Packing List for Students

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by notarps4me, Jan 24, 2007.

  1. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

    14,974
    32,416
    Dec 17, 2010
    Williesburg, Virignia
    0
    I'm going to pick on you. Please don't take my words personally there not designed to do this. You speak of Walmarts like they are super easy to park in. Yes some are. However many are now trucker Unfriendly. There is one in Ohio. Either in Washington Courthouse or very near there. I can't remember if it is a local ordnance or Walmart policy but they will tow your rig. The signs are big and all over the parking lot. Another negative about Walmart and other places like Best Buy and other large box stores for truckers is the accident stats. You want to guess what the number 3 accident location is after Pickup/delivery points and Truckstops? Yep, drivers getting off the Interstates and Major Highways to squeeze into that Walmart. This is why some carriers actually prohibit doing this. This is where drivers pull down power lines. This is where drivers cave in pavement that was never designed for this weight. This is where drivers run over curbs and do infrastructure damage because of being in area's not designed for the size. The last company I drove for Willis Shaw I got a quailcomm message at least 2 or 3 times a month from safety where some idiot got off the main road and did serious expensive damage. I'm not kidding. You should not be getting off these main roads in an attempt to save a few bucks at Walmart. Now there is what is now a TA truck stop in North Carolina that used to have a Walmart behind it. Also there is a Walmart near Van Buren Arkansas that actually is right off the main highway and the management will allow you to park. However these (easy) to get to and park at Walmarts are in the small minority of the whole. This is why I will NEVER advise a rookie driver to get off a main highway like this. In my driving career I would ask if a Walmart was close by. If so I have been known to park my rig (getting the property owners OK) then call a cab and go take in a movie and buy some stuff at Walmart. If close I would walk. Driving a 53 footer is exacting enough as it is. I just never seen the reason to press my luck being in an area where I really had no business being. Having this kind of sense about you is why some drivers can go 20 30 or 40 years and never have an at fault accident or have to make that call to safety, Mr (safety man) I just had an accident. Where were you and what were you doing? Well sir I was on I-(it dont really matter) and saw a Walmart. I jumped off the exit and came up on a tough curve. The back part of my trailer ran off the road and sunk into a freshly built landscape ( or drainage pipe ). Then you get to hear those immortal words, well I hope you got what you needed because you now have a preventable and need to get into a terminal ASAP so we can get the paperwork done. Sounds farfetched don't it! It is NOT. This crap happens almost everyday almost everywhere in the US. I know safety people with several carriers. I'm not making this up!
     
    Last edited: Oct 16, 2016
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Commuter69

    Commuter69 Road Train Member

    1,133
    625
    Jul 2, 2014
    0
    For every 10 walmarts I have passed, I have seen trucks and rvs at 8 of them... and no, I am not including those 'neighborhood' stores.

    A number of those I have used, have had designated areas for large vehicles, whether on one side, the rear, or clear across the parking lot. If I have a pickup or drop at a Walmart DC, I will ask them for the address of the closest store with truck friendly access if I need a stop. Occasionally, I have been fortunate enough to be without a trailer.

    Again, 95% of the time, I am only there for a 30-60 minute meal break and not parking for a 10. Like I said, by the time they are calling for a tow, I am likely within minutes of leaving anyway.
     
  4. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

    14,974
    32,416
    Dec 17, 2010
    Williesburg, Virignia
    0
    I wish you could read some of the accident reports I have read just in the last several months. It would shock you how common accidents are in these so called truck parking areas. Like I said accidents coming from leaving the main roads happens every day. To be fair most of these are leaving to make a pickup or delivery however a good amount are not.
     
  5. Commuter69

    Commuter69 Road Train Member

    1,133
    625
    Jul 2, 2014
    0
    And I have been hit 4 times while parked off duty at truck stops(once when I was not even in the truck, I was inside eating or showering before I needed to roll)... just within the last 90 days...smh
     
  6. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

    14,974
    32,416
    Dec 17, 2010
    Williesburg, Virignia
    0
    Yep, I have seen a lot of accidents at truck stops. As I said truck stops are the number 2 area for preventables.
     
  7. roadrunningx18

    roadrunningx18 Light Load Member

    54
    37
    Oct 26, 2016
    get my mail near ABQ
    0
    Bumping this thread to thank all who have provided meaningful tips, and to encourage others to read before asking.
     
    Lepton1 Thanks this.
  8. roadrunningx18

    roadrunningx18 Light Load Member

    54
    37
    Oct 26, 2016
    get my mail near ABQ
    0
    When this thread started 11yrs ago, electronic travel technology wasn't available at the consumer level.

    Yes, adding posts so i can PM
     
    Lepton1 Thanks this.
  9. roadrunningx18

    roadrunningx18 Light Load Member

    54
    37
    Oct 26, 2016
    get my mail near ABQ
    0
    Curious if you have any packing for trainee tips you could share now that you are on the other side?
     
  10. roadrunningx18

    roadrunningx18 Light Load Member

    54
    37
    Oct 26, 2016
    get my mail near ABQ
    0
    My 14 day redbag should suffice w/o cluttering. Haven't heard from trainer yet, but I'll be ready for start date.
     
    Lepton1 Thanks this.
  11. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

    12,647
    25,587
    Nov 23, 2012
    Yukon, OK
    0
    Good luck. Be a sponge. Listen to what your trainer says and do what he says, even if you have questions about it (unless he is blatantly asking you to do something dangerous or illegal). You may look back after you get experience and realize the wisdom.

    Your real learning is after you upgrade to solo. Be SURE you know how to chain up.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.