Question:
Well I am now ready for all the harrassment I expect to get with some of the adventures of my first 3 weeks out.
Lessons learned.
1- Never ever trust any part of the directions the company gives you. That cost me more time on Monday than I care to think about.
2- Never look for a parking spot when tired. You MAY find one, but then your too tired to do things right and get into the spot.
3- Always bungy cord the doors with these trailers. The latches dont latch well and have a tendancy to fly open. Had that happen and had it labeled an accident had to retake the road test again. I got a 98 on it, 1 point off for a steering correction in backing and 1 point off for setup management. I did get the highest score ever of my dispatchers area of folks taking the test.
4- Try and stay in constant communication with the company.
Always always expect any turn to include a ditch. Ended up with the trailer in a ditch at the MT Vernon TX Loves. That was labeled an incident. No need to retake roadtest. Though I was told that once or twice a week a truck does what I did there.
And contrary to all I have been taught (which doesnt make a whole lot of sense to me) when my trailer feels kinda stuck, to gun it and keep going. Cause when I got stuck on an uneven street, trailer wouldnt move. I was told if I had keep going I would have been ok. Also was told the same thing with the ditch. But that wont happen with me. Cause, how do I know if its a ditch or a car..or worse. Thanks but I will stop and see why I heard a noise.
I am really tired. This on my own stuff has been pretty hard. I think I am slowly getting a handle on it. I only have had 1 area that was hard to get into. I got a zero for backing at that place. But then I knew I would.. Other backing I had done went just fine. I do have to admit when I have to back with a lot of trucks around, I get really nervous and lose all confidence in my abilities. Hopefully that will change in time.
I learned to always check the directions and write them large to see. Also write the town where you change interstates, helps with knowing what town or city the change happens in and you wont miss it. If you can find an exit number, write that down also.
Found my truck doesnt do well in the wind. I still need to figure out how to deal with that better than just slowing down when I get a gust of wind trying and sometimes succeeding in moving me. Only time I have ever wished for a heavy load and only got 3500 lbs when I was empty going there.
So in my adventures I have been backed into by a 47 year driver who had just the week before gotten his million mile safety award. He trusted a man helping him back. The man backed him into me on purpose as far as we can tell. I was under the hood putting oil in and heard a crunch and the hood started comming down on me. That was at a flying J in Evansville IN. Then the ditching of the trailer, and the uneven road, or the door swinging open. The only damage was the crinkling of the corner of the door. I was pulling out of dock and did not even have foot off clutch yet. Dispatcher I 1st had said I am getting all the bad stuff out of the way early. I sure hope she is right.
Yes alot of my misadventures have been my own mistakes. But I am learning a lot from them. I have had a LOT of help from many good people on here, helping me get the idea of how to do things on my own when I have noone with me to discuss what to do next.
Friday the adventure continues. Dont know yet where I am going. I am feeling a better about this than I was on Monday. Was ready to pack it up and stay home.

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IT GET'S BETTER !! ''


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Thats what I am being told. I sure hope it does. I know my new dispatcher is getting tired of me calling him. Heck *I* am getting tired of calling him. I am just going regroup and get my act more together that may help some.
Thanks for the encouragement.

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Bearbell, I think all these things sound like typical newbie hardships. It really does get easier with time and practice! Hang in there!
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Detour is right. It is all the newbie stuff that happens. I have ditched the tractor three times and the trailer once. I have ripped tires off the trailer twice and cut down a steering tire in a steel mill once. The list goes on. Cheer up. It is what makes trucking fun and interesting.
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Ya know Bearbell, it seems as though you've gotten the 'lions share' of troubles in the last few weeks. Hope that doesn't continue.
The problems you've had are why we make posts about trip planning, map reading, etc................ We do it because we've all been there and done that. Most of us even got the damn T-shirt.
I read where you've been so tired when you pull into a place at night, that you can't think clearly. Find a place and take a short afternoon nap. You'd be surprised how much of a difference a 30 minute 'power nap' makes.
Tell your DM, dispatcher or whoever it is that you are in constant contact with, that you're tired and gonna sleep. If they give you any sh*t, tell them that you'd rather get the load there safely rather than have someone pick it up out of a ditch somewhere.
Besides, they're still gonna need the load when you get it there.
When manuevering in tight, unfamiliar places, set your brakes and get out and walk it! I've done it many times. Doing so has saved me from towing bills, damaged equipment and damaged property.
When I was in the Army, we had 2 sayings..........
1. The "5 P's" = Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance
2. K.I.S.S. = Keep It Simple Stupid
Remember, you're the 'Captain' of your 'ship'. Operate it safely and efficiently.

