How many have tried to help other O/O when broke down

I've always had a full set of tools, and will offer to help someone when I can. What amazes me is how many think they should just stand and let you do the work. No buddy, I'll help you, and show you what to do, but I'm not going to do it for you!

 

Understandable about buying the part and badabing,fixed.But how far was Schneider from that truckstop?Wonder if he even had tools to fix it and before you showed up is when he called brkdown.But I would have immediately called Schneider back and told them a driver is here to help me.Would have saved alot in brkdwn charges.

 

IDK, being an O/O and not taking care of minor repairs myself, such as replacing glad hands, doesn't seem to pass the common sense test to me. But, I don't know anything I'm just a wannabe at this point. I think, as an O/O paying someone else to fix minor stuff that I should be able to take care of myself, would eat too much into my profit. Am I missing something? Like I said, I'm a wannabe and trying to learn.

 

I've helped a few and a few have helped me. Mostly I do it alone with my own tools.

I was replacing worn gladhand ends and ferrules one day, was wrapping the threads with teflon tape, when a driver walks up and says, "You mean you know how to do that?" It was a really easy job, so I was a bit amazed that this driver was amazed I was doing it myself. I guess there are a lot of drivers who just know how to ride and guide and not much else (aka. steering wheel holder).

 

It's astounding how many people with zero mechanical aptitude get into trucking. How can you perform a worthwhile pretrip if you don't know what you're looking at or have at least some idea how it works?

I helped a Prime driver unstick his trailer brakes last week. He was parked next to me and walking around very flustered and on the phone. I rolled down my window and asked if everything was ok.
Prime: my trailer brakes won't release. I'm waiting for someone to come fix it.
Me: did you set them when you parked?
Prime: of course, why?
Me: It rained earlier today and now it's 12 degrees. You shouldn't set the trailer brakes if you're on a reasonably level surface.
Prime: Well now they're frozen and road repair says it'll be a few hours before they can get here.
Me: How's your air pressure?
Prime: 120lb, why?
Me: Good, let's unstick those brakes. This won't hurt a bit.
Prime: I don't see how you're gonna... I tried to move it but I don't want to break anything.
Me: Ok. Back up a foot and set your tractor brakes.
Prime: I Can't, brakes are stuck.
Me: just backward pressure is all you need. Don't set the trailer brake.

So he did, all the while going on about how this is gonna set him behind time, and how he's positive I won't be able to do anything. I didn't say anything else, but grabbed my 3lb lump hammer and a flashlight, went under his trailer and lightly rapped the edges of the brake shoes. The shoes popped free, they weren't badly iced just the face of the shoes were sticking to the drum, and I came back out and told him to get going. He didn't believe me. Until he started to roll.

Is this sort of thing really not common knowledge any more? It can't be just yard jockey tricks.

 

I always carried every tool a 1/2" drive ratchet or less would handle, and never in those 10 yrs was I stranded. I'll give anyone who has exhausted his tool box, and brains a hand. But this just sounds foolish.

You need a basic understanding of simple mechanics to enter this career, and as O/O you'll leave as a full blown mechanic. And this doesn't just apply to O/Ops, if something is broken and it cost you miles, get your hands dirty for the simple things.

 

Dude, your forgetting the mantra of the modern age: "That's not my job!"

 

I learn something everyday. I offer my help, but lots of times I get blown off. Oh well

 

Most offers to help are usually ignored as they already put in for ROAD SERVICE , had 1 last week that was glad I offered to help he had no cell service to call for HELP