Unwritten Trucker Pro-Tips (Feat. Kearsey)
Topic 26617 | Page 1
Interstate exit signs usually mark the exits at one and two miles in advance. The exit number is at the top of the sign on a separate board. If that exit number board is flush with the left of the larger sign, it's a left exit. If the exit number board is flush with the right side of the sign, it's a right exit!
This is actually a cut and paste from something I read, but this is how I knew if my exit coming up would be a left or right exit.
Interstate:
Commercial trade, business, movement of goods or money, or transportation from one state to another, regulated by the Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT).
Take every exit and entrance ramp AT LEAST 5 MPH BELOW THE POSTED SIGN!
I saw another totalled-out tractor this morning near Tulsa, getting onto I-44. Right side ate up more than 25 yards of guardrail, then bounced off the concrete barrier on the driver's side, ending this move Jack knifed. I promise you he took the entrance too fast, and on wet pavement in the rain for good measure.
@icecold: It seems obvious (left sign for left exit) but we are all mostly programmed to exit right. So if you see & know it's left-side, you won't be surprised and try to pull 53' of trailer across three lanes in 100 yards!
@PackRat: Swift has a rule: HALF the posted advisory speed on ramps. And if it comes up in a safety conference they'll ding you for it.
A very simple rule. When backing, keep the trailer tight to the side you can see.
Mile marker numbers always run from low to high going west to east and south to north.
Mile marker numbers always run from low to high going west to east and south to north.
Except in CA where they don't have these on the Interstate.
Interstate:
Commercial trade, business, movement of goods or money, or transportation from one state to another, regulated by the Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT).
If in town, when coming up on a traffic light, watch the display that counts down the seconds for pedestrians to cross. MOST of the time, when that display gets to zero, the light will turn yellow. This helps in anticipating traffic lights.
On an interstate in an urban area, if you're passing through and not exiting, stay out of the right lane. Leave that for the commuters that are entering and exiting.
Interstate:
Commercial trade, business, movement of goods or money, or transportation from one state to another, regulated by the Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT).
Mile marker numbers always run from low to high going west to east and south to north.
Except in CA where they don't have these on the Interstate.
and the Northeast. In Jersey our exits dont match the mile markers. I didnt know until i came OTR that was even "a thing" lol
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Interstate:
Commercial trade, business, movement of goods or money, or transportation from one state to another, regulated by the Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT).
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
This topic has the following tags:
Advice For New Truck Drivers Hard Lessons Learned Life On The Road Truck Driving Stories
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
There are so many really useful tips truckers have learned over the years, most of them are not written down or taught in any class. Kearsey (Rainey) just posted a YouTube video of a neat suggestion about which way to go when you're lost:
Finding Truck Routes
Here's one I posted on the forum a few years ago:
On a busy interstate with many upcoming interchanges (think I-285 around Atlanta), which lane do you need to be in? Look for the lanes with the most oil drips/darkest center area. Sometimes that's not the rightmost lane!
Feel free to add your own "secrets" here.
Interstate:
Commercial trade, business, movement of goods or money, or transportation from one state to another, regulated by the Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT).