[coastie]

Originally Posted by Kevin0915

Why stop if you dont need to go, or feel tired?


why do some drivers think it would rather be more fun to give a new driver a hard time, rather than help them when they have a question?? Thought we were all professional. But then again, I laugh at those who get all upset when they have to walk into a truck stop because their fuel card or the card reader doesnt work, THEN walk 30 feet back to their truck to start to fuel. Then they give the clerk a hard time for a fault not their own, THEN complain about the fuel price when they are a company driver. LOL.....medication run out?

Why stop? Health and make it easier to make the 10 or 11 hours run per day. If not you would end up in bad shape faster.
Dangers of not stopping;
1. Blood Clots
2. Fatigue
3. Stiff joints early arthritis.

Originally Posted by dobry4u

Driving 11 hours straight with no stops isn't safe.

Very True

Originally Posted by Kevin0915

headborg, you seem to have interpreted my previous post when I said, "...if my first mentor would have driven on my book, done 100% of the driving, bought me a nice steak dinner every night and concerts and kiss my butt, it would have been alot better than the training than i got." You fail to continue the thought with the next statement when i said, "...He paid for one dinner, and i said 'thank you', but he covered me being short some change for one meal, and didnt say 'thank you' cause he thought i felt it was DESERVED, when in fact i didnt say THANK YOU, because he could care less about my welfare, and ripping me off the training i was on his truck for." To paraphrase, he didnt teach me SHATner. I drove, sure, but as far as TRAINING, had the ONLY things I took away from those 2 weeks on his truck were steak dinners, and a concert and whatever else you mentioned, i am saying THAT in and of itself was better than the 2 weeks i had on the truck. Dont put words in my mouth by misinterpreting me by saying "i think being in the right seat is the best for any student." that isnt what i am saying.

and for having a chip on my shoulder, i think i am perfectly well balanced....i have a chip on BOTH shoulders. =) (that was a joke for all you reading that). I dont think poorly of trainers in general because of one bad apple. I know there are good ones, and select few who should never drive a truck again. My old trainer happens to fall into the latter.

Does it really matter how much you make? Are you really going to spill that coffee and tell yourself "oh, i'm only making 25 cpm, so i'm not going to clean that up. If you spend a few minutes picking up after yourself, the job (of picking up) is alot easier. You do take a day or two off don't ya? why not spend 15 minutes sweeping out your truck, straighten things out and give it a quick dusting. might take you a whole 30 minutes. what is that....an episode of Sienfeld? so what.

like quite a few of you super truckers who feel the need to drive 70-75mph because maybe you have to make up some time, or get to where you're going before your deadline. How about this...leave earlier. mange your time better. dont spend 20 minutes taking a shower....take 10. then you might have some extra time to clean up your truck. As a trainer, you think it is okay to use an old t-shirt as a snot rag, then leave it laying on the floor??

do i know it all? no...but i do know how i would run my truck...i do know, if i were a trainer, i would atleast look after the welfare of my student. do i look down on all mentors just because i had a bad one? you seem to quickly forget, i LOVE (not that way) my new one. I am getting great experience....and LOVE the KW T2000.

You wanted a thank you when your too weak to give one your self? HAHAHAHAHAH New breed of man kind, Politeness gone out the window. The guy could have said go wash Dishes, or go searching for 35 pennies out in the parking lot. He not required to buy an meals,

Originally Posted by Kevin0915

well that was an ignorant post. Tell me, if someone happens to pull to the side of the road with clearly a flat tire, and some young kid asks "how do you fix it", i bet your answer would be "um, well, you just fix it". Tell me how that is helpfull? This board is here to HELP, not to tell someone how wrong they are. Go back and see where this thread took the dive. It all starts with headborg. I can listen to GOOD advice and someones opinion, but start telling me how bad a driver i am just because i am new, and you'll get it shoveled back in your face.

we can also have a civil and professional conversation without the need to piss in each others corn flakes.

You asked for the easiest way and you were given it. Plan and simple.

Originally Posted by Orangetxguy

Nobody owes or owed you anything.You did owe your Trainer a "Thank You" for the 35 cents.

"Thank You" is a simple everyday courtousey that to few people extend. If enough drivers said "Thank You" to the clerks and wait-staff behind the counters of the Truck Stops and in the Restuarants, "WE" as a whole would get treated better by those people.

