Have to start somewhere

Are there locks you can put on that will prevent someone from being able to uncouple the rig?

 

Daytona, I enjoy your post(s) and know you will make it. Remember, you can always consider Roehl, Boyd and other flatbed companies. Once that year is in, new doors open up. This happens to the best of us.

King

 

I don't know about locks, probably make one but there is another way that cost nothing. When you pull to a stop and want to park, set your air brakes for the trailer, unrelease for tractor, and do a pull up like checking during PTI. While in strain lock down the brakes on the tractor. Until you release the tension, you can not pull the release lever on the fifth wheel. Try it and see.

 

You have to realize something here tho. One he is brand new to trucking and has a lot to learn. The other is I don't think he will find a better company than the one he works for. They do take care of their drivers. All companies have issues. If he were to work for some other outfits he would give his right arm to get back in with maverick.

 

True that Morris. Put strain on the king pin pulling forward and you can't pull the release. If they kept trying to would feel it because they would have to shake the hell out of the truck trying to tug on it but still won't ever get it. What it is, is that when you tug on the trailer, the king pin apply's a lot of pressure on the jaw and the plunger (lock) has pressure applied to it so the release can't be pulled. I'm sure a lot of guy's know of this as a "problem" when they go to drop a trailer so they have to back up to it to release the pressure so they can pul the handle. Been there, done that.

 

Well, here I go!

I just put in applications with ABF, Con-WAY, Crete, Estes, Milan, J.B. Hunt, and H.O.Wolding. Got a letter of acceptence from Transam and Con-Way as well as some others. I realize some of these companies want some experience and I just graduated from CDL school on 4-4-08 but it doesn't hurt to let them know you are interested.
I would really like to here everyone's input on this post as I feel this is one of my best sources of info. Thanx to all.
apaknad

 

I hope everything goes ok Daytona! I hope your shoulder is OK. WATCH YOUR LOADS AT THE TA IN CHICAGO, a friend got his trailer broken into there 2 days ago and lost some expensive cargo.

 

I used to run out of Chicago and I wouldn't stop at any area truckstops there if ya paid me! We used to have to fuel at the Pilot in Gary—where you were lucky if your truck wasn't cleaned out while you were in getting your fuel ticket. My advice... don't stop at ANY truckstop in a big city. Stay about 50 to 100 miles out—drive to your appt. with about an hour leeway. Try not to show up any earlier than that, especially in the seedy areas, as you might be turned away.

Believe me, a 'Big City Thug' can spot a newbie truck driver a mile away. They'll single you out and take what they can get, however they can get it. Beware of the people who come up and ask you for "a dollar to get something to eat". A crackhead (and that's what they are) won't think twice about knocking you on the head to take your pocket change.

Ignore them, do not look at them. Roll up your window and do not talk to them. Be rude if you have to and tell them to get the $#%& off your truck. Above all, do not feel pity for them and give them money... they are not hungry, they do not have five starving children at home (ok, maybe they do, but the kids won't get any food from the money you give them), they are only looking for you to donate some money so they can buy a rock.

 

It wasn't laptops by chance, was it? I forget what state I was in but someone came over the radio selling brand new Dell laptops for $150. I was thinking about buying one, but then he said they were stolen. Perhaps I knew they were before he said it, but him saying it makes me a criminal if I buy them . Everyone started giving him a hard time and he said he'd steel the dog out of a truck if it was left unlocked. I won't go into what he said he'd do to the dog.