Back Home After First Seven Days Out As A Solo Driver

Discussion in 'Roehl' started by ATX, Mar 23, 2013.

  1. TexasPhoenix

    TexasPhoenix Medium Load Member

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    I'm still not back to work due to family situation so catching me will be difficult. You did right thing in slowing down and turning on 4 ways. Those 2 stretches as a beginner driver are a real challenge. Even when you know the area and have driven for awhile it is a hand full to get through. 4 wheelers seem to be on a suicide mission thru the construction on 635.
     
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  3. Zangief

    Zangief Medium Load Member

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    Jags Fan in Viking Country
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    Nice job ATX! That first time out is really stressful. The nice thing is, you got through it, and it will get easier and easier every time you go out. If you start feeling like things are getting out of control, just slow down and try to regroup. If you made it through Dallas, you really accomplished something. I was through there a few months ago and it was a real mess. Keep up the good work - it sounds like you're doing great!
     
  4. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

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    everone complains about boston nyc nj washington
    but the worst place i drive is dallas
     
  5. sjtrucker

    sjtrucker Light Load Member

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    Nov 5, 2007
    Hayward WI
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    I had the same observation of Dallas my first time there. They make Chicago drivers look like experts!!:biggrin_25523:
     
  6. Bayle

    Bayle Road Train Member

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    Cottage Grove, MN
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    I prefer the Dallas drivers, at least when some hits the brakes it doesn't cause a 5 mile back up, like, Chicago, Boston, NY...
     
  7. LovingMom

    LovingMom Bobtail Member

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    Apr 13, 2012
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    Hi thecleaninglady, I also drive team with my husband. I am so grateful to him for teaching me how to back, I definitely lack when it comes to backing. Now, my straight backing is awesome, but if I have to do a 45 degree backing not so good. At least we are honest. Take care out there and be safe!
     
  8. ATX

    ATX Light Load Member

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    Nov 21, 2012
    Savannah, TX (DFW Metro)
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    Hey Y'all,

    Well, I am still out there trucking it for Roehl. Tomorrow will be the start of my 5th Solo week and continuing on in their Phase 3 Training with the Texas Regional Fleet. Things are going reasonably well. Every day brings something new, generally surprising and always educational. One new experience last week was to have a Shipper refuse to load my trailer because water had leaked into the front of it (I had no idea it had happened) due to heavy rain. To make a long story short, dropped the trailer off at a repair shop, snagged another MT which was also refused due to moisture in the floor boards, had to wait until the next day for it to dry out and finally was accepted for loading. Then, on a different dispatch, picked up a pre-loaded trailer and could slide the tandems forward because the trailer brakes would not lock up the wheels. With the help of a couple of other drivers, chocked every trailer tire and finally got enough resistance to move the tandems up. That chewed up about a hour and got into my 14 hour clock, but still made it to my planned stop (but with literally seconds left on my drive time). One thing's for sure, it's not boring out there, at least not yet! lol

    All the best to ya!
     
  9. ATX

    ATX Light Load Member

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    Nov 21, 2012
    Savannah, TX (DFW Metro)
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    meant to say, "could NOT slide the tandems"
     
  10. Bayle

    Bayle Road Train Member

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    Aug 30, 2007
    Cottage Grove, MN
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    Report that trailer to maintenance, so it can be fixed, brakes need adjustment.
     
  11. TexasPhoenix

    TexasPhoenix Medium Load Member

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    Jul 16, 2009
    Wisconsin
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    As the saying goes "if you didn't learn something out here today it's time to quit or retire". Never the same 2 days in a row.
     
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