And don't take a leak in the parking lot. Walk your lazy ass to the bathroom. I'm sure the people who do that and/or leave piss bottles out everywhere could probably stand to take a few more steps.
@@truthunfiltered314 not in freezing temperatures I walk back to the grass mind your business instead of worrying where a poor guy takes a piss....also if it's 2 am I'm going right behind the truck then going back in to bed...
@@truckercowboyed2638 That’s because you are a Lazy, Dirty Driver. Piss in a Container and empty it in gravel, dirt or grass. Also if you have to Piss at 2:00 am I suggest you get your Prostate checked or quit drinking Beer before bed.
Flying J was my first job! Not a trucker but much love and respect to all truckers. You guys and ladies are our silent lifeline. Blessings and safety be with you all.
Same for a bunch of the girls I grew up with. They always had plenty of money for beer, paid for themselves when we all went somewhere, and didn't whine about our locker room attitude when hanging out. I don't know what a lizard is, but it must be a great job.
I’m a teacher and notice all the time nowadays many young people seem to have no manners at all. I often wonder whether parents these days teach their own kids anything. Of course some do, but I often feel many parents are the same. So young people today have no role models like in the old days. What has happened to the trucking community? Seems times have really changed for the worse.
The primary issue is Rx Vaccine brain damage by mommy, daddy, officials, servants, volunteers and potable water supply contamination by body function eliminated Rx Drugs and inexperience. The US Military is likely the worst Rx Vaccine Threat Vector resulting in a form of autistic egocentric. Best wishes.
Excellent video. I have a few extra suggestions: (1) Don’t pee on the fuel island or on anybody else’s tires. (2) Don’t wash anything but windows with the squeegee. (3) Cigarette butts ARE trash, so don’t dump them out the window. (4) Don’t slide tandems on the CAT scale. (5) Be quiet in daytime, too. Some of us are sleeping and have to drive at night. (6) GET OUT AND LOOK before backing. Every time. Maybe several times. We’re all tired of getting hit. (7). Help other drivers. You were once a beginner, too. Thank you. Blessings, and be safe.
If your truck releases air every 20 seconds, nose in or park somewhere else. I don't know how many times this has kept me up all night. And turn off your headlights when you are parked, they can be distracting. Just leave marker lights on so when a truck parks next to you at night, he/she can see your truck better and lower your risk of getting backed into.
I can give a pass to mirrors and headlights with the squeegees, but I myself have bought a small squeegee I use for my headlights and I use a paper towel and windex for my mirrors.
@@Dortchskii Same here. Paper towels and Windex for headlights and mirrors. I don't even use a squeegee on them. The people who wash their nasty trucks with the communal squeegees (and ruin them) are the selfish jerks who probably block the fuel islands and CAT scales. Best wishes. Be safe.
The funniest thing I've seen at a truck stop was in California when a guy blocked the fuel island for 30 minutes for a shower. A driver behind him actually got into the offending truck and pulled it forward. I don't endorse that but I couldn't help laughing.
Only 30mins, I once hit the Pilot(now Loves) in Souix Falls SD for fuel, backed off the fuel island, parked, showered, got something to eat and the truck was still there........
Carry some cheap locks and lock his trailer doors, which he won’t notice until he gets to the customer because jerks like this don’t do inspections either. He will figure out why.
@@hazmathauler4536 NO, that can block up everything for others and damage equipment and get you arrested for vandalism. Also if he has any brains, it won't work. Some of us check that before we pull forward every time. Just lock his trailer doors. If enough people do this, very soon these jerks will be afraid to park on the fuel island or CAT Scale because they will expect to find their trailer doors locked --- and they won't know who did it. Locks are cheap. I think Dollar Tree sells them. But getting someone in a shop to cut off 2 locks is not cheap, especially if they show up at a customer and can't open the doors and have to leave and to find a shop to cut off the locks. They will be miles away and have no idea which driver did it.
👍🏼I drove for 42 years and always treated others the way I wanted to be treated and by golly it’s not that difficult, sometimes you even might make a new friend ! I tried helping others if it looked like they needed help and such ! Good video sir !
To add to getting centered in your parking lane, be sure to also back fully into the lane. Not being able to back into a spot for the night because someone on the opposite side has their nose stuck out into the driveway makes for a rough end to a long day.
Unfortunately too many people don't understand what ET is doing. I'm just a company driver and I understand that they are simply giving a breakdown and explaining how they do things. They don't force or push their views on people but not everyone can understand that. It's really a blessing all the information they pass on and they are just trying to make the industry itself better. But everyone has this competition mindset and makes it out like they are claiming to be better. I hope this makes sense. Before anyone makes the jump to O/O, watch their videos and soak up as much free knowledge as possible. It's crazy how they are almost the only source for free valuable knowledge
As a retired Owner/Operator I find it's a damn shame "Drivers" have to be told to use common sense and clean up after themselves. And not be a nuisance by holding up the progress of others. As much time as Drivers spend waiting at loading and delivery points you'd think they wouldn't want to be the the reason others are held up. 🤔 From an OG's pov for what it's worth.
Sir, I am not a truck driver and just stumbled on this video and I really appriciate this video and I wish I watched it a few weeks ago when I purchased a RV and had to use truck stops for fuel for the first time due to the size. I know you all had a job to do and I did my best to stay out of your way and be respectful. I did not know about the pull thru lane and I wish I did since I had to go pay inside and pick up the receipt, but luckily no one was behind me when I returned. Thank you sir for the video and information.
