Not a truck driver, but a few observations I’ve made as a Sale Rep that has driven many interstate miles sharing the road with many big trucks. #1 The vast majority of truckers are great drivers that do their best to be safe on the road! #2 I have yet to meet a truck driver that’s not an awesome person, very interesting to talk to, their smart people that have a lot of time to think about everything, men or women. I love hearing stories about where they’ve been, what they do and the coolest things they’ve hauled. #3 most of us me included owe our jobs to the people that sacrifice their home life to haul what we sale or buy, Thank You Drivers everywhere!!! Remember when it comes down to it, you are the people that make this Awesome thing we call America possible!!!
4. Hurrying So true, just this week had a driver tell me: in trucking, don't EVER let anyone rush you. (Not something this driver necessarily knew in his very first job.)
I am not a trucker and have never been in the trade, but I was told by my grandfather who was, that the invention of GPS has caused more truckers to get into trouble than prior. He was saying that before GPS drivers had to really look into and learn the route and locations using maps, atlas, or just talking to other drivers. But, now all of that is gone and so more drivers have gotten complacent and too trusting of technology, which does and will fail. This is for all drivers and not just semis or other large vehicles, but getting stuck on a side street in San Francisco is a hell of a lot better in a sedan than an 18 wheeler with a 53' trailer! Anyway, I was curious if anyone here can say whether there is actually truth to what I was told or was it simply truckers like my grandfather just hating on technology? Thanks and love your videos even though I don't drive!
Not a driver but thinking about it, for #2 Google Maps and Streetview would be immensely helpful. Drive the route on your computer at the end of your destination and checkout the turning radius and other things that might give you a problem. I saw a guy a couple of weeks ago lost on a road he shouldn't of been on right in our downtown. I think he was delivering to a lumber factory near our downtown. Ouch! Like most municipalities we have designated truck routes with proper turning radius. We specifically built a few for 53' radius trailers in order to get them to their destination. (I work in Municipal Engineering).
It was a proud moment, first time navigating downtown Vancouver.....like hastings......with a long nose and a 53'. Not so much as a scratch......though, I think I pissed off every person in Vancouver that morning.
So I have been pulled over three times because I made it turn onto a exit ramp off of a bridge but the cop pulled me over said I had crossed the centerline you simply cannot make this turn unless you completely stop even with no traffic to make that turn without crossing centerline. Can you imagine all the traffic citations they would give you for what you are saying cops use laws against us as they see fit they have hurt my family and me to try to make a living because I crossed a so-called centerline making making a turn onto a exit ramp from a bridge. These are a little things cops do to try to get their quota it’s very weak. I had a very young police officer pulled me over in West Virginia for no reason and he tried destroy my whole family I’m starting to not like cops a lot as I was always the one that supported them. They are very angry gonna get you if they can people not law-enforcement anymore but their enforcementWest Virginia is the worst place for this if you are from out of state stay away
Hello try to look for a good company that help you get the cdl I used to have the CDL I have experience I just lost my CDL because I never came through with my physical I never have a ticket or a DUI I never have any violation on the road or accident any recommendation I live in Las Vegas area
My father has been driving sents 84 drive for home slef owner op and my father for me in to it I do all the maince but I know hawe long the truck and trailer is 75 feet long 14 high.
What does that mean? Keep your rubber side down and I'll see you in the back all ? I found it so cool but please help me out finding the exact meaning of if because English is not my first language thanks everybody
Some forty years ago when I first started driving an old trucker told me." There are old truck drivers, there are fast truck drivers, but there ain't no old fast truck drivers". Over the years I found this to be true.
One of my first deliveries took me into Chicago and the other drivers were really upset that I kept getting out and looking while backing into a dock. I just tell myself to save myself and I'll never see these other trucks again.
I pulled out of a truckstop two days ago, and the storm had blown an orange construction barrel right into my path. I stopped the truck blocking part of the intersection, got out and moved it back. Then I completed my turn safely. People were honking but I’m not gonna run over something like that regardless.
Here's an extra. Sleep really well. Get a nice hotel room one night a week during your 34. Luxuriate. Treat yourself. DO YOUR LAUNDRY in complete HAPPINESS. Get a NICE (not some cheap motel) hotel, one night, spend the money. It'll keep you feeling right, feeling good, feeling the Pro that you are.
Man, I'm in my first year and it took me 9 months to FINALLY confidently & easily back into docks & truck stops. I used to intentionally only go to rest stops because I couldn't handle the inconsistency of me backing. Now I rarely have to pull up sometimes. Some things we pick up on at different times.
I use to drive a truck for BN Express and Swift and my biggest mistake in the beginning was letting my nerves get the best of me. I was doubting myself and forgetting what I learned in the 3 week cram session of trucking school and was making mistakes in my backing of the trailer. Sometimes it took me forever to get a trailer in the dock and I would get frustrated. Then one day I relaxed and got determined and when I got to my destination I backed that trailer in perfectly without even pulling up. I surprised myself and from that point forward I never had another problem backing a trailer again.
