Something All New Drivers Should Need to Know....

yes

 

New drivers should know....... if you have to wait on a shower, fountain soda and roller dogs are free

 

I figured, but being the nerd I am, I just watched the video before I saw the post, so I could help it.

 

To the op.

I took a deticated route that was refused by everyone who was asked. It lasted 18 months and netted me more than $60k the first 10 months, plus it was only a few days a week.

Just because it is refused by people doesn't mean it isn't any good.

 

Is that before, or after they've sat out for hours on end under a hot light?

You're right, but is is usually a good indication to stay away. Past results aren't a perfect indication of the future, but they do a really good job of warning you.

Then again, some drivers are just lazy. They'd rather sit at a shipper for hours instead of unload/load themselves and be out of there.

More true than you know. Companies even encourage the practice of ratting on drivers like that. Sni, in a backwards way, encourages it.

Nope! That's why I said we should agree to disagree.

 

Forgot I used to get deliveries of weapons and ammo from these guys. Years ago but drivers were always nice.
http://www.tsmtco.com/

On a side note, they may have been the first commercial fleet equipped with GPS. They had a panic button in their trucks. Driver told me all he had to do was press it and ALL law enforcement in the area would respond.

 

Oh...dang. How'd I forget this one.

Stay away from truck stop food. Occasionally is fine, but do not make it your staple. You will come to regret it.

As a secondary note... If you cannot pronounce an ingredient in the food or beverage you want to enjoy, put it back on the shelf and find something else.

That being said... Branch out from your company fuel stops. There's more places to park and actually enjoy than just Pilot, Loves, TA and the other large chains. You increase your chances of finding better food, both in taste and nutritional value.

 

I think all truckers should know how to do simple basic repairs, such as fixing airlines, caging brakes, etc. Might mean the difference between sitting on the side of the road for hours and getting to your destination on time. Just the other day I was out in the middle of nowhere with no phone signal and had to cage a brake maxi so I could keep going. When you run in some of the remote places I go to nobody is going to come and help you. The place I work for pretty much expects you to do these things.

All drivers should carry tools. I carry sockets and wrenches, air gun and airline, propane torches, heavy sledge hammer for freeing up frozen brakes, several vice grips which are needed to pinch off airlines if you have to cage brakes. I also carry spare fuses, airline fittings, hose clamps and glad hands. I'm pretty much prepared for anything that can be easily fixed.

 

Be careful out there. At least 3/4 of all drivers are either ex green berets, or past members of seal team six. ----------

 

Please excuse my ignorance...What happens to where you only need to cage one brake?