Trans Am Still

George was able to stay at the TA truck stop where he was waiting for the swap. The other driver found a spot at the end of one row and pulled in and dropped the trailer. George wasn't out of time, but he only had 4 hours left on his clock. He wanted to stay put to start with fresh hours and to avoid overnight driving. Also, he's got home time tomorrow afternoon, or evening, hopefully, so he was planning for that (down the road planning). As to taking up 2 parking spots, he said he didn't have any problems with that and gladly moved to avoid any problems. Meeting at the TA was the designated swap spot determined by Trans Am. I'm glad it worked out for George. Thanks for all the input. HTQ, I agree that the MacDonalds would have been a good choice. Sticky situation there. George didn't want to move even there, if need be, to avoid starting his clock and mess up drive time. I'm sorry if I opened a can of worms. My objective was to find alternative truck stops should the need arise. Just figured those of you who are seasoned drivers would know. You didn't disappoint me! Thanks! That's the buddy system at work and truckers support.....it's great!

 

I know you guys well enough to say that everyone here tries to do the right thing ....everyone does their best to offer solutions and help the next driver out. Drivers are put in these situations far too often. Swaps and parking have always been a can of worms, jungHo. There isn't enough parking available in so many of the areas that TransAm goes to. I am glad that you brought up paid parking, jaso. I was thinking about that and that in these situations TransAm should pay for it, I am glad to know that they do! As the wife of a driver there have been times that I encouraged the King to pay for a space.....because not only do you have the legal and ethical aspects of the situation, you also have the safety issue. He has found some nice hiding places along the way to park but I don't want him parking in a dark abandoned parking lot anywhere close to some of these hot spots. The King was in the northeast once and had a morning delivery, no parking at the receiver but they told him there was an abandoned parking lot around the block that he could park at. He did as the receiver suggested and had just got settled in when a police car showed up. The officer told him that he wasn't parked illegally but it was a bad area and that he would be dead by morning if he stayed there! The officer directed him a few blocks down to a safer area with available parking.

 

Seeing this does explain how some dimwit from Miami that forgot his dump bed was still up while driving down the road and took out an overpass on 75SB. And as far as having to understand the english language that would be Florida for you as I have not been able to find one spot in the Florida CDL handbook about having to understand the English language. Double checked to make sure I didn't miss it in the begining of the book.

 

I will be leaving this thread and Cranky can have it back. Thank all of you for your help in the past but I do not need any more nasty PMs for being honest. I have and always will try to help drivers(new or not). I do not like my parents to be questioned on how they raised me as one is a hero who has numerous medals for his service in the FDNY. I do not like to be called a MF as I do try and respect everyone here and I hate to be judged by anyone as they have not walked in my shoes. I was going to post the PM but will not. Good luck to everyone here and I hope you are all safe out there. You can always PM and I will help if I can.

Thank you jaso36

 

HTQ, you are so right about parking spaces. George tells me many times he needs to stop early in order to get a spot. That is scary about that abandoned parking. I know you are glad the police officer forewarned him about staying there!

 

The state handbook might not mention it but it's in the FMCSA regulations which all drivers should know.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/international-programs/you-must-read-speak-english-drive-trucks-us-brochure

 

That is good to know CondoCruiser! After reading some of the ads and prices on these schools what scares me is that some of them may be getting around this requirement by testing out at the schools.

 

thank you for the link. That way I can study up a bit.

 

Just so all of you know, I love the friendship and respect that we have all developed here on this thread. It takes all of us to make it work and we have helped so many new drivers and learned so much from one another. I have been frustrated at times and angry and stepped back for a few days. I have to give myself a good talking to! But what we have here is worth saving .....we make a difference to folks and we all have a bond.

The Queen humbly asks that we step back a bit, take a deep breath and continue to do our best for ourselves and fellow driving families. Prayers to all of you.

 

Dennisroc, a good rule to getting back over is if you can see both headlights in your side view mirror, then you have plenty of clearance to come back over. I read it somewhere. Yeah, last night I had to give that guy my other spot. It was just the right and only thing to do. The guy even came over and shook my hand after he had parked. I am not out here to make enemies. Much rather make friends. Cranky I am with you. In Knoxville tonight at the Pilot. Still got less than three hours to Greenville SC for my 8am. Then hometime with Jungho. Deuces.