Been off road for 8 Years anything different ?

Not all carriers do the EOBR's. In fact, some carriers have gotten rid of them. They may be mandated for every carrier at some point, but most are still resisting. You may find a smaller carrier that will put you to work without the refresher. They might even put you in a team truck for a couple of weeks to brush up on your skills. My feeling is that after you have driven for several years, you still remember how to drive. But, it could take a short time to get a good feel for the truck and shifting gears again.

 

There's some other paramedics, nurses, pilots, & everthing else on this forum that changed careers. Look at good flatbed or tanker companies. One reefer company, Dynamic Transit, runs paper logs.

 

I don't blame you.You can only take so much before you finally say enough is enough.

 

The industry isn't the same anymore as when I started over 11 years ago.

Just obvious stuff, such as hours of service, more companies using e-logs, technology in trucks such as reports to the company when using breaks too hard, some trucks equipped with cameras, auto breaking if detects something in front of you (dangerous in winter), high turn over as always, pay hasn't gone up much if at all, too many new students either don't want to drive or don't speak English (that's stressful on the trainer), trainers only have 3 months exp, more states and companies enforcing anti idle laws (get sleeping bag for winter or screen for windows in summer), DOT physicals requiring your BMI+BP+Neck Size which may have you do sleep study $2k out of pocket, drug testing now including hair sample as well as wizz quiz, CSA2010 ratings for drivers and companies, 9/10 drivers not listening to cb radio cause on phone with wife, etc. Sure we had some of those issues before, but its just more today.

On the positive side with improved technology over time is more available and affordable GPS, Dash Cams (evidence of someone else causing the accident), and Bluetooth headsets, email over phone, etc.

 

If your a company driver it'll be the same way, you'll get fired for standing up for yourself. Sure, you might win a few battles, about working legal and safe when the company is pushing to run a double log book or drive unsafe truck, etc, but over time they'll start making a paper trail and then eventually fire you saying other drivers are willing to do what it takes. Sure, some companies treat their drivers better, but majority treat you as disposable resource, so try not to complain too much unless the issue is very important. Best job security besides doing a good job, is keeping your mouth shut. Think of it from dispatches perspective, they hear complaints all day long, and could honestly care less about your issues. I've observed dispatchers, both good and bad, taking calls from drivers, and almost all the of the dispatchers end up mumbling about the driver both during and after the call. To sum it up, the industry is flooded with drivers, and standing up for yourself will only have the company show you the door.

 

I ran last 5 years with the radio off most of the time, and its been less stressful. Only keep radio in my truck for when the highway comes to a stop or if warehouse wants you to stay tuned for a door number. Only rambos left on the cb now a days probably don't have a wife (or friend) to call with their bluetooth headset.

 

CB is just a luxury item.The only time I used it was the first 2 months on the road because it was something new to me and thought it was the greatest.But the rest of the time haven't used it or even take it with me.I should just give them away,I have 4 cbs.