That’s a thing long in the past……I’ve been driving for 23 years and it’s very rare these days to run into anything old school where drivers are actually respecting and helping one another…..these new and younger guys are absolutely clueless.
The idea of camping at the fuel island (going into the store to use restroom, get provisions, etc.) when not fueling is something that happens constantly at regular auto gas stations.
@@ColonelSandersLite what really burns my ass is in all those years that I worked as a cabbie especially at night gas stations that were open 24hrs sometimes locked up their restrooms!.I and people like me were not the only one's out during the night!!!!!.BTW I don't know how it is in other states but you can't buy beer in Ohio between 1 am and 6am in Ohio🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
OTR trucking seems to take a lot of patience, skill, and dedication to safety to be effective and good with that world. Major respect to those that keep us fed and supplied for every single thing all of us need. Everything is on a truck at some point. Bless U guys and gals and teams etc. Companies and O wner Operators too.
When someone camps out at the fuel island you should start motioning everyone with a diesel car or pickup over to the truck side to refuel from their pump and see how much you can run up their bill.
@@nlpnt 🤣🤣🤣 that would be hilarious! Literally every 5 minutes I hear the PA system: "if you are currently parked at the fuel island and are done fueling, please move to a parking spot. The driver behind you would like to fuel and leave."
@@christianmotley262 That's the difference with the experience you get at my location... my location is raw and unscripted... you get the real deal human experience good or bad... it's the last truck stop heading north for over 300 miles with service... next truck stop service location is in Montreal or Quebec City... my location is... "rough" 😅 but I keep it real and honest with all the drivers that come into my shop. I don't sugar coat anything or lie about wait times... I will tell you right off the bat that your radiator replacement will be over $5k... I will tell you right away that your looking at a 12 hour wait time before you even get pulled into the shop... and even then at least an hour before anyone looks at you... it's a tough place to work considering that everyone who walks through my door is already having a bad day.... nobody goes to TA service just for the fun of it...
I've parked at a few places where the spaces are especially narrow. I try to keep it centered, but I have been in situations where the last space available had trucks on both sides a little too close (also had my hood mirror taken off 3x). I totally agree about the garbage. So many drivers complain about not being able to park on ramps, at larger department stores (Walmart, Lowes etc). They complain that they're treated like animals, well these places probably wouldn't mind us parking there if drivers would stop being nasty. You want to be treated decent? Be a decent, responsible human. Just today, I went to scale my load. A driver had not even pulled all the way off of the scale and parked, went inside, took a shower and grabbed food and when the cashier announced that they needed to move their truck, they ignored it. This is unbelievably inconsiderate. The parking area was nearly empty. This is the stuff that needs to stop. If you're doing this on the regular, you need to stop being a prick.
There is this large parking lot near me with a Walmart on one side and a shopping complex on the other side where trucks were welcome to park overnight. For years you were allowed to park there but the recent behavior of the drivers caused the property management to post signs prohibiting overnight parking. What did it was the drivers harassing the female employees of the stores. Almost everyday, multiple employees were asked how much it would cost for them to climb up into the back of the truck with them. My wife among them. She had a driver in just his underwear hanging out of his open driver door asking her what she cost. It got to be so bad and common, the female employees began to fear coming into work, the property management had no choice but to ban the trucks. I've seen them go so far as to tow the trucks and trailers with the drivers inside shopping. They are serious about the ban now.
I work for an engineering firm and we have had to ban over a thousand drivers from our facilities over the years due to shit like that. Heck where a pretty good place to ship and receive considering basically every load comes with a preloaded matching outerload ready to move
I was driving for Walmart when they stopped letting trucks park at their stores , it was because of the garbage, the last straw was in mount Vernon Ill, when a driver changed the oil in his truck and let the old oil rundown the storm drain , the city changed wm $10;000.00 fine for the clean up , after that even wm trucks-couldn’t-park in the Front we had to break in the back or at the truck stop ,
I'm currently applying for cdl school. making moves to get my class A and see the open road. your videos are insightful and entertaining. thank you for helping me feel more confident for this new chapter of my life. thanks again, great content
The schools teach you how to pass the test. You learn how to drive and park out here. Try to find a company that will put you with a trainer for a few weeks. Trust me…😎
@@spyder8093 Yeah man I just got my CDL Thursday. The school didn’t teach us much other than how to pass the test. Anything else I learned was from asking the instructors questions.
i work at certain truck stop not mentioning names but often i hear this message: “Welcome Professional drivers as a courtesy to other drivers please pull forward from the diesel islands when you are finished fueling Thank You!!” And i can’t tell you how many times they don’t listen. Sometimes the manager on duty would call out the company name and ask them to move. Thank you for doing what you do for everyone
Very good advise. I drove for 17 years and had to quit, because I was diagnosed with Vertigo back in 2012. Think some guys park along the side, because they can not backup that good. Sometimes on the fuel island after you get done fueling the guy in front of you is still on the pull up lane, so a lot of guys will just run in. Big tip when parking. Pull your trailer brake and pull forward, get that pin tight against the fifth wheel, and then pull the tractor brake. This will keep someone from being able to pull the pin on you. Also always, always check your fifth wheel and make sure it is locked into position before pulling out. This actually saved me one night when I first started driving. I got out and did my walk around and the fifth wheel was pulled. I had to put the landing gear down and reconnect. Six other drivers pulled out that morning without checking it and dropped their trailers on the ground.
