Forgotten but Not Gone

[Opie Knievel]

Hey guys, if anyone was wondering, I'm still around. I still have the "Poor Man's Monte Carlo" and I'm still living in the same place (for now). Over the past few months a few things have changed. One of the biggest things to change has been my profession. I went to truck driving school the past few weeks and earned my CDL-A license. As long as my background check and MVR come back clean (and they should) I'll be starting a new career as a truck driver next week. I not expecting to make a lot of money this first year but after that the doors should certainly open up and I should be able to make some good money. I plan on spending some of it on fixing the Monte Carlo up. Anyone here who has trucking experience and wants to share advice, I'm all ears.

 

[TURNA]

Welcome back

And if you are going across state lines make sure you know about every single thing they loaded into that container.
If you dont It can end your new carrier real fast when you get pulled over!!

 

[fleming442]

Get some hillbilly in a black Trans Am to run blocker for you. Or, maybe a monkey named Bear to ride shotgun.

 

[GuysMonteSS]

My advice is to run as legal as humanly possible.
No overweight loads.
Make sure your load is properly secured and that all straps or chains,etc.,are in good condition.
Make sure your Hours Of Service,(HOS),are within legal limits.
Make sure all truck documentation is up to date,this includes a CVIP,{truck inspection},if applicable
No alcohol or drugs in the truck.
Do a good pretrip,get any thing fixed that needs fixing.Especially air leaks.
Learn how to check and adjust the brakes.
Carry extra glad hand rubbers.
Keep your lights and licence plate clean.
Keep the dash and gauges clean.
Pay attention to the gauges,especially the oil pressure and water temperature ones.
Check your fifth wheel anytime you leave your truck,you never know when someone with an axe to grind could pull the pin.
If you do get stopped be polite.
No garbage on the floor.Things can roll around and get stuck under a pedal.
I walk around my truck everytime I stop and eyeball the tires and lights.
Bad tires are very visible to inspection officers and they will take you out of service.
Pay attention to what you are doing,avoid using a cell phone or CB or 2 way radio.
Adjust the mirrors to suit your driving style and keep them clean.
When you open the hood,check for bad belts,broken springs,leaking shocks,broken fan blades,etc.
Be courteous when driving,remember,your company name,phone number and unit number could be on the side of the truck or trailer,and everyone has a cell phone.
Hope this helps !!!
Guy

 

[lilbowtie]

That's taking the bull by the horns - the future is what you make it! Hope you enjoy your new occupation.

 

[blk7gxn]

Welcome back! And best wishes in your new adventures endeavours!

 

[GuysMonteSS]

Here’s a couple of more tips that my Uncle Fred gave me when I started washing trucks and trailers and had to shunt them in and out of the wash bay .
When you’re backing a trailer into a spot,if you’re not 100 % sure where it is,stop what you’re doing,put the brakes on and get out and look.This can save on doing damage to your trailer,someone else’s trailer,etc.
Also,when parking,always dynamite the brakes.Do not use the “spike”,”hammer”,or whatever else the trailer brake handle might be called.
Guy

 

[WanaBa442]

Your dispatcher is not your friend.
Know that going in, and also out on the road, English is a second language.
Oh, and Google Maps or MapQuest WILL send you over a two track a goat wouldn't walk on, or through a low bridge, or a weight restricted road.

 

[GuysMonteSS]

Your dispatcher is not your friend.
Know that going in, and also out on the road, English is a second language.
Oh, and Google Maps or MapQuest WILL send you over a two track a goat wouldn't walk on, or through a low bridge, or a weight restricted road.

LOL,I remember the first time I went to Chicago,man oh man,the number of low bridges blew me away !!
My buddy Keith was dispatcher of a tanker company in Mississauga Ont,Liquid Cargo Lines.
His famous line was "I'm not here to make friends,I'm here to make money"..
Guy

 

[565bbchevy]

Know your height and watch for those low bridges and don't let this be you.