Im a rookie who got his license in Sept. & hit a low bridge in Oct. & I took a road test today & I was so nervous but I got the job.my question is this:
Im going to be delivering to quiznos in Columbus,Cincinnati & Detroit & I know they are not going to be easy,Whay kind of advice can You all give me so i dont make the same mistake?

 

GOAL. I'm sure you've heard about it and been trained in it. GOAL = Get Out And Look. Doesn't make a difference if you're going forward or backing up. BOL

 

Ditto. GOAL will keep you safe. If you question any clearance on any side of the truck, even just a little bit, set the brakes and get out. In fact, do it even if you're not really questioning how much room you have. Keep your eyes open, read all the signs you can, but don't let yourself get too nervous. If you get too nervous behind the wheel, you're more likely to make a little error that turns into a big mistake. Easier said than done, I know... but you got your second chance, now go out there and drive 8)

 

pay attetion to the bridge heights

 

Ditto. I knew what you are about to go through. I work for a foodservice company. Also, learn what enterances and exits to use in the shopping centers. It may save you from a mishap one day

BOL

 

I agree with the previous post. Make sure you know how to get in and out before you go into any driveway. As a gas hauler I go into small stations all day and if you make a mistake and go in the wrong way, you will have a bad day. Try talking to other drivers there and ask them what driveways to use. It will make life much easier.

 

1st time I go any where while working P&D I'll pull over in a good spot and recon on foot.

Remember to back in and pull out. Backing into a traffic is just asking for an accident.

Just be careful, slow and methodical. I've taken 30min (back 10ft, GOAL, rinse repeat) to blindside into a tight spot with unfamiliar equipment before.


Its when you get upset and in a hurry that you wind up making stupid mistakes. In my first month of driving I got frustrated and impatient while hooking my set in Sacramento and broke an air line.

 

Ditto, Ditto, Ditto. I was driving to work yesterday and saw a J&R Schugel had the right side of his trailer in a ditch trying to force a bad situation into a shopping center. I felt really bad for the driver knowing what he is going to go through for the incident!

 

Just my $.02 worth here. Even though a clearance sign says 14 feet, you need to think about repaving. That will raise the road bed about 6-8 inches.

 

From the way you describe your job, you will be visiting the same places regularly. AT first, move very cautiously, as other drivers said GOAL. Ask local drivers on the radio about low clearances, better yet see if you can track down a low clearance guidebook for those cities (not all cities have one published, but many do.) And, since you will be running these routes and these same delivery sites repeatedly, take notes (low clearance here, difficult alleyway entrance there, manager is uncooperative at this store, etc.) Then, the next time you head that way, you'll know just what to expect.