"Think some guys park along the side, because they can not backup that good. " My uncle was a trucker for 3 decades. He actually asked some during those years why they do that and "most' have that reason, including avoiding "geniuses' who hit their truck in the parking lot! to avoid confrontations, they do this. Not a total blanket reasoning for everyone who does this, or they even tell him during coffee at gas stops, without asking for it.
Great info bud. I like to add: TURN OFF YOUR HEADLIGHTS at night if you’re stopped and facing other trucks. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been blinded by guys pulling in to fuel with their high beams on. It takes 1/2 a second to flick the switch
Great video my friend! I agree 100% w all those. Thought I would add 3 more: 1) The truck stop is not a race truck for you compete in the Super Truck 500..slow down 5 mph max while driving around in a truck stop…2) When backing up or doing any kind of maneuver in a truck stop use your 4 ways…3) when you park… turn off your head lights especially you LED…I don’t want to back into a spot and by blinded.
I'm 2 minutes into this and I'm just asking why common sense needs to be explained. But people suck. Love yalls videos and thank you. Only wish the folks who need to see this will.
Unfortunately the explanation won't help as much as it should, because most of the transgressors simply don't care. The new drivers who could learn from this video would learn this stuff on their own before long anyway. But North America is loaded with Cluster B personality disorders, so common courtesies are not nearly as widely adhered to as they should be.
Thanks to all the truck drivers that keep our economy moving. Your work has not gone unnoticed even before the pandemic debacle. Your pet peeve about not pulling forward is relevant to even U.S. automobile drivers.
How did the pandemic come to make you see the light ? I don't know how something like that could have possibly escaped you for all the years prior.... that's truly unbelievable.... I'm just floored.... OMG i have to go tell everyone upstairs about that.....in-fuckin-credible!
My dad was a part time semi driver in Chicago (he was also a firefighter, 24 on/48 off) and taught me on the road semi etiquette when I started driving. He also tried to teach me to back up a trailer, and to his eternal disgust, I never mastered it! 😂 Keep on truckin’! ✌🏼
As far as pulling forward after fueling, I agree 95%. I reserve that 5% for those instances where that lane was occupied, preventing the truck behind from moving up. If you happened to pull behind the truck on the fuel lane after the fact, then it just looks like he could have pulled up from your perspective because the first truck left before you got there. For my own part, I usually didn't wait in my truck after fueling for the truck ahead to leave unless they were actively preparing to depart. That being said, if I was planning to do anything other than sign my fuel ticket, I would wait in my truck then go find a proper parking spot. But that's just me. Another thing that's annoying is when drivers block up a fuel island to do maintenance on something they could've done in the parking lot. However, I did get yelled at by another driver because he caught me changing out a torn mudflap on the fuel island. There were 20 lanes, and only 2 trucks at the time... so my response was "hey driver, how about you offer to help instead of yelling at me while the truck stop is empty? Are you expecting a convoy to stop here soon or something?" To his credit he apologized.
The bobtail taking two spots in the parking lot may have parked there when the lot was covered by snow and the lines were not visible. I once parked my personal vehicle in our mostly empty employee lot with about six inches of unplowed snow on top of it. I then stayed out on the road for five weeks. Upon returning to my home terminal the snow had long since melted and we all had a good laugh at where my vehicle was parked in the middle of one of the travel aisles.
That's what I was thinking. Considering it's been there a while (he said that himself) and it's obviously recently snowed, it might have been parked there with the entire lot covered in snow where you couldn't see the lines.
This is great. It brings back to this retired trucker some of the reasons I retired. Also some of the good, like the friendly banter between drivers. A lot of good people in trucking. And a lot of knuckleheads. These pet peeves mirror mine closely. I hate litterers, too. Selfish, inconsiderate drivers will always be a problem. Where do they teach etiquette? Here. Well done, buddy!
Etiquette in the trucking industry went out the window a long time ago. Once upon a time, trucking was a reasonably respected industry, today, its mostly a free for all for ignorant, incompetent steering wheel holders.
The economy has sucked since 2008, and megq corporations got even bigger so every industry has become colder. Thankfully there are small companies in trucking.
I'd like to add that if you're bobtailing, ask the store if you can park in the car parking area toward the front if there's no dedicated bobtail parking or curb areas to use. Most will have no problem with it. Just be careful that you don't end up in a spot you can't get out of if a four wheeler decides to cozy up to you.
I'm not a trucker, I don't know any truckers but I just want to use this little space to appreciate truck drivers every where,.. Thank you for bringing our supplies from one end to the other... Much love to all!
I recently worked at ******* Truck stop. 35% of truckers today do not speak English as a first language. 15% have no English as all! Even if the Trucker's Code WAS written, they still would have no appreciation. Appreciation takes an understanding of customs and norms in the culture where you are trucking. Many have no understanding of the place they are in; even if they call it home.
I'd have to say the most gross thing and least appreciated job I've ever done is empty out truck stop garbage. I have no idea how this much trash can come from one or two people after a day of driving, and this is coming from someone whose dad took road trips across the US every other summer with 6 other siblings, so I know how much trash one person can make. At least they didn't dump it on the highways, but in a lot of these stops, the guys emptying out the trash cans are also the ones cleaning out the showers, bathrooms, as well as stocking and doing minor maintenance on the pumps when required. We would make rounds 2-3 times an 8 hour shift and the cans would be overflowing with garbage. Every. Single. Time. The bottles of piss leaking out the bag onto your leg was just so much fucking fun and really rounded out the entire experience.
1sluggo1 have I gotta leaking bottle of piss story for you......was working local deliveries driving different trucks for this company...was in one truck and halfway to the delivery point I could smell piss every now and again...got to destination grabbed paperwork out of pocket compartment on console and walked to security that processed it....while waiting I could still smell piss I thought there must be something wrong with their toilet...finally got to the window and lent against the window sill and I got a whiff of piss stronger than ever....looked down and I noticed that the bottom couple of inches of the paperwork I was holding was soaked with you guessed it piss....informed security about the paperwork they were about to process and strangely enough they didn't seem overly concerned about it....upon getting back to the truck I checked out the pocket on the console and found it to have a substantial amount of piss in it....it had leaked out of a bottle during the journey into rags old wrappers nut,bolts,washers and what ever else was in there....the driver apparently forgot to take it out....put some gloves on and cleaned it out when i got back to the depot.....that was my first day doing local....the company had a high turnover of employees became very toxic and i left about 12months later....
I get that sometimes you're stuck with no bathroom and you can't always go outside.......but piss bottles are for barbarians. Buy yourself a pack of Depends if your toddler bladder can't hold it. I'd rather side step literal puddles of piss than deal with the "apple juice" some nasty people leave all over. Seriously. Get some Depends. And ffs HYDRATE yourselves!!
Brian, you're 110% correct on the fuel island. I cannot count how many times I've seen ID10T's fuel up and go inside leaving their units at the pump! I understand that sometimes you've got to go inside to prepay for your fuel (card reader at pump doesn't work or accept the card you're trying to use) but that's BEFORE you fuel - NOT after. As you say, get your fuel, clean your windows (check oil, etc), and get the hell out of the way so the next truck in line can fuel!
Be careful if you see someone leave their truck at the fuel island. I've had to do this many times because the keypad on the pump didn't work so I had to go inside and have them turn the pump on for me. I'm already pissed that they're making me take longer fueling my truck because they won't fix their stupid pumps, and then you come up and give me lip about leaving my truck at the fuel island and going inside is likely to get your teeth knocked out.
Yes, this applies to all traffic in the lot. I drive a dually. Sometimes, I pull an RV, and other times, a trailer. But before I leave out, I drive to Love's to fuel up. Many times, I have just the truck. I use the truck islands for three reasons. My dually is barely able to squeeze in among the passenger car traffic. Most standard passenger car pumps don't dispense DEF, and more importantly, my discount fuel card only works at the truck pumps. I always give the right of way to the larger rigs and do not dally when fueling. I fuel up, top off DEF, and, if needed, wash my windshield. Then I leave completely out of the area. If I need fast food, bathroom facilities, or anything unrelated to fueling, I find a spot out of the way and walk in. Always respect the truckers; don't take advantage just because you can. Larry from Texas
I was employed by a Canadian grocery company for 25 years. 23 years on the road, two years in yard shunting. We had our own fuel pumps in our yards so I never had to use the pumps at the truck stops. One consideration I practiced for the guys with sleepers: I tried to avoid parking near them when running reefers if I thought they were sleeping. If I had to due to lack of parking I'd shut the reefer off before backing in; I'm only going to be there 15 minutes. I don't know if reefers bother drivers in bunks, but I avoided them if I could.
My husband drives reefer and other drivers will avoid parking next to him if they can help it, especially in summer. It's a nuisance to them but a lullaby to him LOL
as a dry van (company) driver, reffers bothered me for years, then i got on a walmart dedicated reefer account and after just a few days of that i didn't even notice it anymore
@@scottcrawford7674 Snowstorms, I'm not a fan of. Folks down here can't drive in that stuff, makes it potentially more life-threatening than a normal 'nado. I've never been in the vicinity of an active hurricane, though, so I couldn't say.
To defend the truck taking 2spots. Could he have parked there when the snow was covering the lane markers. Since it looks like it’s melting pretty good, covered when he parks, melts off two or three days later.
I remember the high prices, the crappy food, the lot lizards knocking on the window when I finally got to sleep, the filthy showers, the loud refers, idiots idling engines all night in cool perfect weather, and the crappy coffee. Still I miss driving, I really enjoyed that job. Worked for Knight Transportation, they were very nice people.
Great (should be common sense) rules. You professionals see this all the time and we non-pros also see all of this on the "car" side of the truck stop. All drivers should learn these things if they don't already do them! Thanks for what you do - all of you professionals!
The only time I am guilty of leaving my truck at the fuel island is if I gotta use the bathroom and I can't wait to finish fueling. But the only thing worse than blocking the fuel island is blocking the scale.
Exactly when you got it go you got to go. And usually when I have to do that I pull up as close to the truck that's blocking me in the spot as possible so it looks like I at least tried to get out of the darn fuel island.
