General questions about trucking

I'll take a shot at your questions. I did alot of my driving in the city with an oversize gasoline tanker. Some on ramps are short and it can be a little nerve racking at times. But you never ever want to stop. And I have never had to. Just remember by law it's you that has to merge and most people will give you a break. Especially when you're hauling gasoline!

There's alot of companies that control the speed of their trucks. The ones that run out west shouldn't be controlled but alot are. Ours were set at 62mph and when the speed limit is 75mph you've got to have your head on a swivel. Just had to use more safety when driving out there but it didn't bother us because we were paid by the hour. Only a few companies pay by the hour. We were because most of our loads were local. We did have a couple of drops where we had to run a logbook but they were still out and in.

You're going to find that trucking is not so good right now. There's plenty of drivers and the companies know this so they are picking. If you're going to go into driving then you'll need to do alot of research to find the best that fits you. If you've got any tickets or any legal issues then you're going to have it a little tougher than the guy that has a clean record. Plus when finding a job you need to think outside the box if you want the best. Don't just relay on the computer to find work. IMHO you need to go out to the companies right after or ever before you get your CDL. Do all you can to find work. Starting here is a good step.

 

I agree with GasHauler.

Merging can be irritating at times, but its not all that bad. In 13 years, I've only had to stop a few times. Always because of a 4 wheeler not knowing how to merge in front of me.

As for speed limiters, times are slowly changing. My first 9 years were in an ungoverned triple digit truck, but the last 3 were a 65mph, & now 63. IMHO, it takes awhile to get used to, but after some time you relax more. More & more companies are slowing their trucks down. Trucks that used to blow my doors off now take quite awhile to pass me.

 

Merging - You have to be bold sometimes, not reckless, but bold. Your turn signal is intention, not asking for permission.

 

You're kidding, right?


First of all, NO company that runs Ontario (and some of the other Canadian provinces) are going to have trucks that run faster than 65 mph. If you want to run faster, you'll have to work for someone that doesn't do Canada...and even then, you may be SOL. Fuel prices are high and ain't coming down any time soon. Insurance is another big factor. Companies are turning their trucks down more than they are turning 'em up.

Second, merging ain't all that bad...put your foot in it, watch your mirror, and move in when you can. If you need to use the shoulder a bit, you use it....just don't stop. It takes too long to get up to speed, so if you stop, it gets that much more difficult to merge. Usually, someone lets you in before you end up on the shoulder, though...

 

well written......a lot of cars will pucker up and get out of your way when they see your signal. I have a feeling a lot of cars think we are getting in no matter what and they either step on it or backer down to let you in.

 

they have a point most trucking companies if not all in canada voted yes for limiters

 

Amen to that. I have never had to stop when on an on ramp, but I have taken the shoulder since some 4 wheeler couldn't get over or hit the gas.

 

Incorrect info not all of Canada requires trucks to have speed limiters I believe it is just 2 provinces and it was not the trucking companies who voted these regulations in it was the government.