishedSoul Light Load Member

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    Hello all. I drove a few years back, and am working toward coming back to the road real soon. Just thought I'd say hi. Does anyone know if Trucker Buddies is still a thing?
     
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  3. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Define "a few years back",,,you may be in for a big surprise,,
     
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  4. TarnishedSoul

    TarnishedSoul Light Load Member

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    2012
     
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  5. Malt Ball Cult

    Malt Ball Cult Light Load Member

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    Welcome, friend. Yes, you'll definitely notice some changes, but you'll be fine. Be safe, driver.
     
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  6. TarnishedSoul

    TarnishedSoul Light Load Member

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    Thank you. I miss it. I've worked several different jobs over the years, but never loved one the way I loved and respected trucking. It all went to hell in a hand basket largely in part due to world war three (what I affectionately call the end of my second marriage), but now that I am minus the enemy, I'm ready to take the bull by the horns again, and wonder why I waited so long to be honest. There's nothing quite like trucking, and the drivers I have met are the ornriest, friendliest, most brotherly bunch of crazies I've ever loved spending time with, be it on channel 19, at the terminal, a truck stop, or online.
     
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  7. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Okay, still 10 years. My last "road gig" was like 2008, and was still old school, for the most part. I'd say shortly after you got out, things changed dramatically. Today, almost everything is electronic, communication, load info, driving status, vehicle condition, all goes to the Pentagon, and can be accessed in a second by a trooper. Okay if you do it by the book, and today, you'd be a fool not to. Also, you'll find, common courtesy has all but vanished, even with your "fellow" truck drivers.4 wheelers have always been idiots, , but as older drivers retire and younger ones come in, not they are rude, they just don't know what courtesy is. THAT, I guarantee will annoy the heck out of you. Lastly, if you still are doing this, I can't stress enough to buy a dash cam, company or O/O driver. People today are in a world of hurt and will do anything to get you to pay, even if you are in the right. The ONLY thing that will save you, is a video. Oh, that's another thing, many companies are going to DRIVER facing cameras,,,how do you feel about that? Can't even pick your nose,,:eek:
     
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  8. TarnishedSoul

    TarnishedSoul Light Load Member

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    Electronic stuff never did bother me. I love technology and convenience, and almost always did things by the book. I remember when Werner premiered the e-logging with Qualcomm. That swept the industry by storm seems like. No more old timers keeping seven log books straight? Lol. Are CB's still a thing? I remember getting off my mentor's truck with the laminated Rand McNally he bought and gave me as a graduation present. I hardly used it though. I splurged for the Rand McNally trucking GPS for $400 and loved that thing! I've been making a to-buy list, and will look into dash cams. Thanks for the tip! Any recommendations on a good one? As for driver-facing cameras, is that a thing in lease operator trucks too? Because that's the route I plan to go again. Thankfully I don't pick my nose! I pity the poor SOB that has to look at me pre-monster energy. I'm already ornery post-caffination, ha ha, and don't wear makeup. Worst thing I ever did when I drove before was take loads off of company drivers since their rig was neutered and mine wasn't, and got a late load to its destination on time. A couple painful speeding tickets along the way, but my dispatcher loved me, and I always had my ears on to find out where it was safe to run hammer down. I prefer to drive at night for multiple reasons. I'm a night owl anyway. Number one being it's SO much easier to find a pull through spot at a truck stop if you're shutting down to sleep by day with no fuss and no blindside back required.
     
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