Profile For Boomshaker E.

Thanks for all the responses. And it was absolutely my fault for not getting out and look. I thought I saw it clearly when I pulled out in the street. But when I went to back up, it disappeared from view that fast. It was a quick and hard lesson to learn about G.O.A.L. I won't make that mistake again.

Not sure what Werner pays, but US Xpress on their Dollar General account, of which there are a number of Werner trucks that pull the same freight at the same location for Dollar General. The get paid .39cpm, $90 a trailer, and $25 per stop. Some of these guys average abound 1,000 to 1,200 a week. If you hustle more then you make more. This is based on at least 5 trailers a week. As G-town said, these types of accounts will challenge you backing skills big time. And you will almost for sure get into a backing accident quickly. I wouldn't recommend it to a new driver. I am on this same account and already had a booboo in just over a month. Not going to stay with this account as I have told my safety director 53ft trailers should never go in to a small strip mall with cars everywhere, children running around, old people waking, and cars always trying to beat you in or out of the parking area. And there is no one out there to spot you. Don't want to scare you being a newbie, but at least you're getting the info before you start. Just something to think about. Good luck.

Also, ask him/her how do they handle their down time or off time? If you guys are gonna split the driving, then ask how does he or she spend their off time? I had a trainer that left all of the driving to me. Never wanted to drive. Company never said anything about him not logging in either. So when it came time to end my shift and get some rest this MOFO wanted to watch dvd's at night (no head set) and drink his beer. If I had opened my mouth to say something it would have come out wrong. So i bit my tongue the whole time. But to me, how the other person handles their down time is very important. Along, with the other points others have made here. If you don't get your rest your time out on the road will be miserable. Good luck to you.

Was backing up at 5am into a loading dock up in Rouses Point NY a few days ago. Backed into a traffic sign and knocked it over. Why did they put it so close to the stupid dock I have no idea. Store manager even said "don't worry, other drivers have knocked it over plenty of times too". There was no one around but I figured let me still do the responsible thing and so I called my claims dept and they advised me to call the local police for an incident report. State police came out and took the report. Trooper sighted me for "unsafe backing". He saw that I didn't have anything else on my driving record and was like "sorry i gotta do this to you man". He was actually a pretty cool about it. Mind you I called the cops on myself. LOL So now that this is on my driving record, how do I explain this to another potential employer. This is my very first incident ever and I have no clue how to answer if asked have I ever been involved in an accident? Is this considered an accident, moving violation or what? Thank you.

This is one of those type of professions that you don't know what you are getting into until you're in the drivers seat. Company I am training with gave us a 3 day orientation. And never once except for the first seaters asked any of us to perform a road test. I would think this is a basic fundamental thing. NOPE. After I was hired, on the second day the trainer moved over and said "ok, your turn". I told him no one ABC company ever road tested me. He was totally shocked.

Getting in the drivers seat will be a challenge from day one. I am on my 3rd week of training. And I can tell you, you will learn what and what not to do quickly out there. One bit of advice I can give is, always leave your self plenty of room around you, and be courteous on the road. I have found many of seasoned drivers know what to look for in newbies on the road. And they give you extra help out there. Also, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with other drivers. I found they are more than willing to talk and pass on knowledge. My trainer who has been at it for a while doesn't talk to anyone. But I say, screw him. I want to learn as much as I can. And everyone I have met is very helpful. Good luck to you.

If u need anymore info let me know

Jeff, does US Xpress have any company locations with showers or laundry place to wash your clothes? I'm just curious. Thank you

Lots of good info. Thanks everyone.

I looked at the Averrit site and they look like a great company to start out with. Does anyone have any info into this company?

Averrit, wants you to have a least 30 days of recent driving experience or attended one of their "approved schools". They really need to either upgrade their school list. (called them last week just to see, so the info is current)

Maybe I'm lazy, but I use the Qualcomm GPS nearly exclusively. Google Maps/Satellite helps.

(When GoogMaps sends out a traffic jam warning, it could save you hours by turning you on to a bypass.)

I have never used googlemaps because Waze has always gotten me by. (for my car) I am assuming if your using googlemaps at the moment they will alert you to a traffic jam in live time?

Steve, I have trucker path. How do you like it?

T Man, Rand McNally Motor Carriers Atlas- gotta pick this up soon.

How much do you guys and gals trust your on-board GPS device? Or is there some other device or app that you use, that you have found works better? I have heard from a number of folks they use multiple options to get the best directions. Especially for a big rig. What have you folks found that works best for you? Thank you