Profile For Zen Joker

Lease opportunities are an act of love towards the carrier. The carrier make regular revenues while the Lease Op. absorbs the bulk of the overhead of running the truck and 100% of the liability for the equipment.

The key is to use ALL legally available space on all sides. Ride the lane marking (do NOT cross it) but hug the lane marking on your left and extend as far as reasonably possible before turning the wheel right. And of course check the mirror.

It's normal to be nervous. Just take a breath and do what you have been instructed to do. Remember slow is smooth, and smooth is fast in this job. ;-) Good luck man, you got this!

Great answers above!!

DJames it boils down to this for winter driving. You must have a clear understanding of the vehicle's limitations and your personal limitations and MOST importantly when you reach one of them. The moment that happens is the point you immediately park it. Don't compare yourself to other drivers. Some of us grew up in the northern US and are accustomed to driving in snow, ice and sleet. Last year I was supposed to drive Route 9 in Vermont with 7-13% grades and they forecasted 10 inches of snow. Even I am not that crazy! My point is everyone knows when to shut off the Cowboy Brain and just sit it out once in a while. The guys that never ever stop for bad weather will eventually end up in a wreck. In summary, there is NEVER shame or valid criticism for making the safe decision to park.

As you gain experience you will develop your own basis for knowing what you are or are not comfortable with. As far as the vehicle, it starts with your DVIR to ensure you have good tires/brakes etc. Of course no engine brake or cruise control during slick conditions. As the saying goes "Drive the load not just the road". If you have a light load stopping will be a bit easier BUT your drives will break loose much easier with little weight in the back. Conversely, a heavy load will anchor your traction better, BUT take an off ramp just a little too fast and don't slow down soon enough and off you go.

As the end of the day "When in doubt, sit it out" It is NEVER worth it to risk it to avoid a delayed delivery and a bad paycheck or screwing up your home time schedule. The chips you put on the table are your career and possibly your life and/or the life of the motoring public.

PS - The Highway Weather App is a Godsend!

Shane selling the car might be a strong move as you can get an Uber or Lyft around town when you are on hometime/34 hour DOT restart. Also check your carrier's policy for the use of Personal Conveyance as you may be able to Bobtail to get groceries, laundry, or visit friends/family as long as they are a reasonable distance from where your home parking is.

Congratulations Kearsey!! You are killing it on all fronts!! May 2025 be a continuance of your success!!

Davy's comment below is VERY sound advice. Take advantage of this option at the mega fleet to build a solid record. Reassess in a couple of years, however mega carriers generally reward good drivers and may raise compensation to retain you too.

The good thing about werner is that you can simply transfer to OTR, regional, or any other division. Although if you're comfortable with the backing, and things on the dollar amount, you can make considerable money on it.

To summarize this post...it's about the art of self regulation (aka not letting negative emotions control your actions/behaviors). It's a skill that is critical in trucking but really in any part of life. May as well learn it on the road.

Chronic emotional mis-management not only makes you do dumb and costly things, more research is showing that dwelling in a negative mindset promotes obesity, illness, and disease.

In the end more than half the motoring public is fundamentally incompetent at operating their vehicles and/or have severe mental/emotional issues rendering them incapable of making rational decisions.

The day you will experience the most peace in this field is when you realize that dodging rude and reckless acts by other motorists is part of the job (like your pre-trip inspection, sweeping the trailer, logging your activities in the ELD, etc).

That is awesome!! I too am becoming a trainer later this month.

You are a good person for taking care of your trainees the way you have!! Kudos to you!

I work at the same carrier as Sandman J so not many Hazmat loads for me either. I however maintain my Hazmat Endorsement in case I go 4 days without a shower. That way my vehicle can be placarded with a #2 Inhalation Hazard, and I may legally continue to participate in Interstate Commerce regardless of my hygiene.

Veriha Trucking based in Marinette, WI will consider felons on a case by case basis depending on circumstances and driver character.