I retired in 2020 after 34 years and I saw the decency of drivers decline terribly over the last 15-20 years or so that I was on the road. There are still a lot of good drivers out there,but unfortunately there are far too many inconsiderate dirt bags out there these days.
This week, two guys went to war over a parking spot in Ohio. First they played chicken and dented up each other's tractor. Then they got into a fist fight. When guys working at the Love's repair shop came out to break them up, they were rolling in the mud and one was in a head lock. Hilarious for everyone except the two guys. Finally ended when a second space came open. Still arguing over the dents though.
Fight night at the truck stop! Glad the two drivers kind of sorted out the situation… Thanks for sharing this story, fighting over a spot is absolutely not worth it at all.
😂😂😂 that's some childish crap right there. I don't think it's that dang important to me, there is always somewhere else to park, even if it's an off ramp
@@feliciagillman5610 park on a ramp in Virginia. You would get a trooper knocking on your door and giving you a ticket and making you move depending on the trooper.
This video and others should be showed/taught to new drivers coming into the trucking industry so yes thumbs 👍 on this video! Overall morel don't be lazy!!
It’s not only new drivers. I’ve seen plenty of “million milers” ole timers block fuel islands, cat scales, roads, drives. Even double/triple parking in front of a line of parked rigs.
Guy I've been driving over 35 years and I can really appreciate the info because it could help some truck drivers that don't understand the hidden rule book of the road, but there are some factors that play big into this and a lot of it's just pure laziness
Great video with useful suggestions. I would argue that all your suggestions could also apply to driving any vehicle whether its a car, pickup, RV, box truck, delivery truck or tractor trailer. Respect is the keyword and it seems like more and more people have forgotten what that means.
Many drivers do all of these things. They also drive too fast in the parking lots. They use their jake breaks and have their radio on too loud when I try to sleep. They also blow on the horn when it is not necessary.
Oh man, few things were guaranteed to piss me off more than a big ass chicken truck hittin his wide- open jakes in the parking lot. I get it that sometimes we forget to turn them off, but still.
@@kensingtonchapp4819 I was at a truck stop in Garden City, Ks on day. An empty bull hauler was coming up to the stop sign. He started braking 1/2 mile from the intersection. 10" straight pipes. He jaked every gear. Completely uncalled for.
@@kensingtonchapp4819 I carried a schraeder valve tool in my pocket....And I used it more than once. Let the dickhead figure out why the valve cores are missing from his trailer tires in the morning.
How about the clowns that park next to you and leave there clearance lights on and light up the inside of your cab like daylight....or some bozo comes along with a reefer going and parks next to you Oh yeah don't forget the drop kicks using engine brakes going past truck rest areas.....the list goes on....
Thank you I thoroughly enjoyed this video! Because of it I am a new subscriber. If you ever update this list please add one thing: When drivers back into a space at a truck stop they should get out and check to see how far back they can get. The reason is because at least in the US, there are some truck stops that have limited space between the isles and in some scenarios I see there will be four or five trucks in a row on both sides of the aisle that are parked out a good four or five feet to far out and it makes it harder for bigger trucks or bigger trailers to maneuver from awkward angle into a space. Conversely if they weren't all sticking out like that it would be a piece of cake.
You missed another peeve at the 14:16 mark of the flatbed's trailer tail over the white lines/lane behind him. In a full lot that impedes another driver from parking there. Great video. Thank you!
When I pulled flatbed, if I had backed too far (never happened, but if I had), I would've gotten out (as is proper) and seen it and pulled forward. I hate it happening to me. Be courteous to your fellow driver.
One thing I can add is for anyone driving a box truck or shorter hotshot rig is to see if there is another shorty or bobtail around and share one of the big spots instead of taking up another one. But only two per spot, that way you both can get out. It's not cool to make someone the pickle in the middle 😕
I appreciated the video. I pull a long gooseneck trailer with a pickup and I’m generally too long for regular gas stations, so I fill my diesel at truck stops. I try to blend in, and not be the jerk in the crowd, but sometimes I wish I didn’t have to use the truck stops. One time I backed between two trucks into a marked lane and one driver came out to watch me. I have a camera on the back of my trailer, so I can see exactly where I am going, but he didn’t know that and didn’t think I had any experience backing.
Ii drive otr. I love it when another driver is willing to spot me. It's not meant to be mean but to be helpful. What one set of eyes may miss a second set will catch. Never look a spotter in the mouth. It's worse than looking a gift horse in the mouth.
As I'm sure you've noticed you may not get cash price for diesel and the pumps are way to fast. I used to work the desk at a J and it's interesting to see all this from the driver's perspective. Truckers were(usually) OK but I was scared of RVers, they are mostly terrible.
Hey man I just wanted to say this is my first video watching of yours. I definitely appreciate the way you explain everything and I can tell you really know what you're talking about but you're not arrogant and I appreciate you taking the time to show us newbies the ropes a little bit.
Eight minutes in, and you (inadvertently) cover my biggest pet peeve, and I’m not even a truck driver! The guy who parked taking up two spaces. I once worked with a guy who might have been the worst, as he’d park directly over the point where the the four parking spaces would meet; taking up massive amounts of space for no reason.
Upgrading to Class A soon, and this is good common sense info for all to see. Of course there are some people that won't adhere to any standard of etiquette...no matter the situation. /Cheers
Big thumbs up on this video! It's shameful that it needs to be made. I'm an old timer, so sorry about the state of affairs that a video like this needs to be done.
