Great Start to my day!

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by American-Trucker, Apr 24, 2010.

  1. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    Kinda changing what you said there. I like the second response much better.
     
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  3. American-Trucker

    American-Trucker Road Train Member

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    I didn't change anything the first time I said

    "I agree with it being more experienced drivers doing this stuff"

    in the second post I said

    "but if you were I wasn't saying all new drivers are like that or all Experienced drivers were like that either. And I agree they were reckless and careless drivers. But anyone can be reckless and careless new or experienced!"


    I just simplified what I said the first time. I'm my opinion I see rookies trying to be more careful and experienced drivers making more reckless decisions because there more comfortable.

    I'm not trying to start anything, I just wanted to make sure I was being clear.

    American Trucker
     
  4. wsyrob

    wsyrob Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    There are good drivers and bad drivers out there. It has more to do with personality and personal responsibility than how long someone has been driving.

    Roadway drivers pulling double trailers don't get those line haul union jobs right out of school. Not sure about Fed X but I would bet its a minimum 2 year experience qualification to pull doubles for them. I remember a local gas hauler passing me in a posted 45 mph curve in the outside lane that was ending at the merge point while I was still in training. I was in my pickup truck running 50. No doubt he was empty rushing back to the yard or loading rack.

    Its out there. American Trucker described what I see every day.

    I know what you mean but "experienced" is a bad term to use to describe what you are talking about. It implies time behind the wheel makes you a better driver. While that is true, skills do improve, attitude and personal responsibility are what make a "professional driver". That could happen with 6 months of experience or never. Increased skill can actually make a driver more dangerous if it allows them to push the envelope harder.
     
    American-Trucker Thanks this.
  5. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    What was said and seen is the problem I have. Somebody saw a bonehead move by an older driver and right away assumed he was experienced. Same thing with the companies. People see these drivers and right away they think they're the best drivers out there and criticize them. However, if you look at any of these types of boards you'll find the junior drivers are making comments about experinced drivers and they are only making assumptions.

    You come on with me for a road test. I'll ask if you are experince or not. I'll see how much you know and then ask a few questions. After a few hours in the city I'll have my selection made. It will be judge on your own skills and not how manys years you were at a company. Because I'll tell you if you have any years with Swift I don't think you'll pass the test. You might thou, but so far nobody wants those drivers anywhere near the loading racks because they haven't.
     
  6. American-Trucker

    American-Trucker Road Train Member

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    Thats sounds like a Challenge!:yes2557:

    If I could legally drive a CVM out of North Carolina I would most definitely take you up on the challenge. Not to say I think I'm gods gift to trucking or anything, I just would like to see what you think of my skills with a T/T.

    American Trucker
     
  7. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    You get the truck and I'll come to you. I'm retired now and it would be fun since I already believe it's part of my job to pass onto new drivers what I've found to work. You wouldn't be able to use our company trucks since they never stop and they haul gsaoline.
     
  8. American-Trucker

    American-Trucker Road Train Member

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    I'll see what I can do!

    American Trucker
     
  9. wsyrob

    wsyrob Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I agree. However the comments made were about line haul drivers pulling sets. More than likely they have been driving for years. Complacency manifests itself in many ways. Overconfidence during lane changes and following too close are two I see all the time.
     
  10. leonsls

    leonsls Bobtail Member

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    It looks good until you start wondering about the ambulance in the picture. Anyway...

    I think schools should tell students to watch cars and trucks and see some of the dumb things they do. It's a heck of a lot better then watching a staged training exercise.
     
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