It is dark out and I have just passed you. After a few seconds, I look in my mirror to make sure I’m passed you and put my turn signal on to move back to the right lane. You FLASH YOUR HIGH BEAMS to let me know I’m clear! Or worse yet, leave them on … Read more
CB handles, I mean. The CB radio used to be a lot more prevalent than it is now. For reasons too numerous to even begin listing, it’s popularity has waned considerably. I might get another one someday. Who knows. A ‘handle’ for a truck driver used to be similar to a callsign for a fighter … Read more
Don’t take it personally but I should probably apologize for the clickbait title. But while you’re waiting for my apology, let’s think about a few things. What is the best company out there? Embed from Getty Images Mostly “No-Touch” freight! I think that answer differs for everyone. Many people will accept a job that maybe … Read more
People are still bemoaning the fact that the government makes them stop working to take a break after a certain amount of time. It does become a bit of a hindrance at times, but let’s consider one thing; there’s not a single other field of labor in the United States that requires people to work … Read more
Most articles on winter driving are overwhelmed with the same platitudes that really don’t teach you anything. You know, “Leave more space,” and “Park if you can,” etc, etc, ad nauseum. And so this posted with hope of helping drivers who want to learn, giving them a few tools to better themselves. Learning how to … Read more
Big Rig Dynamics 203, or here’s some things for y’all to ponder that’ll help you better understand why your rig handles as it does. If you drive the same truck all the time, you become very familiar with how it handles. And nothing changes that more than an axle or two of new tires. Why? … Read more
So… I spent the first part of the month training a new guy. He had 4 years of experience, but no mountain experience at all, and was definitely uptight about going over Loveland Pass. I was stuck in the right seat, and a thought occurred to me as I watch him make lots of simple … Read more
Unexpected events are what separate the men from the boys. This isn’t based on a real event, it IS the real thing. So I’ll tell a little tale: I was in Lexington, Ne waiting for my trailer at IBP. It was an ugly week, bunch of loads going places I wasn’t. So Kirby, my dispatcher, … Read more
As the low traction time of year is once again upon us; it’s time for Winter Stunt Driving 101. 1. Find a nice snow or ice covered open space. 2. unplug the electric cord from your empty trailer (can’t have that pesky ABS ruining our fun!) 3. Engage your diff lock. 4. approach right side … Read more
#5. Plan Your Trip. Then, plan it again. Take two looks. Can you adjust your plan as you go? Wait! Since this is Part 2, should that be number one again? Nevermind, it’s not that important. There’s an old saying. “No battle plan survives contact with the enemy.”. This, applied to trucking simply means that … Read more