Experienced, but new to OTR driving

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by LDH26, Dec 27, 2009.

  1. LDH26

    LDH26 Light Load Member

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    Hey guys, I have some questions so I thought I would start my own thread. First off, I've been working in the construction field and am used to this enviroment. OTR is kind of "uncharted territory" for me, so-to-speak. I've pulled end dumps, belly dumps, and moved heavy equipment around with a lowboy. I've also drove dump trucks and concrete mixers. I've spent most of my time in day cabs hauling rock, sand, rip rap, etc.
    Anyway, a few weeks ago I landed my first OTR job. I gave my 2 week notice at the job I'm currently at and start the OTR job on January 4th. I'm going to be issued a mid-roof Freightliner (Columbia I think) and will be pulling vans and pneumatic bulk tankers throughout the mid-west. The company's training period consists of the trainer driving his truck and me following in mine for a period of 2 weeks. During this time, we load together and unload together, with him showing me the ropes on the pneumatic tankers. As far as the van training goes, they just give you map and tell you where to go, along with any special instructions on what to do once you get there, etc.
    I plan on stocking the truck with tools, a week's worth of clothes, my laptop, a small scanner/fax/copy machine, coveralls, toiletry items, my GPS, CB and speaker, as well as a set of jumper cables and a tow chain. Can anyone think of anything else I should throw in? I've got a 50ft air hose that connects to one of my glad hands too that I plan on taking.
    Thanks.
     
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  3. vinsanity

    vinsanity Road Train Member

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    Last edited: Dec 27, 2009
  4. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    When I was solo I stayed out a week at a time, but had enough clothes to last a month. I would take at least 2 weeks worth since you will be in your own truck.
     
  5. LDH26

    LDH26 Light Load Member

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    Ok. When they hired me, they told me that pulling the tanks I will be home pretty much every weekend and 2 or 3 times during the week. Pulling the vans, I will be home most weekends, but won't have any pit stops at the house during the week like I will when I'm yankin the tank.
     
    RickG Thanks this.
  6. Rollover the Original

    Rollover the Original Road Train Member

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  7. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Paper towels, bungee cords, duct tape......
     
  8. LDH26

    LDH26 Light Load Member

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    along with a little baling wire and some pliers:biggrin_25525:
     
  9. brinkj23

    brinkj23 "Asphalt Cowboy"

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    nice set of big channel locks to, and some rain-ex for the side mirrors.
     
  10. batchief

    batchief Bobtail Member

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    Duct tape, Electrical tape,flashlight, gloves(disposable), hand sanitizer,
    shop rags, hand cleaner, tie wire, bungies, zip ties, small tarp(if you need to
    crawl under the truck/trailer), bottled water, sun glasses, umbrella.
     
    LDH26 Thanks this.
  11. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Tool wise a framing hammer, rubber mallet and a set of drift pins all can be had inexpensively at Harbor Freight. I think I'm the pneumatic tanker driver round these parts. The tankers are really easy to load and unload. Since you have someone training you I'll wait till you have questions as I do not want to cause you problems. Real easy 2 weeks seems like a long time to train on operation of the trailer, We train give 1 day maybe 2 then there on there own. Anyhow good luck. I you run into questions along the way just ask...
     
    LDH26 Thanks this.
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