"Drive your trailer" Learned that lesson delivering a load to McGill University in downtown Montreal after a snowstorm. tried to get directions from onsite supervisor whose english was as bad as my french. Boy that load still wakes me up at night in a cold sweat. Love the video
My dispatcher told me I need to hurry once... haha... once! Hurrying is NOT a part of my job! Safety is!! My answer to him was “I only work in two speeds, if you dont like this one, you sure as hell wont like my other one!!” Not sure if its taught everywhere, but I was taught “G.O.A.L”... or Get Out And Look!! Any driver that criticizes another for getting out to look... aint a professional!! Its part of the job!!
Good vid, I'd add leave your ego at the door. Slow is safe, safe is fast. Let truckers over when they signal. If they need to get over, there's probably a good reason. I've never seen a wreck that couldn't have been prevented by slower speed and an ego that was checked in baggage. Be courteous out there.
Courtesy is one of the biggest things that can get everyone home safe. No sense in tailgating someone if there's someone else in front of them. Get over when you cleared the slower car. Let others over if there is an obstruction or incident ahead. Don't cut ppl off. Etc etc. Huge one right there
My uncles have a trucking business and they suggested I get a license for semis in case they are in a squeeze. It's a relatively small business with about 8-10 trucks. My dad works for them and he is currently teaching me how to drive. I'm 15 and at first everything seemed impossible. Now I feel like might actually be able to do this.
For sure you can do it and I agree with your family about getting a license. It's a handy thing to have and it guaranties you'll always have a job. Besides all that, I bet you find you really enjoy driving them. I know I do!
I started at about your age. As long as you have that license, if things get tight or you are between, with nothing on the horizon, you can get a job, and put food on the table.
Damn it, Dave!!! Where the hell was you at when I was a rookie!!! Excellent advise and explanation on what is ment by rookie mistakes. Personally, I think the number 1 rule for anyone, especially a rookie, is DO NOT GET INTO A RUSH!!! Always slow down and think the situation through. But I agree with your 5 think that rookies do to get them into trouble. You always give great advice Dave!!! Thanks for sharing.....
Every corner I take I take it wide as possible. If I got 50ft of turning space I’m using all of that 50ft. Make no mistake I only got about 2 years of driving experience but I’ve learned a lot since my first day behind the wheel. Man I remember my first trip to Philadelphia, it was a total crazy affair with all those little streets with parking on both sides. To many drivers out here don’t wanna hurt their pride with getting out and looking while backing. Man the hell with that, my pride would be hurt so much more hitting another rig or trailer while backing compared to getting out and looking 4 or 5 times. I’d rather get out and look and instead of ripping of someone’s bumper or radiator. I remember when I first started driving I was always in a hurry not checking my equipment properly or doing a tug test. I’ve had too many close calls and I was done with that. Not any more, I don’t driver like a CR England driver but I’m not running 110+ mph anymore. But as always Dave, you are the up most respectable driver I know. A true professional! I love the videos, stay safe buddy.
I agree with you can an atlas and cope directions. Another thing I do Dave is I use Google Earth so I can get an aerial view of where it is I'm going if I've never been there before. Also when I do is I will match the shipper is directions with what my GPS is telling me if he's hitting the major routes and some of the major side roads and I'm going to have to take then I'm pretty confident that both are on the same page and I'll be there pretty clearly. Hope things are better with the family day if you've been missed
Backing up is one of the FUNNEST things you can do after all these miles its also the most satisfactory thing you can do and give you a feeling of accomplishment once you bump that dock!
I'm training for my CDL with PAM transport. Blessed to live 21 years, hoping to get a boost in life. I've worked construction, retail, and worked in a van dealership. We are studying our pre-trip inspections currently, my second day of 3 or 4 weeks. I continue to pray and study, thank you for this video.
you would be surprised how many people in shipping and receiving don't even know how the hell to give you directions to get into where they've been working for 30 years
Hey Dave, just want you to know that what you’re doing for us is AWESOME!! Please keep up the good work! I legitimately watch 4-5 videos of yours during my study breaks and jot down all of this info into my notebook for future reference. I’m heading to CDL school later this month, so all this info is super helpful!! Thanks again!!
Complacency is number 1 to me also. I run to Philly from Pittsburgh sometimes, gotten familiar with with 79. I dont care if its sunshine, birds are chirping, and its dry outside. once I hit the mountains its business time for me. I'm on maximum alert. take her slow and steady, I'm not racing to to the bottom. The name of the game is to get home and in one piece ladies and gentlemen. Getting cocky or lazy is how accidents happen.
Notes from my Rookie year 2018-2019 1:00 - I took the space i needed to make the Turn , even if i had to get on the Sidewalk **!@#$% NE Suburbs** and LongIsland is a total Hellzone 4:00 - Most GPS "AKA Garmin" confuse No truck roads with No U-turns and Weight/Height limits and makes you take detours you didn't need. 5:55 - Back-up in a Tandem Axel trailer is easy , But with a Spread Axel won't move the same way and i don't wanna talk about B-trains . 8:00 - The only Truck that's Late is the one you turned over on the side of the road . Even if i double check , Recaps tires are a unreliable bane. 10:00 - The mountain pass , HWY 16 Crossing in the Bighorn National Forest , Between Worland & Buffalo in Wyoming . Don't cross it in winter unless you have death-wish . I came back alive with more Gray hair than i had .
