Well, actually "lot lizards" are prostitutes. The rest are the dregs of society that gravitate toward truckstops for money, rides, etc. Word of advice: Always park in a well lit spot - try to avoid the back row if possible. Try to do all your business inside before it gets dark, so you don't walk back to the truck in the dark. Take a different path back to the truck than you did going to the truck. Always be alert to trucks and people around you. Keep in mind, people will hide underneath trailers or between the cab and the nose of the trailer, come out behind you (this is at night) and take you from behind.

Another ploy is when they bang on the sleeper hard (more like punch it two or three times) then hide behind the cab - when you bail out of the truck to take care of this clown - he's got you.

Just try not to stop at any of the major cities. I used to sleep as close as I could to the customer - but no more. I try to stop around an hour out, where it's USUALLY safer in a rural area. Keep in mind, there really is no truly SAFE spot when you're on the road. As a driver, you are a target, since you have a good chance of having money on you.

Another tip: if circumstances force you to overnight in a dangerous area, you can thread the seatbelts through the handholds in the door, then buckle the seat belt in the latch. Draw the seat belt tight, and use the yellow seat belt tensioner to keep it from coming loose. The bad guy either has to 1) really work on that door to open it, I suppose it could be done, but you WILL wake up with a shaking truck or 2) come through the window, which will wake you with breaking glass.

Now keep in mind, most drivers will never come across anything like this. I've driven for seven years and have yet to be mugged, but I really take steps to keep it that way as well.

Oh, yeah and BOL is board slang for Best of Luck, so BOL to ya!!


Bill

 

is there a vid or pictures of the seatbelt on the handle doors?

 

I probably already somewhat know the awnser to this but, what are the policies on weapons and self defense.? (IE: tasers, firearms, and such)

I know about the whole consealed weapons license here in texas but whats the majority rule for most companys? I know for a fact that there are some truckers out there packing some heat.

 

It's not a job for everyone, but I love it. I must have that wondering spirit, I find it hard to stay in one place for too long and I almost feel sorry for people who are stuck in cubicles. I could never do that.

There are some parts of the job I don't like, such as driving on ice, waiting 3 hours for someone to come out and fix a blowout, etc. but everyone has something they hate about their job.

There are also parts of the job that I dont mind that some people do such as putting on tire chains and *gasp* going only 65 MPH or doing a little bit extra even if I wouldn't get paid for it *double gasp* x'D.

 

I'd say if you love driving, and are good at it, and you love travelling, then truck driving is definitely something to consider. Just don't be a wreckless driver when driving these big things. But I can almost guarantee the first few months will be harsh, at least it was for me. And I can tell you, I'd never drive with a trainer for 6 weeks again. It's good to get training, but some of them out there can be very bossy, and you'll feel like he's driving the truck, but with you behind the wheel(if that makes sense) But once you get through that, and learn everything you'll find you actually enjoy it.
BTW: I've encountered a few prostitutes, and don't ask me why I rolled down my window, I just didn't think about it until I actually rolled down my window. One in Las Vegas asked me if I needed company, and I said no, and she left me alone. One in Amarillo TX asked me if she could use my radio, and I knew why, but I asked her what she wanted to use it for, and she said "What do you think" and I said "Use someone else's." and left it at that :P. I really don't want anyone in my truck, anyway, unless it's someone I know. Those that ask for money are hard to get rid of. But one good thing is I never carry cash. I always use my debit card. So I can always say "I don't have any cash" and tell the truth.

edit: Most companies won't allow firearm. It may even be illegal to carry one in the truck, even with a permit(But I don't know that for sure, that's what I heard)
I honestly think it should be allowed, if it's for self defense. I don't think it would be any different than any other citizen who carries a gun, with a permit.

 

I have been watching a show on TV called Ice Road Truckers. And this show has my mind set on being a trucker . I just want a challenge on the open road well, maybe not on an Ice road but the freeway. I totally respect truckers and will be glad the day I can also help the economy.


Frosty Mug I have seen your post many time and I am shocked to find out that over 18.000 truckers a year quit from companies like Swift. It really make me think Frosty I am glad you found a local job and happy.


James

 

Yes, it's true.

Actually, from their last filing before going private, Swift had over 18,000 power units. Which means they blow through over 21,600 drivers per year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :shock:

That's no small potatoes. And it's why you want to think long and hard about getting into this biz. Too many have gone before you and returned with a fearful tale to tell: the hard-luck stories of woe and misfortune littering the median of the Highpay Highway are as long as your arm.

One failsafe point to consider amongst all others is TURNOVER. Because despite all the glossy ads, lunch counter tales, slick recruiters, etc it's the turnover rates that tell the true story. Find out how many people are leaving an outfit before you apply (you'll never get the truth on this from a recruiter). If turnover is high then RUN -- don't walk -- out the door in a hurry. Turnover among drivers is a key indicator of driver satisfaction. And these OTR McMega carriers burn through drivers faster than Sherman's march to the sea.

 

I heard of that show, and would like to watch it one of these days. I hear they get paid A LOT of money. I think it'd be cool to drive in Alaska. the only thing is, I'm afraid of that small chance of the ice breaking, and falling in. But if I made it for a year, at least I'd have enough money to buy a house, and making a decent living. Doesn't have to be a big expensive house either. I'd settle for a double wide trailer house and some land.

As a swift driver, I found that I've worked pretty hard for little money. But I think so long as I drive enough miles, I'll be happy with it for now. I found one truck that had a Jim Palmer logo on it, and on the bottom is said "Missoula Montana." I used to live there, and want to go back, and I'm thinking after a year with swift, I could hire on with them. But I also hear Knight is a pretty good company, and you can get good pay, miles, and more home time with them. I might even go with them. Swift is more of a training company, so I don't think a lot of drivers stay there very long.

 

I was always told it is not good to have a motor idle for a long time and to always bump the rpms up alittle if your going to be sitting for a while.

 

I absofreakinlutely love driving OTR! I gave up my apartment a few weeks ago because I see no need to keep paying rent when I have no desire to be home.

I drive a brand new Volvo VN 670. I have a comfortable bed in it, a TV/VCR combo, Playstation 2, around 200 DVDs, a refridgerater stocked with food, and internet access.

I really enjoy driving, and I haven't run into anything worth complaining about.... except for having a nice clean truck plastered with insects from going down the highways.