Profile For Chuck S.

There are alot of factors involved on hours in the truck, but here are a few examples of my experience... routinely I would start a typical day early 4 or 5 am drive roughly 8 hrs which turned into approximately 500 miles ... deliveries, and loading will usually play a big role on how much driving you will be able to do because shippers, and receivers are not all the same. HOS (Hours of Service) regulations will determine the how much you can drive, but line 4 (on duty not driving) on your logs is basically unlimited, and once you burn up your 70 hours of driving avaliable you will not be able to drive until you have hours avaliable which could take a day or two to get back. This is one of the biggest challenges for new drivers to get their head around. If you don't get this under control you will have a very difficult time making money. Good news is when you do conquer this you can become very successful in this career.

The committment to all of these factors will determine how successful you become as a truck driver.

This is an attitude that is rapidly growing in this country

It's a great feeling to get through all the challenges with the training process... Now it's time to go out there and make some money...

good luck on your future... and be safe

This has got to be one of the biggest obstacles most of us average (down the middle of the road types) people need to conquer when getting into this line of work. Facing the challenges head on is how I started.

First, I told myself failure was not an option. I had 3 kids and wife that had just been laid off, and a house payment all depending on me.

Second, I studied constantly in truck driving school...something I never did in twelve years of regular school.

Third, after I got out on the road I learned from my own mistakes, and the mistakes of others. Knowing that if I continued making mistakes that cost me money or even my career, it wouldn't take long before I would be back home flippin burgers.

There are countless numbers of average folks like you and me that have been able to get through these obstacles, and end up making a decent career out of this job.

The best... without a doubt ... is one with plenty of parking

Don't use them... I was addicted and it took me almost a year to get over them...

It really comes down to your health... bottom line

I started my career in the trucking industry with a bad back, and knowing my limitations I still managed to squeak out nearly fifteen years behind the wheel.

So I say go for it

Manage your hours ... don't let your hours manage you. Simple

I looked at it like this... running the 48 states, if I averaged 500 miles a day (at least that was my goal) that turned into an average day on line 3 and 4 of 8 to 8.5 hours a day.

so if my DM called me while driving down the road and asked me if I could do a load which would be 1500 miles and I had three days to get it there, I didn't need to stop the truck, do a mac to find out if I had the hours, and then give him a answer. I would be able to say yes and keep on driving.

Unless you are governed at 55 mph... you should be able to average 500 a day.

Don't get me wrong I took an occasional 600+ mile, but not very often...

if you want to run the 48 states and never take a reset (except for a couple of days off at the house) try it

keep it simple

get out and look.... a lot

I’ve been a class b driver for several years and will be taking my class a road test this Tuesday. I currently deliver steel with a tandem straight truck but looking to make the leap to the big rig delivering the same steel. I’ve been out a couple of times in the big rig and even hauled a load that weighed in at 78,790 lbs. I will be going out again with another driver tomorrow and then the big day on Tuesday. My question is; what can I do to become better at blind side backing? I’m really struggling with this and many of the spots we deliver to you have to blind side in. My concern is if I don’t get this down soon my company and supervisor won’t move me up and I really want to move to the bigger truck. I know practice, practice, practice. I know it won’t come overnight but any kind of tricks, pointers, or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again!

Ranger 6300 ... 10 meter radio ... and a blue tiger bluetooth