All true, also watch your fatigue level, stop and rest if that head is nodding, a 30 minute nap will make all the difference. Nothing is more important than your safety and everyone else’s 🇺🇸
Great video as always and I love the stories about the "Lettuce King"!! One other point that I would like to make is doing a "tug test" when hooking up to a trailer!! Just because you hear a "click" does not mean that the locking jaws are completely closed!! I dont see a trailer falling down to often but it will save a headache and unnecessary stress on a driver when it happens!!
Outstanding points. To your point of not rushing. I was drilled when getting my CDL the following: 1. Haste makes waste 2. When dropping a trailer, take a LAP... (1. Drop the landing gear 2. Disconnect air/electrical 3. Pull the pin) 3. When hooking a trailer, call your PAL (1. Check the pin 2. Secure the air/electrical 3. Lift the landing gear) 4. Do not ever deviate from points 2 and 3, and if someone comes to talk to you or something interrupts you, start all over.
On number 3, another helpful tip there with backing, is to get someone you think you can trust as a spotter. I don't want someone telling me which way to turn the wheel, I think it just confuses me, and or other drivers. All I need from them is to tell me if I'm going to hit something. If I'm not gonna hit whatever i'm backing near, I can get it. SPOTTERS, All you need to do is tell me if I'm gonna hit something!
I still do that even if there's alot of people around, ill never forget when i was a rookie and just barely tapped a wall backing up and completely knocked it over
I was told that when I graduated CDL school this past April. The people around you getting impatient and angry are not going to have an accident on their record for what you hit.
I’ve been licensed 16 months doing local LTL. He’s so right, the first time I watched this I listened to it, now I know it. Every point is so perfect, you newly licensed drivers should be listening to this twice a day minimum.
And always remember us truck drivers are the 🐢 turtles of the road and the 🚗 🚘 4 wheelers are the 🐇 rabbits. So take your time. A safe driver is a good 👍 driver. Don't let rushing end your life or someone else's life. Be safe not sorry.
WONDERFUL Advice, sir! Not just for newbies, but, every single trucker out there. It's easy to relax too much and make a stupid mistake. You likely saved at least a few of those from happening. Many thanks!
*""ESPECIALLY IN A LOCATION LIKE DOWNTOWN, ""CHICAGO, ""THE-BUILDINGS ARE CLOSE TOGETHER, ""THAT-USUALLY-MEANS THAT-YOU-HAVE TO SLIDE-YOURTANDEMS-FORWARD TO CLEAR-THOSETIGHT-INTERSECTIONS IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO""!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
Double-check, shit, I triple check. Then when ready to pull out I get out of the truck one more time and do one more visual just to confirm, "gear up, jaws locked and doors secure" so I am not the guy that drops the trailer, pulls out with gear dragging or doors open.
This is my third year of driving, and my third time of watching this video. Now, with a small bit of experience, I can see how much value there is in these lessons. BTW, since I haul to grain terminals a lot, I usually have the CB on and visit with the other drivers as we're waiting in line. If I ever hear a lot lizard on there, I'm going to remember that Lettuce King story.
I’ve been watching ur videos all day I can say u sir are a great blessing to us young truck drivers my dad is from ur era of trucking I’m 31 been driving since 21 I’ve done almost everything flatbed lowboy oversized heavy containers Dry van now I’m currently local doing dump trucks but I’ve been almost everywhere in the USA 🇺🇸 driving my dads trucks with my my younger brother and I can honestly say ur videos are great keep it up I love them very Accurate and professional
One thing that stuck with me from Driving School to get my license that one of the instructors said... We aren't "truck" drivers. yes you drive the truck but you're really driving the trailer! So we're "trailer" drivers.
Hint from me, I use my iPad with google maps. Get a satellite view of destination and surrounding area. And always use the major routes to as close to your destination as possible. Most of the time, gps will agree with major route plan. I don’t use GPS, but always out smart GPS. PLAN your route, it’s not rocket science..
Double check the Consignee address on the BOLs. Learned that the hard way. I had a load delivering to South Dakota, and the shipper loaded me with a load going to Pheonix... So, I ended up going the long way to Pheonix, AZ from Dallas, TX via Souix Falls, South Dakota.
Thank you. I'm in my 3rd week of six weeks of OTR training and appreciate the refresh...Keeps me focused on what's really important versus trying to remember everything all at once!
I chose to become a truck driver, took 2 years but now few months later in 2nd job (first one was ended due to argument between customer and company i worked for), I still prefer take things calmly, not try hurry. I got timetable I've done for my route, but it has 2-3 options in case of an delay or extra pickup requested. Mistakes I've done has been driving very tired, however I had lot of spare time so I drove to my next spot, took nice 20mins nap in the truck to refresh myself before moved to load in goods. I figured out my sleep had caught attention of some people but to me, i rather sleep few minutes to gain back strength, than drive entire day dead tired, risking i get into accident. Never can be too careful, specially around here with some people trying insurance scams.
