a new driver journey with Magnum Logistics in Fargo, ND

Thanks. Seems whenever someone asks about gps they get a sermon on map reading and doing it 'old school'. I can read maps fine but I love the many tools technology has to offer even while driving my car.

 

Magnum doesn't have a GPS through the Peoplenet system. But the newer trucks have a built in GPS.i use my Rand McNally 720 even though the truck has a built in GPS. It has more options....

The traffic in the Twin Cities is a breeze compared to Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, ect....

 

Heard the built in GPS in Paccar is Garmin based. Have you ever compared the 2 during a trip?

Are you pretty satisfied with the 720 or looking to upgrade to the 730?

 

You are correct sir. The built in is Garman based. I honestly haven't used it. But I know runningman does... I also know if I approach a weight restricted bridge or truck restricted road the built it GPS sure lets you know!! Even when you don't have it on.

Im completely happy with the 720. My only problem is my computer won't recognize it as a device, so I can't update it. I need to check with another computer to see if it's the computer or the device...or the usb cord...

 

I have tried the onboard system in a 2014, the problem is keeping it updated and you loose out on options that newer systems have like route adjustments and trip planning. It's ok to get by with in a pinch, but I am going with a Dezl 770.

 

Hmm, you would think Garmin would have set that up to update on wifi, via phone hotspot, or either usb or sd card if the files were too large for wifi. Any usb or sd card slots anywhere?

My F150 has nav and the entire mapping system is on an sd card, my maps were from 2013 and they then released 2015 maps and all I did was take out the old sd card and put in the new one. I paid for that new 2015 map but I wonder if there is an sd slot that might work the same?

Just thinking out loud, can't hurt to float some ideas. With a built in nav you would think there has to be a way. If anyone ever goes to Peterbilt ask the service or parts dept?

 

Wow its been a while since I have posted an update, lots of driving and training, my heads exploding LOL. This post is intended more for the newbies so I apologize to current Magnum drivers if this seems a bit redundant.

First training here is very good compared to what some of my colleagues from driving school are experiencing with their companies, the trainer will ride in the right seat (driving a bit to break things up) and will spend the first three weeks coaching you and helping correct areas where you need it. The better driver you are coming in, the less work for the trainer, personally I needed help learning to float the gears (shift without the clutch) and backing - have made great strides. Week four is the trainer watching with minimum input ensuring you can be a safe solo driver.

The miles will be there even during training, and you can practice maintaining your fuel economy, shifting and of course backing and hitting docks. I have several 500 mile days under my belt, and have enjoyed driving through the mountains on the way to VA and shifting in rush hour traffic in Chicago. We even had to deal with a detour in WI that took us through residential neighborhoods - all confidence builders. I have made mistakes and had close calls, don't expect to be perfect, but listen to your trainer and correct your mistakes and you will be fine.

For a new driver you can do to much worse than Magnum, we pull really good condition trailers and have well kept power units, many new CDL drivers are getting 2014's now as the new 2016's are coming in so you should end up with a pretty well kept truck. Getting good runs is simply a matter of communicating with dispatch, being on time (good route planning) and keeping safe. The miles are there as other new drivers have shared, there's lots of freight going here so if you come here be ready to work!

Honestly if you are just out of school, don't have a family and can run Magnum can put a good deal of cash in your pocket if you are a safe driver who works well with dispatch and can stay out say 4 weeks at a time. Even as a family man who will stay out 24 days a month pay at Magnum is very competitive.

If you are considering Magnum I hope this helps, I'm looking forward to my next to last week and hopefully passing and getting my own truck - and beginning my journey as a Magnum driver.

 

Thanks for the update. Is "floating gears" encouraged by the company as a whole or just a preference of your trainer?

 

It's encouraged - you still cover the clutch, but it makes you learn to match RPM and speed so even if you double clutch it makes you better. When you get the hang of it you won't go back that I can tell ya .

 

Hey guys

So I talked w/Paul and he put me down for orientation- over THREE weeks away! Anyone else had to wait that long?

I graduated at the end of March and am already worried I've bout forgotten how to drive at this point...What does the driving test at orientation look like? I've never bumped a real dock, just cones on the range.

Also Paul didn't mention HazMat but it is mentioned on the website- is this something that I can take care once I become employed or should I handle it before I show up to Fargo?