Helping Each Other Out.

Topic 7262 | Page 1

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Chris A.'s Comment
member avatar

Hello All,

This last Thursday while on my local route, I noticed a fellow about to take a right hand turn onto a restricted over pass. The fine that comes along with the violation is kind of steep, and once you commit 80' in that direction its nearly impossible to get out. So I have an attack of good conscience and grab the left lane beside the guy, get his attention and let him know. I tell him ill wait and let you in ahead of me, this guy kind of grunts , shakes his head and implies i mind my own business. I let it go, go 6 miles out of my way to turn around being as i hopped out of my lane to warn him. Get to my appt. handle my business , about 45 minutes later as I'm traveling back through this particular area traffic is wicked thick and there's about five or six cop's directing traffic. Low and behold who do i see stuck on the other side of the bridge crunched up in a fashion i wouldnt wish on my worst enemy. So , I'm curious is it just common knowledge that all local drivers are full of ...., and don't know what their talking about? I've sort of gotten the same vibe at other terminals. The vibe that there's some unspoken beef between local drivers and long haulers. Sometimes It seems as though us local guys aren't considered "real drivers" because we don't sleep in our trucks and get paid by the hour. That last one was a joke.. Even though i tried to warn him, and he didn't listen, I still really felt bad for the guy.

Terminal:

A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.

Heavy C's Comment
member avatar

I never feel bad for people that have the "holier than thou" attitude.

As a side note being a local guy myself I do get that feeling of not getting the same respect as the otr guys but quite honestly I don't care. I believe in myself and my being able to handle that truck safely and with professionalism. To hell with them if they don't think I'm a "real" truck driver.

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.

Daniel B.'s Comment
member avatar

They don't listen because they have an ego and too much pride, they think they know it when they don't and they don't have the guts to ask.

I wouldn't feel bad about it. Maybe he learned his lesson. Quite frankly, I always approach local drivers when I'm in need of directions and they've always been extremely accurate.

Bud A.'s Comment
member avatar

I think you're a real truck driver if you have a CDL and drive a big truck. I have noticed sometimes that it goes the other way, where the local guys seem to get ****ed at me because I'm not doing it the way they do...like near the border in Texas where I wasn't driving 80 on a two lane road and three different tines local tankers had to follow me for a mile or two and then blasted their air horns as they went by when they finally got a chance to pass. Sorry, dude, I'm not trying to keep you from getting one more load in today, but my truck doesn't go that fast.

A local guy helped me out last night, too. I was 2 minutes over on my 14 hour clock and the only place to park was a mom & pop a couple miles away. I pulled in to this tiny place and all the parking was taken up by dropped trailers and local guys with day cabs who had parked for the weekend. I pulled around the outside of the three pumps hoping the space just beyond that was open, but it wasn't, so I had to back up. It was tight with all the trucks and trailers and I was tired. A guy pulled up in a semi wrecker, jumped out, and watched my blind corner for me so I could get situated. I was thankful.

Bottom line for me is that some truckers are helpful, many are so occupied with their own little worlds that they can't be bothered, and a handful are just insecure a**holes who talk trash on the CB and make fun of other drivers to compensate for their own shortcomings. And lots of them (including me sometimes, unfortunately) think they know everything and turn down help when they really should take it.

You did the right thing. I'm sure the guy wishes he had listened to you now.

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.

Day Cab:

A tractor which does not have a sleeper berth attached to it. Normally used for local routes where drivers go home every night.

Steve L.'s Comment
member avatar

I'm a rookie OTR driver and I will GLADLY take any advice from local drivers. I can't thank you locals enough for the help you offer us and the crazy good driving skills you've gotta have to navigate those tight turns.

Thanks again for any suggestions/help!

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.

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Indy's Comment
member avatar

I've never heard or read anything suggesting animosity between local and otr drivers and I wouldn't be sure that your being a local guy had anything to do with the other driver's reaction to your attempt to help. Many people just have a general mistrust of others and will look askance at a stranger offering advice. The guy had to make a split second decision whether to follow his plan, or heed your warning. Probably just a fellow that tends to mistrust strangers...

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.

Scott O.'s Comment
member avatar

When I was with my trainer he called them day riders

Chris A.'s Comment
member avatar

When I was with my trainer he called them day riders

I think after my probationary period , instead of my name on the side of the truck i'll have the Mechanic put "Day Rider". I like it.

Scott O.'s Comment
member avatar

double-quotes-start.png

When I was with my trainer he called them day riders

I think after my probationary period , instead of my name on the side of the truck i'll have the Mechanic put "Day Rider". I like it.

double-quotes-end.png

I like it lol

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