I owned one of the last WESTERN STAR’s built in Canada. I told people it handled better in snow than dry roads. 550 CAT. So ,I am going up the WV turnpike in a pretty good snow when I come up on an 8 car backup. I don’t want to watch them constantly hitting the brakes so I pass them. The leader of the pack was a trooper that no one would pass. Next toll both the attendant tells me to pull over a trooper wants to talk to me. As he walks up looking at my equipment he saw the sticker saying I have driven 3 million safe miles. I opened my door so he could see my clean trash free cab. He didn’t even run my CDL ,Just looked at it and asked why I was in such a hurry. I told him I was afraid of what one of those four wheelers might do. I wasn’t in a hurry and wasn’t even close to speeding. He gave me my CDL and said be safe. 45 years never chained up. I would throw them under my drive tires if I got stuck in a truck stop or at a dock. I always parked it when I didn’t feel comfortable.
Your channel represents the “gentlemanly” era of trucking being kept alive. Your pride in your equipment and operating safely has been a constant. You don’t seem like you’re breaking a sweat to make drop appointments and often talk about how sometimes it just takes longer to get places. I can’t imagine the grind some of the newer drivers have gotten themselves into working the company trucks with tight deadlines for awful pay. Seems terribly stressful. And we all miss Opie. Is there a pup being trained up at home?? Take care.
I hauled 48 states and carried the legal amount of chains. When I got done driving a few years ago, they were still in their unopened canvas bags. My way of thinking was, the amount of time it takes to chain up, unchain and maybe do it again, drive anywhere from 0 to 40 mph, deal will wrecks, I could stay in a warm truck stop, with no worries, and get there a few hours later. I was talking to a guy in Seattle who had been on the road 25 years. I said you must be sick of chains. He said he never has chained up. Same theory I had, and he lived by it. Probably literally.
Every time I see a guy chaining up here in -40°C weather I feel bad for him. I wouldn't want to have to run roads like that in a big rig. Northern BC roads in winter are brutal.
@@joshuacurley417 I did chain up when I was doing wind towers on top of mountains on the east coast. Rough, muddy winding dirt roads. I only chained when they were a sheet of ice, inches thick. They didn't sand them; you were on your own. The chains had 3/4-inch spikes on them. Nothing you would run on the highway. That was death defying work. When it was mud they would cable two articulating rock trucks together and hook to me and we all pulled the load. Great on equipment.
@@joshuacurley417 I'd do it again. I don't believe there is any value in wind towers, but the adventure was awesome. I have some great pictures and video's if I can get them retrieved from my old hard drive I'll post them.
My hat’s off to the young man who parked his truck during the snowfall! He did not risk the “safetyness?” of traveling when he was not positive about what the road conditions could change to at any ungiven instant! That’s one smart young man! And, for someone who doesn’t usually give advice, you sure gave true, sound advice to/for young truck drivers! Great job! Take care, keep up the great work, and best wishes to you and all your family always!
I was on a Garbageman Facebook page, and I posted that I wasn't going to make an unsafe maneuver and got the same response. So yes, stay off social media. I'm good at my job and could work circles around most of those guys but no reason to be a hero and risk safety. I was watching with my 4yr old grandson, and he was excited when you showed the trains. He loves trains.
Good for you Schmidt for sticking up for that guy. He sounds like he has common sense. So sick of super truckers mouthing how they plow through snow drifts five feet high or drive over ice at 75 miles an hour because they are such great drivers that the laws of physics don't apply to them yet they always seem to be the ones in the ditch, and of course it's always because some other driver put them there.
Go/No-Go decisions are so important. In aviation, that single decision when faced with extreme conditions can mean the difference between staying safe and dying in a fireball. The responsibility of operating an 80,000 pound commercial vehicle is somewhat similar in the aspect of protecting your own and others' safety on the road, and drivers really need to not be afraid to know their limits and accept when it's not safe to attempt a trip, even if it means ruining some plans. You can always decide to wait out whatever is making the situation unsafe, but deciding to continue when it's unsafe to do so can end up being the last decision of your own life really easily. Not to mention it could end someone else's life even if you make it out safely. Great video man!
Don’t risk it for the biscuit. I respect safe drivers, be it us or our little friends we share the road with. Don’t risk your CDL for anything. Good advice e Kurt.
My rule is to never drive faster than my guardian angel can fly. In bad weather, he is in the truck with me. I couldn’t care less what others say. 2.5 million safe miles says everything I need.😊 love the content Kurt…
Kurt you hit the nail on the head with your advice new drivers need to just drive how they feel safe and not let others try to drive for them its better to park a truck if you don't feel safe on the road then to try and drive in terrible weather and cause a wreck. You should also look into using moving blankets to wrap your truck with when you turn the truck off it would help hold so e heat for a while
Back in the day a normal 7.5 hr drive from denver to lincoln took me 13 hours i was being passed by roadway and yellow like i was standing still back then no soical media just jawjacking cb how times have change in some ways.. Great video.
