Central Refrigerated Truck Stop

Maybe next time let it run longer than 5 minutes in winter weather , do / did they show you how to do the PRETRIP diagnostics test on the TK units

 

A piece of advice for the noobs, when you are pulling an empty reefer in the winter, and you are empty, run the reefer at least 40 degrees all the time. This way it stays running, and the fuel in the tank doesn't gell up, central does not like you to use anti-gel on the reefer tanks. Plus in the cold the battery on it won't run down, and you will know it will work when you get loaded.

 

Good tip! Are they not telling them this in orientation? I wonder if they know how to prime one, or jump off the truck? We used to hate so much picking up other peoples slack! How about picking up a trailer with flat tires and you KNOW they were flat when it was dropped off! Gotta love it!

 

Can anyone say 20 foot jumper cables.
The 16s are too short to reach the battery box on the Volvo's. Not sure on the others.
I always kept a set around. Or a jump pack if you happen to have one. Saved me sitting several times.
Also, make sure when they are showing you reefer operation that they show you where the primer pump is for the fuel. In case you ever get an empty one.
This happens at places we drop sometimes. They will make us have it at least 3/4 full to drop. Then they will use for storage till empty.

Why am I saying "us" lol. I haul dry freight now. And will not swap back to reefer. I love my drop and hooks.

Got screwed today though. Got ok miles. But I had to run night last night. Now I will have to run night tonight.
Then they tried to give me a load that picks up at hour 12. Then thought I could run it 200 miles to deliver it.
Now they are having me pick it up, but say they will have another driver repower it to get it delivered.

 

I don't care if I have to take stuff to get fixed, I'm used to that. I'm always shuttling trailers to get fixed for planners anyway. I'm more irritated that the other driver tried to cover it up. If you know its broken, either take it to get fixed or leave it as is with the alarm codes untouched or even leave a note in the bill box. It's easier to get the codes on start up than to let it run for 30 minutes in pre-trip mode. just don't do stuff half assed.

 

Don't mean to state the obvious Chrome, but for the new guys I'm going to say it. Unhook from the trailer and pull-up sideways next to the reefer. Should be way close enough for 16' jumper cables. I have had to do this many times due to either lazy or newbie drivers that don't run the reefers in the winter time to keep the batteries charged.

 

Yeah Ok , everyone has their way of doing things , I found using the ELECTRONIC diagnosis program on the newer TK units ( I own 4 of them ) was handy and does not take 30 minutes.

 

I am lazy. I like my 20 footers.
BTW. I never claimed not to be lazy lol.

 

I think we are switching to Carrier. I'm seeing more of them lately and old TK units on pallets. And I'm serious about the 30 minutes especially on the older trailers.the 55xxxx trailers are hit and miss. The 56xxxx are quicker but good luck getting one of them.

 

Well upgraded today. To bad their is no trucks around. Guess there is 12 or 13 upgrades waiting around, and some since last week. Man how long should I wait? $40 a day isn't much money.