Crap that's to bad. Much better/safer to be able to run straight to battery. Some companies are cool with it as long as the mechanics do the wire running from battery to inside of cab. I guess if there's a 1500 watt inverter installed in the truck, one could buy a power supply and plug it into the inverter to power the radio that way. But that seems like an overly complicated/priced solution. Not that big of a deal i suppose. I finally decided to get the Technician class ham license a little over a month ago, and have really become interested in the world of radio. The mobile ham rig I'm looking at would definitely prefer a straight connection. If you like CB I would definitely encourage getting your license. Would be awesome if more drivers had their ham license. The reach and clarity on the ham transceivers are amazing. And our legal power limit is up'd considerably from the citizen band (should it be necessary to have). How are things going for you?
I'm an 8 yr Tyson driver. My driving schedule changes frequently. A lot of loads are loaded and ready at night then deliver the next morning. So, yes, you do sometimes drive all night. Hard to say how much is night time driving, probably near 50%.
Hmm, at 50%, I may want to reconsider as I find it VERY difficult to roll my schedule that much and that often. Now if you want to get up at 0400 and roll out, I can do that day in and day out.
Well, at the risk of sounding discouraging it's best you know the truth. I love driving Tyson but unfortunately, it's tough to establish a daily rhythm. Your shift can begin or end at any time of day. It might repeat the next day. It might not. It's definitely tough on your body. At least that's my experience. I mean it's all about what they need and when they need it. Loads are time sensitive, and if you're close(est) and are available when it needs to move then you're going.
Zappa, From reading your posts, I see that you live in Tulsa, OK, that you graduated from Central Tech in Drumright, OK back in 2006 and have worked for Tyson 8 years so I'm assuming that you went to work for Tyson right out of Central Tech. Is that right? I also live in Tulsa and just graduated from Central Tech at the end of June. Tyson is one of my top two potential employers, the other being Maverick's TCD division. I've been invited to orientation at both companies but am still debating which way to go. I want to go to work for a solid company that I could stay with for a long time. I like everything I've heard about Tyson with the only real negative being having to park in Springdale, AR during home time. With Maverick, the only real negative I've found is the extremely limited number of TCD trainers available which has resulted in a substantial wait list for orientation and training. You're obviously happy at Tyson since you've stayed 8 years. I'd appreciate any thoughts you would share about your experiences with Tyson from your initial hire through orientation & training to your latest run.
Hi justpassingthru, that's correct... Graduated Central Tech August '06 then straight to Tyson. I think best way to answer specific questions in detail is by phone. I would like to help. You're welcome to call. 918-619-2158.
