Lookin' to get back on the road

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by MatadorGary, Apr 10, 2025.

  1. ducnut

    ducnut Road Train Member

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    You can’t blame the environment for how you operate the truck. It’s solely on YOU. Own it.
     
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  3. Iamoverit

    Iamoverit Road Train Member

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    Irrelevant. It's YOUR responsibility to not hit things. Nobody is obligated to help you...especially not dock workers who aren't associated with your employer or school. Take responsibility for your actions instead of blaming others. You need to practice docking. It takes time, experience and patience to get good and fast with it. Trainers are not there to steer the truck for you.
     
  4. Lav-25

    Lav-25 Medium Load Member

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    Since your trying again , don't make the same type mistakes again .
    You are driving /operating that truck , it is always on you to check , never ever on someone else . Get out and look , double check before backing , etc etc.
    Good luck
     
  5. Sirscrapntruckalot

    Sirscrapntruckalot Road Train Member

    Also don't take 10 years to learn you have a blind spot behind you..

    Just saying...

    ;P

    Sirscrapntruckalot -
    [​IMG]
     
  6. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    DO NOT GO TO REFRESHER TRAINING UNTIL YOU ARE OFFERED A JOB. The employer may not accept THAT refresher course and that would mean wasting your time and money and doing it for a second time.
     
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  7. Ex-Trucker Alex

    Ex-Trucker Alex Road Train Member

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    My question is simply this:

    Can you drive better than you did 4 years ago? This industry takes a very dim view on people who can't avoid hitting things.....
     
  8. ducnut

    ducnut Road Train Member

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    Super Ego would disagree with you. :D
     
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  9. MatadorGary

    MatadorGary Bobtail Member

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    I think a few of the repliers to this post have misunderstood me, but since you can't convey tone in text, yes, I drive better now. I won't make those mistakes again.
     
  10. larry_minn

    larry_minn Light Load Member

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    I feel like a rookie right now. I last drove a semi for hire +25 years ago. Kept my CDL, found a few times it worked great to drive others semi truck. Mostly multiple 50 mile trips. Just bought my own combo. Before pickup I spent the two weeks evaluating issues. Turns, corners, how to get into, out of locations. Even to point of deciding I will not fuel at closest, often cheapest gas station *with truck pumps* unless place almost dead, or closed. *24 pay at pump* not much room, really hard to get out if going North thru North entrance/exit. Often limited room to turn.
    Found procedure first place I was dumping. It was pita. Will avoid. I am back to planning *plan B* if any issue. If a turn is not looking good due to traffic, people? I know exactly where I will go.
    Always back in, rather than back out. Or at least get a spotter. *ideally wearing a reflective vest*. If you use spotters. Have them call your cell phone, put on speaker *or headset* I think cell phone use is legal even if backing from public road IF it’s for spotters.
    I am considering a rear camera on trailer. As I doubt I will unhook for anything but service. GOAL
     
  11. MatadorGary

    MatadorGary Bobtail Member

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    I just got my PSP from the FMCSA website and it had my five-year record as clean (no crash or inspection results found). Yesterday, I got a letter from HireRight, and it said it does not have any current information on me. You think that's gonna be enough, or do I need another source? I contacted my state's DMV and they told me that an MVR was only for vehicles and that my 10yr driver printout would be where accidents, if any, would be recorded. The last time I checked (which was last November) my record was clean.
     
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