First Load Help

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by texasbbqbest, Sep 11, 2015.

  1. texasbbqbest

    texasbbqbest Road Train Member

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    Dec 9, 2014
    Minneapolis, MN
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    Thanks everybody.

    Problem is first load jitters!

    I'm going to wait and leave tonight and drive straight through. That way I don't have to deal with parking!
     
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  3. Blackshack46

    Blackshack46 Road Train Member

    Good luck driver. It gets easier on the mind after this one.
     
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  4. Hudson_MacBeth

    Hudson_MacBeth Medium Load Member

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    @texasbbqbest I know I've been out of the seat for a while, but I remember those first load jitters, too, and am kind of having them myself, at the prospect of getting ready to get back into the seat after a long hiatus. My advice? I wouldn't take the break and try to run straight through. Something may come up, and then you could possibly end up with a late delivery on your very first load. I'd run as far as you can, were I you, and try to find some place closer to park.

    Running all night to get to a receiver can bite you in the ### really quickly, especially if you end up getting a strict appointment for a pickup for a backhaul/second load. You could find yourself out of hours before you get to your pickup location.

    As I said though, I've been out of the truck for a while, but that's my advice anyway :) Best of luck to you in whatever you decide to do!
     
  5. Infosaur

    Infosaur Road Train Member

    Another vampire driver joins the fold!

    ONE OF US!
    ONE OF US!
    ONE OF US!

    If you can handle the darkness, you'll never want to drive with the daytime traffic ever again.
     
  6. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    You should get some miles under your belt right away. Texas is truck friendly, tons of places to park in industrial areas off street.
     
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  7. DoubleO7

    DoubleO7 Road Train Member

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    Southern Illinois
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    That is OK if that is what you feel comfortable with. But, that is the way to get short miles for the week. Will you be able to sleep OK today? Ibuprofin PM always helped me sleep when I needed to after being up only a short time. I still say you should call the receiver and see if they will take the load tonight. You can have a fresh 11/14 tomorrow. Take advantage of every opportunity to get ahead so you can get miles while others are bellyaching at the terminal or truck stop.
     
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  8. ttyson

    ttyson Medium Load Member

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    His 1st load should be mapped out with a atlas..put the smart phone and gps down and learn how to be a trucker...Anybody know what an atlas is ???
     
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  9. DoubleO7

    DoubleO7 Road Train Member

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    Aug 21, 2015
    Southern Illinois
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    I like the way you think. I head out for orientation soon after being off the road over 11 years. I bought a new laminated Rand McNalley atlas and the latest copy of "The Next Exit". It ain't that hard. All these electronic crutches are dumbing up the country.
     
    woodynva, texasbbqbest and ttyson Thank this.
  10. Vilhiem

    Vilhiem Road Train Member

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    ^^^^. THIS!

    Getting used to the schedule can be a pain, but coffee is a good friend of mine. Don't need it anymore!
     
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  11. str8t10

    str8t10 Medium Load Member

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    Apr 25, 2015
    Rochester,ny
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    I couldn't agree more. I'm only 32 but when I started driving tag along I was 16 and the only thing I had was the good Old atlas. I was sitting at the kitchen table a few weeks ago planning a trip and my sisters 19 and 20 yr old friends asked me what all the little lines were. I just shook my head
     
    Last edited: Sep 11, 2015
    Badmon, NavigatorWife and texasbbqbest Thank this.
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