Profile For Zen Joker

Sandman J and I just had a conversation a few weeks back about issues like this. For some reason Love's/Speedco really sucks (except Bridgeport, MI). TA truck service seems to be a better option at TA or Petro.

Sorry you lost so much time man!

Hello Shane,

Congratulations on starting your journey! Roehl is a very good company and you were VERY wise to go straight to a reputable carrier for paid training vs. a CDL school. CDL schools are there to make money (though there are some good ones in the mix) and the company will train you how THEY want to to drive their truck safely.

This gig is 90% between your ears. Just take in the instruction and take your time. Remember the most important trait of a truck driver is PATIENCE. Patience with your trainers, patience with the multitude of crazy and reckless motorists, and most importantly patience with yourself. You are going to make mistakes as we all have. Don't beat yourself up if you make a mistake or if there are some things you aren't getting as quickly as the other students. Emotional truck drivers make bad truck drivers. Always strive to keep your emotions near the middle and level.

Your training will be broken down down into 3 major areas (pre-trip inspection, driving, and backing). You will notice that you will excel in 1-2 areas and be a little behind in the other 1 or 2. Find students that excel in where you are not as strong and practice with them and conversely help them with the area(s) you are strong in. It makes the learning process a lot more fun and collaborative.

Best of success to you and please come back here and update frequently and let us know if you have any questions.

Lastly, on backing practice "less is better" with the steering wheel and always Get Out And Look ;-)

Errol, I had a complete brainfart...thanks for bringing that up about the gusts in this thread.

I use the Highway Weather app, too. Once you set a route, the Summary tab has a graph showing forecasted wins and gusts, among other things, plus some available live road cams.

Good Morning James,

A good CB set up is subject to the old consumer virtue "You get what you pay for". Please bear in mind a good CB setup will let you hear what's happening miles ahead and will allow you to divert from major delays and also be safer by knowing what's coming around the next mountain curve.

There are many good CB brands. Cobra is a good brand many drivers use. I personally have a President McKinley. It has auto squelch and weather band.

I'd recommend finding a truck stop where you are commonly routed that has a reputable CB shop to provide and install the antenna and coax right there. Then they can hook it up to your CB and tune it right there. I can personally recommend the CB shop at the TA on Burr St, in Gary, Indiana.

All in you will pay $300-$400 if you take this route. Again, what results are you willing to pay for? My CB set up paid for itself in about a year with potential lost time and being able to avoid major delays.

Good luck in your search!

Hello Paul.

Highway Weather is a Godsend. You can enter point A to point B and even add DOT breaks to the schedule and it details the weather along the route when you are passing through in area and included traffic cams too. I'm not sure any app can predict wind gusts though. Listen to the weather channel on your truck's stereo (if equipped) it's a standard option on Freightliners. Also look for blowover warnings on overhead electric signs.

Best of success

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!!