Back in the 70's when I was new to this I was like a sponge wanting to learn my engine and how to do everthing right like the old skool guys taught me. Back then we had to warm up our engines or they would score the cylinder walls, and of course we let them cool down or we would take out the turbo. We always stopped every 100 miles and checked our tires and bearings. We normaly serviced our own truck and knew everything about it, and we carried a small tool box to fix minor issues that would arrive. Among lots of lessons the old guys taught me the most important was respect for others and drivers were as respected as airline pilots. Thease things of course got lost somewhere back over the miles, but what alarms me most is the next generation of drivers.
Seems to me the new drivers I see thease days only know some driving and how to do the paperwork , most dont even know what kinda engine they have under the hood, most dont even care what engine they have under the hood. Today its just about getting down the road and if something breaks just make a phone call. Of course todays engines with the new technology dont need as much attention as the earlier ones, but I feel a driver should know alot more than this new generation is taught. Maybe some diesel 101, transmissions 101 and lessons like road skills and etiquitte or advance backing up and map reading.
Maybe some of thease lessons could be taught that would put a more informed driver out there, but I know most of the skills needed must be expierianced first and then.......
a driver may just become an operator
Are you an operator or just a driver
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by laytonrock, Jul 5, 2013.
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Great subject, laytonrock (OP). I couldn't agree more. I'm still considered a greenhorn by Class A standards, but have been *operating* a wide variety of "heavy" vehicles, flatbed trailers, & construction equipment for 30+ years. Sad that the newer breed doesn't even know what's under the hood, under/outside the frame rails, or what makes any of the parts tick, so to speak.
My last eye-opener was just the other night. I've never locked my keys in my truck (slipseat) until 3 nights ago. I had a "plethora" of tools (screwdrivers, stiff wire, pry bars, you-name-it) to easily gain entry back into my truck. Trouble was, all of it was locked inside. No problem I thought, as I had just met up with my (much younger) linehaul meet-up driver. I asked him for a basic screwdriver... he had nothing, and I mean nothing. He said all he needs, or ever brought with him, on his yearlong run is his drivers license, med card, and an ink pen. Unreal!!
I shoulda known... his trailer pretrips when we exchange (drop & hook) are a joke (literally non-existant). He's pulled in with brake chambers gushing air, brake or taillights not working, or pins on the sliders not engaged. So sad to see the true operators run the course of the dinosaurs, only to be replaced by clueless unprepared new-breed dodo bird hatchlings.
And yes... I'M a dummy for lockin' the keys in the cab!
laytonrock Thanks this.
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