Slip seating and radios!

1. assuming that LTL operators do not assign trucks to drivers then how do you deal with a CB radio? Do you bring your own with a power outlet adapter and use a magnetic antenna?

If you slip seats often enough, a handheld CB is the best way to go. We slip seats with P&D drivers that use our linetrucks when we come in. Aside from that, all of our trucks are prewired for those that opt to install a CB

2. Due line haul trucks even have AM/FM?

Again, I can't speak for everyone else. But all of our trucks have AM/FM radios. Most have weatherband and an AUX plugin for our MP3 players.

3. I know that you can download an app for Sirius/XM for your smartphone but I wonder if ear buds or open headphones are prohibited by DOT or the companies.

Earbuds that cover both ears are against DOT regs. Most companies have additional restrictions. Sirius radio? We really don't need them unless you have a fav show you absolutely want to follow. we are out on the road one or two nights at the time at the most... not weeks. As for smartphone aps... I wouldn't go that route unless you have a generous data plan.

I used to drive OTR years ago when I felt privileged to have AM/FM with an 8 TRK player! I can't imagine driving OTR or line haul without satellite radio these days.

So what do you drivers do?

 

It depends on your company. I drive for Conway, we have a policy that if you leave your cb radio in the truck, company not responsible if it goes missing. Must be removed before truck goes in for service. Depends on the truck too... We use to have all sterlings with no radio, everyone had a radio box, either homemade or an aluminum one. Cb, radio, speakers all in one. Done your day, box comes with you. Now with the freightliners, they have radios with xm, all I swap now is my cb. Stays in my assigned truck unless it's going for service.

 

Bobscb.com he has some really nice slip seat boxes with am/FM radio speakers and a cb

 

Soooo true! Whenever I jump in a line truck I always make sure that I leave it in the exact condition I got it in, (IF NOT BETTER- if I decide to wash all the windows)..... I THOUGHT: doing this would ensure that I have no problems with any of the line guys....... BUT: every once in awhile you have one of us day guys that will use a line truck- dirty it up (leave trash in the truck, smoke, etc) and then NOT fill out a dvir, so then they think I did it lol.....MOST of the time when this happens and I explain myself the driver believes it wasn't me.

 

I like my coworkers, really I do. But........ At every job there is always one D*bag who can't get along with others and has management take care of his stupid petty problems and he always blames others before asking the coworker WTF is the situation..

Communication between drivers can definitely clear up a lot of petty crap.


As I said before, Some folks just need a good ole fashioned *ss whooping or a verbal *### chewing. Something they never experienced before, always gotten their way.

 

Not sure I've ever seen those before. How can you tell they were used?

 

Don't even get me started. We have another linedriver from a nearby terminal that turns over in Tacoma. He stops at the TS and gets a big bucket of chicken wings/legs. Gets more food all over the cab than he does in his mouth. Steering wheel would be gunked up with dried up grease and breading. SO EFFIN' DISGUSTING!!! I am glad the worst I have to deal with is people that occasionally smoke in my truck. You better not leave a meal behind in my vehicle or I will stuff it all into your employee mailbox at our terminal! Not even joking... I don't tolerate this crap that people pull.

 

DITTO! I have hard enough time just plugging up my GPS and remembering to get it out of the truck at the end of my shift!