Trainer Refuses To Put Chains On Is Saying We Are Gonna Wait A Week For Snowstorm To Pass
Topic 11983 | Page 2
All the more reason to not run super singles. Most companies aren't running the right tire anyway for winter conditions but that's an entire conversation on its own.
Super Singles:
A single, wide wheel substituted for a tandem (two wheel) assembly. The main benefit of a super single is a reduction in weight and lower rolling resistance which provide better fuel economy. The disadvantage is the lack of tire redundancy (or a 'backup tire' in case of a blowout) from which tandem wheels benefit. A tire blowout is more dangerous with a super single and can not be driven on.
"He didn't want to put on chains because these chains absolutely destroy the super single tires. He would rather let it clear than reduce the life of his $5,000 tides"
If he is an owner-op, I see the point, but if it is a company ride, then what's the big deal?
Could you not drive around the storm in 5 days?
Well, there's a million mountain passes on I70 in CO so chances are you'll have to put them on and drive for an hour, then take them off only to be forced to put them back on again in 2 hours. A huge hassle and extremely physically challenging for a trucker.
Or you put them on once and spend your entire day driving 15 mph with the chains on - which your tires won't look the same if you did this. But if he's a company he shouldn't worry about that, but it would still be a very brutal day.
The trainers entire mistake was taking I70, not the refusing to chain up part. Wyoming is in good shape right now, he should have just added 2 hours to his trip and rerouted himself to I80. But he didn't so that's why we're here.
I didn't see anyone knocking him for not wanting to drive with chains. The problem is the lack of preparation for a long sit, and then the refusal to move somewhere safe for the storm. What happens if they run out of food or water on the side of the road snowed in. I could care less if he wants to risk his own hide like that, but he has a trainee who's well being he should be considering.
Speaking of chains, I hear there is "something better" and legal...
I hear they're called auto socks.
Has anyone used these before? I've seen them at the Iowa 80 truck stop.
Dave
I didn't see anyone knocking him for not wanting to drive with chains. The problem is the lack of preparation for a long sit, and then the refusal to move somewhere safe for the storm. What happens if they run out of food or water on the side of the road snowed in. I could care less if he wants to risk his own hide like that, but he has a trainee who's well being he should be considering.
I'm not knocking him for not wanting to drive with chains, I see his issue sir. But do let me know where I can safely park a truck in the Vail. The only place a truck is allowed is on the interstate or on the side of the road, there are no truck stops there. Like I said, the biggest issue was not rerouting to I80. That would have prevented this entire situation from happening. But since they got in the middle of it you either keep going or shut down on the side of the road because there's no where else to shut down.
Interstate:
Commercial trade, business, movement of goods or money, or transportation from one state to another, regulated by the Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT).
Either that or he should have checked the route beforehand and stayed in Denver. Either way it is a lack of preparation. Also my company wouldn't blink an eye if i said I needed to turn around and drive several hours to avoid a 5 day sit.
Unfortunately being a trainer doesn't mean much these days. Carriers are so desperate for trainers that the requirements are unbelievably low. Case in point, I know a guy who became a PSD Instructor with 4 months of experience! Now I'm not trying to sound like an elitist here, I'm not, but this mistake should have been avoided if the trainer knew what he was doing.
PSD:
Prime Student Driver
Prime Inc has a CDL training program and the first phase is referred to as PSD. You'll get your permit and then 10,000 miles of on the road instruction.
The following is from Prime's website:
Prime’s PSD begins with you obtaining your CDL permit. Then you’ll go on the road with a certified CDL instructor for no less than 75 hours of one-on-one behind the wheel training. After training, you’ll return to Prime’s corporate headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, for final CDL state testing and your CDL license.
Obtain CDL Permit / 4 Days
- Enter program, study and test for Missouri CDL permit.
- Start driving/training at Prime Training Center in Springfield, Missouri.
- Work toward 40,000 training dispatched miles (minimum) with food allowance while without CDL (Food allowance is paid back with future earnings).
On-the-Road Instruction / 10,000 Miles
- Train with experienced certified CDL instructor for 3-4 weeks in a real world environment.
- Get 75 hours of behind-the-wheel time with one-on-one student/instructor ratio.
- Earn 10,000 miles toward total 40,000 miles needed.
Oh I absolutely agree. I realized a few months ago I had as much drive time as my trainer and then thought about how much I knew I still had to learn, and still do. It's silly for inexperienced drivers to be training AFAIC. I don't think it's a surprise that my company has seen an increase in accidents after lowering trainer tenure requirements.
What a ****ty way to spend Christmas. I'd rather re-route myself even if that means a 6 hour detour. Sitting for 5 days??? WTF!
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
This topic has the following tags:
Dealing With The Boss Dealing With The Weather On The Road In Training Safe Driving Tips Truckers Technology
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
"He didn't want to put on chains because these chains absolutely destroy the super single tires. He would rather let it clear than reduce the life of his $5,000 tides"
If he is an owner-op, I see the point, but if it is a company ride, then what's the big deal?
Could you not drive around the storm in 5 days?