My Millis Experience -

Sully I'm not trying to sound smart, but i am inqusitive...don't you guys have a paper checklist for pre-trip??? I'm interested because I also applied to Millis. I'm in Maine but if I need to move I don't have a problem.

 

baritone, would like to get you on facebook if I may. This old geezer is getting alot of good lessons in here from you and many others.

 

my question is how do you guys managed to keep the driving hours logged into your mind so you don't go over??? Also can I have a blank copy of your spreadsheet?? I will probably use it and maybe even modify it. I'm a retired Navy computer geek.

 

Yeah that's the one. Just got a lock smith to make me some keys for the sidebox as when I got it one was open and one was locked and they key i had didn't work. Looked through shops keys in weeds and rich to no avail. this little c-13 has 150hp less at flywheel than my pickup truck has to the ground at rear wheel. Yes my pickup is modified cummins but this little cat definately doesn't like hills.

Any suggestions on how to politely ask for another truck?

 

You can keep counting your current log. the 14 hours is easy. if you start at 6 am your done at 8pm. But with off duty and on duty you have to review your log when changing duty status to put that time in your mind before driving. Really it's part of the trip plan because you have to find a place to park before that 11th hour. Eventually everyone will have Electronic Logs that do that for you. Until then I got the Randy Mcnally GPS that has an electronic log timer feature so though I still have to do paper Its always up on the dash.

 

Not sure why you were worried about being smart, seems like a reasonable question so here's your answer:

Yes the Millis Schools give out a "pre-trip" list (which the term pre-trip is a whole new topic" Most people that have not had to do inspection will use for maybe up to 2 weeks but after that time you will know it hands down. In new york my DOT tester was sick of my inspection by the time I got to the second drive tire. He said "just tell me its ok " He new I new my stuff. you'll be there too if not already.

 

Here's something that was brought up that will be sure to draw conversation:

Pre-Trip: The only place pre-trip and post trip is found in the federal regulation book is under 396.15. I challenge anyone to find it anywhere else in the book. Here's the kicker 396.15 is for driveaway-towaway operations(TOW TRUCKS) it requires you to inspect the saddlemounts on your truck in pretrip and inspect and disassemble them in post trip

Sooo, How many of you guys that put pre-trip and post-trip on your logs have saddlemounts on your truck?

DOT lets it slide on inspection. Company asks you to use pre trip. But what about that lawyer that specializes in Big Truck Accidents and only has to prove that you're negligent in your duties? Think He knows the regs? I use 396.13- driver inspection(DVI) and 396.11- driver inspection report(DVIR). Also load securement is under 393.100

As My Trainer said when he taught me this, "How can you win at football if you don't know the rules?" Same thing with us drivers we need to kinow the rules to cover our butts.

Be Safe.