Social media can be a blessing or curse. There’s one’s like you that are educational yet old schoolers that talk shit forgetting they were new at a time and won’t even answer when a rookie asks a question. I’m from upstate ny got my A in November and said I’m in no hurry to pursue it in the winter out of respect knowing what yas deal with on a daily basis let alone 80k pounds is a little different than doing donuts with a pickup in a snowstorm
Its better to drive safely rather than taking on conditions that you may not be able to handle you will save your life as well as some one elses in the end
I Love your channel. I'm in St. Joseph, Mo I had a 1996 & 1998 W900 and a 2000 & 2012 T800. I sold the 2012 in 2022. I like Watching you and Trucking Together. The worst weather I drove in I was in 1999 379 Pete with a spread axle pot on Iowa 20 headed west covered in ice with a strong north wind, The pucker factor was insane, but I had to get back to load another load of Feeder pigs. I don't miss that. I adopted parking when the roads got bad after buying my own truck. It's amazing how different you will drive if it's your lively hood.
When it comes right down to it, you are the driver and it’s your life and your truck. If the weather gets bad and you’re uncomfortable park it for a day or 2. It’s not worth it. Heck with everyone else. You do you! Thanks Kurt!
I drove my first tractor-trailer back in the late 70's. Back then we had a Class III or Chauffeur's license. When the Federal govern ment said we had to have a CDL, I took the class, studied the book, passed the practical and had my picture taken. About 12 years ago, I retired from the South Carolina Department of Transportation after 34 years. I never called myself a truck driver and only had a couple of over the road trips. Most of the time I pulled a tri-axle trailer hauling my crane I used to build bridges with. From the first day in the seat to the last day, I was always a little nervous. I could handle the truck pretty well but the damn traffic and the idiots kept me always on my toes. Most times I was hauling a wide load and had to stay on top of the roads and challenging cars. As for the young man not wanting to drive in the snow, he made the right call. There are no points for landing in a ditch or down a hill or killing someone in a car while driving a truck. If you ever have a doubt about driving in any situation, you have to evaluate your skills. As for the others running their mouth, screw them. Preach on Kurt. Real drivers are on your side.
81-82 I started a scheduled run. 750 miles a day except Wednesday was 920. My deal was simple. I will never be late! Late i am in the ditch canadan winters ,I will be there as per road conditions. I still dont understand pile ups .Keep driving smart
I totally agree with your advice to the younger generation. Not just those truckers but all drivers. Nothing and I mean Nothing is worth your life. If you don't feel totally 100% safe and confident in your abilities to drive in bad weather....then don't. Period. And I have taught my kids when they were learning to drive that truckers deserve our respect on the road.
It’s good to see the boys. Jax and Opie. Hello boys. Kurt great advice Thanks for a great channel. It was nice to see you and Alice meet up. Watched her video this morning. Be safe brother
I’m not a commercial driver and I agree more senior drivers can be a benefit to junior drivers. But in winter weather I’m not so sure any advice can be good advice unless someone drives the same equipment, hauls the same loads and weights, and travels the same roads at the exact same times so they experience the squalls or winds the same way. That was a lot of me saying ‘same’ but there’s nothing generic about what you do. Thanks for your hard work, Kurt. 💕
This was a very good one Kurt not everyone feels comfortable driving in the snow down here in the capital city at the truck salvage yards they have more prime truck tractors in there than any other company but i notice people are driving like summer time and i hate it comes to stop sign and stop when get there have had a few go through them and just about hit me yes keep your opinion off the media if not comfortable stay home better safe than sorry just glad if they have to do it they be some place safe better to be home and if get in wreck if at home nobody is hurt i drove my dump truck down here and pulled four wheelers out of ditches cause they think they can go through anything thanks for posting this video Kurt. Been watching older videos three years old interesting how evn your stuff have changed but still happy go lucky guy thanks again Kurt sorry long bad news from the dr so check you out when they try and get me taken care of if out be safe my friend
I agree with you Kurt. If you aren't comfortable with conditions park it up. My goal this year is to have a good enough year that I can park the truck in January and February 2026 and not have the stress of fighting the conditions.
HELLO KURT ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO YOUR SPOT ON WITH SOCIAL MEDIA ITS BRUTAL !! GOOD TO SEE OPIE GOSH I MISS HIM BUT I UNDERSTAND TOO !! BE BLESSED & STAY SAFE ! 🙏🇺🇸🚂🇺🇸🚂🇺🇸🚂
Good Advice for new drivers. I got into oil field trucking later in my life and there was no stopping, specially during the boom time. I lost a three week old truck due to a dozer operator pulling Mr too close to the edge of a location road. Luckily I had me swamped get out and ride the crew car and I wasn’t hurt. You road drivers have a choice and I see those pileups and wonder what the heck were they thinking. You new drivers listen to old Kurt, he Has the experience. Havagudun Kurt. Glad you choose to stay safe.
Pile ups since around 2010 and beyond. These newer generation of drivers with their affinity for all things electronic EXCEPT......A C.B., have ear buds in and their cell phone in one hand or staring at them from a dash mount won't listen to any warnings from other drivers. These 80 vehicle pileups never happened when I started in the early 90s. We all listened to the c.b. and drove accordingly. Now it's automatic trans with a left foot on the dash and haul ass .......right up until you're not. I miss the 90s 😢
This was a good video Kurt . Thanks you so much for showing me the train man . I love ❤️ Truck & trains man . That's were i am still a lil kids at . That was Very very good advice for new truck 🚛 driver man . I been in the trucking 🚛 industry for over 50 years now & i don't claim to be super trucker at all . I have travel through rain , sleep , snow , freezing rain , ice , and all & when a feel that the road are to bad to drive on i will stop driving for my safety . It's not me that i worried about it's the other driver that I am worried about driving to fast in the snow ❄️ & losing control of the vehicle and having an accident . Call me what you want but i really driver drive safely & don't act like he knows everything . & another thing that's why I don't have any social media because so many people are so rude on there . Good video buddy & stay safe out there driver .
Seems like there's more pile ups now then back when I started back in 1993. I don't know if it's because there wasn't much social media back then or what I mean there probably was just as many.
I love your dogs!! You were in my neck of the woods Kurt. Fairfax there in Kansas City , Ks. where you made you pick up. I run those tracks for the railroad there.
Great video Kurt I am a county plow driver in central Mn if you guys can afford the time to park in a snow storm it makes my job safer and easier have a great day all be safe.
young or new drivers do what you are comfortable with you drive the truck it's your job and safety on the line not someone else no matter who they are other drivers dispatchers doesn't matter SAFETY is number one.
The first mistake I used to see was drivers sliding the 5th wheel all the way back. Taking weight off the steering axle. I ran a lot of miserable roads, but would park when it got too bad. A lot less traffic back then.
Asking a “young/new” driver not to go onto social media might be like asking them to cut off body parts. They aren’t going to do that. Asking them to think before they drive might also be asking too much. They will just have to learn for themself, I fear.
FYI. I needed to look up the weather forecast. I use a GOV website. In all of the locations you go. From the 6th through the 9th. I would have the truck parked at home and take three days off. Your state alone by forecast is totally covered with freezing rain. Kansas and Missouri are going to get hammered. The whole east coast. Rain, ice, and snow. If and only if the forecast sticks. I was going back to southern Missouri next month. The rain alone said to go threw. They will have their hands full. That's the 6th through the 7th. Be safe.
Started in 77 (18 years old), with my Grand Pa's B61 with a 15 speed triplex twin stick. He had 2 main things about winter weather I still live by today. 1. If in doubt, sit it out.. 2. Chains are to get you to somewhere safe and go back to number 1
Got my cdl Nov 19 2004 when i started we didn't have the weather coverage we do now its made our job safer but thats never a guarantee as we all know things can change less then seconds for those that pay attention for instance i was going across Kansas i knew i was heading into ice in snow didn't know where or i was going to hit but i stopped in route to do a weather check sure enough roads where turning into ice all around me thats where i rode the weather safely out for a day and half in that truck stop then proceeded onward to make my 10 deliveries while seeing the carnage of trucks and cars that chose to chance it nope my call and my company understands they say well proceed when its safe to do what i dont understand is why i like watching videos of someone doin the same job i do lol but hey you never know when you might learn something from another driver and say to yourself why didn't i think of that any way stay safe out here
Yeah Kurt back in the day we didn't have near the accidents out there as we do now and I've been out here for 30+ years, there were times going across Wyoming you couldn't see crap but you all kinda stayed in a line and kept moving, it was rare to see them close the road down, now days if someone accidentally says snow the gates are dropped. I have the mentality that if you need to throw iron then you don't need to be out there. Today I ran up highway 95 in Nevada and it was a light snow roads wet and someone was scared in a truck and drove 40mph should've seen the backed up traffic 🙄
Hope you added your two cents to his comments section and told him he made the right and smart decision. He needed to hear that so that next time he doesn't make a dumb decision.
I have watched a young woman driving a leased truck for one of those big companies. I think she has about two years in now. She is pretty good at backing that trailer, but if she has to take to many shots at it, she will take time when she is waiting for a load to practice backing. Being female she is extra conscious about not wanting bs from the old guys.
Hello, Trucker Kurt. Yes, if I'm around I would watch. Because their are so many that can't back a truck up. While at a glass plant, I had plenty drivers to watch. 😂😂😂. For us in Central ILLINOIS we are supposed to be in the 40's this next week. If they haven't changed the weather. Take care stay safe❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.
We definitely have plenty of anti-social media these days. It just means that those of us who are not like that need to work hard to combat the nastiness. Be our best to be kind to others. Safe travels, and God bless.
What I learned in 1982 it's never let anyone push you up the road if you could end up backwards in a ditch trying to catch up a logbook that's two days behind you're the driver all you got to do is act like one there is no substitute for your experience and that is an exercise built over time love the big cat love the big dog God bless you and your family I try to watch all your videos that truck is my dream so you can say I'm living vicariously through you
I'm 57 years old. I'm not a truck driver but I do work in the industry selling truck and trailer parts. I have never needed to be on Facebook. When I heard that people like to randomly slam others and without any remorse for doing it, they can't do it to your face. So why would I be on Facebook? Were they have that opportunity?
I got out of trucking just prior to ELD mandate but I do suspect that this might contribute to accidents happening in bad weather. Especially with drivers who feel if they have hours they must drive.
yeah have to agree... why drive on ice roads... the gains are not worth the potential losses... if there is ice stay at home or the truckstop... it's not worth your life or someone else's....
