Driving OTR with US Xpress

There are plenty of arguments to support both Auto-Shift and 10 speeds. I've had 2 Auto-Shift tractors since I've been with USX, and they're OK, but I have found drawbacks if they are not properly maintained.

I learned to drive with manual transmissions, so 10 speeds are more a preference. City driving doesn't really bother me. I just find that 10 speeds offer more "touch" when it comes to parking, trailer drops, and docking.

 

Granted, I've only seen a pair of 2015 Cascadias, and both were sporting Auto-shifts. Rumor has it that Freightliner is not providing warrantees (to USX) on 10 speeds any longer. Hence the Auto-shifts. Again, that's just a rumor.

As far as USX holding a tractor for me, I find that unlikely. I'm just a poor little OTR driver who trains. New tractors and any preferences will be given to teams.

 

Hello There.


Good stats this week. Cranked out 3,001 paid miles with 2 lost loads and a trailer breakdown, so freights moving.

But right now, My truck is down, busted, broke. Tried to drop a trailer at Exel in Mooresville, IN and I couldn't shake it loose. Air release functions, tried it manually..........no dice.

So B/D routed me to Freightliner in Indianapolis but they can't get to me until Monday, so next weeks stats are going to be off a little.....or maybe a lot.....lol.

I was heading back to Irving, TX to pick up that student I was suppose to pick up last week. Now this.

Poor kid............He's been waiting all this time, and now with this break-down issue he may end up waiting even longer. I have home-time scheduled for March 1st. So unless they can fix me up in a couple of hours, I doubt he'll get on my truck until I'm back from H/T......if at all.


I'll contact the training department (already sent an e-mail) on Monday and see how they want to play it.



So that's what's happening at the moment.




Guess I'll put my feet up and relax.





Daytona 500 is on today.




Thanks for reading.
-Wedge

 

OMG.




I've been re-seated...........again.............ready?



2015 Freightliner right out of the box.




...........and no clutch.






Yay?