I frequent places like the Pilot at Satsuma AL, the Flying J at Hope Hull AL, the TA at Earle AR, the BP at Steele MO and the Flying J in Collierville IL often enough, that most of the clerks and wait-staff at those facilities remember me...because I say "thank you" every time...even if I did get annoyed waiting for service.

People will remember you by your attitude.

People will remember your attitudes. If it good waitress will pray you come back to one of their tables, if not good they pray you get lost for good. Jobs will come and leave faster with a bad attitude. For you would not be satisfied no matter what.

Originally Posted by Rev.Vassago

If you say so. The fact still remains that it was exactly what everyone else suggested, and is pretty much what you did to solve the problem, now isn't it? I guess the solution that worked was "ignorant" then.:rolleyes:

Rev knows what he talking about, though times I not in agreement how he may put things, but still he knows.

Originally Posted by Kevin0915

I will listen to the guy who told me to keep the CB off. but remember i said i would turn it on when trying to find out about backed up traffic, etc.? think you're the one who has a problem with comprehending. Why would i want the CB on, to hear all the flack i get just because i pull forward once or twice?? I was watching a swift guy pull forward 8 times.....so what. Sure it took him 5 minutes to park it, but s/he did it. Why would i get on the CB to show everyone listening how ignorant and unprofessional i am? Just because it might be 'funny'? or one would feel the need to 'join in'? Too bad i know i graduated high school a LONG LONG time ago.

You know when the best time to back is?? NEVER. if you dont need to back why do it? I am sure i would get grief from other drivers who would think i'm a bad driver just because i found a spot i could 'pull thru' rather than having to back.

And just because a driver cant back, dont classify him as a terrible driver. For your information, i passed my state test, with 3 weeks experience, with 1 point. I scored a zero on the 45* and 90* backs. But too bad how well you did on your tests dont get posted on your CDL when you get it, huh. I've got the same piece of plastic in my back pocket (minus the doubles and triples endorcement) as most every other driver. i have 18 wheels on my tractor-trailer...just like most other drivers.

If your listening to the CB, you might hear someone offering you help, or a warning of you about to hit another truck. Yes you will hear the CB Rambo's and others stating they lost their panties, but warnings and news also passed over it.

[RebelDarlin]

[Hawkjr]

Originally Posted by golfhobo

I have tried to stay out of this one for a variety of reasons, but I READ the whole thing. I understood Headborg's post that "supposedly" started the fray, and it was in NO WAY meant to offend or question the O.P's abilities. It was ALL about how many miles the Training truck might have made on a certain day due to circumstances.

Now.... turning your CB on AFTER you find yourself past the last exit and stuck behind accident traffic is a mistake. You can make that mistake if you want, but I won't. You can turn it off in the T/S parking lot so as not to hear the "stuff" if you want, but ONE of those guys might be warning you of a hazard that can end your career. Just toughen up and "monitor" the CB without taking everything personally.

The best time to "back" is every dang chance you get, as a newbie, for the practice. You can't get good at bumping docks if you always pull through. Now... maybe you plan to pull doubles (not for swift.) In that case, when you try to stop in that crowded Pilot, you will be THANKFUL for the guys who took the time to back in a slot and LEFT you that pull through.

Also, there's almost never such a thing as a straight pull through. You will almost always be dragging your trailer in at an angle, one that is increased by the distance your tandems are from your kingpin. It is actually EASIER in many cases to back in, because the "swivel point" is now closer to the entrance to the hole.

And I agree with Colts Fan that it sounds like you have told YOURSELF that starting with Swift is something to look down on, and you approach everything and every driver here with that chip on your shoulder. Every thing you say about the CB, the board, the posters here, and truckers in general indicates that you EXPECT to get chit on because you are a Swift newbie. You don't even wait for it to happen..... you bring it on yourself.

This is trucking. We pick on people or companies like sports fans rag on whoever is at the bottom of the heap that year. Not everybody on the CB is a Rambo looking to bust your b@lls. When you've been out here for awhile you will find that out. But, if you take everything said as a challenge, you will NEVER find that out.

Oh yeah, almost forgot. Deep Vein Thrombosis is the condition referred to earlier that comes from sitting for so many hours without exercising your legs. It can be fatal on the FIRST episode. And just because you are not sleepy doesn't mean that something might not be amiss 60 feet behind you. Get out and check your equipment a couple of times a day. Especially, if you happen to be pulling a reefer! You need to check the temp in the box BEFORE an equipment malfunction spoils your whole load. The lights you see in your mirror don't really mean a thing.

