Profile For Scott F.

Expanding, foam earplugs. Absolutely necessary for teaming or running reefer.

Box of trash bags with ties for slogging through the mud when dropping a trailer.

Paint scraper for removing bug splat on the windshield (I have a retractable razor style)

Fuel gloves and a ziplock bag for storage

Coffee stirrers, the wooden kind for shimming worn trailer electrical connectors to ensure positive contact with pins

Bungee cords, cable ties and duct tape

Thanks for the ideas!

Ear plugs are the only way I survived the trainers truck!

Okay, here are three items, going from the cheapest to the most expensive.

1. Microwave Cost was under $50 several years ago. Makes for a wider variety of food possibilities.

2. Sirius XM Radio A must-have for me. I won't drive without it, and it's on nearly 24/7. Music, weather, news and information. Has an average yearly cost of under $80.

3. Rand Mcnally GPS Another useful tool, arguably the second most used gadget in the truck. It is second seat to a cell phone only. Costs for a truck-specific GPS unit can range from $200 to more than $500.

Check, Check and Check!

Ran my 10 days without GPS and the stress level was through the roof, not to mention the extra miles and time spent touring the quaint Pennsylvania country side!

Ok, so what’s the best purchase you have made that makes life in the truck better? Not the big ticket stuff, the little obscure item that you can’t imagine hitting the road without.

Looking forward to the new ideas!

Thanks Chris. I just got checked into the hotel. Start in the morning. Looking forward to it!

Thanks Errol and Old School for all the info.

Let me say, I don’t think of any company as a starter company. I just used the term to describe a company that hires new drivers. I personally am thankful that Werner is giving me a chance. I’ll stay put unless life dictates otherwise. May be 2 years may be 20. I don’t want to bounce around companies so I’ve tried to do as much research as I can and pick the best one first. I’m hoping Werner is that one.

I expected to have a learning curve to maximize earnings. I don’t mind at all. I was just concerned that perhaps new drivers were not getting miles dispatched as a habit due to what I’ve been seeing on reviews. I don’t pay any attention to the overall complaining about management and dispatch etc. I see that as a personal problem, their problem not mine.

I can see your point about being a successful rookie driver. Don’t hit anything, be on time, don’t complain. Luckily that was kinda my plan heading into this. My CDL school literally only taught the test so the only thing I can do is attack this with a positive attitude and pay attention.

Thanks! I don’t put much faith in complaints. Usually someone who feels like a victim and there always 2 sides to every story. The only red flag for me was the huge difference in money.

I just obtained my CDL and am stuck looking at so called starter companies. I’ve gotten several offers but decided to go with Werner. Problem is all of a sudden there are some really bad reviews popping up. I don’t pay much attention to people complaining about management or dispatch as those are typically a personal problem in my opinion. What does however concern me is the low pay post I’m seeing. People saying that their check would be between 300-900. I know it’s based on miles but I can only drive what is dispatched to me.

Anyone here have any real insight on this?

Thanks in advance