Great advise from an old sage. I remember a few things I was taught by an excellent trainer. One was how to Button hook. and to remember it takes the trailer at least 10 ft to respond to every input/correction you make with the steering wheel. I never had a problem navigating with a Rand McNally and a Truckstop Guide. Pre GPS. Back in the day you called the shipper/receiver and they would give you the directions and the cool ones had automated service that would guide you in from whatever direction you were coming from. As a rookie I had anxiety about backing up and my trainer caught it. I would be backing up feathering the clutch and my leg began shaking. He strongly believed in GOAL. He made me get out, ck the hole and do another lap @ the rig to calm down. Another lesson was to shut everything off that could be a distraction and ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN! He used to beat that into my head because even though you made your set-up, GOAL something may happen behind you and having the window down will let you hear someone yelling or a horn blare. To me it is common sense today, back then it was valuable lessons learned. I miss that guy!
being a beginner trucker the first thing I would tell a new trucker (assuming they have already been thru school) is GET A TRUCK GPS. God that thing is a life saver, and mine has modes like easy, fast, etc. Just set it on easy and stick to the main roads, so what if it takes 10 mins longer, take your time. I got called out of the blue to take a box truck on a few stops and didnt have my TRUCK GPS, regular google maps took me thru some tiny side streets, luckily it was just a box truck. LORD THANK YOU FOR TRUCK GPS!
Great advice:-):-) schools will teach you that you have to keep the trailer as close to the right curb as possible on a right turn. I swing as wide as I need and watch that no one is trying to sneak by. And if oncoming cross traffic is to far forward, wait till they clear
*""YOU-KNOW-THESOUND-OF THE-KING-PIN ENGAGING INTO THE-FIFTHWHEEL, ""I MAKECERTAIN-THAT-THERE IS NO SPACEBETWEEN THE-FIFTHWHEEL AND THETRAILER, ""ALL-WEIGHT IS ON THE-FIFTHWHEEL""!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
TRUCKING is SERIOUS BUSINESS !!! YOU are not driving a a sports car heading to the BEACH ! Wear proper clothing !!! WEAR proper WORK SHOES ; NOT flip-flops ; NOT SANDALS !!!$$!!!!!! LAST BUT NOT LEAST . . . . . . TURN OFF THE RADIO--THE MUSIC. DRIVERS THAT GET INTO ACCIDENTS while LISTENING TO MUSIC WITH HEADPHONES N E E D to have the JUDGE THROW " THE BOOK AT THEM" ; FINE THEM HEAVILY AND HAVE THEM T H R O W N IN JAIL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In my forty years,I tug tested every trailer and I always went underneath to check the 5th wheel jaws are closed.
Better to swing too wide and people say "rookie", than to hit something, and people say "rookie!"
Not a truck driver, but a few observations I’ve made as a Sale Rep that has driven many interstate miles sharing the road with many big trucks. #1 The vast majority of truckers are great drivers that do their best to be safe on the road! #2 I have yet to meet a truck driver that’s not an awesome person, very interesting to talk to, their smart people that have a lot of time to think about everything, men or women. I love hearing stories about where they’ve been, what they do and the coolest things they’ve hauled. #3 most of us me included owe our jobs to the people that sacrifice their home life to haul what we sale or buy, Thank You Drivers everywhere!!! Remember when it comes down to it, you are the people that make this Awesome thing we call America possible!!!
Double check your handbrake before getting out!
Matt Luszczak hahahaha! Never even crossed my mind. I’m so used to it. Half the time I reach for it in my pickup.
4. Hurrying
So true, just this week had a driver tell me: in trucking, don't EVER let anyone rush you. (Not something this driver necessarily knew in his very first job.)
I was certain that driving for Swift would be one of the five.
I am not a trucker and have never been in the trade, but I was told by my grandfather who was, that the invention of GPS has caused more truckers to get into trouble than prior. He was saying that before GPS drivers had to really look into and learn the route and locations using maps, atlas, or just talking to other drivers. But, now all of that is gone and so more drivers have gotten complacent and too trusting of technology, which does and will fail. This is for all drivers and not just semis or other large vehicles, but getting stuck on a side street in San Francisco is a hell of a lot better in a sedan than an 18 wheeler with a 53' trailer!
Anyway, I was curious if anyone here can say whether there is actually truth to what I was told or was it simply truckers like my grandfather just hating on technology?
Thanks and love your videos even though I don't drive!
Your education always super valuable
Great advice will learn from it thank you
Number 2 ask for landmark it help a lot
Always aim for super wide until you learn the equipment.
Not a driver but thinking about it, for #2 Google Maps and Streetview would be immensely helpful. Drive the route on your computer at the end of your destination and checkout the turning radius and other things that might give you a problem. I saw a guy a couple of weeks ago lost on a road he shouldn't of been on right in our downtown. I think he was delivering to a lumber factory near our downtown. Ouch! Like most municipalities we have designated truck routes with proper turning radius. We specifically built a few for 53' radius trailers in order to get them to their destination. (I work in Municipal Engineering).
Thank you for your advice..
