I'm going to put this here. This is not comprehensive, just a few for starters.
New drivers, here are a few things you might want to consider:
1- preplan analysis- enough hours to get that load delivered on time? (Remember, 70, 11, and 14 clocks will bite you if you're not meticulous). Consider that heavy loads or hilly terrain will slow you down. Weather might, too, and don't forget time zones!
2- route planning- and, where you gonna park (and fuel) that thing? (Have a backup plan, too.) Where will you take breaks? Use atlas, Google maps, trucking Apps such as RoadBreakers, TruckerPath, etc.
3- conductive grease for electrical pigtail, weekly. Reduces corrosion. Can be bought at most auto parts stores.
4- keep the 5th wheel lubed
..... A- skid plate grease- 10 oz. crushable water bottles filled w/ bulk grease (your terminal shop may or may not fill them for you) work well
..... B- mechanisms on underside- PB Blaster, WD40, etc, keeps the 5th wheel latch working smoothly, more important in winter due to road salt (regional)
5- keep plain clay kitty litter, a couple of plastic gallon jugs in case of icy parking lot or drop yard (Regional)
6- carry crankcase oil, washer fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, spare wiper blades, spare bulbs (low beam & turn signal at least) and glad hand seals
7- carry tire chains (and bungies). Know how to throw them. (Regional)
8- small clipboard with small notepad velcro'd or hung on dash. Write route, hiway numbers, street names, miles to each turn
9- shower squeegee for mirrors (not really necessary, but sometimes nice to have, especially first thing in the morning
10- ALWAYS visually inspect trailer tandem slide (if so equipped) to verify all lock pins are fully engaged. Pretrip, post trip, after sliding tandems, after using the restroom.
11- Always "take the long way back", meaning, after taking a rest room break, fueling, lunch, whatever, walk the long way around the truck, kicking tires, checking mud flaps, verifying no one pulled your 5th wheel or tandem lock levers, look underneath for drips/leaks, check trailer doors or load straps, tarp/bungies, that kind of stuff. Make it a habit.
12- if using swing door trailer, keep a couple of bungies handy, 12" to 16" to hold the doors when open. The chains on a lot of trailers to hold the doors open are unreliable.
13- when dropping a loaded trailer, don't stow the crank handle, but rather , let it hang free, or the weight could jam the handle in the stow bracket making it really hard for the next guy to crank it .
Things I wish my trainer had taught me
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Odin's Rabid Dog, May 20, 2018.
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Excellent lists of mechanical / work related items. I'd like to throw my $.02 in about driver fitness.
It can all start with healthier food / snacks - While some truck stops are getting better about carrying healthier items, make sure you are not just getting full but full on foods that support your body. Take it from a guy that was almost 400lbs two summers ago and is now right at 185lbs. Two years a d one gastric surgery later, here's some stuff I've learned along the way about eating healthier on the road. I always pack:
1) VEGETABLES & FRUITS - canned lasts, fresh if you are near grocers frequently - not near as good as fresh but still I vital source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
2) SOURCES OF PROTEIN - tuna fish, peanut butter, dinner recipes with black / red / kidney beans, nuts like almonds / pecans, high protein items will will you up faster too
3) SNACKS - rice cakes, string cheeses, baked chips or veggie straws, granola, almonds or pistachios
4) HYDRATION - a bottle of water with a no/low cal flavor insert can kill a food craving and is GREAT for your body.
Now for the big ones....
5) EXERCISE - I know, sounds horrible... but exercise is vital for your cardiovascular system. Just a 10 min brisk walk daily will not only improve circulation, but it will boost your endorphin levels (make you feel good)
6) STRETCHING - along the same lines as exercise, it's very important to stretch you muscles. Adjusting your sitting position every 30 mins, good posture while driving, and having your seat properly adjusted can help reduce soreness and fatigue.
By no means a complete list, it you see what I'm getting at. Your most valuable resource is YOU!! All the extra parts in the world won't fix you. Remember to PM the driver too!!
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