Best of luck, guy.

Golfhobo that has to be the best post i've seen to clear up this thread... But knowing this clown he'll still have to nip pick it and find something to pick out.. I'm through with this dude.. Good Luck, enjoy your 3 months on the road and come back home to get a pizza delivery job you scrub!!!

P.S. I have a question, do anyone think i'm a loser or a sorry truck driver because i drive a slow pumpkin and hold alot of you guys up on the interstate?? After reading Kevin's Post i think i'm a loser..

P.S. 2 ... no matter what anyone says hobo your fine by me!!

[golfhobo]

HawkJr.... you know what they call two trucks side by side that can't pass each other, don't you?

Schneider tryouts! (wink.)

.... and, thanks.

[Hawkjr]

no problem hobo... and you know what i call other trucks (besides J.B. Hunt and Swift) that passes by me??? A BLURRRRRRRRRRRRR.................

[headborg]

Ok, the radio issue;

How about while you are G.O.A.L. ing when backing into a spot-- if you see the guy in the truck on the blind side-- just walk up to him and ask if he'd be willing to go to Channel 25 or some other channel besides 19 and that way you'll get some more "use" out of the Thing. And like someone else stated before-- the time to turn on the CB is before you pass that last exit that would have "got you around" that backup ahead.. Believe me, you'll only catch hell rolling up to the end of a back and and THEN-- turning on the CB and asking.." what's going on up there?" why's it all backed up?" "what lane is open?"

oh yeah, p.s. Try the new Cobra with Bluetooth. + weather channel.

[golfhobo]

I was stuck in a backup in Knoxville one time (I wasn't the one driving... codriver didn't use the radio... and every few seconds it was.. "What's going on up there?"

I said over the radio, "I wish I had a nickel for everytime THAT would be asked!" After awhile, drivers all over were saying "Kaching!" as it was asked over and over and over.

[scythe08]

Kevin,

One thing to keep in mind if You find Swift undesirable. Alot of other company's only require 6mo exp. I started at swift and had a decent time except for the HUGE difference between miles ran and miles paid and the forced dispatch. In 6 months I had almost 9000 unpaid miles. 3000 of which were in one month. These weren't runs I missed or screwed up on. These were runs that I followed to a T, but for whatever reason the miles were really off on the Preplans.

I left after my 6 months and went to Knight and stayed there for almost 2 years until I came off the Road to drive local. They paid a little more , but had non-force dispatch and I though being a smaller company, they wouldn't have some of the issues Swift had. I wish you the best in your endeavor and keep us posted. Everyone has to start somewhere and I know some peeps who have been at swift for 20 years, make good money and love it!

[Kevin0915]

Originally Posted by headborg

Ok, the radio issue;

How about while you are G.O.A.L. ing when backing into a spot-- if you see the guy in the truck on the blind side-- just walk up to him and ask if he'd be willing to go to Channel 25 or some other channel besides 19 and that way you'll get some more "use" out of the Thing. And like someone else stated before-- the time to turn on the CB is before you pass that last exit that would have "got you around" that backup ahead.. Believe me, you'll only catch hell rolling up to the end of a back and and THEN-- turning on the CB and asking.." what's going on up there?" why's it all backed up?" "what lane is open?"

oh yeah, p.s. Try the new Cobra with Bluetooth. + weather channel.

Actually have thought about the idea. As far as GOAL, i dont care how 'dumb' i will look, i'm my own person. And even if i do get help, i'll still will look in my mirrors....though there are some drivers who will take offense to that, and use the "what i'm not good enough to help you, you gotta look in your mirrors when i'm right here??!?!?"

But I wont be one of those 2 month truckers who end their career by being stupid and hitting something. I dont care how slow i take an exit, or how long it takes me to get up to speed. If i feel i'm getting into a not-so desireable position, i'll take my time. Most of you think i am some snot nose little brat of a kid, and i could care less what your opinion is of me. Fact of the matter is that i am happy with where i am at. I dont care if you dont like who i work for, or automaticly think i have no skill because of who i work for AND/OR that i've only got a month experience.

I am very open minded, and will take in every bit of 'help' i can get. Some i can take with a grain of salt, and others i can write down in my memory warehouse.

