Rookie right here

I used to work at an LTL barn and we loaded CRE trailers every day. I remember one driver who came back in 3 times to get his load legal. Not sure who was on the stupid end of that one but it happens.

 

That's good, it's really not hard, but so many drivers are in horrible shape. I worry some of these guys are going to kill over behind the wheel. Even if you have GPS get directions from the customers and get in the habit of reading every sign. GPS makes mistakes and missing a turn can make for a bad day.

 

No doubt they are very handy and many people use them. I have the rand mc nally GPS. I just encourage you to challenge your mind and get to know the roads. For instance how many miles is I 40 across Arizona? Pass a mile marker and do the math to know when you can expect to reach the next state line or truck stop. It used to blow me away when my trainer got up from the sleeper and with in seconds say hey hit that pilot coming up in 20 miles I got to pee. Driving for extended periods of time can make you go into an auto pilot mode after you get going for a bit. Just another trick I used to try to keep me alert.

 

Well my first 3 years OTR was before GPS, hell it was before cell phones. They do make life much easier that's for sure, but after 15 years off the road I could still remember all my favorite stops.

 

Your trainer will most likely have one but you will eventually get your own. Make sure to get a Truck GPS, like the atlas it will give you pertinent information for truckers like Hazmat routes and low clearances.