Profile For Robert P.

I had another driver trainer ask me a question and I hope you all can answer it for me. I got two different answers on Facebook.

What is a "fifth wheel stop block"?

WOW! That is dedication! I have not heard of someone going through 13 months just to get into a position for a better job in a long time. Way to hang in there and kudos to the wife and kids. You are a great husband and father and they should be proud of you. It is good to know that there are some people out there who will work hard for what they want and not just sit by and wait for someone to give it to them.

I drive Line Haul for a LTL company. I go from Bowling Green Ky to Cloverdale In every night and back. 524 miles every night. I do have a tight schedule, but my company tells us to take a break when we need to. (even take a 10 minute nap if necessary) Most good companies will want you and their freight delivered in one piece. I have driven for 5 companies in 21 years of driving and I have never had a problem with rest breaks as long as I communicated with dispatch properly. Very few companies that will be 100% perfect, but you can find what works best for you. Good Luck.

Hey MG, Thanks a mil! My question is this: if you are coming from an otr flatbed background, which I'm not but am planning on so preparing for the future, how would you go about finding ltl positions? Thank you, Justin

Hey Justin,

I drive for a LTL company and they post all their job listings on a website called Indeed I hope this helps.

I don't think so. I'm so sick of hearing how "we have to raise gas and diesel taxes to pay for highway funding because the gas tax hasn't been raise since 1993" I DON'T CARE WHEN THE TAX WAS RAISED LAST! The American people pay enough in taxes that the important things should not be a problem. I think politicians should pull their heads out of their backsides and stop spending the money they don't have. Just Sayin'.

I do a tug test every time I get back in the truck. Even if it is only for a few minutes. I've had them come loose on the SECOND tug.

Thanks for the replies everyone, i just got settled in springfield for primes training so will see how it goes. Thanks for all the tips and suggestions i love this site reading here has helped me feel way better prepared to start my trucking career

Get a map! Just in case the GPS goes down for any reason.

I'm still training with my company, but when I do get into my own truck my plan is to buy 21 pairs of underwear, 21 pairs of socks, 21 undershirts, etc. and do 2 or 3 big loads of laundry when I come home.

I can't help with this one.....I have never stayed out for 21 days.

I love the great commentary I read here. The advice that comes from experienced drivers is priceless. Thank you all. I know that driving over the road is difficult, I did it for 12 years. The sleep cycle can get nerve racking. Sleep all night just to find out that your next load doesn't pick up until late that afternoon, it can really get to you. I have a little better time with it now because I run at night all the time for 9 years now working Line-Haul for an LTL company. The sleep schedule is steady. But what I have found is the body sleeps in cycles of 1 1/2 hours. Don't just sleep for 4 hours, try and sleep for 4 1/2. If you can wake up within the first 30 minutes of the 1 1/2 hours sleep cycle, you will not wake up as groggy. As far as getting to sleep when you need to, I do not recommend sleep medication, ie. Unisom. I tried that and after about 3 months of taking it regularly, it had the exact opposite affect. What I recommend is a natural supplement called Melatonin. (Though I am not a doctor) Just try a small dose first to see how it effects you and then you can play with the dose. Also, if you have to sleep during the day, try and block out as much blue light as possible. Any blue light and the body will think it is time to get up. Hope this helps.

I've been driving an automatic for about 4 years now. The biggest problem is not having a clutch. You have to get the rpm's up to about 8-900 just to get moving. That becomes a problem when backing into a tight spot. Truck will surge in movement and will not creep. Some newer trucks are being equipped with slower engagement settings, but are not guaranteed. Hope that helps.