Run into me at a truck stop, and i'm the nicest guy you'd meet. I say THANK YOU all the time with waiters and waitresses, and TIP well. I tip better than most because my last major job was working at a casino where 90% of my paycheck was based on tips. I didnt tip before that when i got a haircut. after starting work in a casino, i did.

I'm the most polite guy you'd meet. but start thinking you're better than me because of who you work for, how much you make or what kind of car you drive, then be ready for some additude....cause i dont dance.

THANK YOU, and have a nice day ;-)

[headborg]

Originally Posted by Kevin0915

Actually have thought about the idea. As far as GOAL, i dont care how 'dumb' i will look, i'm my own person. And even if i do get help, i'll still will look in my mirrors....though there are some drivers who will take offense to that, and use the "what i'm not good enough to help you, you gotta look in your mirrors when i'm right here??!?!?"

But I wont be one of those 2 month truckers who end their career by being stupid and hitting something. I dont care how slow i take an exit, or how long it takes me to get up to speed. If i feel i'm getting into a not-so desireable position, i'll take my time. Most of you think i am some snot nose little brat of a kid, and i could care less what your opinion is of me. Fact of the matter is that i am happy with where i am at. I dont care if you dont like who i work for, or automaticly think i have no skill because of who i work for AND/OR that i've only got a month experience.

I am very open minded, and will take in every bit of 'help' i can get. Some i can take with a grain of salt, and others i can write down in my memory warehouse.

Run into me at a truck stop, and i'm the nicest guy you'd meet. I say THANK YOU all the time with waiters and waitresses, and TIP well. I tip better than most because my last major job was working at a casino where 90% of my paycheck was based on tips. I didnt tip before that when i got a haircut. after starting work in a casino, i did.

I'm the most polite guy you'd meet. but start thinking you're better than me because of who you work for, how much you make or what kind of car you drive, then be ready for some additude....cause i dont dance.

THANK YOU, and have a nice day ;-)

Who told you- that G.O.A. L. makes you look "dumb"? I've been driving 15years now-- and I G.O.A.L. whenever I feel I need to. Especially, when (a) I'm tired from driving 10.95 hours. (b) This is my 3rd "unnesssary" stop of the day. (c) when I'm pissed at the company and planning on leaving for another soon( funny when Murphy Strikes).

Whatever you do-- don't get 6months of experience and suddenly feel it's more important to look "cool" than be smart.

This is like the 2nd time you've stated that you'll look in your mirrors, or something to the effect that- every driver should be able to pull through a fuel bay without banging into something.... and you're right-- in a perfect world we'd all be perfect. So now consider this advise please.
a) keep your Mirrors clean!
b) Know the proper adjustment and aiming to avoid "blind" spots close to your vehicle. Your mirrors should be turned in enough to see down the side of your trailer when straight--plus catch enough of the front corner to see the trailer number or corner light. Some new drivers make the mistake of setting them so far out-- that they are actually leaving a "blind" spot right next to their trailer-- funny thing is- stuff sneaks in there fast. Plus do you really want to be watching the cars IN the far lane- and miss the ones in the lane beside you? Sure, your head can move and bend-- but it works both ways too.


Statistically speaking-- you're GOING to have 3 minor maneuvering accidents/incidents within your first YEAR. It doesn't matter how well trained you are. Statistically speaking-- the minute you get on you own-- you're going to "relax" and start down hill towards- being sloppy- less cautious.
I hope you can buck the statistics.
But remember, it looks a lot dumber-- standing there filling out insurance information than G.O.A.L., it's even dumber to try to "run" and drive off from the scene.

Taking exits slow<--- good idea

Not getting up to speed before merging coming onto controlled highway<---

bad idea,(unless you're heavy loaded-which is the only acceptable excuse).
you used to not graduate to solo if you a) couldn't shift through the gears fast enough/well enough to safely merge with the traffic.
or B) you EVER rolled backwards on a hill or worse-- placed the truck in reverse to back up for someone at an intersection ( automatic failure ).

Also, the only reason, many might "question" your skills or training- is because companies like Swift, USExpress, CREngland- well, honestly-- they are known for having Trainers that have only 6-months experience themselves. You might have a Ace of a Trainer with years of experience--Count yourself--lucky. The above is not your fault, it's a reflection on your company.

Be safe, and p.s. I'll leave my marker lights on for you too( it will help you when backing in beside you).