New Driver Here Trying Not To Look Like an Idiot

[Rookie Roller]

Hey drivers, name’s Rookie Roller. Got my CDL a couple months ago and I’m finally out here solo running OTR dry van. Still trying to figure out where everything is and how not to take up half the fuel island when I park.

Biggest challenges so far?
Parking disappears by like 5pm… backing gets real interesting in tight spots… and sometimes my dispatcher talks so fast I just nod and hope I heard right.

Figured I’d join up here to learn from people who actually know what they’re doing. Appreciate any tips I can get — or at least someone to laugh with when I screw up backing a trailer.

Anyway, looking forward to hanging around here and learning the ropes.
Stay safe out there, and if you see me in a dock… please don’t record me.

 

[389 Hood]

Welcome aboard!

If you apply that sense of humor to dealing with the idiots on the road, you'll do good.

 

[krelithous]

what company are you with.. lets just say some companies are on bonehead truckers more than others .. if your having backing issues get out and ask for help if you need it!!! id'e much rather have a driver pissed at me for waking him up than taking off there mirror or there hood

 

[389 Hood]

what company are you with.. lets just say some companies are on bonehead truckers more than others

They are usually based in Kommiefornication.

 

[krelithous]

They are usually based in Kommiefornication.

i used to see alot of the swift stunts

 

[389 Hood]

Like taking a short cut across the golf course?

Hey, that's where his GPS told him to go.

 

[krelithous]

Like taking a short cut across the golf course?

Hey, that's where his GPS told him to go.

getting stuck on someones front lawn on a flat road .. i don't know if this this was a swifty!!! but what about the idiot that followed his gps to a lighthouse... no sense to pull over and be like WFT and figure it out

 

[gearjammer]

lets not forget the fool that tried to cross a bike path bridge because GPS told him too and you wonder why truckers get suck bad reputations

 

[Duck]

lets not forget the fool that tried to cross a bike path bridge because GPS told him too and you wonder why truckers get suck bad reputations

PTL was the company.

That driver took the company slogan too seriously. It's "We drive a fine line"

 

[GAnthony]

Hey drivers, name’s Rookie Roller. Got my CDL a couple months ago and I’m finally out here solo running OTR dry van. Still trying to figure out where everything is and how not to take up half the fuel island when I park.

Biggest challenges so far?
Parking disappears by like 5pm… backing gets real interesting in tight spots… and sometimes my dispatcher talks so fast I just nod and hope I heard right.

Figured I’d join up here to learn from people who actually know what they’re doing. Appreciate any tips I can get — or at least someone to laugh with when I screw up backing a trailer.

Anyway, looking forward to hanging around here and learning the ropes.
Stay safe out there, and if you see me in a dock… please don’t record me.

head for the back row, for parking and never an "end" spot in the middle where trucks can remove your hood.

try your best to get into a truckstop BEFORE 4 PM, especially anywhere here on the east coast.....

never wear cowboy boots, cowboy hats, big belt buckles or a duster...you ain't riding a horse in the desert with no name.

do wear blue jeans, work boots, baseball caps, with either Ford, Chevy, RAM, or Hooters logo's.

good luck.

 

[Electric Chicken]

Drive at night. The truck stops will be all yours during the day.

 

[quillcom]

my dispatcher talks so fast I just nod and hope I heard right.

I used to do that. But that could get you in trouble if you do the wrong thing that you thought you heard.

Just kindly ask him to repeat himself.

You'll be fine

Don't worry about the first time you high hook the king pin ( just hope you can wiggle out without calling a wrecker.)

Don't worry about snapping the lines while uncoupling. ( Just hope your not to far away from a shop )

Don't worry about your first accident. ( Just hope someone does not claim injury and files a suit.)

Don't worry about your first roll-away (just hope it's not heading towards grandma sitting in her sons Alfa Romero.

Etc. other than these and more you'll be fine
Lol.

Most important thing to do to not make bone head mistakes like that is to get your sleep and rest so you can stay alert. GL