Scoop on USA Truck OTR and Working for them

Good luck with your training Jarhead! Just remember to take it easy. If you get into a minor accident, they will not automatically fire you. I did it when I was a trainee (took the mirror off the truck by hitting a dumpster while backing into a dock) and I had a few trainees of my own get into accidents (one student took a wrong turn into a neighborhood and ripped down a cable tv line). They will consider the circumstances and cut you some slack.

But if you total someone's car by following too closely, you will be fired. Its true that they cut students less slack than they do drivers, I dunno why but they do. Just remember that lane changes and rear-ends are the most common accidents (even I sideswiped a car in Dallas). Check your mirrors twice before getting over and always signal.

Your first time driving a big truck in a traffic jam will be scary, no doubt. But once you get used to the size of your truck, it will be a piece of cake.

 

That's no lie. I drove through rush-hour traffic on I-285 around Atlanta my first day out. It was the scariest experience. However, I dropped a few gears, kept a good cushion around me, and made it through. My trainer said that I handled it well, but it was still nerve-racking. I guess the main thing is to stay relaxed and remember the training that you received at your school.

 

I'm glad you got a good trainer. The worst is getting used to backing into parking spots at truck stops. That is the worst part... trying not to wreck the truck next to you.

 

Congrats on a successful first week. I'm starting my fourth week. So far I've logged about 7500 miles (2444 the first week). Still been having fun but people are still doing things to remind me that I'm new. Last week in Texas some guy pulled out in front of me at an intersection. I was so terrified that I was going to plow into him I just slammed on the brakes. Everything from the sleeper came flying into the cab. My trainer told me that if it should happen again I should just take them out. I think that he was joking? But other than that I've been having fun.

 

Depending on the situation...No your trainer was not joking.

I do everything I can to avoid an accident....to a point. Call me cold. Call me unprofessional. But you will never call me a dead hero.

Ice covered roads...they ARE toast. I'm not bringing my trailer (or anything else) into the cab with me to avoid anyone.

I "might" make an exception for a car loaded with small children. But again, it depends on circumstances.

Rule #1 with me. DO NOT force me to choose between your life, and mine. You will be relegated to hamburger meat. I've lost too many friends out here, that tried to avoid a dumb###.

This is not a reality show called "Survivor". There is ONLY one vote, and it is mine. When you screw up, I WILL vote you off this show called life.

 

Thanks for the advice. I had not thought about it like that.