Question:
I read post warning Rookies of situations you can find youself in being a new driver. I questioned my husband about his and he gave me a few,that he has had in his 15 yrs of experience. I think if you PROS, would share some of yours it might help rookies watch or avoid them. I would be very intrested in hearing them.
Answer:
Well I see all the pros are to busy to do anything for somebody new. I will Start by giving some examples my husband gave to me. Over head bridges watch for posted signs warning of low bridges. Dont always trust dispatcher directions,it may cause you to go down a one way road. Third make sure you are in right gear going down a hill (driving a gas hauler with a trainer). Loss of brakes tend to upset a trainer who is to retire in 4 months. Needless to say he was taken to the yard and released from training into his own truck . He has droven for 15 years everthing from a small truck to a 53' foot van ,to now a tanker. His only accident was hitting a women in the rear end ,who pulled out in front of him and then stop to turn in the next driveway. The woman was taking her daughter from business to business to fill applications out.Of course it was his fault because he wasnt in control . For anyone who says there is no money to be made in trucking (i.e. someone told a school teacher to keep his job instead of driving a truck) Dont listen to them,with alot of hard work a good driving record you could make upwards of 50k or more. I know professor in this area only make 50k a year. Well these examples might have been posted before but atleast I led example and tried
Answer:
GOAL
Go out and LOOK!!
Don't do anything blindly. Don't "think" you are clear!
Two minutes doing a quick walk around can save you HOURS!
Don't let the cb Rambo's give you a hard time. They're mouths are usually bigger than their brains.
One night I was backing under a shelter. I knew I was "close", and was about to keep on movin, but got out and checked. I was 2" from pushing a pole over that supported the shelter roof. That would have been a longgg night!

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Dont get because no PRO's responded in 4 hours , that happens at times.
59 MACK has good info, heres a few more , let your tires cool before parking on packed snow / ice that way they will not melt into the ice and create a problem when you go to leave.
Another thing is when buying things to take with you , look at the $1.00 stores be surprised of the items you need that they sell.
Before deciding on trucking as a career , check it out both the GOOD and the BAD.
Answer:

I'll second this one. It's something many drivers seem to think they don't need to do. When I was a trainer, my trucks mirrors had GOAL stickers on both mirrors, and if a trainee didn't do it, he/she was in for a looong one sided discussion. I learned the hard way. Had to buy a new fender for an '88 Pete. And I was married at the time. Mamma was NOT happy.
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I have a neighbor who is a professor at SIUC, and he makes about the same money as I did as a truck driver. Difference was, I was gone all week long, and worked 15 or more hours a day, and he worked 4 days a week for 6 to 8 hours a day and came home in time to cook dinner for his family (he loves to cook).
Please tell me how it is that he got the bum deal! Thanks.
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Elementary school teachers in my area, with continuing education (paid for), make considerably more than even the Super Twuckers on here claim to make.
Let's keep in mind that school teachers generally work 9 months per year and have a fully funded retirement package.

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Let's not forget the Healthcare.
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that think school teachers have it easy, your wrong. They might only teach 6-8 hours a day they also have to grade papers, create lesson plans for 5 days a week which adds another 3-4 hours a day. Also they have to deal with students that use drugs, bring weapons to school, and this just grade school.This info is from my Mother who teaches 8th grade. Plus all the extra classes they have to take to keep current which is at least an extra day or two a month.
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I'd tell any rookie driving into Manhattan for the first time to watch out for the hookers who jump up onto your steps at a light. Chances are, while you are watching them, somebody is breaking into your load.
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A "day or two a month" as opposed to the extra day or two per WEEK that an OTR driver puts in.

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You'll work about 30 more hours a week than that professor will.
That professor will spend more time with your young impressionable daughter than you will.
The professor's job is much more safe and secure. The professor, can advocate terrorism against the United States and keep his job... Truck Driver can loose his job for running over a nail.
Not a real good comparison there. The only reason that you can "make money in trucking" is because you can work a hell of a lot more hours than you can at other jobs. If the stock boy at walmart could work around the clock all week, every week, he'd make $50K a year too.
Back on the topic, let's go back to that nail. I do a lot of jobsite deliveries, and I go to a lot of places where they build modular homes. I walk the lot, or the driveway to where I am going to unload and pick up all the nails and screws. Flat tires suck... Especially when your steer tire goes down and you have to wait for road service.
Being broke down along the road is a very bad thing. You are a sitting duck and can become the vicitim of another sleepy driver who dozes off. You could fall prey to a criminal or even the police. If you're not prepared you could freeze to death. Check your vehicle thoroughly, and take every step possible to avoid winding up on the shoulder disabled.

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When fatigued, pull over and sleep or you will pay a very high price.
NO EXCEPTIONS!!

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teachers actually work closer to 10 -12 hours a day . You forgot summer school and some school districts go year round. Sometimes those classes teachers have to take are 2-5 days long OUT OF TOWN or OUT OF STATE. In the past I've gone to help my Mother to work on her classroom ,ie hang posters and such, on a Sat or Sun. because thats the only time it can be done.
Answer:
TOPIC :
"Situations you will find yourself in"
Actually , a perfect thread where us n00bs could gain some practical advise and edibal knowledge.
Since its clearly marked:TruckNet® Drivers RoundTable Forums Forum Index -> Newbies One has to wonder why the same individuals have to continually spew their repetetive nonsense over and over and over again.
Imagine how nice it would be if this thread would continue on topic and replies were directed toward the original topic.
There's those of us who'd really like to read about: "Situations you will find yourself in".