Drummer Considering Trucking
Topic 9957 | Page 1
I'm a drummer too. Simply put, you're not gonna have room to haul a kit, let alone the time to play it much on the road. Expect to work longer than 11 hours at times, if not on average longer than 11 hours. You got 11 hours drive, but 14 available on duty. Not to mention all the "downtime" doing laundry, making / finding meals, etc... Basically, unless you're doing a 34 hour reset, you're working on the road. You might have some down time at a shipper / receiver, especially running reefer , but a lot of your time will be working, recuperating, and doing chores.
Now, you could try and not run as hard, but don't expect a decent paycheck.
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.
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
Drum pads are the only way to go while on the road,
Adding to 6 string, leasing your truck won't be the answer either. Anytime that truck isn't moving you're going for broke. I am not a drummer but I have a set of drumsticks that I like to mess around with that have rubber covered tips. I'm thinking of getting Drums Anywhere for the road eventually. I know it's not the real thing but, I figure I can set it up on any surface and at least get sounds and some enjoyment.
James wonders:
Are you allowed to carry your own items in the trailer compartment?
Your personal space is only the sleeper area. Not even the catwalk, though people have been known to strap a bicycle there. The trailer will be dropped shortly. And a loaded trailer nearly always has a seal. So, trailer storage is out of the question.
I can tell you that whoever has to teach you how to double clutch is going to be happy as hell that you play drums.
Double Clutch:
To engage and then disengage the clutch twice for every gear change.
When double clutching you will push in the clutch, take the gearshift out of gear, release the clutch, press the clutch in again, shift the gearshift into the next gear, then release the clutch.
This is done on standard transmissions which do not have synchronizers in them, like those found in almost all Class A trucks.
I can tell you that whoever has to teach you how to double clutch is going to be happy as hell that you play drums.
Hahaha, I never thought of that.
Double Clutch:
To engage and then disengage the clutch twice for every gear change.
When double clutching you will push in the clutch, take the gearshift out of gear, release the clutch, press the clutch in again, shift the gearshift into the next gear, then release the clutch.
This is done on standard transmissions which do not have synchronizers in them, like those found in almost all Class A trucks.
Thanks for the replies. I kinda figured it was hopeless lol. That drums anywhere table thing looks somewhat okay, but you won't be getting any foot pedal practice. I guess local truck driving may be a better option, to at least have the luxury to come home every night and get a little practice in.
I am also a drummer debating getting into trucking. I have toured the country in bands, and understand the life style. Although, most of my nights were spent in hotels, not in a bunk. Either get a small 6" practice pad, or the DW Go Anywhere Practice Kit.
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I'm a drummer considering signing up for one of those OTR on-the-job truck driving schools, but I'm reluctant because of one reason: I love drumming. If you guys have any suggestions on how one could practice drumming while on the road it would be greatly appreciated. Are there any rules on what you're allowed to bring with you on the road? Are you allowed to carry your own items in the trailer compartment? Or if I were to eventually work independently by leasing out my own truck would it be plausible to keep a drum set in the back? Also, what are the typical work hours for a trucker? From looking around the max of 11 hours in 24 hours seems to be the norm. Anyways, any responses/suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
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.