7 years since i last drove OTR any advice?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Silverking, Aug 25, 2019.

  1. Silverking

    Silverking Light Load Member

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    Nov 7, 2013
    Edgewater, FL
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    Been driving close to 20 yrs but have not been OTR in a long time. I'm getting ready to head back out on the road. Any apps or other new stuff that might help me out. Or just some general advice. I am a bit nervous but I guess it will all come back to me.
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    You been driving local for last 7 yrs.?
    Found an OTR company yet?
    Company driver or 0/0.
     
  4. Silverking

    Silverking Light Load Member

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    Nov 7, 2013
    Edgewater, FL
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    yes ive been local but just moved to Florida and thought I would try something new. Have apps out to several companies getting ready to pick one and get started
     
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  5. Old-school trucker

    Old-school trucker Light Load Member

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    Sep 12, 2016
    Mississippi
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    Best advice i can give is stay local
     
  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    68,271
    143,159
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Where are you in Florida?
    Lots of companies to choose from there.
    Anyway, enjoy the OTR life; I never got tired of it.
     
    rachi and Silverking Thank this.
  7. jon69

    jon69 Medium Load Member

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    Jun 19, 2018
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    Parking is the major issue today.
    Most truckstops on the routes I go are full by 6pm.

    Certain states will issue a ticket if you park on ramps shoulders etc..
     
    TugHillRider, Puppage and Silverking Thank this.
  8. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Mar 5, 2016
    White County, Arkansas
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    The driving will be at you in a hour or two.

    The ELD, Electronics, GPS and all the stuff from Dispatch will be your most challenging learning. Along with the permanent changes in the truckstop situation since your time.

    I would not worry about the doing. That's easy part. The make work, paperwork and so forth is whats the learning.

    I know it is easier to get into a big rig after a time away than it is to learn it from scratch when you went to school do do it.
     
    Silverking Thanks this.
  9. Concorde

    Concorde Road Train Member

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    West Melbourne Florida
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    Grab a pair of Flip-Flops and you’ll be fine.
     
  10. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    Jan 20, 2010
    Hesperia, Ca.
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    Dont forget your Rand McNallyATLAS”. Don’t trust those gps thingys. You’ll end up taking out low clearance bridges and dead end streets. I’m local and I still use my Thomas maps. I use my gps as a guideline but don’t trust it .
     
  11. Silverking

    Silverking Light Load Member

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    Nov 7, 2013
    Edgewater, FL
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    yes im an atlas user. I've always used maps. Is there a good app for finding truck stops? I used to have an exit guide back in the day but must be a better way
     
    FlaSwampRat Thanks this.
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