Kids OTR

[gmh]

I've looked at the pros and cons of taking my 7 year old with me for a few weeks this summer. I'd rather not rehash that one, as there's plenty of comments regarding that.

But before we hit the road, does anyone have any tips for what to do with the time? How to pick/plan loads? How many shippers and consignees will require him to wait in a guard booth or someplace similar?

Right now, I'm thinking that 'lousy loads' are the ones to take. Short miles with long delivery windows. It will give me time with him and time to do some stuff while we're traveling. We'll have both a Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii (granted the latter on a 13" TV isn't the same as on the 40" at home). It'll just be the two of us.

I also know to turn down Ch. 19 unless needed What else should I be aware of?

(Let me fill in some disclaimers here so that they don't need to be rehashed: yes, I'm new at this. If I'm not confident in my abilities, I'll try to figure out a way to be out of driving during his summer visitation. Yes, I know there are some ****ty places out there that we should avoid. Yes, I know he will get bored. Unless you've really go something new to add, I'd rather not rehash this.)

[okie]

1st. does your company allow children to ride with you? Would it be possible to inform your dispather of this plan. Maybe he might have some suggestions like a temp. move to dedicated fleet or run, maybe to cover others taking vacation. I take my wife & kids with me all the time, of course we are just going to WalMarts, not OTR. I have seen to many kids riding w dear old dad, to know it is normal + accepted. Got ta think they are safer w/ you in truck than left @ a guard shack. ( Does that really happen?) Good luck, Don't mind this group, got to remember, you asked for input & thats what you get.

[gmh]

Hehe, my company is your company Just finished first half of eight weeks training.

Not sure what does or doesn't happen out there, that's why I'm looking for info.

Thanks for the idea on doing a temp dedicated/fleet move. Since it'll be during the summer, there might very well be some guys looking for vacation time.

[Twilight Flyer]

I think it's a great idea and you're approaching it the right way - short runs, long wait-times, anything that will not make it work, work, work for you, leaving him to his own devices.

The problems that most people have with children in the truck is with those people that want to have a child in the truck for months at a time, living in the truck, home-schooling, etc. Taking a child out for a couple weeks to bond, see the country, and have fun is perfectly acceptable.

The things to be certain of, though:

1. Company rider policy. He's 7. Make sure they are OK with it first.

2. Your abilities. If you're new to this, think it through, at least for your first year. Are you comfortable enough in a truck to have your child with you this soon?

3. The freight. Ask your dispatcher if it is possible to work a couple weeks with lower miles and longer wait times during the summer. That might not even be possible, so make sure it's in place before you do it.

4. Fun-time. Whatever the above case, you're still going to be driving. At 7 years old, he's probably going to want to do more than just play video games. Movies, books (on tape, too), crafts, anything that will keep him entertained while you're driving.

5. Locations. With a 7-year old child, there are definitely places you are not going to want to be. Up in the northeast, over in CA (during the summer with no idling allowed), etc. Keep in mind that you wont be able to run to Disneyland, Cape Canaveral, the Alamo, etc. etc with every run. So, be aware of issues with potential areas that are not going to be kid-friendly.

Hope that helps.

[okie]

Welcome to the Triple C, you have made a good decision in your first company. Get as much out of training as you can. That is the only time Crete is going to spoon feed it to you. Children is what is great about Crete, they allow children up to 5 with spouse and after 5 y/o on their own. Yea, check with some dedicated accounts,or some regional stuff. I would say check with North Platte, NB. walmart first they are Walmart fleet. In my opinion that area of thecountry you would be on vacation every day you drove a route. You might look into those dedicated and regional fleets and call on some one in charge at them. Going thru the big Triple C international may just get you lost in the shuffle. Good Luck.

[gmh]

TF:

Thanks for the tips. I hadn't even thought of the issues concerning no idling. And yes, my biggest concern is over my abilities. If I can't do it, I... Am not sure what I'll do. My ex wife is screwing me over on visitation, and not working with me (I'm on home time for a few days, and my kid is 300 miles away) and summer visits might turn out to be the only time to see him. But I won't/can't endanger him, so sitting at home for a few weeks might be an alternative. But if the wheels aren't turning...

