In over my head??

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Soundx3Soljah, Jan 4, 2020.

Page 7 of 9
  1. Jan 11, 2020 #61
    HillbillyDeluxeTruck

    HillbillyDeluxeTruck Road Train Member

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    So, you can use PC if you run out of hrs and can't find parking. I did it recently from Oakdale, La to Iowa Park, La because there is "nowhere" to park from the lumber mill to the truckstops in Iowa Park. Id recommend not making it an every day or semi regular occurrence because during an DOT inspection it might look like you're just trying to get a little farther every day.

    As for that route. No way Id run I40 all the way to Memphis. 287 out of Amarillo to Dallas, 45 to Houston and 10 straight over. TxDot doesnt F with trucks for the most part. If your truck & trailer are clean, and you're not being a dummy, you'll be left alone. Oh and TxDot doesnt have weigh stations open a lot either.

    Plan to park at about 10hrs. Figure a 50ish mph average for your truck so look at stops about 450-500mi out (or less if you're not running that kind of mileage on a daily basis). Once you figure out a route and start making better time, you can start seeing where you end up at longer distances.
     
    HillbillyDeluxeTruck, Jan 11, 2020
    HillbillyDeluxeTruck, Jan 11, 2020
    #61
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  3. Jan 12, 2020 #62
    Soundx3Soljah

    Soundx3Soljah Light Load Member

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    Just dropped my first load in plant city, FL. It took me a total of four and a half days from Central California and I’m about as tired as I’ve ever been in my life. My backing absolutely stinks but I’m hoping it’ll get better. Fortunately both shipper and receiver were “understanding” about it and receiver even helped me by opening the dock door next to mine since I couldn’t quite get in mine. Being out of a truck for five years I basically consider myself a rookie. Being a rookie doing solo OTR is a lot like that feeling you get when an emergency vehicle zooms by you with lights and sirens blazing at 3am on a dark highway, but all the time; your heart races, you sweat a little, and then eventually you calm back down. Thank you everybody for your help and advice this past week!!!
     
    Soundx3Soljah, Jan 12, 2020
    Soundx3Soljah, Jan 12, 2020
    #62
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  4. Jan 12, 2020 #63
    Hatt91

    Hatt91 Light Load Member

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    I’m glad things are working out for you. As far as backing goes, take your time. Don’t get flustered. Don’t hit anything, LOL

    regarding personal conveyance, You are allowed to drive to the nearest safe location to do your 10 hour reset. It doesn’t matter what direction you travel in, but it has to be the closest place.

    One final note, make sure you are paid when you are supposed to be. Go over every line of your paystub. Make sure everything is in order
     
    Hatt91, Jan 12, 2020
    Hatt91, Jan 12, 2020
    #63
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  5. Jan 12, 2020 #64
    Accidental Trucker

    Accidental Trucker Road Train Member

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    I bet you have one happy boss........
     
    Accidental Trucker, Jan 12, 2020
    Accidental Trucker, Jan 12, 2020
    #64
    Cabinover101 Thanks this.
  7. Jan 12, 2020 #65
    Cabinover101

    Cabinover101 Heavy Load Member

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    Google some of the backing up videos. There's some good ones. Always watch your trailer and know your surroundings. Get Out And Look. You don't want to hit anything.
     
    Cabinover101, Jan 12, 2020
    Cabinover101, Jan 12, 2020
    #65
  8. Jan 13, 2020 #66
    Army91W

    Army91W Heavy Load Member

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    Take Interstate 10. Sounds like a cake job if the guy pays ok ie(.50 plus) per mile. The hills between Junction TX and San Antonio would be the most dangerous on that route. Houston through Louisiana will be the most difficult part. Take your time.
     
    Army91W, Jan 13, 2020
    Army91W, Jan 13, 2020
    #66
  9. Jan 13, 2020 #67
    kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    What tolls were you trying to avoid by going through Memphis? I 40 to Amarillo then 287 south. Going through DFW can be a pain but 287 to i 35W to 287 to I 20 is usually only bad through Ft Worth, if all all. I 20 to Jackson, Ms. the US49 to US98 to Mobile then your on I 10 into Florida.

    You should build up you endurance as time goes on. Part of you being so tired is from the stress you were under wondering if you were going to be able to get it done. Now you know you can do it and it will get easier.
     
    kemosabi49, Jan 13, 2020
    kemosabi49, Jan 13, 2020
    #67
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  10. Jan 13, 2020 #68
    Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    I'm making this reply not because you are wrong. If I were headed east to Florida I would take that same route, in fact, I did so many times. Just a word of warning should go along with this advice. Now, this may be different today. However, there are two US Highways in Texas that have horrible histories as being notorious for speed traps. US 287 and US 59. You take either of these routes you had better be watching carefully. I have had dealings with Estelline Texas and know of several Drivers that have been arrested there. Good route, in fact from that point A to point B it is the best route IMHO. Just be advised there are speed traps all over US 287.
     
    Moose1958, Jan 13, 2020
    Moose1958, Jan 13, 2020
    #68
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  11. Jan 13, 2020 #69
    Linte_Loco

    Linte_Loco Road Train Member

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    Dallas to FL alt is I-20 to Jackson, MS. 49 to Hattiesburg, 98 to Mobile. It’s not bad
     
    Linte_Loco, Jan 13, 2020
    Linte_Loco, Jan 13, 2020
    #69
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  12. Jan 13, 2020 #70
    Soundx3Soljah

    Soundx3Soljah Light Load Member

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    my navigation told me that DFW had tolls and also told me to avoid it due to traffic and routed me to Memphis instead. I didn’t mind it and doing 600 miles a day plus 400 on the last day got me to the receiver on time. The only thing that sucked was going through Oklahoma because the road work literally ripped up the roads and made them extremely narrow for almost half of the drive through that state. Also I have a pre pass elite pass and OK was the only state that called me in to scale at the state line.

    My initial impression the first couple of days was that I wasn’t ready to be solo and that I’d do this run come back and quit. Now after talking to a few drivers I’ve decided to re think that. I basically get to run this truck how and when I want to. I have pre pass, full authority over my log book, unlimited use of PC and a boss who’s basically told me do what you want (within reason) let me know when you need another load back home and don’t call me unless you crash. I don’t think I’d have the same freedom anywhere right now with my level of experience. This week I ran 2900 miles before I had to reset. At .46 a mile the pay probably isn’t great but I have zero recent experience and only a little of total experience so beggars can’t be choosers
     
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2020
    Soundx3Soljah, Jan 13, 2020
    Soundx3Soljah, Jan 13, 2020
    #70
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