Beginning the Long Awaited CDL Process

Drivers Legal Plan and other similar products are designed to protect drivers who, from time to time, may fall victim to speeding and other moving violations. Although it's my intention to operate my CMV safely, a situation could arise where I'm caught off guard.

Like AT says, it's like an insurance policy. I'm not wild about laying out the cash for the service, but it's nice to know it's there should I need it. It's another operating expense that will be written off at tax time.

I'm looking for the best program available at a cost that's affordable.

 

I strongly wouldn't advise going with DLP. It's basically a prepaid lawyer service. I have used them several times and not once have they done anything for me. Except take my money. They will give you a free hat though if you sign up! Hold on to your money Wedge! If you ever get a ticket then hire a lawyer, chances are you will waste your money then too! My biggest advice would be to keep your nose clean and DO THE SPEED LIMIT! Don't follow or listen to the other supertruckers. Especially in IL and CA. 3mph over the posted speed is pushing it! Keep in mind your license is your bread and butter. Plus speeding really doesn't get you there any faster. Unless you are doing like 150mph!

 

When it comes to driving a rig on the road with people, I fall into the catagorey of "Dudley Do-right". I don't have the experience you have but I do remember what it felt like trying to stop a fully loaded pup for the first time. That was a real eye opener. Safety is my number 1 priority.

I plan on sticking to the speed limits. Like you said, I'd have to be going really fast for quite a while for it to amount to much.

Thanks for the input, chompi. The more I think about it, the more I agree with you. Might make more sense to save the bucks.

 

Well, and it's not even a matter of driving fast in Cali. I got popped on the grapevine where it goes from 55-45-35 in a few hundred yards. They have absolutely no tolerance for truck drivers! When I paid the lawyer to fight it, in Cali you have to pay the ticket plus bail upfront before going to court. Add this to lawyer fees and I was $1500 in the hole! Still got the points, still paid the ticket, $1500 less in my pocket. That happened twice with the drivers legal plan. The other incident was in IL. Same thing except I did not have to pay bail first. No matter what, and it is tempting, don't follow the herd, don't believe the bear reports, keep it at the limit. Chances are you will get a fuel bonus too for not running so hard. I can tell you from 15 years of experience you aren't going to get there any faster unless you are doing over 150mph non-stop. You want to make up some time, don't stop so often. Try to keep rolling constantly and that's where you will make up your miles/time.

One thing to add, this is good practice for if you decide to be an O/O down the road. Going slower burns way less fuel which means you make a lot more money! Your tires and brakes last longer too!

 

thats not all nessarily true!


I have lots of days where I pass lets say a swift truck then 2 hours later I stop at a rest area for a 15 minute break and as I merge back on the HiWay here comes that same truck I passed earlyer.....this happens to me allot


So because I can run a few mph's faster then the other guys I can afford to take a break every now and then, and then I get to pass them again to get that last spot at the TS before they get there lol




American Trucker

 

Yes, its true. You are burning a lot of unnecessary fuel going fast and stopping all the time. It's not bad now driving company but there's no way you could do it if you owned the truck. CMon A.t you gotta pee pee in the bottle!

 

I will never resort to the bottle thing.

If I gotta go, I'm stopping.

 

I wasn't talking about the fuel lol I was talking about "going faster wont get you anywhere any quicker" Going faster will get you there quicker and the longer you can maintain that speed the more time you save. I'm not saying to speed but go the limit theres no reason to go 62mph, it is NOT going to save you that much on fuel from going 65, 70, 75 if it was you would see more O/Os putting along side of swift lol

Yes i know the faster you go the more fuel you burn, but it doesnt make a big enough of a differance to justify putting along all day and wasteing your very valuble hours...




American Trucker

 

That's what I said! Wait until it's 3am and -70 in Wy and you are in the last row! All warm and comfy with your pj's on.

 

Dont try the bottle while driving..........It makes a mess!




At least thats what I hear anyway







American Trucker