I'm having trouble finding much beyond video games that he does like But he's an amenable sort, and will go along with just about anything I suggest.

Company is ok, and is one of the reasons I picked them.

okie:

All I gotta do is 'earn' some safety points, and I'll get some free reducation The terminal I'm going to be out of is I think the smallest they have (Macungie, PA). BTW, did you mean North Platte, NE? I didn't know there was one in New Brunswick, CA.

I gotta think about what to do/where to go with him, as well as looking at what fleets might be okay for a temp gig.

[mommee]

how about getting him a cheap digital camera for the ride, if it does happen. if you have a laptop, he can upload them every day and mail them out to family and friends. there are some kid friendly ones. he can have a 'photo journal' of his time with dad. just a suggestion...

[golfhobo]

Just my 2 cents here.....

I know video games are a part of a kid's life..... but this opportunity may come only once. I would hate to see him in the bunk playing video games while the world goes by.

If you can get a handle on the states you would be running in, call the toll free numbers and get them to send you their state's Tourism Guidebook. They are PACKED with interesting info about each state, and maps. Have him learn some GEOGRAPHY while you're out there, and/or some history.

I know he's young, but hopefully he has an inquiring mind. Also, there are LOTS of little "museums" along the interstates.... like the dinosaur one in Holbrook, AZ. He would probably LOVE some of these!

Make sure you buy a kingpin lock and/or gladhand lock and check the company policy on dropping your trailer to make it easier to get to some of these places.

I hope it all works out well for you. I envy you, GMH.... and you sound like a GREAT "Dad!"

Oh.... and I wouldn't worry too much about the anti-idling in Cali. I don't think they are enforcing it anywhere except near residential areas. We run there every week and are having no problems.

If he's never seen the Pacific Ocean.... I would definitely want to take him to Cali! Besides.... it is a beautiful state!

One more thing. If you're going to be in/near big cities.... you can google "rapid transit" for that city, and get locations of subway stops. It's a GREAT "day trip" to go into San Fran, or Chicago, etc.

Will you have a laptop with you? You can, of course, get all this info when you get there if you do. If not..... start planning now.

[gmh]

how about getting him a cheap digital camera for the ride, if it does happen. if you have a laptop, he can upload them every day and mail them out to family and friends. there are some kid friendly ones. he can have a 'photo journal' of his time with dad. just a suggestion...

Funny. I bought him one for Xmas last year. His grandfather (who he is living with along with his mother and grandmother) can't be bothered to figure out how to clear out the memory card and get it onto the computer so that he can take more pictures :sad:

But his dad won't have any problems with that

[gmh]

I'd hate to see him in the bunk all the time too. That's part of the reason that I'm going to be pretty adamant about him going out with me. I know he's not travelling now. His mother's family didn't travel when she was younger, and I don't see them doing it now with her and my kid and them being older. The only way I see him seeing more of the country than a tiny, tiny patch of the midwest is with me.

Yeah, my kid does have an inquisitive mind, and I think my family is the only one who will nurture it. Certainly his mother and grandparents won't.

We traveled a huge amount as a kid. Prior to starting into trucking, I had already seen 43 of the 48 lower US and I think all of the Canadian provinces bordering the US except for BC. Good idea about the guidebooks. What I may do as I travel is hit the rest areas at most state borders, as they seem to stock many of these. I actually started keeping a notebook of neat things to do. I missed one in the first week I was out, claiming to be the 'largest indoor railroad layout in the US'.

One of the coolest things I've ever seen is Mt. Rushmore. Hope to take him there.

I think buying a kingpin lock is mandatory from the company. I know one of the questions I have of my trainer (or okie, any idea?) is about company policy concerning what to do with trailer during off time.

