ok guys i already got my authority, now need help whit this....

We don't think your bad.
We're sure that you can do it. We want you to be able to do it SAFELY. Cause we want to be able to go back to our own families as well.

The best thing for you now, would be to hire a driver for your rig, and sign yourself on with a training company like Swift, Roehl, Stevens or the like. Let them teach you how to drive, and abuse their equipment instead of your own.

 

Straight truck is nothing like pulling a 53 foot trailer. Those tandems have a mind of their own. A straight truck you make the turn and the wheels follow. A trailer will take the shortest path it can, even if it means climbing across some ones mercedes. Turning around that rig as a 80 feet of truck takes on a whole new meaning in life. Also keep in mind a 5th wheel behaves differently than a boat trailer.

If your going to get some one to drive for you, plan on riding with them for 6 months. Besides, a class A license is different than a straight truck. Most straight trucks require a class "B" license.

A volvo huh? I suggest you bring something that will decipher the on board computer. People get rid of volvos for a reason. Usually it is because the onboard computer starts doing flakey things in rainstorms. The one we trained on at school would shut down because you drove through a belly wash puddle.
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As Mr. G points out, your better of learning with a national company. They will teach you the in and out that you really need to know. Then after the 6 months, if you still want to pull your own you can.

 

Well, I'm not gonna belabor the point that you're taking one big risk here and maybe gonna hurt someone. It's kinda obvious you don't really care about that. Soooo..

The "sticks" are called Load Locks. They are used to secure palletized freight so it doesn't fall over in transit. Get at least 6 and a couple sheets of plywood.

Chains?? You're running a reefer right? So I guess you're talking about wheel chains for traction. Get 4 double sets, one for each set of drive wheels on the tractor.

I wish you luck...... you're sure gonna need it.

 

Just my 2¢. Worry more about a business model, and how to run your truck as a business, and far less about what gadgets you should have. The industry has forced everyone to tighten up their operation. You have a very slim chance of success.Worry more about ensuring that than your comfort or you will fail. You have apparently chosen the temperature control industry, you ill be competinng ith CR England, Prime, Willis Shaw, Maverick, Schaffer...... better learn quick they have been doing it for a good while and still do not concern themselves aca with creature comforts before effective business management.

 

driving a tractor-trailer is a whole lot different then driving a streight truck. it sounds like you're putting the "cart before the horse". like it was posted earlier, go to school & learn to drive.

 

And this is partly to blame as to why we are considered as un-skilled labor!! No experience, no knowledge, and a "I'm gonna make this work attitude" is gonna equal to some poor driver having his hood tore off by some newb who thinks he can drive because he has "driven a straight truck"

 

and most cbs are NOT bluetooth compatible.

 

By all means go to the school, but you are incorrect. There are state provided CDL testing sites if you have your own truck.

 

It's been said but I will re-iterate the point. Get rid of the toys! Microwave, fridge, and chargers for the GPS/phone/laptop are about all you need and should even be thinking of. If you have time to play video games and watch all your favorite shows on TV as an O/O then you aren't running efficiently. Use the downtime to rest or go over the truck/paperwork. Never mind the useless garbage.

If after a 14 hour day you spend another 2-3 hours playing or watching TV then you will NOT make it work.

Sorry if it sounds harsh, but, you need to know what to expect in OTR work. Local/regional is nothing like OTR. Tire chains you will not need unless you are running the rockies. Very rarely do they get used on the Eastern seaboard.

Good luck to you, don't be afraid to ask questions. Everyone is here to help.