Where to Leave the Truck for Home Time

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Retired In Nevada, Sep 26, 2010.

  1. Retired In Nevada

    Retired In Nevada Bobtail Member

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    Jan 5, 2009
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    I am looking at a few starter OTR companies (Gordon, Stevens, Swift, Werner, etc.) to begin with. I always asked the recruiters if I can take my truck home for home time. Some say no, I would have to leave it at a drop yard or terminal. Others say yes, as long as the truck is parked off the street and in a secure area.

    I live in a secure, gated RV resort community. Great, except the problem is that the manager here has hinted that he will not allow me to park a tractor or tractor/trailer combination on the grounds. So my question is, if I go with a company like Swift that does not have a terminal or drop yard anywhere within hundreds of miles of my residence, where would I leave the truck for my home time? A truck stop? A Wal-Mart parking lot? At a shipper or receiver?
     
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  3. Peanut Butter

    Peanut Butter Road Train Member

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    PO Dunk Idaho
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    Swift has drop yards where you can leave the trailer then you bobtail home with the truck if your manager will let you, other wise you will have to find a secure place most likely with a fence and gate to park your truck and trailer in.
     
  4. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Yeah, where to park that beast, is the ?, right? Just where do you live exactly? (city). Consider if you're coming thru loaded with an overnight quickie VS actually having 3-4 days off. Can you leave the trailer somewhere in a secured lot? And Bobtail home. I had a trailer ripped off one time while on home time and kept an eye on it 3 times a day with a landing gear lock to prevent raising the gear up and it was still stolen. If you do find somewhere to park, will the bad guys notice it and break into it?
     
    Dumbitfown4me Thanks this.
  5. wulfman75

    wulfman75 Road Train Member

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    Athens, GA
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    We have a place here in Gainesville called the Truck Center that has 24 hr secured parking. It's bascially a repair shop, but has wash bays, scale, lot's of chorme accessories :), driver lounge, laundry and showers.

    I'm sure other towns have something like this as well. Not sure how much the rates are as I'm going to wait till I need that info. :)
     
  6. Gitty

    Gitty Medium Load Member

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    Jul 16, 2009
    in my truck
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    What town are you close to? I park at our towns co-op feed & seed it has cameras thats security
     
  7. Gitty

    Gitty Medium Load Member

    496
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    Jul 16, 2009
    in my truck
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    Fifth wheel lock
    Air line locks
    Landing gear lock
    Seal cover and lock
    Enforcer door lock

    Way to much trouble to even think of messing with.

    If I go home I even put all this on with a empty trailer, that way the bad guys don't know if your mt or loaded.
     
  8. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Sep 25, 2007
    Rosamond, SoCal
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    I don't believe in dropping trailers that are left in my custody. I keep them hooked. Landing gear locks do not work, for instance I can adjust my 5th wheel height simply by moving a arm on the air valve. Pin Locks are probably more difficult to defeat. As far as the rear doors it's best to back it up tight to something.

    Just MHO. Keep it hooked up, have someone pick you up at the truckstop you believe is secure.
     
  9. Retired In Nevada

    Retired In Nevada Bobtail Member

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    Jan 5, 2009
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    I live in Pahrump, Nevada, a town of about 38,000, 70 miles NW of Las Vegas.

    Anyone know if Gordon, Stevens, Swift, and Werner have drop yards or terminals in Las Vegas?
     
  10. JimTheHut

    JimTheHut Road Train Member

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    Central Ohio-Go Bucks!
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    I park mine at the Pilot Station about 5 miles from my house. It works out great for me.
     
  11. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Medium Load Member

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    Aug 8, 2010
    Southern NH
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    Werner says that Home Depot, Staples, and Walmart (all customers)will usually let you park a Warner truck there for you home time (as long as local rules/lease rules for the building prohibit it)....just talk to the manager....
    They are lit, Patrolled by security, etc...so they are fine...they just need your truck #', and the OK from the store manager.
    It might be harder with smaller companys...you might have to rent a place to park from a farmer, or maybe a tractor repair shop, or even a local trucking company!! $$ talks, and since you only need a place to park like 4 times a month...I think most folks "make it work".
     
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