Profile For Joe H.

So what is the issue. We might be able to help

There is no one specific issue. Generally, I'm happy. There are a bunch of little things and a number of recurring issues that pop up every few months and I get tired of having the same conversation over and over again. It's like trying to stop the dog from eating the neighbor's chickens. (And I don't want to do to my TM what I did to to the dog to make it stop. )

I've been presented with a couple of opportunities and one is really intriguing.

I wasn't really looking to get into my situation. I mostly wanted to hear from others what it would take to get them to switch companies and go back to the bottom of the totem pole.

whether it's time to change companies or suck it up?

Hey Brett, thanks for the podcast. I just listened to it and it was exactly the pep talk I needed after the last couple weeks.

THANKS!

I work for Knight and G-Town is right. You'll most likely get assigned to whichever truck is available at the time in whichever terminal you'll be dispatched from. You can request one or the other and your options will be take what's available or sit - unpaid - until what you want is available.

Most of the new trucks will have the automated gear box. There are still quite a few manuals in the fleet, however.

Hi folks, I know this thread is a few months old,but I figured I would ask this question because I go to knight orientation on June 20th. My question is can I choose to get a manual instead of an automatic? I have nothing against automatics. I even drove one at schneider fresh outta school(thst was a little over a year ago) I only ask because while I like automatics I don't want to "handicap" myself. Any info would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Have you checked out Knight Transportation.

They have dry, refer and port divisions out of Phoenix and a training program based in Phoenix.

Also, check with the school you are planning to attend. They'll let you know what you need. Good luck!

I haven't been in this industry very long but I can tell you I've met some other drivers with a much more, shall we say, colorful work history than what you described.

As long as it's legal, any prospective employer would be more concerned with HOW you did your job, not so much WHAT your job was.

Were you a good employee? Were you on time? Were you productive? Those are some questions that are important. I bet you'll be fine and after you've been driving for a while you'll wonder what you were worried about.

Good luck!

Good Evening Everyone,

I am about 3 weeks from graduation and already have a job with Schneider National pending passing my test,felt having a job lined up before finishing would be a great motivation but now as I get closer and closer I am more nervous then ever I want this bad and failing isn't a option for me ( very hard on my self if you can tell ) What I am the most nervous about is the OTR going to stops with messed up docks and wondering if i can put this truck in the hole not like I can go back to the hub at the end of the day and ask for a co-workers opinion, I know Schneider does extensive training but that is my biggest fear being new in the Tractor Trailer field.

I am here to network with other truckers and learn as much as possible from each and everyone of you, I value everyone's helps and cant wait to speak with my new pals in the trucker field. Thanks for listening

Chris

I've been driving for just a few months and for me the testing out was the most stressful because you're only allowed a limited number of pull ups and G.O.A.L.s. But it gets easier once you're out and about. Don't be shy, either. Ask for help if you think you need it.

When I'm backing I try to remember these three things my range instructor drilled into my head.

1. Take your time

2. Don't let other people drive your truck (in other words, don't be influenced by other drivers waiting for you to get out of their way, inpatient 4-wheelers or those crazy yard dogs. This also applies for when your DM sends you to a shipper to pick up a load that doesn't exist or was picked up the day before by another driver)

3. It doesn't have to be pretty...just get it in there.

Good luck!

Maybe this isn't a new issue, but I sure could use some help if others have the same issue.

I am driving a 2013 ProStar International. I have talked to different shops in the company and can't get a good answer.

In really cold weather (below 15 degrees) if there is a freezing rain, the right side of my window, right in my view, freezes over and won't melt.

Depending on how bad the freezing rain is, sometimes I have to stop every 3 or 4 miles to let it melt off.

Once I am stopped, it clears up in a few seconds. But the second I start down the road again, I start getting my windshield frozen over.

I have tried putting a fan in the window to help move the air. I have opened my window. The passenger's window. Turned the heat up till I am cooking in my cab. I have turned the heat down till it is just warm.

I have put those things on my wipers to hold them tighter to the windshield. They help with wind, but don't do a thing with freezing rain.

I have used the cold weather washer fluid and it clears it up as long as I keep squirting the liquid on it. But as soon as I stop, it freezes over again.

And that brings me to another issue. The over-spray from my side goes right onto my mirror. It isn't long before my mirror is so covered, I can't see out of it. Is there anything that anyone knows of, that can be put on the mirror or the truck door to keep the over-spray off the mirror?

If anyone has any answers, I would deeply appreciate them.

As I have said, my company shops have been no help.

Keep it safe out here, the life you save might be your own.

Joe S (The Blue Angel)

I learned this from a driver from Canada. When it's really cold and raining/freezing rain leave your sun visors down when you have your defroster on. It helps trap the warm air and keep it close to the windshield keeping it warmer so stuff doesn't freeze.

Hey, JoeH., I have a question for you. Did you start out with your CDL, did you go through the driver training? Were you experienced? Did you have to drive with a trainer?

I had no experience driving tractor/trailers. Many years ago I had a Class B CDL - back then it was just called a chauffeur's license - and I drove the short bus. I'm in the Squire program. Two weeks on the range learning the basics, then a road test and a few written tests, then 4 weeks OTR with a trainer, then another road test and another written test. Now I'm on my 30,000 mile 'probation' period which I should wrap up in the next few weeks if all goes well.