Thank you
This tickled me I remember backing into an indoor dock on a bright sunny day knocking the damn door off 😂... the embarrassing drive back to terminal
I am in training. Question, how do you knock the doors off? Trying to avoid that. Thanks
Thank you for your wonderful advices 👍🏼🙌🏼💯
How about backing into a inside dock
Off a city street
Yeah, usually a fun time!
do you offer backing up lessons and shifting lessons
Sadly, no. Not the type of thing I could do without being there.
It was a proud moment, first time navigating downtown Vancouver.....like hastings......with a long nose and a 53'. Not so much as a scratch......though, I think I pissed off every person in Vancouver that morning.
Hehe, Rip Griffens ,if there is no parking there, go over to the 76
So I have been pulled over three times because I made it turn onto a exit ramp off of a bridge but the cop pulled me over said I had crossed the centerline you simply cannot make this turn unless you completely stop even with no traffic to make that turn without crossing centerline. Can you imagine all the traffic citations they would give you for what you are saying cops use laws against us as they see fit they have hurt my family and me to try to make a living because I crossed a so-called centerline making making a turn onto a exit ramp from a bridge. These are a little things cops do to try to get their quota it’s very weak. I had a very young police officer pulled me over in West Virginia for no reason and he tried destroy my whole family I’m starting to not like cops a lot as I was always the one that supported them. They are very angry gonna get you if they can people not law-enforcement anymore but their enforcementWest Virginia is the worst place for this if you are from out of state stay away
There's good guys and bad guys in every crowd and quota systems should be illegal! There are states I won't truck in!
Hello try to look for a good company that help you get the cdl I used to have the CDL I have experience I just lost my CDL because I never came through with my physical I never have a ticket or a DUI I never have any violation on the road or accident any recommendation I live in Las Vegas area
*""YOU DO THE SAMETHING-EVERYDAY, ""FROMSHIFTING-TO BACKING TO UNCOUPLING""!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
number 1 tip, don't even start, you'll get screwed.
YOU OWN IT TILL LEAVE IT. CORNERS. YOU GOT ALL DAY OR YOU WILL BE THERE ALL DAY. IT'S PREVENTABLE BEFORE IT HAPPENS. DON'T LET IT HAPPEN.
GPS is good but common sense is better
Lol. Good story young man.
My father has been driving sents 84 drive for home slef owner op and my father for me in to it I do all the maince but I know hawe long the truck and trailer is 75 feet long 14 high.
What does that mean?
Keep your rubber side down and I'll see you in the back all ?
I found it so cool but please help me out finding the exact meaning of if because English is not my first language thanks everybody
Some forty years ago when I first started driving an old trucker told me." There are old truck drivers, there are fast truck drivers, but there ain't no old fast truck drivers". Over the years I found this to be true.
One of my first deliveries took me into Chicago and the other drivers were really upset that I kept getting out and looking while backing into a dock. I just tell myself to save myself and I'll never see these other trucks again.
At the end of the day you/your company will pay for damages, not the other drivers. You did exactly what you're supposed to.
You prob will..but OH WELL!!! THEY WERE NEW TOO!!!
Any time there is heavy traffic or I'm in a city I turn off everything so I can focus on everything around me. Crazy can happen in a blink of an eye.
Good Deal!
Hat's off to all the hardworking American truckers. May the Good Lord watch over & bless you & your loved ones.
Thank you
I pulled out of a truckstop two days ago, and the storm had blown an orange construction barrel right into my path. I stopped the truck blocking part of the intersection, got out and moved it back. Then I completed my turn safely. People were honking but I’m not gonna run over something like that regardless.
Here's an extra. Sleep really well. Get a nice hotel room one night a week during your 34. Luxuriate. Treat yourself. DO YOUR LAUNDRY in complete HAPPINESS. Get a NICE (not some cheap motel) hotel, one night, spend the money.
It'll keep you feeling right, feeling good, feeling the Pro that you are.
Always park it when your not feeling it is safe to continue. Such as bad weather. Do not risk your life for anyone.
Man, I'm in my first year and it took me 9 months to FINALLY confidently & easily back into docks & truck stops. I used to intentionally only go to rest stops because I couldn't handle the inconsistency of me backing. Now I rarely have to pull up sometimes. Some things we pick up on at different times.
I use to drive a truck for BN Express and Swift and my biggest mistake in the beginning was letting my nerves get the best of me. I was doubting myself and forgetting what I learned in the 3 week cram session of trucking school and was making mistakes in my backing of the trailer. Sometimes it took me forever to get a trailer in the dock and I would get frustrated. Then one day I relaxed and got determined and when I got to my destination I backed that trailer in perfectly without even pulling up. I surprised myself and from that point forward I never had another problem backing a trailer again.
I found truck driving to be far less stressful if you just ignore the fleet manager...
My boss in the beginning years always said , before taking a chance in any situation ask yourself if it’s worth the “paperwork “ if things go wrong
Glad you are finally making some bank with sponsorship, you are a mentor to so many ppl in this industry
My very first boss used to say to me, “listen to that little bird on your shoulder.” In other words, if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it!