Kurt today’s trucking is so toxic! So glad I retired in 2006 . Forty years was enough for me 32 years as a teamster. I took my pension and left . What I remember in the late 70’s and most of the 80’s was when you went in Union 76 or another truck stop was the reserved section for truck drivers. We called it the horse shoe of knowledge. You could sit at that counter eat your meal and ask questions and the experienced drivers would answer you . Was a good place for rookies to learn . Or just have friendly conversations. That’s gone and now it’s just everyone for them selves. Any experience driver knows when it snows we’re the pile ups are there always in the same section of the highway. I always thought you can drive on the highway but when you can not stop or turn it’s time to park it . Most of us also know how bad lake effect snow can be and we park it . Sadly common sense has left this profession. Stay safe enjoy your videos. Reminds me of good memories driving a truck .
+ The $ store if you have any near by sells these clips a lot cheaper.. Sometimes home stores w have clearance on old wall 🧱 panels, cut in half , long wise , create tongue and groove pcs. from some 2x4 to slide lock m to each others to form a barrier around "First" ..❤
I saw that post. I think if your unsure of driving in snow, rain whatever PLEASE park your truck, car, whatever You are more dangerous if your driving afraid. and Yes stay off social media
Lots of train action tonight! The next time you're pacing a train; instead of challenging it to a race give it the first half of "Shave and a Haircut" and see if the crew responds. 🙂
If you're not comfortable don't drive in it. I think the pile ups are because not many drivers use a CB to get weather info...or warn the other drivers that something is going on up ahead. There's no reason to have massive pile ups....that's not visible on google maps, or your GPS, CB can be real time info if ppl would just use them.
Hi Kurt.I do wonder at times if you are for ea; when you get into this kind of mood where wanderings are the show. Very hard to follow at times and like all advice being given it is the indpenedent driver who knows his or her capabilitys and no one else. Experience is the only way to seek this and for those clowns out the picking on them like they say better to be 5 minutes late than dead on time. New drivers do it your way if it feels sound under foot then enjoy the ride if not then dont tempt fate.
They have to learn to drive speed for conditions also. My brother, who drove for years always told me sis don’t drive in ice. 🧊 well, I did one time. Worked mid nite shift, and knew what it was going to be, so I drove my mountain. 5 switch backs all up hill. Once on top, I promised unless it was life or death to never do it again.
I don’t do snow if I can help it. It’s not that I can’t drive in the snow, I’ve done it plenty. It’s these new drivers out here that are WAY TOO DANGEROUS!! They think they can drive in the snow and cause really bad accidents!! I don’t wanna be anywhere near them.
As a truck driver of 37 years. If you feel comfortable drive in the snow if you don’t park it and if other drivers give you chit because you parked it…… F em! It’s your license and your career if you cause a freeway shutdown
Everyone wants to be a supertrucker. The law says, however, that you do what you think is safe. If it's greasy, I park. I don't need to risk my load or safety for a paycheck. My family needs me too much.
I feel bad for the new guy’s in the trucking world. A lot of the older are just bad on the internett with the new guy’s😞 But i have to say after 19 year ( in all of norway ) i still have respekt for the wather. But what is scary now is How bad the pepole in the small cars are getting🧐 Thy make more and more unsafe🧐 So some times it’s is better to park up and wait👍🏻
I hate unloading pattets out of vans they always shift and lock together and are a pain to unload.I would almost rather unload a Flatbed in the weather.
I owned one of the last WESTERN STAR’s built in Canada. I told people it handled better in snow than dry roads. 550 CAT. So ,I am going up the WV turnpike in a pretty good snow when I come up on an 8 car backup. I don’t want to watch them constantly hitting the brakes so I pass them. The leader of the pack was a trooper that no one would pass. Next toll both the attendant tells me to pull over a trooper wants to talk to me. As he walks up looking at my equipment he saw the sticker saying I have driven 3 million safe miles. I opened my door so he could see my clean trash free cab. He didn’t even run my CDL ,Just looked at it and asked why I was in such a hurry. I told him I was afraid of what one of those four wheelers might do. I wasn’t in a hurry and wasn’t even close to speeding. He gave me my CDL and said be safe. 45 years never chained up. I would throw them under my drive tires if I got stuck in a truck stop or at a dock. I always parked it when I didn’t feel comfortable.
Your channel represents the “gentlemanly” era of trucking being kept alive.
Your pride in your equipment and operating safely has been a constant. You don’t seem like you’re breaking a sweat to make drop appointments and often talk about how sometimes it just takes longer to get places.
I can’t imagine the grind some of the newer drivers have gotten themselves into working the company trucks with tight deadlines for awful pay. Seems terribly stressful.
And we all miss Opie. Is there a pup being trained up at home?? Take care.
Nice to see Opie and Jack again.
I hauled 48 states and carried the legal amount of chains. When I got done driving a few years ago, they were still in their unopened canvas bags. My way of thinking was, the amount of time it takes to chain up, unchain and maybe do it again, drive anywhere from 0 to 40 mph, deal will wrecks, I could stay in a warm truck stop, with no worries, and get there a few hours later. I was talking to a guy in Seattle who had been on the road 25 years. I said you must be sick of chains. He said he never has chained up. Same theory I had, and he lived by it. Probably literally.
Every time I see a guy chaining up here in -40°C weather I feel bad for him. I wouldn't want to have to run roads like that in a big rig. Northern BC roads in winter are brutal.
