Ideas that help drivers out new and old.

scurvydog, I too carry a bug out bag much like the one you mention. The items that overlap are doubled up on. Truck items are for using, bug out/survival items are for hoping that you never have to use them. Growing up in rural SD was good training for making do and being prepared.

 

Here's an idea for flatbedders. Most of you are familiar with "fitted" 2 piece lumber tarps. Ever notice that as fast as you get one laid out a nice little gust of wind comes up and turns one side into a sail? Real fun when you're standing atop a stack of ice-covered lumber.

Well I beat that. I made myself a rod out of the leftovers of an old tent frame; 1/2 inch aluminum tube. I bent up a piece of steel rod into a basic "Y" shape and welded it into one end. Now on the mid-side holes I put a bungee cord and clamped that "J" shut. When I spread my tarp I reached down with my pole, caught the open "J" and hooked that on the rub rail. This will hold the sucker in place till I can get down and properly secure it. The rod breaks down into sections so it can be put in the side compartment.

 

The purpose of mine has always been in case something goes wrong in this country to where I need to get home to my family and can't do so with a truck due to whatever reason. I can grab my pack and go in an instant leaving whatever else behind. Another advantage is of course should I ever become stranded I'll be okay for up to a week or more.

I plan on bringing a bike along with me too this time out. I think it's something every truck should consider. Walking distance is no longer a factor when you are stuck sitting somewhere.

 

Some good advice one of our senior drivers gave me when I started was to carry some rubber glad hand gaskets. Sometimes I pull up to 8 different trailers and a couple of dolly's per night - can't tell you how many times I've hooked up the red line and half the air was leaking out because the gasket was bad. Specific to pulling doubles, I also carry a glad hand seal with me.

 

Thats a good one too! This will save you big headaches!

 

Oh yeah, I think the best piece of advice for noobs is BE EARLY and not just ON TIME! I was a wise arse all the time when I drove OTR before and thought I was special and could just show up when I had to. Let me tell you this backfired nearly every time and I found myself blaming everyone else but me. I have a new goal to try and be early for every load i get. That means stay my butt out of them truck stops and get on down the road. You really wont learn much sittin there drinking coffee with a bunch of nay sayin grumpy steering wheel holders just because you think you have time to kill. All the good hands with good advise are sitting at their delivery point waiting to get unloaded early. Time truly is money in this business. We got to manage it to our advantage or guess what. You lose!

 

Sand works a whole lot better than kitty litter as a traction aid.

Kitty litter is good for spills and cleaning up after repairs though.

 

Sand is heavy. The lighter you pack the less chance you have of bein too heavy on your steers.

 

Window Sash Weights keeps them rags from flopping up too

 

If your on time your Late!
My freight is NEVER late,it gets there the same time I do