Man I need some help!

"ThaBager" Thanx the pic that's on here is not mine, it looks identical except for the color. I don't know how to put pics on the puter. I just recently got this laptop and I'm still tryin to learn how everything works. If and when I learn how I'll gladly send you pics of inside and ouside. It sure does make the lay overs go alot quicker,and comfortably. Talk to ya later.

 

It hurts the fuel mileage a little, but not enough to get rid of it. (not yet anyway) I pull step deck when I can and if not Trailer Transit. They will let just about anything pull the mtys. lol

 

The price of diesel is pushin' four-bucks a gallon.
Comfort?
Priceless.

I saw a lot of sleepers like yours on Big trucks who's drivers do trade shows -- mostly electronic exhibits. They explained that they get an allowance for motel rooms while the shows are in progress, which can be for several days at a time. Some also get an allowance for a rental car while the show is progress.

If they elect not to stay in a motel, they still get the allowance -- and the allowance isn't for Motel 6 prices, it's much more than that.
By pocketing the motel allowance, they claim the extra cost for the sleeper, which they transfer from one Big truck to another when they buy a new Big truck, pays for that large sleeper. The convenience is an added bonus. Especially considering they can cook and shower in their home away from home on wheels.

Besides that, they're paid to sit, waiting for the trade shows to run their course from beginning to end, which amounts to about the same, or more pay as it does when they're keeping the wheels rolling -- and that pay is CONSISTENT. No worrying where the next load is coming from or dead-heading to get it, or sitting, unpaid, waiting to be loaded or unloaded by expensive lumpers or jerk dock workers at shippers and/or receivers who couldn't care less. The advantage there is, they're not burning fuel or putting wear and tear on the Big truck, and they're not paying road use taxes while sitting, and not too likely to be involved in any traffic accidents requiring insurance claims or moving citations.

The actual loads are usually relatively light so their Big trucks tend to last longer, even though the actual age might indicate it's about worn out. A ten year old Big truck with fewer than half a million miles on the odometer isn't uncommon -- and they still look brand new. Often the company pays for the paint job to match the trailers with company logo, which can easily be two or more thousand dollars. And professional detailing can be deducted from their taxes.

When an 'average' Big truck truck driver running solo covers 100,000 to 130,000 miles a year, trade show drivers average fewer. MUCH fewer. While keeping their profit margins higher. MUCH higher.

I've even met some of those drivers who wear business suits as uniforms.

Awwwww, ......... who'd want a job (lifestyle) like that?

*****AfterShock AfterThought ----
I wonder what a scalemaster would be thinkin' when they tell a Big truck driver to "Park around back and bring in all of your permits, proof of insurance, bills of lading and log book" -- and a few minutes later, a guy in a business suit enters their office with all the required documents?

"Who the hail are you?!"

Shux Howdy!
I'd tell 'em I was the driver/attorney for XYZ Trucking, and a son of the judge ---- followed thereafter with, 'is there a problem, officer (Killjoy)?'
(Knowing full well that the "problem" IS the officer, I suspect said officer would be worried about potential 'problems' of his own (making) which could arise for himself and his cushy job hassling Big truck truck drivers and messing with their heads -- thereby reducing his stature to the "Head of the Heads." Complete with mop and bucket and scrub brushes -- MAYbe with a badge.
All depends on how well he does that job.)

 

I'd love to see that! ROFLMAO!

 

I would love to see that myself. I looked into that electronics thing once, but they have a pretty tight schedule. Doing what I do I run where and when I want and all I have to do is deliver the trl or load anytime during the day specified and that's it. I'll leave that pickin up one day delivering the next to the young guys. lol I used to run old route 60 across Mo. if I was going to the brite lites or someplace over that way. That was also many,many moons ago. I remember that road as being a real bear sometimes, espically when you get past the Bluff going west. I never understood why they never replaced that old iron bridge. I can't remember the name of the town that bridge was in but if you met another truck you would have to wait to cross. Oh well the "good ole days".

 

Dad --- do you ever wonder if the newbees starting out these daze will reflect back after 20 -- 25 years driving OTR and consider now-a-daze "the good ol' days"?

When I started my OTR career, back in the early 80's -- I kept hearing 'it ain't what it used to be, back in the day. It ain't better now and it'll only get worse.'

Seems they were correct.
My biggest regret is that I didn't get into the industry sooner.
I think.

Maybe the old saying -- 'you never miss whatcha never had', just might hold water.
Ya reckon.

I vividly recall listening to the stories about the way it WAS, as told by the well seasoned Big truck truck drivers, and usually heard myself saying, "No _ _ _ _?!!!*

*S hip
*H igh
*I n
*T ransit

Are you SERIOUS?!!
You GOTTA be kiddin'!!!"
They were and they weren't.

By the way --- does your Big truck have a name?
I named all mine "Christine" --- after watching the horror movie of the same name -- about an old car with a mind of her own. I installed a foxy eye license plate on the front bumper, just for effect.
Doncha know.

All my Christine's performed marvelously though.
None of them killed me.
Or anybody else -- to my knowledge.

 

I don't know, I'm sure some of the new drivers will someday think of this as the good ole days simply because they don't know how much better it was back 20 some odd years ago. lol I feel for the new drivers tryin to make a livin and try to have some kind of home life in this business of today is hard!!! If your single or don't have a home it would probly be great, but I hear so many of these new drivers talkin bout how they got kids on the way and tryin to save money for that is scary.

 

HeY Dad,
I noticed your signature contains a tribute to Dale Earnhardt. I take it you're a NASCAR fan?

What do you think of Junior being a part of the Hendrick stable now with teammates Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson?

How 'bout Kyle Busch, now that he's with Joe Gibbs Racing?

Next up --- Martinsville!
Woo-Hoo!
Two drag strips with a 180 turn at each end.
What's not to like?

 

Hey Todd,
I know that Werner also has training if you sign with them. Good luck
Denise