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seems to me the 4 wheelers are the biggest problem.I see how people just slam on brakes in front of 18`s like they were sports cars or something.I have always been a super safe driver and give plenty of room when I can.Also always try and keep a close eye on whos coming up on me too.I think I will start out ok.What I worry about is when the inevitable happens.Like when I get a front blowout,have to handle the rig on rain ,snow,ice,when a 4 wheeeler does the stupid stuff and cause me to react.I think I just have to get through some close calls to gain the experience.Like anything else I guess.You only cut yourself wide open once,and from that point on,you know what "not" to do.

 

It's all live and learn out there. and you learn something everyday. It's drivers like you that will be good truck drivers because you think about safety first. and yeah an 80,000 lb vehicl does not stop on a dime.

 

Thanks,I will definately be jumpin in with both feet.Always thought about it but liked making things pretty with my hands and the money was too good.Now,My knees and back ache so its time to do my homework here.I cant do anything about it now,my father is ill and I gotta stick around but Im wondering if its smart to wait on school too.I could go away for that.If I went now,I couldnt start driving and worry about getting hired later.

 

I would not go to school until you are ready to go to work. If you wait to long companies are kinda iffy about that. Insurance companies are the set back. Companies want a student fresh out of school. I have known guys that drug their feet. They could not decide what to do, who to work for. Some had to go do a refresher course because they waited to long.

 

yeah,thats kinda what I thought.Im just jumping the gun.I think Ill keep on posting and reading here and try and get a better idea of who I want to drive for and what if possible.I thought that maybe after a while I should start putting a list together of companies names and start checking them out and tell them my intentions.Maybe after talking to a few,I could also post more here and get some opinions of some who drove for them before.Then,when its time for school,try and line up a few companies for when I get out.Think I can pull it off?Sounds smart anyway.

 

just as strapless said, i agree. wait until your are commited to it and nothing else is in the way. it is a whole different lifestyle and needs to be takin on 100% when you do it. attitude in this business will make you or break you. if your mind is somewhere else and not in that truck then your just endangering yourself and others.

 

you can do anything you put your mind to. trucking takes 100% commitment.

 

you guys ever use that google earth?I just was sittin here thinkin,####,when I start out,each night,when Im putting together the next days trip, I could zoom in on the areas where Im gonna be making hairy turns and get a 3d view of what to expext before I get there.Bet that`ll be helpful too.

 

In Colorado this huge fine is $50 per violation + mandatory surcharge and possible points. If they want they can make you hurt financially, also some places now have made this a criminal offense with possible jail time.

 

you can't drive after being on duty 14 hours at which point you must take 10 consecutive hrs off duty. in those 14 hours, you're allowed to drive 11 hours. the remaining 3 hrs are used to log on duty, sleeper, etc. once you drive 11 hrs , you can't drive again until you've had 10 consecutive hrs off duty. every time you come back on from being off 10 straight hours, you're 14 hr and your 11 hr are restarted. once you start your shift, you cannot stop the clock. ( in most intances). even if you log off duty, you cannot stop the 14hr clock UNLESS those off duty hours are 10 straight hours off duty. now get this........ even though your 14 hours may be up.... you can still be on duty, you just can't drive. you can't drive anymore until you take a 10 hr break.

it all sounds a bit confusing but it's really not that complicated once you've done it a few times. pay attention to your 70/60, your 14 and your 11. and don't go over any one of them.