Shifting and logbook question

1st)go for the next higher gear. it would sound like the teacher/instructor should work with you more. if they do not, then it sounds like a cdl mill.

2nd) as for using a laptop to do your logs on, it is up to the company whether they will accept them or not. most companies that still use paper logs want you to use their log books. so you will then have to copy down into their books what you did.
now some motor carrier safety enforcement officers will not look at your laptop, they want hard copies. and if you are with a company that has EBORs in the trucks, then your company will fax copies of the logs to the officers.

 

The program Daily Drivers Log (google search) is accepted by US DOT. This program is often used by DOT to check your logs for violations. They also have numerous print applications to put it in most major companies formats (Swift, etc). They have a $50 lite version without printing (manual copiy onto your logbooks), or a $100 version which can be printed. It also can switch on the fly between Canadian and US regs.
Even if you manually have to copy the info (I'm too broke for a printer), it has been a lifesaver for me. It's really nice to be able to figure out a US 8/2 split sleeper before you run it and verify your plans are legal.
Good luck and see ya at the Truck Stop.

 

Just don't miss a gear going down a steep grade. Get setup before you start, and don't muck with it until you get down!

 

If you miss the gear because the RPMs fell too fast, or you were too slow, give the stick gentle pressure going into the gear you just missed (IE, if you were going from 6th to 7th, hold it against the slot for 7th). You'll feel a grind, but it won't be loud. Just a rumble really, don't push it too hard and keep grinding it. Anyway, as you apply your gentle pressure also give the throttle some slow, gentle pressure. Bring your RPM up slowly, and the tranny will just fall into gear. As you get used to the truck, the engine, and shifting in general, it is easier and quicker to do this.
If you are going up a hill and miss a gear you might need to try the next lower gear with this technique because you will be losing speed quickly. In fact, I'd say go straight for the next lower gear unless you know you can float it quickly.

Downshifting on a downhill, you must be even QUICKER. Only downshift if you MUST, and then only if you know you can get it done QUICK, even if you miss a gear. Freewheeling (ie, Georgia Overdrive) can become a problem really quick.

Basically, this is the technique used when floating. For your test, it should ONLY be used if you miss your gear. Always double clutch first, float in an emergency, and if all else fails and things look like you are about to die if you don't get it in, JAM it in. You might fail if you do that, but at least you will be alive.

Best thing to do when shifting though is relax! It'll do more for your timing to be relaxed and comfortable then anything else. Drivers who shift really well don't do it because they are "better," just more experienced and therefore calmer when they are driving. Of course, they also don't have a tester sitting right next to them. Good lord, I'm sure if I had to take my test right now, with double clutching, I'd have a hell of a time with it.

Good luck on your test!

 

25 2+2 you are correct that you still be careful on your planning, but that program can be a very useful tool. Oh and on the too poor for a printer? Wifey lost her job right after I went into trucking.... SAVE THE HOUSE!! You get the idea.

 

Yep I got pulled in for emissions in NJ and had a nice conversation with the guy giving the test, even though he was making me late. Had I raised a fuss Im sure I would have gotten an inspection.

 

I just log it when it happens... 15 seconds, and its up to date. Also, get a ruler and make it neat. The last 5 level III's I've had, they look at the log book for about a minute, and hand it back to me... usually when they see I can correctly log a split break, they're done. Only had one Kansas DOT guy actually check the times vs mileage.