@@joshuacurley417 I did chain up when I was doing wind towers on top of mountains on the east coast. Rough, muddy winding dirt roads. I only chained when they were a sheet of ice, inches thick. They didn't sand them; you were on your own. The chains had 3/4-inch spikes on them. Nothing you would run on the highway. That was death defying work. When it was mud they would cable two articulating rock trucks together and hook to me and we all pulled the load. Great on equipment.
@@theguyinmaine that sounds like an absolutely wild adventure! You must have nerves of steel!
@@joshuacurley417 I'd do it again. I don't believe there is any value in wind towers, but the adventure was awesome. I have some great pictures and video's if I can get them retrieved from my old hard drive I'll post them.
My hat’s off to the young man who parked his truck during the snowfall! He did not risk the “safetyness?” of traveling when he was not positive about what the road conditions could change to at any ungiven instant! That’s one smart young man! And, for someone who doesn’t usually give advice, you sure gave true, sound advice to/for young truck drivers! Great job! Take care, keep up the great work, and best wishes to you and all your family always!
I wish Oppie could still go trucking. I miss see that sweet boy. The puppy eyes get me everytime❤
I was on a Garbageman Facebook page, and I posted that I wasn't going to make an unsafe maneuver and got the same response. So yes, stay off social media. I'm good at my job and could work circles around most of those guys but no reason to be a hero and risk safety. I was watching with my 4yr old grandson, and he was excited when you showed the trains. He loves trains.
I agree. And i try to get the trains when I can
Great advise! Sadly too many won't take it. Keep up the great vids.
spot on Kurt. In Denmark there are also Facebook pages for drivers, and there is more mockery of new drivers than help
Good for you Schmidt for sticking up for that guy. He sounds like he has common sense. So sick of super truckers mouthing how they plow through snow drifts five feet high or drive over ice at 75 miles an hour because they are such great drivers that the laws of physics don't apply to them yet they always seem to be the ones in the ditch, and of course it's always because some other driver put them there.
Go/No-Go decisions are so important. In aviation, that single decision when faced with extreme conditions can mean the difference between staying safe and dying in a fireball. The responsibility of operating an 80,000 pound commercial vehicle is somewhat similar in the aspect of protecting your own and others' safety on the road, and drivers really need to not be afraid to know their limits and accept when it's not safe to attempt a trip, even if it means ruining some plans. You can always decide to wait out whatever is making the situation unsafe, but deciding to continue when it's unsafe to do so can end up being the last decision of your own life really easily. Not to mention it could end someone else's life even if you make it out safely. Great video man!
Well said
Sorry Kurt I got behind on watching your videos, I've been busy driving and sleeping
35 years on the road I park a lot sooner then I use to for the same reason.
I am a 53 year rookie, still learning. Late delivery is better than no delivery. Delivered in Denison Thursday evening.
Don’t risk it for the biscuit. I respect safe drivers, be it us or our little friends we share the road with. Don’t risk your CDL for anything. Good advice e Kurt.
My rule is to never drive faster than my guardian angel can fly. In bad weather, he is in the truck with me. I couldn’t care less what others say. 2.5 million safe miles says everything I need.😊 love the content Kurt…
Kurt you hit the nail on the head with your advice new drivers need to just drive how they feel safe and not let others try to drive for them its better to park a truck if you don't feel safe on the road then to try and drive in terrible weather and cause a wreck. You should also look into using moving blankets to wrap your truck with when you turn the truck off it would help hold so e heat for a while
Back in the day a normal 7.5 hr drive from denver to lincoln took me 13 hours i was being passed by roadway and yellow like i was standing still back then no soical media just jawjacking cb how times have change in some ways.. Great video.
Yup
Social media can be a blessing or curse. There’s one’s like you that are educational yet old schoolers that talk shit forgetting they were new at a time and won’t even answer when a rookie asks a question. I’m from upstate ny got my A in November and said I’m in no hurry to pursue it in the winter out of respect knowing what yas deal with on a daily basis let alone 80k pounds is a little different than doing donuts with a pickup in a snowstorm
Good to see you Kurt. Miss seeing Opie in your truck from time to time. Great advice to share, as well.
Its better to drive safely rather than taking on conditions that you may not be able to handle you will save your life as well as some one elses in the end
I Love your channel. I'm in St. Joseph, Mo I had a 1996 & 1998 W900 and a 2000 & 2012 T800. I sold the 2012 in 2022. I like Watching you and Trucking Together.
The worst weather I drove in I was in 1999 379 Pete with a spread axle pot on Iowa 20 headed west covered in ice with a strong north wind, The pucker factor was insane, but I had to get back to load another load of Feeder pigs. I don't miss that. I adopted parking when the roads got bad after buying my own truck. It's amazing how different you will drive if it's your lively hood.
When it comes right down to it, you are the driver and it’s your life and your truck. If the weather gets bad and you’re uncomfortable park it for a day or 2. It’s not worth it. Heck with everyone else. You do you! Thanks Kurt!
