Would love to here from Schneider drivers

Define "Truck Driver" & "Steering Wheel Holder".

I've got 24yrs of driving "BIG TRUCKS" to my credit. No accedents and a clean MVR. I drive 58-60mph to conserve fuel and increase my profits as an O/O. I keep the left door closed and try to stay out of the left lane, unless passing, and I will accelarate if necessary to accomplish this. I take my, and the motoring public's saftey, very seriously. (After all, with the prospect of litigation should I be involved in an accident, it's to my advantage to safe at all times.) I trip plan, and do my best to know where my day will end before it begins. I keep a legal log book ( I do fudge about 15-30 mins a day, but that's close enough for government work), the company I'm leased to requires I do so and uses Qcomm to match my times on log book.

Some would call me a steering wheel holder because I don't "HAMMER DOWN". Some would say that a "REAL TRUCK DRIVER" does it the "OLD SCHOOL" way. If "OLD SCHOOL" means using multiple log books, poppin' pills to stay awake, & chasing the waitress; then that's not me.

My point is that we all hold a streering wheel. Some take it seriously, and therefore conduct themselves as profesionals. Others think their truck is just an oversized four-wheeler, and drive it as such. i.e. speeding, tailgating, eradic lane changes, and cusing out all who imped their ability to "HAMMER DOWN".

 

You want me to define "steering wheel holder"?
Well,......... let's just say it ain't you. Nor do I consider you a Big truck truck driver.
NopE!
IMO, you're a TRUCKER.
That's at or near the top rung.
And what NewBees and WannBees should aspire to become.

Folks like you are who I learned from.
Ergo, I remove my well worn NASCAR cap,
as I stand at attention and offer up my most snappy and sincere salute. :smt109

 

Thanks for the salute, but not necessary. I only ask we each conduct ourselves as professionals and lead by example.

 

I'm afraid you're gonna have to accept the salute JD --- I don't know how to take a salute back.

 

I just wanted to jump in and give you a SALUTE ALSO............

If more people could treat their job as a truck driver with more respect and professionalism as you sir ..............the roads and the opinion of us would be a much better and safer place...........

 

In that case I will HUMBLY accept your salute.

 

I'm glad to hear that.
Otherwise, ve haf our vays uf making you.

Thanx for your interesting and informative questions and opinions.

 

Hi JD,
The implications of your post go far off and over the red line into the black. At lower speeds: every blinking component of the truck lasts longer. You must be a business man trucker. You would make it in any business. These idjits who think of Trucking As A Life Style. are the ones who's trucks are seen on repo lots for sale. I very often go way more than 60 but only for short duration. If the limit is 70 and I can get up to that point on less than 12 lbs manifold pressure going down hill, go for it. Then back off throtle as going up other side keeping manifold pressure below 15 till speed drops to 55, drop a gear, do it again. In this manner I get 5.5 to 6.5 from a 550 hp clatterpillar! Depending on terrain. Flat land running down here on gulf coast top speed is 62 unless coasting off Houston ship channel bridge or one similar. Brakes, tires, shock absorbers, tie rod ends, rear suspention bushings all last longer at lower speeds because you are hitting bumps with less rolling force. These no money down lease/purchase deals have put many in the trucking businesswho have no business being in any business. Every dollar not spent on repairs and tires goes in your pocket or translates into time you can park it and have a real LIFE Style. The FIRST qualification of being in business is being able to spend less than you make. If you don't have: 10% down payment, the first full tank of fuel in cash, and cash or credit card stroke to stand a 3000 dollar repair bill first week out, don't buy a truck.
Dangerous Dave

 

I seriously concur! It took me an entire year to teach that to my wife. So of you other o/o drivers who are not making any money should read dangerous daves post.

 

Thanks Dangerous Dave, you are correct that I am a business man first.

I drive the truck for free, my rate of pay to the truck pays for all the other BS and overhead. No, I don't realy drive the truck for free. I pay myself a salary. I only wrote that because I enjoy my profession, have for almost 25yrs..

Ray Charles said he sang for free because it is what he loved to do, it was all his overhead he charged for. The point being that if you can find a way to charge someone for what it is you love to do; you will never work a day in your life.

I love being a business man that gets to follow his passion.