Profile For ShortRound

I had the exact same problem with my last truck at Prime. They never did figure out why the truck would do that. It was something causing interference though, because I would lose GPS signal on my Garmin also. They finally put me on another truck, but I heard the old truck has been reassigned and the new driver is still having issues with it. You didn't say who you drive for, but the truck # was 649125.

Dainelsahn wrote:

One of the reasons I love this site. I spoke with my DM. It is a requirement. However, he leaves it up to each driver's discretion, on whether to use them. I will have my mentor show me the ropes. An extra 5 minutes to secure the pallets can only save my arse. Thanks Gtown.

You're welcome and thanks for the plug. I'm sure Brett appreciates hearing that sort of feedback...

Yes. Glad you checked, better safe than sorry. And five minutes is an accurate time estimate required to do this. It also bodes well for you that you'd have the foresight and initiative to ask such a question. My rule of thumb on this topic: if the pallet is above 4.0' high, I strap it in. That said, Meat and Produce (M&P) pallets tend to be lower in height, less dense and more stable. FDD (Freezer, Deli, Dairy) tend to be higher stacked pallets (8'), more dense (heavier), and far less stable.

One additional question and point for you on WM load securement; has your Mentor demonstrated how-to secure the bulkheads to the logistics tracks? Case in point, many times you'll have two-three pallets remaining in zone-3; same number in the center section, zone 2 after your first or second stop. This creates a large space between the bulkhead isolating zone 2 from zone 3, creating zero stability behind/supporting the back of the remaining pallets in zone 3, allowing the bulkhead halves to pivot freely like a huge pet door. There are adjustable logistics straps built into the bulkheads used for securing to the interior sides of the reefer and center 3 or 4 velcro straps for fastening the center seem of the bulkhead sides. Securing the bulkhead in combination with the straps, basically surrounds the pallets with a securement point. There will be little chance to fall in any direction.

The above approach has never (knock on wood) failed me.

Yes he has. And we put the bulkhead doors right up to the next zone pallets if we can. And all the way forward, for the pallets in those zones to be placed as far forward as possible.

I have already lost skin to locking those doors in place, lol. Also, I think they discriminate against short people. I can barely reach the hook clips sometimes when lifting the doors.

I found a "5th wheel puller" works perfect for reaching those hooks for the bulkheads. I'm 5'2" and struggled with them for a couple months before I had the epiphany of using my "5th wheel puller".

Since you are retiring from the Navy, I assume you probably have the GI Bill. Local private CDL schools are an option you may want to look at. The GI Bill completely covered my "tuition", plus I got the $1K housing stipend for the month I was in school. On top of that Prime reimbursed me for a percentage of my tuition. I'm sure other companies offer similar reimbursement.

It really depends on your personal situation. Making a monthly payment on a vehicle that sits in the driveway 98% of the time may not be worth it. My wife and I made do with 1 vehicle (not including my motorcycles) for about 2 years. Recently I bought an old pickup that I could pay cash for. This way I can park the pickup at the storage facility where I park my tractor on hometime. Now we don't have to coordinate our shedules if I get home at am odd time, and I don't have to drag her out of bed at o'dark 30 to take me to the truck. Liability insurance on the pickup is $25/mo. YMMV

You need to throw "cattywampus" into the conversation. That's one of my favorites.😀

Google search "Cascadia spot mirror antenna mount". That is how I have my "stalk style" antenna mounted. I only lose signal when I am in tunnels or very high berms to the south.

The experience you are getting part time will certainly help, but as others have said, some companies will require in house training or a certified school. Since you are retiring from the military, I assume you will have two tools available to you that can help out. First you will probably have 30-90 days of terminal leave available during which you can go to a certified school. Second, you probably have the GI Bill which will pay for most private trucking schools (it paid for mine). To sweeten the deal, many companies will partially reimburse tuition expenses for private schools. For example, I used my GI Bill to pay for school, and my company reimbursed me $1200 fornthe schooling once I was hired.👍👍

If you are a retired vet, I assume you have GI Billbfunds available. Most reputable private trucking schools will meet the requirements to use your GI Bill. Most trucking companies will accept a training certificate from a school that meets GI Bill requirements.

I am very fond of my little 2qt crackpot. It allows me to cook on the truck while I am driving (I set it inside a small plastic washtub on the floor, and bungee the lid on to prevent spills). When I stop for the day I have a hot "home cooked" meal. Not sure that my cooking is "healthy", but with a slow cooker cook book and some creativity, you can make quite a variety of dishes. It is much better (healthier?), cheaper than eating out of the truck stops all the time.

First, (as others have mentioned) I'd inform my FM of the situation, so they can contact Sales to coordinate disposition of the load with the customer. Also your FM may need to take you off of your preplan.

Next, I'd contact Road Assist for instruction on how they would like to handle the trailer issue.

Most likely the customer is going to reject the load and want you to dump it (since it is dairy, and there may be safety concerns). RA will probably have you get the reefer repaired at the truck stop, or direct you to another repair facility. Once the trailer is fixed and product disposed of, get the trailer washed out and wait for the next load. Keep FM abreast of any updates to the situation, and prepare for a LONG day.