I've seen the Pacific, but never been in it. I'd prefer to hit it somewhere further up the coast than SoCal though.

I definitely have a laptop. "Don't leave home without it."

And not to be too modest, but I'm a great dad. Had a good role model, and I like to think I improved on his example. Too bad the courts and the ex didn't see it that way. I read your posts in the 'Women in Trucking' section and I feel for ya man.

[golfhobo]

Thanks, GMH.... and I DEFINITELY get your vibes on the "who's gonna do it" thing!

The info from the rest areas is good at TIMES. [ make sure it is a VISITOR CENTER if you can. ] The one going into Utah on I-80 has some great books, but many of them only have pamphlets. Not what I was talking about. I'll get you a link or a number if I can. Each state has a book about 1/8th inch thick that is their "travel guide" or "tourism guide." They are FREE and will be mailed to you. I haven't seen them in any rest areas.

Mt. Rushmore was pretty cool, but the Grand Canyon is a MUST! As for the Pacific, I agree with you. Northern Cali or even northern Oregon is the best! 300 foot cliffs instead of just a sandy beach. But.... lots of loads only go in and out of SoCal, so I HOPE you have the option!

If a kingpin lock is "mandatory," I would say that answers my question about their trailer dropping policy. But, yeah.... get all the facts!

As for being modest.... well.... I think it is overrated! Besides, with THAT avatar, we can throw THAT idea out the window!! I really LIKED what you said about your "role model." We often don't give them the credit they deserve! And they "obviously" gave you an education that cannot be bought!

So... when will this roadtrip be happening?? You KNOW you gotta start a thread/journal here when it does!! We'd like to see some of HIS comments as well!

I read all the suggestions others had, and I'm no expert, but I don't like the "regional/dedicated" thing. Too much repetition and boredom. Go the whole ROUTE!! Take him as far away as you can get, WITH some free time of course! Can't remember where you are located, but everything east of the Mississippi is just another tree coverd hill! NOTHING compares to the WEST!!

Man.... I am SO excited for ya!! I'm pumped! Please forgive me if I get carried away. You do it "YOUR" way! But don't blame me if I wanna know ALL about it!

Hobo

[gmh]

I meant to refer to a 'Visitor Center' type stop as opposed to the indoor outhouses dotting the interstates

My mailing address is in Maryland. Currently, I only halfway have a home, as the courts have ordered me to sell it (despite it being in my name, paid for by me, and the ex wife didn't do the traditional work split at home. I also cooked, shopped, etc.) But yeah, unless you get as far as Florida or VT, the I-95 corridor is pretty dull after a while. On my training trip, I've been out to Wyoming. I'm hoping to hit the four corners area on the next bit of training I do, just for some variety.

As far as when the trip will occur, that's up in the air. First, let's assume that I think my skills are okay enough this summer to do it. The biggest impediment is, again, the ex. Crete requires the signoff of the non-driving parent if that person will not be in the truck with the kid. So I need my oh so helpful ex-wife to sign a paper saying that my kid can go with me this summer. I suspect, rather than trusting me, my judgement, or anything else, she'll dig in her heels and concoct a reason to prevent this. Then I'll have to go to court and hope that the so far 'brilliant' judge will side with me.

I have some friends in WA state who are big into renn faires. I think my kid might like that, so I'm hoping to get out to that area when their favorite faire is held, the first week of August. If all works out like I would like, it would be July to mid August, with perhaps that first week in Maryland with his grandparents and cousins.

That trip I might post details on here. I'm already posting my training trip details on another site. I thought of putting it here as well, but there are already several 'newbie driver' type threads. I'm posting on a myfriends-esque site that I've been on with a number of people for a few years. The stories of my trips are all 100% new to them. But kids on the road, I don't see much around here.

Of course, if I'm tired, and it's a choice between posting an update and spending another five minutes with my kid before lights out, you know who wins

BTW, I just remembered that there is a small amusement park about 3/4 mile from our KC terminal.

No problems with getting 'carried away'. Passion and interest are good things.