I drove my first tractor-trailer back in the late 70's. Back then we had a Class III or Chauffeur's license. When the Federal govern ment said we had to have a CDL, I took the class, studied the book, passed the practical and had my picture taken. About 12 years ago, I retired from the South Carolina Department of Transportation after 34 years. I never called myself a truck driver and only had a couple of over the road trips. Most of the time I pulled a tri-axle trailer hauling my crane I used to build bridges with. From the first day in the seat to the last day, I was always a little nervous. I could handle the truck pretty well but the damn traffic and the idiots kept me always on my toes. Most times I was hauling a wide load and had to stay on top of the roads and challenging cars. As for the young man not wanting to drive in the snow, he made the right call. There are no points for landing in a ditch or down a hill or killing someone in a car while driving a truck. If you ever have a doubt about driving in any situation, you have to evaluate your skills. As for the others running their mouth, screw them. Preach on Kurt. Real drivers are on your side.
Good to see Opie! yeah, and you too!
81-82 I started a scheduled run. 750 miles a day except Wednesday was 920. My deal was simple. I will never be late! Late i am in the ditch canadan winters ,I will be there as per road conditions. I still dont understand pile ups .Keep driving smart
I miss you talking to Opie in the truck.
Awesome to see your pups on video..😊
Good advise Sir , T.Gentry says to keep your turn signal on at all times , no matter the weather !
I totally agree with your advice to the younger generation. Not just those truckers but all drivers. Nothing and I mean Nothing is worth your life. If you don't feel totally 100% safe and confident in your abilities to drive in bad weather....then don't. Period. And I have taught my kids when they were learning to drive that truckers deserve our respect on the road.
It’s good to see the boys. Jax and Opie. Hello boys. Kurt great advice Thanks for a great channel. It was nice to see you and Alice meet up. Watched her video this morning. Be safe brother
I’m not a commercial driver and I agree more senior drivers can be a benefit to junior drivers. But in winter weather I’m not so sure any advice can be good advice unless someone drives the same equipment, hauls the same loads and weights, and travels the same roads at the exact same times so they experience the squalls or winds the same way. That was a lot of me saying ‘same’ but there’s nothing generic about what you do. Thanks for your hard work, Kurt. 💕
This was a very good one Kurt not everyone feels comfortable driving in the snow down here in the capital city at the truck salvage yards they have more prime truck tractors in there than any other company but i notice people are driving like summer time and i hate it comes to stop sign and stop when get there have had a few go through them and just about hit me yes keep your opinion off the media if not comfortable stay home better safe than sorry just glad if they have to do it they be some place safe better to be home and if get in wreck if at home nobody is hurt i drove my dump truck down here and pulled four wheelers out of ditches cause they think they can go through anything thanks for posting this video Kurt. Been watching older videos three years old interesting how evn your stuff have changed but still happy go lucky guy thanks again Kurt sorry long bad news from the dr so check you out when they try and get me taken care of if out be safe my friend
I agree with you Kurt. If you aren't comfortable with conditions park it up. My goal this year is to have a good enough year that I can park the truck in January and February 2026 and not have the stress of fighting the conditions.
HELLO KURT ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO YOUR SPOT ON WITH SOCIAL MEDIA ITS BRUTAL !! GOOD TO SEE OPIE GOSH I MISS HIM BUT I UNDERSTAND TOO !! BE BLESSED & STAY SAFE ! 🙏🇺🇸🚂🇺🇸🚂🇺🇸🚂
Good
Advice for new drivers. I got into oil field trucking later in my life and there was no stopping, specially during the boom time. I lost a three week old truck due to a dozer operator pulling Mr too close to the edge of a location road. Luckily I had me swamped get out and ride the crew car and I wasn’t hurt. You road drivers have a choice and I see those pileups and wonder what the heck were they thinking. You new drivers listen to old Kurt, he
Has the experience. Havagudun Kurt. Glad you choose to stay safe.
No DD13 is sounding that sweet.
Pile ups since around 2010 and beyond. These newer generation of drivers with their affinity for all things electronic EXCEPT......A C.B., have ear buds in and their cell phone in one hand or staring at them from a dash mount won't listen to any warnings from other drivers. These 80 vehicle pileups never happened when I started in the early 90s. We all listened to the c.b. and drove accordingly. Now it's automatic trans with a left foot on the dash and haul ass .......right up until you're not. I miss the 90s 😢
This was a good video Kurt . Thanks you so much for showing me the train man . I love ❤️ Truck & trains man . That's were i am still a lil kids at . That was Very very good advice for new truck 🚛 driver man . I been in the trucking 🚛 industry for over 50 years now & i don't claim to be super trucker at all . I have travel through rain , sleep , snow , freezing rain , ice , and all & when a feel that the road are to bad to drive on i will stop driving for my safety . It's not me that i worried about it's the other driver that I am worried about driving to fast in the snow ❄️ & losing control of the vehicle and having an accident . Call me what you want but i really driver drive safely & don't act like he knows everything . & another thing that's why I don't have any social media because so many people are so rude on there . Good video buddy & stay safe out there driver .
Seems like there's more pile ups now then back when I started back in 1993. I don't know if it's because there wasn't much social media back then or what I mean there probably was just as many.
Do not use a winter front to cover your air to air cooler .
I love your dogs!! You were in my neck of the woods Kurt. Fairfax there in Kansas City , Ks. where you made you pick up. I run those tracks for the railroad there.
