Hello, Heavy Haulers...

Hey, there, HH community.

My name is Max, and I'm 20 years old. My father recently threw in the towel for his construction career, and took up escorting for the oversize guys.
I help where, and when I can (he immigrated from Europe some time in the 90s), and was recently certified myself. However, there's a lot that's new to him, my older brother, and myself. I really want to see him take off, and have steady work (maybe in part for selfish reasons?).

I've been on a few interstate runs with him, watching and listening... Taking in what I can.

About two nights ago, we were having dinner with our driver, and he was sitting there letting my old man know how much he appreciates the work he is doing, and took his info to pass on to his office.
I was pretty #### proud then, hearing that in less than a year's time, my old man was getting asked into inner-circles... But it got me to thinking.

If I want us to make progress, and succeed, I've got to be willing to put in as much as he has, and more. Since he isn't fluent in English (he can shoot the breeze, and even hold fairly intellectual conversations, but is limited by vocabulary), I feel like I've got some slack to pick up; so I'm trying to get what I can get, from wherever I can get it.

I stumbled upon this site, and forum section through some basic Googling last night, and had to sign up to get as much access as possible to all of the amazing information within. I've found something invaluable in catalinaflyer's posts on this thread: http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/threads/pilot-cars.215390/ and needed to see if I could possibly juice any more information from you guys.

My dad has been on his game ever since he started this gig, and is fully equipped for all continental 48 United States, but we still run into trouble with operating on the road. My main concern is our CBs. I've spent the majority of my life so far on, and around computers, but these confuse the hell out of me. (Before, and after posting, I am doing all the legwork I can... Still having trouble understanding.) We get a lot of static, and trouble with clarity when we move from chase on 4+ lane highways to lead on 2 lanes. I've been trying to move the magnetic antenna to different positions, yet to no avail. I read that both the CB and antenna can be calibrated, but haven't the slightest clue how to even begin. My dad detests the Bearcat 980, but from reading reviews, I can't help but think there is something I'm not trying before I also start calling out the unit itself.

I would appreciate any, and I mean ANY, advice in regards to anything pilot/ HH trucker relationship. I'm talking equipment, slang, attitude, business approach, who to deal with, who not to deal with... Anything to help me help us take our services to the next level, and beyond.

Apologies for the elongated first post... Let me know if I rambled at any point, and need clarification for anything.
Thank you for all of your input over the years (I have a few old threads bookmarked now), and thanks for reading!

 

Went ahead and kept reading more threads... We will need to update our antenna by the looks of it... If I'm not mistaken, our current one is a garbage Walmart magnet. Feel free to chime in anyway!

 

Will be sure to check it out, and post there. Thanks!

 

One of my other major concerns is my skill level. I'd love if I were to get complimented and recommended like him one day, and although I'm learning a lot with him, he's still learning himself.

I know it's probably not the greatest idea to ask for name dropping, but I figure the worst that can happen is no reply. That being said, are there any truckers, or trucking companies that have a good standard for pilot escorts that would be willing to teach or guide a new driver?

I figure it's better to learn the right way to do things immediately, rather than relearn or get rid of old habits. One of the key things I noticed in the thread I linked in the original post was the willingness of some people to meet with the new driver, even set him up with work. Even a general point in the right direction of the right people would greatly help.

Thank you to everyone who replied so far! God bless you all!