Solo Time

DO NOT devitate from what you are told.

Take this load of Apples to Safeway in Atlanta for 7 am. Do not be late. Those apples came from Yakima and they have been waiting on it for 4 days now.

Get yourself past the gaurdshack there at night in Atlanta. Its a dangerous place. Also once in they stamped your arrival so the apple lady cannot complain that you were late at 7:05. When the cry and hue bawling comes from her... "Whar MY APPLY TRUCK?"

Your immediate responses is Yes Ma'am.

How bout those apples Eh?

 

When not passing move over to the slow lane that pisses me off more than most things trucks riding where I cant pass them, dress for success you are the face of what ever company that you are with shower and be presentable also keep you truck clean and nothing on the dash eat healthy snacks and water

 

I have a 2nd trucker gps device from rand mcnally. It helps me find truck stops ahead of me on my route, so I can stop for my breaks and when my drive time is up. Remember that most truck parking starts filling up at 3pm, and by 5 or 6, theres none left. Plan your day to end early when possible. I also use an app called trucker path to help find nearby things like parking, weigh stations, scales, and shopping.

 

What's your speed limit?

 

Don't miss passing lanes will not make the people behind you happy.

 

That narrows it to about half the trucks out there.

Seriously! Get out and look. Have no doubt when backing. Get out and look! Even if it’s just an exercise and you think you’re sure. Still! Get out and look! Every driver out there will think you’re a good driver if... you get out and look!

You gotta bring a dog or cat. You’re required to have at least one intelligent life form in the truck.

 

If a truck is indicating they are turning left. Dont go around them. The driver might change their mind.
If driving a standard trans. In heavy traffic, dont try to come up through the gears. Usually first gear and idle is plenty. Sit back and enjoy the ride. Traffic will eventually open up again.

 

Keep extra food and water in the truck for those occasions you get tied up at a shipper/receiver for long periods of time, or just in case of breakdown or bad weather.

Get a pad of paper and take cliff notes on highway numbers and exit number's, street directions.

Google map address, a lot of times the docks and entrance are clear over off a different street than what is given. Watch out for RR tracks and little creeks, or waterways, zooming in and scrolling the street on Google maps will perhaps keep you from a surprise. Try to stay on bigger roads if possible; highway, yellow road vs gray vs white. Company drivers are most often given routes that they are supposed to be on, and fuel solutions. Some might let you devitate 10% out of route, but they don't like it and may not even allow that.

Set 2 alarms to get up, just in case one fails. Keep up with time zone change, you lose or gain hours. Your qualcomm will be on the yard time that your terminal is based out of. Rand McNally or others according to where you are at the time.

Good luck, be safe and watch out.