Lol male receptionist drives a Prius lolllllll 😂😂😂
"Drive your trailer" Learned that lesson delivering a load to McGill University in downtown Montreal after a snowstorm. tried to get directions from onsite supervisor whose english was as bad as my french. Boy that load still wakes me up at night in a cold sweat. Love the video
My dispatcher told me I need to hurry once... haha... once! Hurrying is NOT a part of my job! Safety is!! My answer to him was “I only work in two speeds, if you dont like this one, you sure as hell wont like my other one!!”
Not sure if its taught everywhere, but I was taught “G.O.A.L”... or Get Out And Look!!
Any driver that criticizes another for getting out to look... aint a professional!! Its part of the job!!
Good vid, I'd add leave your ego at the door. Slow is safe, safe is fast. Let truckers over when they signal. If they need to get over, there's probably a good reason. I've never seen a wreck that couldn't have been prevented by slower speed and an ego that was checked in baggage. Be courteous out there.
Courtesy is one of the biggest things that can get everyone home safe. No sense in tailgating someone if there's someone else in front of them. Get over when you cleared the slower car. Let others over if there is an obstruction or incident ahead. Don't cut ppl off. Etc etc. Huge one right there
My uncles have a trucking business and they suggested I get a license for semis in case they are in a squeeze. It's a relatively small business with about 8-10 trucks. My dad works for them and he is currently teaching me how to drive. I'm 15 and at first everything seemed impossible. Now I feel like might actually be able to do this.
For sure you can do it and I agree with your family about getting a license. It's a handy thing to have and it guaranties you'll always have a job. Besides all that, I bet you find you really enjoy driving them. I know I do!
I started at about your age. As long as you have that license, if things get tight or you are between, with nothing on the horizon, you can get a job, and put food on the table.
I started driving 2 months ago and at the beginning I was like this is not for me, then I saw this video and it helped me a lot.
Thank you señor 🙏🏽
Hog two lanes if necessary to make a turn.
Damn it, Dave!!! Where the hell was you at when I was a rookie!!! Excellent advise and explanation on what is ment by rookie mistakes. Personally, I think the number 1 rule for anyone, especially a rookie, is DO NOT GET INTO A RUSH!!! Always slow down and think the situation through. But I agree with your 5 think that rookies do to get them into trouble. You always give great advice Dave!!! Thanks for sharing.....
Every corner I take I take it wide as possible. If I got 50ft of turning space I’m using all of that 50ft. Make no mistake I only got about 2 years of driving experience but I’ve learned a lot since my first day behind the wheel. Man I remember my first trip to Philadelphia, it was a total crazy affair with all those little streets with parking on both sides.
To many drivers out here don’t wanna hurt their pride with getting out and looking while backing. Man the hell with that, my pride would be hurt so much more hitting another rig or trailer while backing compared to getting out and looking 4 or 5 times. I’d rather get out and look and instead of ripping of someone’s bumper or radiator.
I remember when I first started driving I was always in a hurry not checking my equipment properly or doing a tug test. I’ve had too many close calls and I was done with that. Not any more, I don’t driver like a CR England driver but I’m not running 110+ mph anymore.
But as always Dave, you are the up most respectable driver I know. A true professional! I love the videos, stay safe buddy.
I agree with you can an atlas and cope directions. Another thing I do Dave is I use Google Earth so I can get an aerial view of where it is I'm going if I've never been there before. Also when I do is I will match the shipper is directions with what my GPS is telling me if he's hitting the major routes and some of the major side roads and I'm going to have to take then I'm pretty confident that both are on the same page and I'll be there pretty clearly. Hope things are better with the family day if you've been missed
Some of our younger, fresh drivers at work really need to watch this channel.
I turn the music off and roll both windows down when I'm backing. If someone's yelling I'm getting too close ill be able to hear them
I'm going to write these down and laminate the card to keep it with me, Super advice, thanks Dave and Catherine.
Google has a review area for companies. Some driver are posting valuable information about shippers and consignees in the review section.
Backing up is one of the FUNNEST things you can do after all these miles its also the most satisfactory thing you can do and give you a feeling of accomplishment once you bump that dock!
Yup!
I'm training for my CDL with PAM transport. Blessed to live 21 years, hoping to get a boost in life. I've worked construction, retail, and worked in a van dealership. We are studying our pre-trip inspections currently, my second day of 3 or 4 weeks. I continue to pray and study, thank you for this video.
I just got my CDL training with PAM. Are you a C1 student too?
you would be surprised how many people in shipping and receiving don't even know how the hell to give you directions to get into where they've been working for 30 years
Hey Dave, just want you to know that what you’re doing for us is AWESOME!! Please keep up the good work! I legitimately watch 4-5 videos of yours during my study breaks and jot down all of this info into my notebook for future reference. I’m heading to CDL school later this month, so all this info is super helpful!! Thanks again!!
Learn how and when to say NO ,,, saves so much time and heartaches or heartburn
Lol, Tums
Complacency is number 1 to me also. I run to Philly from Pittsburgh sometimes, gotten familiar with with 79. I dont care if its sunshine, birds are chirping, and its dry outside. once I hit the mountains its business time for me. I'm on maximum alert. take her slow and steady, I'm not racing to to the bottom. The name of the game is to get home and in one piece ladies and gentlemen.