I've had a couple times where I'm looking for a trash bin that isn't full and end up just putting it back in my truck until later to throw it out elsewhere where a bin is available. Often times, ends up being when I get back to the company yard and putting it in the dumpster there. One thing I think you did miss is with oversize loads that don't fit in one spot and other drivers get as close as they can to them, leaving barely any space between the load and their trailer. Also, don't pull behind a wide oversize load at the island because he will likely have to back out of the spot and when they're getting fuel, their escorts are as well, so they're not able to be behind to block the space. All that said, very well done video and nice to have the examples of no-nos right off the bat without looking for them.
These etiquette tips can apply at any place that serves vehicular traffic. Here in SW Pennsylvania, you go into almost any Walmart, Grocery store, Family Dollar, Gas station, Or whatever.. About 75% of the time you have the ones taking up 2 spaces either because they can't park straight or they think that their minivan with the puke-stains on the seats deserves two spaces. Then you have the trash dumpers. They're everywhere. Could be a can beside their car, and that shitty diaper or fast-food bag is going on the ground for sure! Parking wherever TF they want,, Oh yeah, It's all over too. Walking off to the gas station while blocking pumps? It's un-freaking-beleivable when they actually DON'T do that! S.O.B's parked up at the pumps, and be in the store friggin' gambling at the counter buying 40 lottery tickets. Like dude, you wanna throw your money into the black-hole of lottery? Fine. But get your brat-wagon TF out of the pump first. And from my own observations, you want to know who are the worst offenders with all this? PARENTS! I'd say nearly 8 times out of 10, that I spot this stuff, it's someone dragging kids along. Then when they DO finally come to the car, they have to get the kids in and buckled. (Ok I give them that, free and clear) then they get in, take several minutes to find and buckle their belt, then check the twaters and instascamms and fakebooks, check "duh sdillrz score nat" text their bff and shit.. Then they have to go owl mode, and twist their heads 180, go bug-eyed and try to silence the 6 screeching, tentacled banshees that they just took 2 minutes each getting buckled and strapped into miniature NASA-grade launch harnesses. Of course they gotta' check the mirrors and line them up too... double check the belt and another glare back at the beasts, then, and ONLY then will they pull out. And they stall on purpose! If you sit and watch, if nobody is waiting on them, they get in the car and git. But if they see someone waiting for that spot... Oh boy here comes the checklists they need to do! You know why? None of them give a flying f--k. They don't care about you, them, nobody, or being a decent person at all because it benefits them in no immediate way. Plain and simple. "F--k everyone, I'm more important!" is what it boils down to.
I drive artics over here in the UK and the fuel pump thing does my head in. Lads taking 15 minute breaks sat there blocking the road off for everyone, or disappearing off into the services. Great channel, sir!
Spot on info I've been driving 23 years and it's never been so bad with these ignorant drivers as it is today , I hate everything about being a driver lately.
It’s called the down fall of society, it’s happening in every industry not just trucking. For most jobs these days just showing up is considered a skill.
Thank you for this. Universal rules of respect for each other's time and consideration for the situation. Special thanks to mentioning that people who work there are not your personal trash haulers. Stuffing truck stop trashcans and littering doesn't end there. When trucks pull into large store lots for the night many leave their trash, pee bottles, needles, condomns, and the like for maintenance. I don't get paid enough for that and it's gross.
@@donovanwilliams29 You'd be surprised that Truck Driving has a high rate of drivers utilizing drugs. I mean, coupled with the fact that an equally high rate of their drivers are also diabetic...
@@makeawishkid8039 As you can see there's supposed to be 3 responses and 1 disappeared. But they explained some are using for illegal drugs, but some also are using for medical purposes like diabetes and their insulin treatment.
Who knew I wanted to start watching videos on trucking thank you for your introduction to me on these videos I loved it and I subbed. I just learned from you that when you don't have a trailer its called a bob tail so thankyou
Great video mate- I'm in Melbourne Australia and have driven all up and down the east coast. 100% agree with everything you said, but you forgot one thing- don't piss in the parking bays. I was at a major truck stop the other day, pulled in to check my straps, and this dude comes in and gets out of his truck and just pisses on the ground. We were maybe 30 meters away from the shop. Apart from being gross af, there's a lot of female drivers in Melbourne who wouldn't appreciate the show
I just earned my CDL A, and have begun transporting cars I have been trying to watch a lot of these types of videos to learn the unspoken rules. I’m just a 3500 dodge with a 50’ car hauler so right there I believe anything I might do incorrectly would get a chirp quickly. Just trying to learn and stay safe, so I make it home every night.
Yo James!! Don't worry about a thing! You have the right attitude, so you'll do just fine Sir! Just keep an eye out for some that don't possess common sense or respect. Be safe and best of luck to ya!!
Hey congrats on your CDL . 15 years experience I wanna tell you a couple of things and I’m not trying to sound like an A hole , if someone is passing you take your foot off the pedal for 3 seconds and let them pass don’t hold them in the left lane because if one of you blow a steer bye bye to both of you , use your hazards as much as necessary to tell others of what you see on the road especially deer waiting to cross or tire fragments, these things can make a hole in the fuel tanks and possibly rip the hell of the underside of the truck, and don’t lineup right next to someone window at the truck stop , last thing I can come up with if you happen to have a failed iPass/ezpass turn on your flashers to let people know not to go behind you , good luck on your journey and be safe
been to many trucks stops mostly greyhound stops and most truckers I ran into were very friendly and chatty. am not a chatty person, but always find time to chat with them the stories a trucker tells is always interesting.
