o.k guys this might be a stupid question

There is no such thing as a dumb question, the only dumb question is one that is not asked.

 

Very well said..........

 

Yes, their is satelite tv available for truckers and have never met one who had it who didn't love it...I never got it, because I never sat enough to watch it, but I did have a regular tv/vcr combo in the truck....CB is a good thing to have to communicate problems down the road...an accident, road construction, etc., plus many shippers & receivers now have you contact them from the gate thru your CB, in order for them to give you access into their yard.....never needed inverters, but for sure have a small frig. with you containing, drinks, cold cuts, cereal, etc., for those times you get stuck out in the middle of nowhere and there are no restaurants around....also had a coffee maker! Good Luck to ya'!




[my question is does any body have satelite t.v. on their truck and is it worth the money ? do i need a c.b. radio and as far as a cooler and inverters do i also need those ? any info would be greatly appreciated[/quote]

 

Oh ya! I would have a bad outlook on electric coolers too in that case.
I also like the idea of a refrigerator myself and will probably be getting one soon, but my suggestion to Durty was just an idea in case he cannot have an inverter or does not want to put out the money for it all from the start. I agree a fridge would be better (as well as a microwave) ,but if he ends up deciding that he does not like this profession..then he won't have an extra bunch of stuff laying around that he don't need.

 

Man guys I don't have much more to say except get the CB first: Yes I only run 29's and I have a guy who tweks it and sets me up real nice every time. Like they say its mostly trash out there now and don't run one in the car well the new cars have no place to put the thing.....esp now that I am back to a stang. The cooler issue well you can get buy with the simple one till ya get your bearings my truck has a fridge in it but I am an O/O too. (side note I don't really go in the truck so much as I DO like the comforts of home like a shower at least once a day) But have run the coolers in the past its just you do have to buy ice. I cook meals freez them and he puts it in his fridge and has a little 12V oven and poppes a metal try in there and presto a $12.00 truck stop meal in the comfort of you cab lol
And as far as the truck fridges Ram Reb I get one from a suplier in FL do a net search and they do last more than a year but they are built for a truck....but your truck has to be equiped to be able to use it too.
My only concerne here in the question you have durrty is are you sure this is what you want? Sound like you still want all the comforts of home and while you can make this life tolerable....trust me ist far from home. I have been around trucks since I was 3 yrs old and have been activily into ownership for 26 yrs as an O/O and its a rough life not BUT it beats workin in a cage lol. I would slowly add your "comforts of home" as you get used to all of this and you will figure out what ya want...its kinda like buying your books for college wait till the first day of class and let the teacher tell ya what to get and not get lol......best of luck

 

As a soon to be CDL driver, I suggest that you limit your expenses to necessities until you have 6 months experience. Most newbies don't last 6 months for various reasons as you already know.
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CB radio, while useful, is something you can live without for the first couple of months. Been there; done that. Buy a used CB from another driver who is quitting or just needs the cash. Have them install it in your truck and then you check that it works. Until then, check prices on new CB radio and used stuff on Ebay so that you don't overpay.
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Live on the cheap. Buy disposable bowls and spoons from the dollar store. Buy cereal from grocery store. Then stop at grocery or convenience store and buy a pint of milk and eat. It is cheaper than restaurants and does not require a cooler.
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Finding a place to park can be a real problem for newbies. Remember, truck stops get full up early, then rest areas next. You can park behind a scale house even when they are closed or most Walmarts. Ask your trainer about where to park. If you just can't find a place, ask the police where you can park. If you can, drive at night and sleep during the day. Less traffic and more available parking since truck stops tend to be empty by daylight.

 

Very Good advice. you can always get a small truck stop booklet ... see if there is a t/s close to where your appointment is. This way you can wake up and take care of personal business before you get behind the wheel.
Sometimes you can find a pull-through (if you are lucky). You can also contact the place you are going to see if they allow incoming trucks to park at the location. Trip plan for your stops and fuel stops...trip planning these little things to help.

 

OK, am I reading this right... will I have to buy my own CB? I'm about to start training then off to work for USA.

My experience working as a broker/dispatcher led me to believe that a lot of receivers gave their directions over cb????

 

It won't hurt getting a low-price CB. Dispatchers give directions over the Q-com (OBC- on-board-computer). A cell phone is good for getting directions to receivers and shippers. CB's can be useful to gain local information, Smokey reports, if the coops (scales) are open or closed, traffic. Receivers and Shippers will use CB's for the driver to check-in (depending on location so not always), once drivers do check-in they will ask you if you have a cell phone or CB so you can receive your door or dock assignment. Companies do not provide CB's but they do provide the wiring and antennas it will be up to you to mount your CB.

Good luck

 

Hello Everyone,

I am new to trucking, just getting my CDL's on July 7. My hubby is an OTR trucker for Summitt Trucking out of Indiana. We are strongly considering going with Covenant Transport due to the fact that they will let hubby train me. I have heard good and bad about this company. Could I please get some feedback, whether good or bad.
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