Great video Kurt I am a county plow driver in central Mn if you guys can afford the time to park in a snow storm it makes my job safer and easier have a great day all be safe.
I bet it does
From Southeast Iowa, Thank you for the job you do!
Good video. Thank you from northern Michigan 😊
I cancelled/deleted Facebook 2 weeks ago. Don't miss it at all. To many mean peoples comments. Its not worth the aggravation. Stay safe.
I'm on it less and less all the time.
This is why I love u brother I wish everyone thought like u 😅 those people talking crap are the same people getting into pilups
young or new drivers do what you are comfortable with you drive the truck it's your job and safety on the line not someone else no matter who they are other drivers dispatchers doesn't matter SAFETY is number one.
The first mistake I used to see was drivers sliding the 5th wheel all the way back. Taking weight off the steering axle. I ran a lot of miserable roads, but would park when it got too bad. A lot less traffic back then.
Hello opie how you been nice to see you.stay well and happy. And tell that dork to take you for a short ride,safe travels Kurt
Asking a “young/new” driver not to go onto social media might be like asking them to cut off body parts. They aren’t going to do that. Asking them to think before they drive might also be asking too much. They will just have to learn for themself, I fear.
Lol true
FYI. I needed to look up the weather forecast. I use a GOV website. In all of the locations you go. From the 6th through the 9th. I would have the truck parked at home and take three days off. Your state alone by forecast is totally covered with freezing rain. Kansas and Missouri are going to get hammered. The whole east coast. Rain, ice, and snow. If and only if the forecast sticks. I was going back to southern Missouri next month. The rain alone said to go threw. They will have their hands full. That's the 6th through the 7th. Be safe.
Started in 77 (18 years old), with my Grand Pa's B61 with a 15 speed triplex twin stick. He had 2 main things about winter weather I still live by today.
1. If in doubt, sit it out..
2. Chains are to get you to somewhere safe and go back to number 1
Got my cdl Nov 19 2004 when i started we didn't have the weather coverage we do now its made our job safer but thats never a guarantee as we all know things can change less then seconds for those that pay attention for instance i was going across Kansas i knew i was heading into ice in snow didn't know where or i was going to hit but i stopped in route to do a weather check sure enough roads where turning into ice all around me thats where i rode the weather safely out for a day and half in that truck stop then proceeded onward to make my 10 deliveries while seeing the carnage of trucks and cars that chose to chance it nope my call and my company understands they say well proceed when its safe to do what i dont understand is why i like watching videos of someone doin the same job i do lol but hey you never know when you might learn something from another driver and say to yourself why didn't i think of that any way stay safe out here
Yeah Kurt back in the day we didn't have near the accidents out there as we do now and I've been out here for 30+ years, there were times going across Wyoming you couldn't see crap but you all kinda stayed in a line and kept moving, it was rare to see them close the road down, now days if someone accidentally says snow the gates are dropped. I have the mentality that if you need to throw iron then you don't need to be out there. Today I ran up highway 95 in Nevada and it was a light snow roads wet and someone was scared in a truck and drove 40mph should've seen the backed up traffic 🙄
Hope you added your two cents to his comments section and told him he made the right and smart decision. He needed to hear that so that next time he doesn't make a dumb decision.
I have watched a young woman driving a leased truck for one of those big companies. I think she has about two years in now. She is pretty good at backing that trailer, but if she has to take to many shots at it, she will take time when she is waiting for a load to practice backing. Being female she is extra conscious about not wanting bs from the old guys.
If it's snowing I'm not going,my catchphrase, 23 years 1.8 million miles proved it sound.
Hello, Trucker Kurt. Yes, if I'm around I would watch. Because their are so many that can't back a truck up. While at a glass plant, I had plenty drivers to watch. 😂😂😂. For us in Central ILLINOIS we are supposed to be in the 40's this next week. If they haven't changed the weather. Take care stay safe❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.
Give the. Time Linda, im sure snow will be coming soon.
We definitely have plenty of anti-social media these days. It just means that those of us who are not like that need to work hard to combat the nastiness. Be our best to be kind to others. Safe travels, and God bless.
Thanks Heather
What I learned in 1982 it's never let anyone push you up the road if you could end up backwards in a ditch trying to catch up a logbook that's two days behind you're the driver all you got to do is act like one there is no substitute for your experience and that is an exercise built over time love the big cat love the big dog God bless you and your family I try to watch all your videos that truck is my dream so you can say I'm living vicariously through you
You tellem Schmidt 😊
We have magic carpets, snow no problem, durka durka
I'm 57 years old. I'm not a truck driver but I do work in the industry selling truck and trailer parts. I have never needed to be on Facebook. When I heard that people like to randomly slam others and without any remorse for doing it, they can't do it to your face. So why would I be on Facebook? Were they have that opportunity?
I got out of trucking just prior to ELD mandate but I do suspect that this might contribute to accidents happening in bad weather. Especially with drivers who feel if they have hours they must drive.
They definitely do
drive to your comfort zone and yep do not listen to the big mouths stay safe mister Kurt
For tarpping bottom of the truck go to a tarp shop and buy set of currents it worked for me and last so much longer
Thanks for the tip!
Waving 👋 from rawlings Wyoming!!
where you loaded.. pretty sure like legit right down the road from where i unload/load in KC 😂
Your videos are just so awesome i enjoyed very one.