Getting cocky or lazy is how accidents happen.
Notes from my Rookie year 2018-2019
1:00 - I took the space i needed to make the Turn , even if i had to get on the Sidewalk **!@#$% NE Suburbs** and LongIsland is a total Hellzone
4:00 - Most GPS "AKA Garmin" confuse No truck roads with No U-turns and Weight/Height limits and makes you take detours you didn't need.
5:55 - Back-up in a Tandem Axel trailer is easy , But with a Spread Axel won't move the same way and i don't wanna talk about B-trains .
8:00 - The only Truck that's Late is the one you turned over on the side of the road . Even if i double check , Recaps tires are a unreliable bane.
10:00 - The mountain pass , HWY 16 Crossing in the Bighorn National Forest , Between Worland & Buffalo in Wyoming . Don't cross it in winter unless you have death-wish . I came back alive with more Gray hair than i had .
All true, also watch your fatigue level, stop and rest if that head is nodding, a 30 minute nap will make all the difference. Nothing is more important than your safety and everyone else’s 🇺🇸
Great video as always and I love the stories about the "Lettuce King"!! One other point that I would like to make is doing a "tug test" when hooking up to a trailer!! Just because you hear a "click" does not mean that the locking jaws are completely closed!! I dont see a trailer falling down to often but it will save a headache and unnecessary stress on a driver when it happens!!
1 make a SWIFT move. Swing Wide It’s a F-ing Trailer.
I was criticized my instructors because I started off taking my corners big :) lol but I never hit anything
Old guys that taught me always told me " take as much room as you need"
Speaking of Chicago, avoid KR Drenth Trucking at all costs
Outstanding points. To your point of not rushing. I was drilled when getting my CDL the following:
1. Haste makes waste
2. When dropping a trailer, take a LAP... (1. Drop the landing gear 2. Disconnect air/electrical 3. Pull the pin)
3. When hooking a trailer, call your PAL (1. Check the pin 2. Secure the air/electrical 3. Lift the landing gear)
4. Do not ever deviate from points 2 and 3, and if someone comes to talk to you or something interrupts you, start all over.
On number 3, another helpful tip there with backing, is to get someone you think you can trust as a spotter. I don't want someone telling me which way to turn the wheel, I think it just confuses me, and or other drivers. All I need from them is to tell me if I'm going to hit something. If I'm not gonna hit whatever i'm backing near, I can get it. SPOTTERS, All you need to do is tell me if I'm gonna hit something!
Its a lot of less embarrassing to get out 25x vs causing damage to persons or property.
I still do that even if there's alot of people around, ill never forget when i was a rookie and just barely tapped a wall backing up and completely knocked it over
I was told that when I graduated CDL school this past April. The people around you getting impatient and angry are not going to have an accident on their record for what you hit.
I’ve been licensed 16 months doing local LTL. He’s so right, the first time I watched this I listened to it, now I know it. Every point is so perfect, you newly licensed drivers should be listening to this twice a day minimum.
And always remember us truck drivers are the 🐢 turtles of the road and the 🚗 🚘 4 wheelers are the 🐇 rabbits. So take your time. A safe driver is a good 👍 driver. Don't let rushing end your life or someone else's life. Be safe not sorry.
Such good advice!
I am a Driver Trainer and you gave me a few good tips for my students. Actually, I will send them this video Thanks again!
And make sure to buy a caculator to caculate all the deductions
What deductions?
WONDERFUL Advice, sir! Not just for newbies, but, every single trucker out there. It's easy to relax too much and make a stupid mistake. You likely saved at least a few of those from happening. Many thanks!
*""ESPECIALLY IN A LOCATION LIKE DOWNTOWN, ""CHICAGO, ""THE-BUILDINGS ARE CLOSE TOGETHER, ""THAT-USUALLY-MEANS THAT-YOU-HAVE TO SLIDE-YOURTANDEMS-FORWARD TO CLEAR-THOSETIGHT-INTERSECTIONS IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO""!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
Garmin dezl 7/8 series...couple that with a tablet with google maps and your good in 95% cases, but NEVER blindly follow either...
That tip that came up on screen about Google Earth was excellent. Those overhead views have saved me a major headache on more than one occasion.
Double-check, shit, I triple check. Then when ready to pull out I get out of the truck one more time and do one more visual just to confirm, "gear up, jaws locked and doors secure" so I am not the guy that drops the trailer, pulls out with gear dragging or doors open.
*""WHEN I BACK-UP I JUST-ALLOW THETRAILER-TO-WALK-IN SLOWLY, ""G.O.A.L., ""GET. OUT. AND. LOOK."'!!!!!!!*
Thank you for the shoutout! Great episode.
This is my third year of driving, and my third time of watching this video. Now, with a small bit of experience, I can see how much value there is in these lessons. BTW, since I haul to grain terminals a lot, I usually have the CB on and visit with the other drivers as we're waiting in line. If I ever hear a lot lizard on there, I'm going to remember that Lettuce King story.
