Physical Requirements Of Trucking
Topic 5801 | Page 2
And to drive a truck that's bigger than my brother's.
-Trish
I know, right?
Oh, and mountain girl? That kingpin thing? Makes me want to get in a truck, like, RIGHT NOW.
Awesome.
-Trish
It's the bomb.
...of all people my mother has been the best!
-Trish
I'd get such a kick out of giving my mom a ride in a rig! I'd even get her signed on as a rider and take her OTR for a week, just for the adventure.
-mountain girl
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.
So I was talking with a girlfriend about trucking and she tells me I'll probably not like it because it takes a lot of lifting, operating pallet jacks, lift gates, etc. I just left a farm where I handled 50 lb. feed sacks - right at the edge of my strength. I don't mind physical work but if it's too much for me, she might be right that I'd be unhappy. Could you guys & ladies who are already driving please tell me what's the reality? Would I be getting in over my head?
I've been so excited about trucking but want to go in with eyes open. I was set up to start school two weeks ago but postponed so I could take time to be sure this is the right way to go. Thanks.
99% of trucking co. hire "lumpers " to unload trailers ,, unless you do flat bed / dropdeck /low boy etc .. the info you got was 80% INcorrect after 34 yrs out here , and many work comp claims , the trkng co.'s now would RATHER hire a lumper than to have you hurt .. many wharehouses shippers & receivers "wont allow you on the dock " ... I guarantee that !!!!
but if ya want to work you're but off go RUN FLAT BED. "TARPING /STRAPPING /CHAINING , BINDING ...i did that for 10 yrs ...or doubles & tripples hook A set "break A set down , push pull dollies around " that's a work out ...line haul " but in normal day in Day , OTR " 53 ft . refer / dry box ...NOPE !!!
"""Unless you consider chaining for snow & ice a work out ,,then you'll get one ...YEP !!""""
Shipper:
The customer who is shipping the freight. This is where the driver will pick up a load and then deliver it to the receiver or consignee.
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.
Line Haul:
Linehaul drivers will normally run loads from terminal to terminal for LTL (Less than Truckload) companies.
LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers will have Linehaul drivers and P&D drivers. The P&D drivers will deliver loads locally from the terminal and pick up loads returning them to the terminal. Linehaul drivers will then run truckloads from terminal to terminal.Doubles:
Refers to pulling two trailers at the same time, otherwise known as "pups" or "pup trailers" because they're only about 28 feet long. However there are some states that allow doubles that are each 48 feet in length.
Dropdeck:
A stepdeck , also referred to as "dropdeck", is a type of flatbed trailer that has one built in step to the deck to provide the capabilities of loading higher dimensional freight on the lower deck.
I am quickly approaching my first year in trucking. The only phisycally demanding thing i have done is having to crank up a loaded trailer that was too low to get under. I do move dollies some but i use the truck like your supposed to so i dont manually push them very far.
The OTR companies do NOT want you unloading trucks. Its kind of crazy. They will pay lumpers hundreds of dollars to empty a trailer but pay the driver next to nothing for the same task. Some may do it to save money but i think most do it to discourage drivers from unloading. The value of you to your company is to keep that truck moving which you can't do if your hurt from unloading freight.
Woody
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.
Thanks guys, I appreciate all the info and encouragement. I know it's going to be great, I was just getting caught up in other people's drama for a minute. I'm so excited about this!
Deb, I'm learning so much about my friends and myself in this. Wow - how much fear people have and how they let it control them. Not only in big life decisions, but just spending a lot of energy worrying about things that don't need to be worried about. Crazy.
Anyway, thanks everybody! I'm looking at getting my CDL permit next week and starting school 11/3. I'll keep you posted.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
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Trish, of course while it's great to have your friends on board, in the end, it really doesn't matter what they think. What matters is what YOU think. It's a great big world and you will find like-minded people. Your true friends will always be there, they are probably genuinely concerned, though misinformed.