Truck Driving Jobs

NHHunter · #1 10-15-2007, 03:48 PM

Im sure if I get a bite in my job search, I will have to take a road test for a company. All I have ever driven is a 9 speed. Do all trucks shift and downshift about the same RPMs? A and B trucks?

mudpuddle · #2 10-16-2007, 12:04 AM

It's a shame schools can't get people some experience on the different shift patterns. If you drive for the average large training company you will most likely be driving a ten speed. The shifting technique is the same the rpm splits will vary a little but not that much. The ten speed shift pattern is different from a nine speed and you need to be sure to remember sixth gear is all the way to the left and back. If you are used to the four five shift in the nine speed your tendency wil be to go five to seven in a ten speed.

If you explain to the person doing your driving test that you have no experience with the type of transmission you will be driving they will work with you. The driving test is really more about assessing your safety. Do you check your mirrors when turning to make sure you clear obstacles like phone poles or fire hydrants? Do you ALWARS use your signals when turning or changing lanes? Do you brake slowly and smoothly? Do you keep a vigilant scan around your truck to make sure you always have an escape route if someone does something crazy around you? Do you keep a really long almost ridiculous following distance?

If you do these things and anything else you can think of to show the evaluator you are safe they will overlook a few missed shifts. Any idiot can learn to shift but it takes a professional to be safe at all times without being prompted.

Uturn2001 · #3 10-16-2007, 10:25 AM

For the most part, the shift points are about the same in RPM's regardless if it is a 9,10, 13, etc.

The big difference will come if you drive a 10 speed as the shift pattern is different. 13 and 18 speeds have the same basic pattern as a 9 speed.

On a 10 speed the lowest gear on the high side (6th) is over against your leg and back.

COLT · #4 10-16-2007, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uturn2001

For the most part, the shift points are about the same in RPM's regardless if it is a 9,10, 13, etc.

How can you make a statement like that ?

9, 10, 13, 15, 15 R.T.O., 18s, over drive, direct drive, double over drive,
different rear end ratios, weights, hills, empty, loaded, strait truck, doubles, soft ground, hard ground, dry road, icy road, the time it takes to make the shift, road speed lost or gained, the list goes on...

You have to listen, feel the truck, give the truck what it wants, when it wants it...

Kinda like keeping a woman happy :wink:

golfhobo · #5 10-21-2007, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COLT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uturn2001

For the most part, the shift points are about the same in RPM's regardless if it is a 9,10, 13, etc.

How can you make a statement like that ?

9, 10, 13, 15, 15 R.T.O., 18s, over drive, direct drive, double over drive,
different rear end ratios, weights, hills, empty, loaded, strait truck, doubles, soft ground, hard ground, dry road, icy road, the time it takes to make the shift, road speed lost or gained, the list goes on...

You have to listen, feel the truck, give the truck what it wants, when it wants it...

Kinda like keeping a woman happy :wink:

Obviously, this is why American women are HAPPIER than Canadiennes.

Our women, like our trucks, are not so picky! :lol:

And they prefer that the MAN be "in charge."

JUST KIDDING FOLKS!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

MADLUX · #6 10-21-2007, 02:18 PM

when you take the road test ask them what the rpm range is for that truck.

Malaki86 · #7 10-21-2007, 02:57 PM

I just push "D" and off I go :wink:

Ironturkey · #8 10-21-2007, 03:14 PM

When I go to an interview I always ask what kind of engines and transmissions they are running because not all are the same. Some tranny's like to be preselected and some dont and every engine has it's sweet spot for shifting.

Deus · #9 10-21-2007, 05:01 PM

I've only had one job, and will probably be there until I retire.... Wish I had some experience with some other equipment. All I can drive is a straight 10...

heavyhaulerss · #10 10-24-2007, 01:11 AM

9, 10, 13, 15, 15 R.T.O., 18s, over drive, direct drive, double over drive,
different rear end ratios, weights, hills, empty, loaded, strait truck, doubles, soft ground, hard ground, dry road, icy road, the time it takes to make the shift, road speed lost or gained, the list goes on.

damn my head is dizzy now :?