mistakes that let everyone know youre a rookie

I've done the last part once so far. First day out solo doing delivery to a RAC in Boston. Called ahead as always and was told all the trucks turn around in back. I said perfect I'll be right there. Cone to find out that after snaking my way back, the other guys do it bc they have box trucks... new driver took me forever to back out because heavy traffic where I was an people aren't friendly in Boston.

As a new driver.. when parked straight, set your wheels straight. Looks like a rookie parked when you have a nice straight truck and crooked wheels.

Was sicker than hell one day and just couldn't shift to save my life... Going up a steep hill in Vermont with 2 tankers behind me I lost all momentum on the hill, couldn't get a gear, and came to a dead stop. It showed I was a rookie. Learned my lessons though and that's all that matters!!

 

I remember reading an article about Massachusetts and Boston in particular when MA was leading the way with no fault insurance. There was a side article that talked about the Rules of Driving in Boston. It went something like this:

1. Painted lane stripes are ONLY for general orientation of direction. They aren't meant to separate cars into separate lanes.

2. When approaching an intersection NEVER make eye contact with another driver. They will assume you see them and will cut you off.

3. NEVER use your turn signals. It is a sign of weakness.

I lived there a couple of years. It is all true. Storrow Drive is an excellent training ground for a demolition derby.

 

I know those lonely guys yall speak of always trying to talk to you and say how bad their life is...i enjoy rambling with them for about 8 seconds and right when they think they found a new friend i turn around and walk off. one day the new rooks will learn thats what you have to do. it may be inconsiderate but who cares unless they are your teammate in the truck just walk off. a funny idea..get in a good conversation with one of them and go for a high five and when they put their hand up just walk away and cherish the moment because they will stand there with their hand up like an idiot. booyah winning!

 

We'd always notice a new driver if he or she shot-guned the engine while up shifting. I believe we've all made errors when backing and hooking it's just going to happen. Learning is the key but if you never change bad habits you'll be lucky to accumulate any years experience even at the bottom feeders.

 

I can remember the first time I one shot a dock. I was all happy for myself and the fact that I was a real supertrucker now. Receiver comes out and tells me I'm in the wrong dock. Doh! Sure enough I was one spot over.

When I first started I had a drop and hook. Dropped the trailer and drove to the guard shack to leave. Guard asks me if I'm coming back later for the empty. I completely forgot to even pick up a trailer.

I did that once. Fueled and was heading home bobtail and one of the drives kept spinning when I accelerated from a stop. I guess fuel doesn't create the best surface for traction lol.

 

We have no fault insurance here in Quebec too. Now I know why there are so many terrible drivers. Just never thought about the correlation before.

 

not worth it

here's one I haven't seen yet that I still catch myself doing sometimes, hugging the zipper line in a curve, not maintaining the center of the lane basically.

 

I believe they also coined the phrase, "Tis only the early red."

Mikeeee

 

Driving too fast in California

 

I find myself doing this. Just can't get used to it. I try though.