What's it like day to day doing OTR?

Hi:

I've signed on with a major trucking company when I finish my CDL who will be providing an additional 3 to 6 weeks of company provided OTR training. This raises all sorts of questions regarding living on the road with a trainer who has your fate in their hands.

Some of the posts I've read about company trainers have put the fear of god in me. I was in the Navy and served on a conventional diesel submarine. I know what it's like living in close quarters with cussing, smelly, crude sailors while standing 6 on and 6 off watches. But, living with someone in the confines of a truck cab who doesn't practice good hygene, farts, dips, is a sexual deviate, doesn't mind urinating in a jar or taking a dump in a bag or has a drinking problem isn't my idea of how to make a BFF.

So, what's it really like living on the road with someone who isn't your soul-mate?

Secondly, what's it like trying to manage without basic accomodations? When you're making long runs, is there time to stop to shower, shave, brush you teeth or just get away from your roomy? What about cooking in the cab? I've read about the inverters, frigs, microwaves, generators, coolers, BBQs; all to store and cook lunch and super but nothing about breakfast, coffee, condiments or dishes. Speaking of dishes and utensils, where do they get washed?

It seems like there are two challenges on the road, (1) dealing with getting the load from point A to B and (2) trying to fashion some resemblance of a normal manner of living under less than ideal conditions.

So, in terms of what is normally taken for granted during our daily lives, what's it like doing OTR?

 

Great question! I'm interested in the answer too.

 

I agree, Great question. Subscribed......

 

It's the horrid trainers that you hear about. The good ones don't get mentioned much. But most trainers are decent people, because most truckers are decent people. If you get a nasty trainer, request another.

Under most loads, you will have time to pause and clean up. Occasionally, there are rush loads where you gotta go, go, go. But in general, you should get some rest breaks during the driving shift. It doesn't take that long to pull into a rest area, use the facilities, wash your hands, brush your teeth, etc. 10-15 minutes max, and you're back on the road.

As for washing dishes, I use restroom sinks, but some drivers really freak out over this. There are several threads here about washing dishes on the road. Do a search and check them out.

 

As far as dishes and utensils.. we use paper and plastic.. toss em away. As far as hygiene..if you and your co- driver can't agree on hygiene, get a new one.. also carry baby wipes for those just in case days that you can't get a shower. Showers are free when you buy 50 gallons of fuel and as co- drivers you can each get one shower each free. Just go up ans say you need team showers. Breakfast...there are stoves you can buy, get some pots and pans.. (coleman, used when your sitting.. not for drive time) or buy something you can heat up in the microwave and can heat up.

 

Well, when I was with my trainer(s) I was with them for about 3 weeks. I still stay in contact with one of them even after I left the company. They were both clean, we stopped at truck stops almost every night so we could get a shower, eat, etc... We would always try to find those little restaurants to try because they usually had good homecooked food. When I was with a trainer I only had some water on the truck, after I received my own truck I had canned goods and other non-perishables. I also had a microwave with paper plates and plastic utensils. It isn't the best thing for my money or the environment but it allowed me to eat without having to worry about washing stuff.

Not sure which company you are looking at working for, but many companies have policies about having inverters in trucks. The truck does get small, but remember you have a ten hour break after the end of every shift, use that wisely. You can get shower, walk around, do laundry, etc.. Granted when/if you start team driving you will get less time to shower and things, but you and your trainer should have enough time to get a shower.

If you don't like your trainer, talk with dispatch or someone in charge of training and tell them your situation and see if they'll do something about it. I haven't been OTR for at least 6 months, but I did enjoy it for a year until I found this local tanker company to work for. Making the same amount of money (or more) and I'm home almost everynight, since I have a sleeper I do stay out a couple nights a week if needed.

 

subbed .

 

Curious,

if you don't mind,

what fine outfit did you choose ??

Living down there, your choices were limited.

 

Don't mind at all and you're right, driving opportuities where I am are very limited.

I've agreed to go with Werner. I considered Swift, Covenant and CRST but felt the best fit was with Werner. I know, there are pros and cons about all of them and aside from being "meat in the seat" one has to do what one has to do. I'm over the hill but still healthy and able to put in a full day's work for a full day's pay and would rather put up with all of the trials and tribulations of a decent job instead of standing in line at a soup kitchen and sleeping in a homeless shelter.

Also, thanks to all of the others who made comments. They sound genuine and seem to come from sincere, honest people!