I thought that at first but then realized he did it to keep someone from backing into him while he was gone and taking off....either way it's a duesch bag maneuver
Pulling through after fueling is thoughtful when driving a vehicle or motorcycle, too. I traveled for Thanksgiving and the pumps were stacked up. Drivers didn’t pull forward and the rest of us waited. So frustrating. Love the AC/DC hoodie!
Great video, I wish all drivers could follow along. You forgot a very important one though, and I almost thought you were going to mention it when you started talking about garbage and the employees having to clean it up. Piss bottles, don’t put full piss bottles in the garbage. I work at a station, and I have to change the garbage from time to time when someone calls out, our cans get changed 3 times a day. When I tell you more piss is put in our garbage cans than the restrooms I’m not exaggerating, it’s disgusting. Every garbage can out of the 12 or so at the diesel pumps have multiple full piss bottles in them, anything you can piss in, gallon jugs full every other can. Did I mention how disgusting it is? Some of our cans smell like ammonia, feces too, Fortunately I’ve only found 2 bags this month. I understand you gotta piss and it’s a hassle to stop the truck every time you gotta go, I was a driver at one point too. The least you can do is empty the bottle, how hard is that? I know this isn’t all drivers either so those of you that do dispose of your waste properly we all thank you at the station, and it’s a pleasure to keep you on the road. But the vast majority of you that don’t should be ashamed of yourself, it’s vile and disgusting to have to clean up. I hope you don’t think every bottle is leak free, and before you jump all in here crying, you go compact that filth and watch the 10’s of gallons of someone else’s stinking piss pour out of the bottom of the compactor and tell me you feel any differently than any of us.
as a trucker for over a decade I gotta agree that I hate piss bottles. Get out of the dam truck and go. Only time I can see it is when it's freezing outside, but even then go empty the thing when you wake up, don't toss it in the trash geez!
I met a kid that worked at a truck stop in New Mexico. He caught a driver dumping a bag of crap in the garbage can and had words with him. The fat slob middle aged driver took a punch at him, not knowing the he was was a golden glove champ, and he made quick work of the driver. Driver called the cops and the cops took the driver away for dumping human biohazard waste in a public place. Kid is still laughing.
Sometimes it makes good sense to pull straight into a parking spot instead of backing in --- driver is dead tired and may hit something if backing, there is a reefer next to where the tractor will be, the truck pulling in IS a reefer that will disturb drivers on both sides, the land slopes so that the driver will have a hard time staying in the bunk. Be safe!
@kathyyoung1774 Thanks for the input Kathy. Sometimes there's good, common sense reasons for nose diving into a parkin' spot. I've nose dived myself, in that "falling out of the bunk" scenario!!😊
Just a random “honorable mention” as a former full time OTR motorcoach operator: if you see us backing into a fuel line it’s cause we need DEF! The majority of coach manufacturers put our DEF fillers are on our passenger side, so we’ll often either line up backward or come in to the empty stalls from the exit if it’s not busy.
I can’t agree more with the first lesson. In Nebraska it got so bad me and the other older truckers decided to serenade the inconsiderates with our air horns
Great info! But please don't assume the guy parked when he could see the lines. They were probably covered with snow when he arrived. You know what they say about assuming! Keep 'em coming!
Yes and it's just not here. They drive in the left lane I guess they cannot read. I will never get out of the way and break the speed laws just so they can break the law driving in the left lane. I have a right to pass without having a truck tailgating me. Tailgaters need a break and a fast one. Laws are for everyone's safety. Including trucks. 73
A majority of drivers I see coming off the I40 are foreigners, specifically the "Durka Durka" kind. So I'm not surprised when the state of the Love's I work at is always a sad sight to see, because their level of courtesy, etiquette, and hygiene is lower than their IQ.
Hey there. Been there at that fly j. But I definitely totally agree with what you said in your video. The garbage , piss bottles on the ground when the trash can is even within one spot from the driver. It's bad in US too.Thanks for sharing.
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Drivers remember that the fuel has to be delivered by truck also. Don’t be that idiot blocking the fuel drops. I drive for a large truck stop chain in the US and Canada (I think you’re at one😉) and people park in the no parking zones where I unload.
the fueling goes for everyone, even regular car gas stations! hate it when people leave their cars at a pump other than paying cash inside. Overall, just seems like common sense, just wished it was more common.
Great hoodie! I used to haul AC/DC's lights and rigging on the WHO MADE WHO tour and the BLOW UP YOUR VIDEO tour! Now, I'm 473 dog years old and they're still touring.