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You're right about the directions from your company.
You say you are constantly calling your dispatcher? Why? Don't you drive for JB Hunt? They got Quall-Com don't they?
Listen; I gaurantee you will get sicker of calling them than they will of you calling.
You got a great tool there with the Quall-Com, take advantage of it. Most of us do this job because of the privacy and self supervising---why would anyone want to talk with their boss all day every day? Heck you can work in a factory if you want someone breathing over your shoulder all day.
If I had a Quall-Com, the only way I'd ever call them jackasses in the office is if I was empty and the Quall-Com was'nt sending my next load information quick enough to suit me.
The only time I'd make phone calls is to the shipper or consignee to get directions----you already know not to trust the directions on the Quall-Com or verbally through dispatch---ask the people that drive where you need to go EVERY DAY...and I call my loved ones every day.
As for the "wind" thing, the slower the better when you're light. The faster you go, the less weight you leave on the ground (scientific fact), so if you feel like you're going to blow over---you just might, better to be safe and on all 18 than take chances and show your bottom It's apparent this place is never going to change....then again; why should it? It gets the clientel it deserves.
Bette Midler

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Good to hear things are going relatively well lol
Calmer heads prevail, always remember this. We all get nervous and freak out, its human nature, but when things get tense…….stop…….breath in deep several times……..then proceed.
I’m not sure if you have a laptop, it may be a good idea to buy a cheep used one and put a good TRUCK route planning software on it with up to date info. ProMiles seems to get a lot of praise it will help you out a lot. I’m not saying throw away the Rand McNally but I believe it would be worth the cost having the software.
Good Luck and keep the shinny side up


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Well, Bearbell, look at it this way: You made it through the first leg of the adventure. Just file all of the things that have happened to you away, but not too deeply. Mistakes are the best lessons. As long as no one is hurt, they are the best way to drill things into a truck driver's thick skull. Myself included.
You have made every effort to do this job to the best of your ability and you are improving daily. From directions to logging to backing. Hell, you've even been on both ends of accidents. At fault with the door and not at fault when yo got backed into. Think about it this way: The guy that backed into you had a long run of no accidents. Look what happened to him. It can and probably will happen to all of us.Like I told you on the phone, after the door accident, it happened to a buddy of mine, that had driven for years.
Please continue to feel free to call me with any questions. Remember, the only stupid question is the one that doesn't get asked. I don't have all the answers, but at least I've got plenty of opinions, be they good or bad.
Any way, enjoy the hometime and get ready for the rest of the journey.
Seeya

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I'm sure the carrier is pleased with your preformance,you can't quit now for a long time,they got you by the nuts with 3 preventable accidents on your record.I hope you like the place.
Hang in there,it's normal newbie stuff.i hope you have plan B it there is another little oop's,your getting close to running out of your alotment of them.
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West, Detour, Twisted and W900L - Thank you all for the encouragement. It has gotten better as each day passes. I think Monday was just really bad because I wanted to come home, was on my way. Then found out about 5 hours from home that my Mom was in the hospital with the starts of a heart attack in addition to one we never knew she had. So even though at the time it did not feel a stress addition I think it was. But she is home and ok now.
Hoss-- One would think with all the reading and everything I have done in here. That I would have avoided the Newbie mistakes. I knew about them, but they happened anyways. Yes they were mistakes I knew better on. I am trying to establish a routine when I get a dispatch and then I plan on carrying it though. Things that I thought would come naturally and easily to me since I had done them in a car, before. I am finding they are much different in a truck. Thats what I get for thinking I had no idea that the street I turned onto would be uneven like that. But I did get good advice on what to do if there is a next time.
White Dog- Thanks for confirming what to do with the wind. The first seconds of being moved by the wind kinda felt like hydroplaning to me so I just let up on the fuel and proceeded. I sometimes would rather use the OBC, but other times its impossible to use. Such as when the truck is in motion. The most I have had to call was when I did not have directions to the receiver sent a message for them was told they did not have any. Told to call if I had troubles. Which I did. White Dog, I would also like to thank you for not giving me an I told you so! I appreicate that very much.
ZigZag- Your right I have used up all my uh-oh's!! At least I feel as though I have used them all up. This run comming up should be easier. I have plenty of time to get where they want me to be. I am using the knowledge I have gained these last few weeks to make this a good run. A plus is I do like the company. My dispatcher and I seem to get along well, even though last week I got my permanat one, he seems to be ok with me so far.
Magicman- I am sorry I havent called. I will call this evening, when I shut down for the night. I am slowly but surely learning. I wish when I was with West and Karl that I had paid more attention to all that was going on. Seems like the simple things I mess up on. A plus has been exactally what you have told me all along. The mistakes will happen and when they do, LEARN from them go on and put what I have learned to use. Then just get out there and DO it. I DO know what I am doing, I just have to allow myself to DO it! I'm sure you know what I am talking about there. Westline should also. Thanks Magicman!
All in all, I know things could have gone better. I think that once I allow myself to FEEL like I know what I am doing, that things will go better. The company encourages us to keep in touch so they know if we are having troubles. Be it by the OBC or calling. If we are tired and need a rest they want us to let them know. Mind you I havent used that option yet. But in talking to another long time driver for JB he seems to have a hard time conveying that to his dispatcher. Mine seems to be a good guy..so far!
I am not sure when I will have internet access again. But I will do my best to keep folks updated on my adventures. If I have my way they will no longer be adventures but experiances. Off to Blue Ash OH, for a 0800-1200 delivery on Monday, will leave home this afternoon. Stay safe folks and again..thanks to all.

