The truck you drive?

[LWarden]

Been reading alot about different companies and the equipment they use. How important is the truck you drive to being a happy,comfortable,employee? Given all things equal, loads,route,pay,home time,good working relationship with the company, how important is the truck you drive, Amenities,power,reliability,looks,etc.....is it worth looking into companies that have older decked out trucks as apposed to newer bare bones trucks? and lastly am I over thinking this?

[golfhobo]

YES!!!

Seriously, you'll never FIND "all things equal." IF they were, we'd ALL like the perfect truck. I'm just saying the other things may be more important.... especially if just starting out.

Remember... not ALL OTR jobs require you to "live" in the truck forever. I've been in some nice XL Classics that were "worn out." I currently drive a decent Volvo condo.... but, I prefered my Columbia (both about 3 years old.)

That being said, I b!tch almost daily about not having a STRONGER truck! It all depends on what you are looking for. I'm looking to be IN FRONT of the "pack of trucks" easing down the road in their elephant train!

I also want my coffee mug holder to fit my reach AND my type of coffee mug!

[Roadhog]

I pulled mostly reefer, and noticed I cared more about the quality of my trailer than I did my truck.
I loved a new/newish Great Dane with a whisper quiet ThermoKing, with air slide. If I had that, I was a happy driver.

But then I'd glare at every forklift operator like a jealous lover.

[VPIDarkAngel]

Having a nice truck does help, but it's not the end of the world. After all, I made a chunk of money with crappy, beat-up Century's. My current ride (a decently kept 387) is tolerable, but I'd LOVE to be able to run 65 or more again, and to have more pulling power (mostly the pulling power). That being said, I'll stick with it, because there's more to it than just the truck... But that doesn't mean I'd turn down a chromed out, chicken-lit, T800H with a powerful engine and a Rockwell transmission either.

[Hawkjr]

Driving a GOOD MAINTAIN TRUCK... means the most to me.. I dont care if one company pays more than the other, if that better paying job has beat up crappy trucks then i refuse to drive em.. I just take pride in what i drive and i would like to drive for a company that take pride in there trucks.. So far i've only had one of them out of the three companies i've drove for in 2 years of driving, and they got everything fix that broke on the truck right away..

[kappa1300]

Been reading alot about different companies and the equipment they use. How important is the truck you drive to being a happy,comfortable,employee? Given all things equal, loads,route,pay,home time,good working relationship with the company, how important is the truck you drive, Amenities,power,reliability,looks,etc.....is it worth looking into companies that have older decked out trucks as apposed to newer bare bones trucks? and lastly am I over thinking this?

Had brand new freightliner and also a brand new prostar which I currently drive. But when I 1st started with this company I had a litttle volvo, everybody called it a fancy daycab lol. But I enjoyed that little truck in tight spots and plus it was ungoverned. I guess If I had to pick I would prefer a well maintained truck with just the basics that could at least do 73-75.

[Mr. Ford95]

I'd like a truck with compartments to put my stuff in as I have zero right now, a real seat(my current is like a jump seat and it wears my back out if I'm in it all day long driving as it has little support,) a tiny bit more power(I put 24K behind me and it's like I have 50K back there.) I would also like a quieter cab, I have to turn the radio all the way up to hear even slightly hear it over the road noise and engine. Maintenance isn't very high on my list, any work that needs to be done I help with it so if it breaks it's on my shoulders if it was something I overlooked while servicing it.

[ronjon619]

Two years ago I was issued a 08 Pete with a funky JM trailer. I used it for 2 loads and told my boss I wanted to move back into my old 02 with the cortrell. They are about ready to take away my 02 again because it's acting up.

[Jackrabbit379]

Put me in a long nose Pete, that can run 70 uphill and downhill, and I'm grinnin like a possum eatin umm... you know what.
I believe it all depends on your tastes. What you like, and how you like it. Unfortunately, company drivers can't just find a truck at the dealer, and tell the company which truck they want.

As far as looking into a company due to their equipment? Use your common sense and good judgment. I wouldn't want to drive for someone that had junk. You can't judge a book by it's cover, but I've seen some trucks that make me wonder how they keep rolling. There are some companies that have real nice equipment, and there's others that have the 'plain jane' equipment. For the most part, most of the larger companies do have decent equipment, but may not have all the 'bells and whistles'. That's understandable. They are looking for a truck that picks up and delivers, not going to a truck show.

As far as horse power? Seems like company trucks don't have enough. Why?? I have no idea. It always seems like you are struggling to climb a hill, grossing less than 80,000 and every owner operator is blowing your doors off. Most companies like to invest in trucks that save fuel, and get from point A to point B. They don't put much into the motor, nor accessories.

[golfhobo]

Hey, Wabbit! All that talk about hoods/noses and horsepower makes me wanta see that avatar with your TRUCK in it! I'm about tired of this "shadowy" pic of a COMBINE!

Come on... whaddaya say? ..... Can I see the TRUCK again???

[Jackrabbit379]

There ya go. Wallah!

[eplurubus]

If assigned a truck like the one in the image below, and allowed to run as hard as you want to, no questions asked, who would accept? Most probably would. But what if the job only paid .30/mi and no benefits. Now what? Gotta draw the line somewhere. It's a tough decision for some; not so tough of a decision for others.

[golfhobo]

There ya go. Wallah!

Thanks, Wabbit!! I REALLY like this picture! I don't know if the truck is as "bad-ass" as it looks, don't really care. It LOOKS like a truck SHOULD look! And, I'm a big fan of wheatfields.

It gives me a.... um..... well, it REALLY gets me excited about future opportunities for me in trucking!

Remember, I asked you about harvest pay. Didn't sound like what I needed to allow me to "slack off" the rest of the year.... but, I'm still considering it.

Is that even YOUR truck? If it is... that's probably your combine, too... as it looks like the SAME grain field.

Anyways.... leave it up for awhile. I need the mental image. I'm about to start running WEST again! Sure hope we can find a chance to share a cup of coffee.... well, you know what I mean.... around Swee****er or Amarillo!

[golfhobo]

If assigned a truck like the one in the image below, and allowed to run as hard as you want to, no questions asked, who would accept? Most probably would. But what if the job only paid .30/mi and no benefits. Now what? Gotta draw the line somewhere. It's a tough decision for some; not so tough of a decision for others.

Interesting question. The pay is a bit low. The miles are "doable." Ungoverned and no "EOBR" or qualcom.... I could do it! To make what I'm making now, I'd have to do a good 10 hours/day of driving.... 5 days a week... but, I don't mind.

It's a NICE looking truck! I've been torn between liking the LOOKS of these Petes and the fact that I can't stand UP in my sleeper!

I'm also not real fond of the smell of hogs or cattle! Do you get any extra pay for cleaning the trailer out??

I'm single and have V.A. health benefits. The picture looks like it shows a "house" in the background. Is that yours? Any children?

In MY postition at the moment, I'd LOVE to drive that truck as hard as I wanted to, and make as much money as I can. I've made LESS for "solo" runs before... and I didn't even have to work for Werner to DO it!

I might not want to do it FOREVER..... but, in this economy, it's not bad to have that opportunity.

[Fredog]

YES!!!

Seriously, you'll never FIND "all things equal." IF they were, we'd ALL like the perfect truck. I'm just saying the other things may be more important.... especially if just starting out.

Remember... not ALL OTR jobs require you to "live" in the truck forever. I've been in some nice XL Classics that were "worn out." I currently drive a decent Volvo condo.... but, I prefered my Columbia (both about 3 years old.)

That being said, I b!tch almost daily about not having a STRONGER truck! It all depends on what you are looking for. I'm looking to be IN FRONT of the "pack of trucks" easing down the road in their elephant train!

I also want my coffee mug holder to fit my reach AND my type of coffee mug!

I also want my coffee mug holder to fit my reach AND my type of coffee mug! yes, VERY important!!!

[Orangetxguy]

I want a new truck.

Every single time I bring the subject up though......My boss tells me that the revenue does not justify the payment. He tells be to "STF UP" and drive what I have and like it.

[Jackrabbit379]

Thanks, Wabbit!! I REALLY like this picture! I don't know if the truck is as "bad-ass" as it looks, don't really care. It LOOKS like a truck SHOULD look! And, I'm a big fan of wheatfields.

It gives me a.... um..... well, it REALLY gets me excited about future opportunities for me in trucking!

Remember, I asked you about harvest pay. Didn't sound like what I needed to allow me to "slack off" the rest of the year.... but, I'm still considering it.

Is that even YOUR truck? If it is... that's probably your combine, too... as it looks like the SAME grain field.

Anyways.... leave it up for awhile. I need the mental image. I'm about to start running WEST again! Sure hope we can find a chance to share a cup of coffee.... well, you know what I mean.... around Swee****er or Amarillo!

Yeah. It's a bad mother! It's not mine, no. Neither is the combine. They belong to a friend of mine. That 359 will run like a scalded ape! I took the picture, myself. Both, the truck and combine. I was standing in the field, and I pulled out my phone. Click, Ching.

[Jackrabbit379]

If assigned a truck like the one in the image below, and allowed to run as hard as you want to, no questions asked, who would accept? Most probably would. But what if the job only paid .30/mi and no benefits. Now what? Gotta draw the line somewhere. It's a tough decision for some; not so tough of a decision for others.

We wouldn't have any steak, nor cheeseburgers if the pay got down that low for cow haulers.

[Steel Horse Cowboy]

Obviously a nice spacious truck would be great, but the small cab, long nose trucks look best (IMO) and both pull the same trailer and make a buck. The key is to go with a company that has less downtime.

You might have a 2008 Pete thats always in the shop, or a 99 FLD that hasent seen a wrench except for oil changes.

You want to look good or make $$$$

Fortunatley I get to do both

[golfhobo]

Steel Horse Cowboy said:

Obviously a nice spacious truck would be great, but the small cab, long nose trucks look best (IMO) and both pull the same trailer and make a buck.

Yeah, but can one actually LIVE in those flattop Petes for any length of time? I agree that they look the best, but I just gotta have my Condo if I'm out there for awhile. Throw in a motel room whenever I want it, and I'd drive the cool looking truck!

You might have a 2008 Pete thats always in the shop, or a 99 FLD that hasn't seen a wrench except for oil changes.

Yeah... I'd like to SEE one of those!

You want to look good or make $$$$

Fortunatley I get to do both

Well, when it comes down to it... for NOW.... I'd rather make the money. But, I have to be comfortable to an extent. SOMEDAY... I want to own the cool truck, the spacious one with all the stacks and chrome and lights! But, my FIRST truck will probably be something cheap AND spacious like a Columbia condo! I could probably get an older FLD for less ... but, if that's all I can afford payments on, then I'm not ready yet to be an O/O.