Man, we laughed our tales off over that one!
I’ve been watching ur videos all day I can say u sir are a great blessing to us young truck drivers my dad is from ur era of trucking I’m 31 been driving since 21 I’ve done almost everything flatbed lowboy oversized heavy containers Dry van now I’m currently local doing dump trucks but I’ve been almost everywhere in the USA 🇺🇸 driving my dads trucks with my my younger brother and I can honestly say ur videos are great keep it up I love them very Accurate and professional
One thing that stuck with me from Driving School to get my license that one of the instructors said... We aren't "truck" drivers. yes you drive the truck but you're really driving the trailer! So we're "trailer" drivers.
Hint from me, I use my iPad with google maps.
Get a satellite view of destination and surrounding area.
And always use the major routes to as close to your destination
as possible. Most of the time, gps will agree with major route plan.
I don’t use GPS, but always out smart GPS.
PLAN your route, it’s not rocket science..
Good tip, thanks!
Double check the Consignee address on the BOLs. Learned that the hard way. I had a load delivering to South Dakota, and the shipper loaded me with a load going to Pheonix... So, I ended up going the long way to Pheonix, AZ from Dallas, TX via Souix Falls, South Dakota.
Thank you. I'm in my 3rd week of six weeks of OTR training and appreciate the refresh...Keeps me focused on what's really important versus trying to remember everything all at once!
I been driving 8 years and still learning...thanks for always teaching sir💪
I have asked other Drivers for Guidance years ago and I found that they did not get upset they was happy to help out another Driver
Good to hear!
I chose to become a truck driver, took 2 years but now few months later in 2nd job (first one was ended due to argument between customer and company i worked for), I still prefer take things calmly, not try hurry. I got timetable I've done for my route, but it has 2-3 options in case of an delay or extra pickup requested.
Mistakes I've done has been driving very tired, however I had lot of spare time so I drove to my next spot, took nice 20mins nap in the truck to refresh myself before moved to load in goods. I figured out my sleep had caught attention of some people but to me, i rather sleep few minutes to gain back strength, than drive entire day dead tired, risking i get into accident. Never can be too careful, specially around here with some people trying insurance scams.
Exactly right! Never can be too careful!
Great advise from an old sage. I remember a few things I was taught by an excellent trainer. One was how to Button hook. and to remember it takes the trailer at least 10 ft to respond to every input/correction you make with the steering wheel. I never had a problem navigating with a Rand McNally and a Truckstop Guide. Pre GPS. Back in the day you called the shipper/receiver and they would give you the directions and the cool ones had automated service that would guide you in from whatever direction you were coming from. As a rookie I had anxiety about backing up and my trainer caught it. I would be backing up feathering the clutch and my leg began shaking. He strongly believed in GOAL. He made me get out, ck the hole and do another lap @ the rig to calm down. Another lesson was to shut everything off that could be a distraction and ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN! He used to beat that into my head because even though you made your set-up, GOAL something may happen behind you and having the window down will let you hear someone yelling or a horn blare. To me it is common sense today, back then it was valuable lessons learned. I miss that guy!
I don't know how we ever got a load there in 70s & 80s
New truck drivers trust the technology instead of the old fashioned way of reading maps and not sure it’s taught in trucking schools anymore?!!
being a beginner trucker the first thing I would tell a new trucker (assuming they have already been thru school) is GET A TRUCK GPS. God that thing is a life saver, and mine has modes like easy, fast, etc. Just set it on easy and stick to the main roads, so what if it takes 10 mins longer, take your time. I got called out of the blue to take a box truck on a few stops and didnt have my TRUCK GPS, regular google maps took me thru some tiny side streets, luckily it was just a box truck. LORD THANK YOU FOR TRUCK GPS!
Yeah, they're an invaluable tool!
I've been driving for 30 years . An I still listen to u an learn. Really good advice.
Great advice:-):-) schools will teach you that you have to keep the trailer as close to the right curb as possible on a right turn. I swing as wide as I need and watch that no one is trying to sneak by. And if oncoming cross traffic is to far forward, wait till they clear
Awsome advice rookie or seasoned driver. Funny story, have a blessed day!😊
*""YOU-KNOW-THESOUND-OF THE-KING-PIN ENGAGING INTO THE-FIFTHWHEEL, ""I MAKECERTAIN-THAT-THERE IS NO SPACEBETWEEN THE-FIFTHWHEEL AND THETRAILER, ""ALL-WEIGHT IS ON THE-FIFTHWHEEL""!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
TRUCKING is SERIOUS BUSINESS !!!
YOU are not driving a a sports car heading to the BEACH !
Wear proper clothing !!!
WEAR proper WORK SHOES ; NOT flip-flops ; NOT SANDALS !!!$$!!!!!!
LAST BUT NOT LEAST . . . . . .
TURN OFF THE RADIO--THE MUSIC.
DRIVERS THAT GET INTO ACCIDENTS
while LISTENING TO MUSIC WITH HEADPHONES N E E D to have the JUDGE THROW " THE BOOK AT THEM" ; FINE THEM HEAVILY AND HAVE THEM T H R O W N IN
JAIL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!