What's it like day to day doing OTR?

Sorry gang, I have to make several small posts because my laptop is a piece o. s. and keeps shutting off deleting what I type!

Anyway, have fun out there with your trainer! Enjoy having someone there when you make wrong turns or get lost! Make sure to get in plenty of back up time. The tighter the spots the better! This way when you are on your own it will be a walk in the park!

 

Start now by making a list of questions or concerns for your trainer. If you are like me you have a million questions to ask but when confronted or given the opportunity to ask, your mind is blank! I have to write things down! Also keep a little notebook while you are with your trainer so that you can take notes. You will want stuff like axle weights, king pin settings, favorite restaurants etc....

When you are on your own and pull off the scale at the truck stop you can just refer to your little book as to how you should adjust your load.

 

Get yourself a truck stop guide book! Very important! Also in this book write down all walmarts you pass by that you can get into. Write down all non-truck stops that you can eat at or rest or whatever. Secret spots that you will have written down in your book so in the future when you are looking for somewhere to park or stop or eat you will just look in your little book and they will be right there. Other things I use to keep track of were walk in clinics (dr's) hospitals, book stores, pet stores, etc... Anything that you are interested in that you can fit a big truck in or near and would like to go back there when you come into town.

 

I'm not going to say it does'nt happen.A CRST driver told me a trainer left his trainee stranded at a truckstop because he took too long inside.If a student does get dumped somewhere its not just a spur of the moment type of thing,it's things that have been building up from day one and trainer finally had enough.So if you and your trainer do start to butt heads,I would suggest asking for another trainer before it gets worse.

 

Does one frequently need to adjust the 5th wheel position after visiting one of their favorite restaurants?

 

My trainer at PAM was a VERY nice guy that I got along with great! Usually we both slept at night. But as others have mentioned we got into team for a few days and there wasn't time to do ANYTHING else but get between the stops!

Yes, there is a LOT of hurry up and wait out there! Towards the end of my time with PAM there tended to be two scenarios. A load picking up at 2AM at Conway to deliver by 10AM 500 miles away, or pick up on Thursday and deliver Monday 250-300 miles away. Towards the end of my time I had three 34 hours restarts in a freaking week.

I hope Werner treats you better!

 

KYdriver, there are many things you can do to help prevent you getting stuck baby sitting a load for the weekend.

Be proactive for yourself. Don't wait until Friday afternoon to try and change an appointment time. If your company allows it, call the customer yourself. Most DM's will appreciate you helping them out. When you do call the customer you don't necessarily have to tell them you are a driver either!

"Hello, my name is Pete and I am with Double Dee's Nutz Transportation. Was calling to see if we could bump up the appointment time for this delivery. Our company can have the load there by blah, blah, blah. Thank you maam/sir. Have a wonderful day!"

You get the gist of it. Don't forget you are representing your company so be extra polite!

 

Yes I am sure there are a few drivers that need to adjust their 5th wheel after dinner! Those steers can only handle so much TA Buffet!!!

 

remember invariably you hear the worst on here the guys out driving learning training are not all computer addicts like some of us. i never sleep more then 6 hours so the rest of my 10 is spent here, havnt bought a tv yest because i want a v cube or nuthin

 

KYdriver, you need proactive for yourself out there if you want to make the big bucks! As soon as you get your load assignment let your DM know when you will be there and to work on the next one. Try to get every load there asap! This way you have the potential to reschedule early or drop the load and go to your next assignment. Don't bother your DM but always let them know your situation, where you are and your available hours. NEVER TELL THEM NO!!! Always "yes sir/maam, I can do it no problem!" Not, "I don't like NYC" or "That's a crappy load" or "I can't make any miles!" This is all part of trucking and is going to happen from time to time or even a few in a row. Take what they give you, smile, and say "Thank you!" A driver that isn't a problem and is well liked by your DM is going to make good money!


Hustle, hustle, hustle! That's the name of the game! Be a hustler!