Appreciate that!
I like the baby lava lamp
yeah have to agree... why drive on ice roads... the gains are not worth the potential losses... if there is ice stay at home or the truckstop... it's not worth your life or someone else's....
Your the Captian of that ship. If you feel unsafe park it.
Kurt today’s trucking is so toxic! So glad I retired in 2006 . Forty years was enough for me 32 years as a teamster. I took my pension and left .
What I remember in the late 70’s and most of the 80’s was when you went in Union 76 or another truck stop was the reserved section for truck drivers. We called it the horse shoe of knowledge. You could sit at that counter eat your meal and ask questions and the experienced drivers would answer you .
Was a good place for rookies to learn . Or just have friendly conversations. That’s gone and now it’s just everyone for them selves.
Any experience driver knows when it snows we’re the pile ups are there always in the same section of the highway. I always thought you can drive on the highway but when you can not stop or turn it’s time to park it . Most of us also know how bad lake effect snow can be and we park it . Sadly common sense has left this profession. Stay safe enjoy your videos. Reminds me of good memories driving a truck .
The ending is classic.
I’ve never understood folks that run without a radio, with cruise set on the governor on snow covered roads. They hit those pileups hot; it’s crazy.
Clint Eastwood character Dirty Harry said …..every man needs to know his limitations 🇺🇸😎😎😎
Good evening Kurt
+ The $ store if you have any near by sells these clips a lot cheaper.. Sometimes home stores w have clearance on old wall 🧱 panels, cut in half , long wise , create tongue and groove pcs. from some 2x4 to slide lock m to each others to form a barrier around "First" ..❤
+ I w even glue insulation panels to one side of m !!🧐
I saw that post. I think if your unsure of driving in snow, rain whatever PLEASE park your truck, car, whatever You are more dangerous if your driving afraid. and Yes stay off social media
thats addvise about the heat
What did your driver's window part cost? Love your videos. Watch you from the eastern panhandle
From the eastern panhandle of west Virginia
Lots of train action tonight! The next time you're pacing a train; instead of challenging it to a race give it the first half of "Shave and a Haircut" and see if the crew responds. 🙂
That's a good idea. I'll try it next time.
If you're not comfortable don't drive in it. I think the pile ups are because not many drivers use a CB to get weather info...or warn the other drivers that something is going on up ahead. There's no reason to have massive pile ups....that's not visible on google maps, or your GPS, CB can be real time info if ppl would just use them.
Why doesn't your water temp gauge read a temp
Hi Kurt.I do wonder at times if you are for ea; when you get into this kind of mood where wanderings are the show. Very hard to follow at times and like all advice being given it is the indpenedent driver who knows his or her capabilitys and no one else. Experience is the only way to seek this and for those clowns out the picking on them like they say better to be 5 minutes late than dead on time. New drivers do it your way if it feels sound under foot then enjoy the ride if not then dont tempt fate.
People need to slow down and leave more room between vehicles, spent 35 yrs on the road never had a accident
Yeah, if you're on social media for verification of your decision, no matter what it is, you're better off not sharing at all.
They have to learn to drive speed for conditions also. My brother, who drove for years always told me sis don’t drive in ice. 🧊 well, I did one time. Worked mid nite shift, and knew what it was going to be, so I drove my mountain. 5 switch backs all up hill. Once on top, I promised unless it was life or death to never do it again.
Competence and length of service are not the same thing.
Aww Mr Opie still a handsome boy
I don’t do snow if I can help it. It’s not that I can’t drive in the snow, I’ve done it plenty. It’s these new drivers out here that are WAY TOO DANGEROUS!! They think they can drive in the snow and cause really bad accidents!! I don’t wanna be anywhere near them.
As a truck driver of 37 years. If you feel comfortable drive in the snow if you don’t park it and if other drivers give you chit because you parked it…… F em! It’s your license and your career if you cause a freeway shutdown
Everyone wants to be a supertrucker. The law says, however, that you do what you think is safe. If it's greasy, I park. I don't need to risk my load or safety for a paycheck. My family needs me too much.
are the pups still wearing their collars? I didn't see them.
Build a nice Garage/Carport for the Truck instead of the tarps. She works hard and needs a nice place to rest at home.
I feel bad for the new guy’s in the trucking world. A lot of the older are just bad on the internett with the new guy’s😞
But i have to say after 19 year ( in all of norway ) i still have respekt for the wather.
But what is scary now is How bad the pepole in the small cars are getting🧐 Thy make more and more unsafe🧐
So some times it’s is better to park up and wait👍🏻
Good evening from Waterloo ia
Evening!
🍭SWEET🍭Best to listen to God & your gut rather than men (fools) would be my advice. Good seeing Opie.🐕Stay safe, warm & be blessed🙏🏼💖👍🏻🇺🇸🌞🥶
Can we have an Opie update? Is he ok?
Just getting older and this cold weather makes him pretty stiff
Nobody can drive on ice, I don't ca re who you are or how many years you been driving, it won't end well
Don’t put your 4 ways on when on the shoulder.
I hate unloading pattets out of vans they always shift and lock together and are a pain to unload.I would almost rather unload a Flatbed in the weather.
let us know when you really have a real probem 😂