Packing List for Students

Oh I believe it LOL My school didn't teach the 45 or 90. They only did what Virginia requires on the CDL test, straight line and curved. Schools only teach what you need to know to pass the test. I don't agree, but it is what it is.

 

I have heard they used to teach map reading but that was before there was al this technology

 

I heartily second this post. The little truck stop book is something I consult on a regular basis. It's easy to adjust on the fly. For example, you might have planned to get to a Pilot at exit 173 eastbound on an interstate, but a traffic accident tied you up for a half hour delay. All you need to do is dial it back to any rest stop or truck stop at mm 143 or lower (assuming 60 mph at freeway speed).

If you want to make money you have to stretch out your days AND be willing to untether yourself from having to take a 10 hour break at a truck stop. Often you can sleep at a customer, although larger customers won't allow it. Yesterday I had a 600 mile run and went all the way to the small customer's yard, slept overnight and as soon as my 10 hour break was finished I was logging in for a pre trip inspection and opening the doors for delivery. I COULD have run only 400 miles the first day and stayed at a nice truck stop, then got up early to make the delivery on time, but then I'd have already used over 3 hours of my clock on the day of delivery. By going all the way to the customer I hadn't used any of my drive time, only started my 14 hour clock. As soon as I was unloaded I was ready to roll with all 11 hours available today.

If you have hours available to run today, then run them. That's how you make money. Don't stop early because you want a cushy truck stop. Provision yourself to be comfortable stopping anywhere. I get much better rest if I can find a place to park where there aren't any other trucks. Last night I only heard cicada's, not diesel engines.

 

Get the Truck stop guide and a Rand McNally Road ATLAS. The GPS is nothing but a tool and should be used as such. It is not the all knowing,genie so many think it is. Even with updates it is still not always accurate. that road atlas is far more accurate than the GPS is. Just does not have the detail .
The most important item for navigation to pack is COMMON SENSE.

 

I understand Walmart is having a discount on common sense. Buy two and get one free.

 

I thought that sale was on common cents

 

and here i thought it was on common scents! shesh

 

I dont have sense for directions north south east west

 

I'd say its time to put away the gps and use a road atlas

In general ..to start it off

canada is north.. mexico is south there's a west coast and a east coast

 

If you are in the midde you might not know which way
They all are
I have to remind you i am not the brightest crayon in the box