Backing tired

It's sounds obvious but something I do to help me when backing is to roll down both windows and ensure my mirrors are clean. This gives me a very clear view of the space or area I'm backing into. Being fatigued makes it worse as your judgement becomes impaired. I like the flashlight idea you use.

 

When did this happen? Can you provide a link?

 

You've been in trucking too long....

 

Find a gig that doesn't work/run you half to death. Seriously!! I would NEVER run that hard. Many many better flatbed jobs out there.

 

I'm serious. Only non-essential jobs get done with 40 hour/wk limitations. But where is it said a worker should not be expected to work more than 40 hours a week if they want or is part of the exempt employee exceptions?

Who the hell wants to truck and be limited to 40 hours? Most of the time that's going to leave you far from home or with meaningless pay checks.

 

My point is you should be compensated for work over 40. These salaries all sound great until you factor in overtime. In reality some are making $16 an hour if you consider hours worked and what you would have made if overtime was paid.

 

How long have you been doing it? I’m in the same boat as you, only the other side of the country. Untarp and unload, go reload and tarp, then run 450-600 miles to your next delivery. 5 days a week. When I first started back in 04 it took me a few months to really get in the groove.

 

I'm just past my first month solo. Also fat and slow at tarping (thank God 60% drop+hook 10% no tarp here). I think I'll be able to get 15min to 45min back at each live load/unload once my physical conditioning is better.

As for the amount of work I'm okay with it for the miles I get and getting home Friday nights and out late Sunday every week. It's not every day but at average two or three days every week I'm running out my 14 with some 11hr days spread in.

 

You’ll find that everything will start clicking and going better.

 

Start reading the license plates as you roll through the truck stop. Give the mind a little stimulation and it will help you shake it off.

 

I cannot believe you flatbed guys don't get paid for all that work in any weather. I saw one yesterday with at least 10 pallets. Must have taken him hours to strap them down.