For new drivers: observations from a 3 year rookie!

1) Make a couple of extra copies of your keys. Keep one in wallet, and one hidden under the hood.
2) Work in a timely manner but never get in such a hurry that you are apt to make careless mistakes. Never let anyone pressure you into getting in a hurry.
3) Snow can look like solid ground, but sometimes it is NOT. Could be a ditch.
4) If driving a governed truck, set the cruise control for 2 miles less than the governed speed so you have the extra power for passing.
5) Buy the little pocket sized truck stop guide for $5.
6)Nick's BBQ at exit 183 on I40 in Arkansas

 

A pre trip is supposed to include a visual inspection if the 5th wheel jars to see if they are properly engaged. A tug test without a visual is not good enough.

Good points otherwise.

And keys....one set in the ignition, one in hip pocket, one hidden on the truck and another in my suitcase.

 

My two cents-

Always keep a few essential tools and items for the little things that will come up in the middle of nowhere such a pair of vise grips, a crescent wrench, one of those screwdrivers with the interchangeable heads. This is in addition to the standard pocket knife that every male over the age of 18 should carry in his pocket. As for "fix-it" materials, this list should include a roll of duct tape, a can of WD-40, and a big package of 14 inch plastic zip ties.

An additional tool that will come in handy is a 4 or 5 pound "blacksmith" hammer. At some point in your career, you are going to have to pound out and reshape some kind of iron, be it the frame of a trailer door, a wheel, or whatever. Which in this case, have a plan on getting a butane torch to heat it up.

 

In winter don't drive a governed truck right up against the governor. You MUST have some acceleration available if things start going sideways!

 

Go about 1-3 mph slower than traffic in heavy traffic and/or drive just fast enough to allow the stop and go ahead of you to "go". Leave lots of room in front. The 4 wheelers can keep on flowing into the lane in front of me while I keep a steady pace.

 

After looking at my post I forgot one important thing I always carry- a good pair ( a pair that costs at least $25.00) of "Linesman" pliers. Always come in handy.

Know Long Beach well. I've got an aunt and uncle, along with a bunch of cousins, all live in Biloxi. We used to go down there every summer growing up. Long Beach was always a sleepy kind of town compared to Biloxi. All of the coast is coming back finally after Katrina.