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Hi Bearbell.
Its been a while since I been in here, just thought Id see whats been goin on. Sounds like you're doin well. Glad to hear your Solo. CONGRATULATIONS
As far as directions are concerned, You can use your company directions as a guideline, but I always bounce that off the Motor Carrier Atlas and always call the consignee (nobody knows how to get there better than them). Also, I write down for future reference how to get there. so if I ever go back, I don't have to re-do all the leg work. I have found that even the Atlas is not all conclusive, some roads have weight limits that arn't listed in the Atlas. a lot of small local routes.
Usually the company directions will route you that way because its less miles. but you can usually save time by taking a state route or even an interstate.
Its all about trip planning. I guess Im lazy because I havent been keeping up with all the posts, But who are you driving for? and what happened to the team thing you were doin?
Anyway, Good luck. and Im glad you're still having fun.
Oh, im tryin to post a picture of my ride in the picture gallery.
Hi to everyone else, hope everyone is doing well!
Ike

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Hey Bearbell good to know you are still out there and fighting hard. Me I am still sitting at home but I got a gig with Swift coming up. Yes I am with Swift. I ended up with them because most of the other companies. JB included did not even want to look at me because my one and only company had terminated my employment. They did not care about the reasons all they saw was that I was terminated. Swift is going to give me a chance and I am going to give them a chance. I also found out the upped thier trucks from 62 to 65 now so they are really not the slowest out there anymore lol.
I see you have made mistakes out there BB but don't think anything of them. Everyone does in the beginning and reguardless how much you read about these mistakes you are gonna make em anyways. Well have some shopping to do today so I will catch you all later.
Keep the nose between the ditches and the smokies off your tale girl and go get them miles.

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HI IKE and D,
How things with givens IKe. I talk to Karl frequently seems he is out pretty often now.
DDDDDDDDD let me know how things go with swift. I missing seeing everyone in chat but I dont often get to stop where I have internet and last night I was too tired to stay online long
Both of you take care..Ike give me a call sometime when you have a chance

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After much needed time off I went back out 4-9, picked up in West Point Va with a load going to Columbus,OH delivering on Monday so took my time with that. From there I had a load going to Lenox IL (a Chicago suburb) delivering at noon tuesday. Got there 9am and after 1 and a half hours of sitting in the dock was told I could dop and hook. So then off to clorox in Chicago by 1 and get loaded.
This load took me to Auburn Falls MI(Detroit suburb), delivering at 630 am on Tuesday. So off I go with not enough time to drive straight though on the book. So Split sleeper time is happening. Get there at at 630 on the nose. So I deliver and get P/p for Leavington ON(yes canada). So takes me forever to get there again bad company directions. Get there and I am told my load left LAST Thursday so the waiting game begins. On getting a load they find me one that is due to load Thursday but since is ready will load me now..2 hours later..I am loaded and on the way to the border. So after 3 hours I am at the booth. But I was able to make a sandwich while stuck at the top of the Ambassador bridge. helped to keep busy when afraid of heights and can feel the bridge moving. Was done with broker and customs within 1/2 hour.
This load delievers tomorrow 3pm but I think he wants me to try and get it done today. I may try I am not sure yet. I am sitting at Perrysburg OH. So have a good day of driving head of me and no motivation. But the sun is out and when i get going that will help.
SO in about 36 hours time I survived Chicago, Detroit and the border..lol. I hope things continue to go well, I have been seeing improvments every day.
All take care and I will update as I can.