Hey guys. I've been posting a ton of questions in the Newbies section. I am wanting to get into the trucking industry for various reasons that I mentioned on the Newbies board. However, someone suggested that I ride along with an OTR guy or a regional guy so I can get an idea of the lifestyle. I unfortuantley don't know any drivers so I thought I'd give this forum a shot. Does anyone live in the Tucson/Phoenix area that would be willing to let me tag along. I'm 30, clean cut , don't smoke or do drugs. I'm just wanting to get an idea of the industry through some first hand ride alongs. If anyone is from this area, please let me know. Thanks.

Anthony

 

Most insurance companies will not allow passengers in a commercial truck that they insure unless they work for the trucking company.

 

That really stinks. I guess the only way to find out for myself about the industry is to eventually take the plunge. Thanks for all of the good information guys.

 

In what capacity? The reason I ask is I read on here somewhere that you have taken your wife a few times recently, is she listed as a secretary maybe?

If I decide to do this ,I would like to get my wife involved, and also to ride along when she wanted.

 

G-man is not only a o/o, he has his own authority. If the truck crashes, I'm sure his wife isn't going to sue him and take his house lol

It has to do with company drivers, primarily. Even me (o/o) requires a background check of anyone riding in my truck.

 

Actually RostyC, my wife is listed at the corporate secretary. In Tennessee we are required to have two people listed as officers of a corporation. The same person cannot be the secretary and president. Most insurance companies won't allow you to take a passenger unless they are an employee of the company. Some may restrict anyone else in the truck who is not a CDL holder. There are policies you can get through a lot of carriers which will allow you to legally take a passenger with you in the truck. They usually run about $22/month. Some have policies which are good for a year for around $100. It depends on the carrier. If you lease to a carrier you may want to check with them. The main reason is liability. With a society that is so litigious it is a matter of self preservation. If you have a passenger in the truck who doesn't possess a CDL or is an employee of the carrier, you must have a permission form in your possession for the passenger. If you are pulled into a weigh station they have been known to check those forms.

I am not so sure about the house after a crash, BanditsCousin. :P Just kidding.

 

i'm a company driver and all i have to do is pay $25 a month to have a passenger in the truck with me i just have to do a little paper work to get it ok'ed. most companies have a rider policy.

 

That's what I thought GMAN thanks, I also have my wife listed as secretary for my current corporation and would do the same if I formed one for a truck business.

An extra added bonus: I'm having an affair with my secretary and my wife don't mind! :lol:

 

RostyC, does that mean that your secretary can ride along, too? :P

 

Well, I'm not one to kiss and tell (yes I am) but oh yeah! she can ride along! :lol: