How come most truckers don't use an Aux power supply while stopping?

• Most APU's run about $6-10K
• Most companies won't fork out that kind of money
• PACCAR has "Comfort Class" that uses batteries too but that's around $8K
• California bans all but one APU system-the Frigette system

 

Most of us will have to comply with the anti-idling laws.
My 379 shuts down after 8 minutes and my shop absolutely refuses to disable the idle shut-down.

 

What's a driver supposed to do? I am seriously considering a career in OTR, but what do companies do for their drivers when they can't idle? Are they starting to include APU's on company trucks?
I ain't no wuss, but I don't think I could survive w/o some level of climate control. Am I missing something?

Thanks for being here for us wannabe's with good info.
Thanks for hauling all of the stuff I eat, wear, put in my gas tank, etc.

 

My advice, don't get into the industry. It's only going to get worse from here on in. It's going to get regulated into the ground.

 

I rather idle than nothing. I didn't have a APU. My truck didn't shut down until I got back home. It was my truck though.

 

My truck will idle as much as the day is long... but at $4 a gallon, if the ambient temp isn't too extreme (which right now in the south, it isn't), I don't idle. I drive for a very small company and would prefer not to idle myself out of a job.

It's kinda strange... last night in Emporia, VA at Sadler's, hardly any trucks were idling. I guess maybe the fuel prices are finally beginning to sink in.

 

You do what you have to. Personally I drive for a small company now (as a company driver) and, if for no other reason of common sense, I don't idle because it affects the bottom line. The boss gives out profit sharing checks each year and I like to do my part. For the winter I threw in a couple extra blankets, and often sleep with some clothes on to help. If the weather drops below about 28 degrees though, I do idle the truck because I'm no good to the company or myself if I'm sick. In the summer, I generally don't idle for the A/C unless it's over 90 degrees...everyone has their own comfort level I guess. In the summertime I used to find shady places and try to sleep when it's cooler if possible.

 

APU's are expensive. To that end, most trucks still don't have them. That's why you saw(and heard) what you did at the rest area.