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!
Packing List for Students
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by notarps4me, Jan 24, 2007.
Page 106 of 108
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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. -
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.
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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
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Yep, I have seen a lot of accidents at truck stops. As I said truck stops are the number 2 area for preventables.
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Bumping this thread to thank all who have provided meaningful tips, and to encourage others to read before asking.
Lepton1 Thanks this. -
When this thread started 11yrs ago, electronic travel technology wasn't available at the consumer level.
Yes, adding posts so i can PMLepton1 Thanks this. -
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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. -
Your real learning is after you upgrade to solo. Be SURE you know how to chain up.
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