my first couple of days OTR

[merrick4]

Well so far so good, gone from florida to texas. My trainer is ok, not like the one from hell previously posted about. Barely pushing me hard at all. Showering as much as I want and they have been very clean.

I can't believe how much of a rip off these truck stops are. I wouldn't be surprised to see a sign that breathing costs money too.

He likes to spend time at these places. I think I'd like to just fuel, shower and then park outside of my next stop. But maybe I'm wrong.

still trying to figure out the food situation, as it gets expesive eating at these places. We did stop at Walmart to buy some stuff.

Dreaming of the day I get to go on my own, but I still want some guidance for mountains and snow. Also seems like every trucker has a southern accent at least down here, and I can't understand a word on the CB

[larryh31]

Ask plenty of questions while you are out with your trainer. Because in a few short weeks you will be on your own.

[acranger]

Glad you got a decent trainer

[Crete_drvr]

Also seems like every trucker has a southern accent

yep, I noticed that too when I first started. I adopted a fake (and bad) southern accent when I talk smack on sesame st. makes me sound like one of the "good 'ol boys"

[aintgotone]

Don't worry you will be speaking southernees before long.

[classicxl]

congrats and just hang in there and soon enough you will have your own truck and stop where you want to. I never spend much time in a truck stop. Get what I need and back outside to workout or take a walk

[One]

Truckstops are rediculously expensive and service is usually bad. I stop at a Pilot on I20 at the GA x19 often and their always have a manhole-cover open. I told them twice and they always call maintenance right away, but i see it open everyday... :shock:

[Deus]

Stop at walmart or something to get food and just make your lunches!

You can get a little microwave, and a little refrigerator and be set!

[spencerian]

I just finished my 3 weeks of OTR training.

My advice on food is exactly what the others are saying.

Stop at WalMart/any grocery store. You can get fresh fruits, canned foods, and if your trainer has a cooler/refrigerator and will allow you space you can get lunch meats.

One of my favorite things is those "Cup O' Soups". All you need is hot water.

I spend about $6 a meal for the greasy stuff that clogs arteries. Or I can spend about $30 on meats, canned foods, and fruits and that lasts me about 5 days. The best part is the cheaper stuff is better for you.

BTW...What company are you with?

[terrylamar]

I just finished my 3 weeks of OTR training.

My advice on food is exactly what the others are saying.

Stop at WalMart/any grocery store. You can get fresh fruits, canned foods, and if your trainer has a cooler/refrigerator and will allow you space you can get lunch meats.

One of my favorite things is those "Cup O' Soups". All you need is hot water.

I spend about $6 a meal for the greasy stuff that clogs arteries. Or I can spend about $30 on meats, canned foods, and fruits and that lasts me about 5 days. The best part is the cheaper stuff is better for you.

BTW...What company are you with?

You have to be very careful about preprocessed foods. Read the labels, they are usually very high in Sodium. As you know Sodium can contribute to High Blood Pressure. If you are borderline with your blood pressure a steady diet of high Sodium could put you over the line.

[One]

Yes, we are amoung the most vulnerable for high blood pressure, kidney and digestive disorders, so eating healthy is very important... sandwich fixins and good multigrain bread is important. A quart of milk and healthy cereal is awesome while sitting infront of a gate waiting on a customer to open. Bottled water and GOOD fruit juices do wonders for ya. The drinks you buy at truckstops are usually not too healthy. One meal a day in a restaurant will be all you need and now you can be pickier because if you dont find a descent one, you can always make a sandwich. Canned food and microwaveable stuff is great, you can buy frozen stuff in the grocery store and keep it in the fridge for week easy. Running team you will need to minimize what you have to keep cold due to spacerestrictions in the fridge.

[acranger]

Top Ramen and Kool Aid dude. Can't go wrong. I can remember the days.....rice a roni, ramen, mac and cheese.


"Who gives a damn when you can't afford a turkey or ham, livin off of ramen noodles beef jerkey and spam....."

--UGK "High Life"

[Deus]

I only keep enough for a couple days worth of food on the truck, but I am not out long without coming home.

One of the perks of running reefer is I throw my thermoelectric cooler in the 35 degree compartment of the trailer, and my ice packs in the -10 so the next day my ice packs are rock solid cold and they really help a lot with the thermoelectric cooler. Food stays fresh for days....

[Colin]

I only keep enough for a couple days worth of food on the truck, but I am not out long without coming home.

One of the perks of running reefer is I throw my thermoelectric cooler in the 35 degree compartment of the trailer, and my ice packs in the -10 so the next day my ice packs are rock solid cold and they really help a lot with the thermoelectric cooler. Food stays fresh for days....

Do you not have to seal your trailer?

[Deus]

I only keep enough for a couple days worth of food on the truck, but I am not out long without coming home.

One of the perks of running reefer is I throw my thermoelectric cooler in the 35 degree compartment of the trailer, and my ice packs in the -10 so the next day my ice packs are rock solid cold and they really help a lot with the thermoelectric cooler. Food stays fresh for days....

Do you not have to seal your trailer?

Negative, I do convienence store distribution. All manually unloaded freight, many stops a day.

[New2This]

My only time OTR was 10 years ago as a helper for a bedbuggin Co. (What a waste of 3 mos..lol). BUT, I too could NOT believe what the truck stops charged for that crap. (AND each one tasted the exact same). Seeing I only got payed for humping furniture I would sometimes opt not to eat. Now there was a post in here about getting the better miles as someone had some great advice as to keep running---truck stops for fuel-rest-or a shower. They did not eat in a restaurant except to treat themselves to a steak once a week. Will be my plan. Glad to hear you have a good trainer and BOL to ya.