While I agree with the etiquette suggestions I would preclude with: Don’t make assumptions. The guy parked in The fuel island may not have been able to pull forward due to someone else being in the pull-up spot when he was done fueling, and perhaps he had to piss out some of that awesome flying J coffee, so instead of waiting for the guy in the pull-up spot to come back he went in, pee’d, paid for his fuel, then left. Next, when you see someone parked funky, it is possible the guy next to him parked funky too but now has left and so you only see the 2nd truck parked. Maybe the bobtail lot was full, or perhaps, noticing the bobtail was way out in the middle of an otherwise empty lot with a hundred empty spots around… no harm no foul. Don’t be a know it all. Don’t make assumptions. If you need to talk to another driver be polite, ask him to adjust his parking if there are no other options to park elsewhere, and show some gratitude when they comply. Most drivers are tired, underpaid and irritable, and out on the road a little consideration goes a long way to the health and welfare of everyone else on the road and in the truck stops. My number one pet peeve in the truck stops… don’t treat the public restroom like your own personal bathroom! I’ve literally seen people washing their feet in the hand washing sinks, ewwww! Brush your teeth somewhere else… maybe on the catwalk or in the dirt behind your trailer, or how about getting a shower and doing it there? Sometimes I come out of the bathrooms thinking “truck drivers are freaking animals”, or like little boys that never learned to clean up after themselves… it’s unbelievable! If you want to be really cool, when you see someone paying for a shower with cash, and you have extra shower credits maybe offer to let that driver have one of your shower credits. (This is almost like washing someone’s feet… “mighty Christian of ya!”) Like I said, many drivers are underpaid… and under-showered for that matter, lol. As a hot shot driver many truck stops won’t give me shower credits due to the fact that my fuel tank only holds 50 gallons. Loves requires you to purchase at least 100 gallons before you get a shower credit , and they don’t calculate past fills so that you can earn a shower. Lastly, as a hot shot driver I try to look for that small odd ball parking spot that a larger truck won’t fit into so that other drivers can park. I appreciate the video, and love the topic! Peace everyone🙏🏾
Omg I wish that I could pin your comment at the top and give you a thousand likes!!!! It is amazing that there are so many drivers out here, who are so quick to make assumptions about dumb, petty stuff!! It is like the majority of drivers don't have any critical thinking skills.
@@yakzivz1104 I give you a thousand likes just for using the term critical thinking! It’s a hard enough job without adding all the negativity… Peace and prosperity to you my friend🙏🏾
Most assumptions are based on experience. More often than not, assholes are buying food when they should be pumping fuel. It isn't a bad assumption and taking a piss is something you should have done before you get to the fuel pumps.
@@theprofessorfate6184 Been driving CDL A since 2000. I am speaking from experience. The way you perceive the world is your choice, but it is a choice. I hope it makes you feel better. Have a beautiful day!
RE: Bobtail straddling the lanes -- I see snow -- (Does it snow in Canada?) Perhaps other rigs were parked wrongly (snow covering the paint) and Mr. Bob Tail innocently parked perfectly between them. Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes -- that way, when your criticize -- you have a one mile head start and they are barefoot! Otherwise -- most of your content is Full of Wisdom. Thank you.
I used to work at a truck stop. Every once in a while when things would get slow, they sent us employees to go throw away trash in the parking lot. That included between the trucks. I knew the drivers would watch me as I cleaned up the trash. That was fine because I respected their stuff. Even if they were not watching, I would not have touched their trucks. It is all about the simple rule: If it is not yours, just leave it alone unless you have permission to mess with it.
When it comes down to it it's just a matter of respect and being considerate. Unfortunately this problem goes beyond trucks. People do it with their cars and even their bodies!
You're right that it's uncool to block the fuel pumps, but there's an even WORSE no-no: When a driver DOES pull through to the "pull-up lane", DO NOT go ape-shit crazy on them for taking "too long" inside the building! Remember, they want to get outta there just as much as you do, AND they've already DONE their part by pulling through for you! Recently, I fueled at a stop , then pulled through to run in and get some anti-gel for my tanks. I get inside, and there's 10,000 customers & exactly ONE cashier! (And of course, one driver's getting 80 billion packs of smokes, 319 trillion lotto tickets and wants to pay with some long-defunct fuel card from Outer Bolivia!) So I get back out to my truck & the driver behind me is blowing a gasket because it took me so long! Guess what pal -- I had to wait longer than you did, before I even GOT to the pump! Just chill out - it takes what it takes!
That's understandable but when the guy in front of you hasn't come out by the time you've finished fueling and when he finally does come out, he comes out with an order of McDonald's, that guy is an A hole. He should have parked in a spot if he knew he was going in to order food because you can't be sure how Ling that will take. Don't have the guy behind you stuck, losing time because you're too lazy to take 5 or 10 minutes to park.
I disagree. If you walk in and see something like that, go park your truck, THEN go inside. I shouldn't have to be stuck behind you when I just need to fuel and run and you're inside getting your sodey water and your cheeseburger.
8:37 While I completely see your point and agree 100%, is it possible that this guy parked during some heavy snowfall and couldn't see the lanes? What do you do when something like that happens when you're out on the road? I'm genuinely curious. Thanks much!
I agree, it happens, and his point about not parking centre in your lane is part of the reason why it happens. If one guy parks too close to the line one side of the row often times it gets multiplied on the other side of the row, where one truck will have to park in two spaces. It's then made worse by tired drivers trying to park in low light, poor weather conditions. Then when everyone else pulls off in the morning, last in last out rule, you're left there looking like an idiot.
1: Put your 4-flashers on BEFORE youset up to back intoa space, give drivers a warning of what your intention is. The driver behind the truck backing up WAIT and give the backing truck some room, dont try to Nascar around a backing truck unless the driver signals you too! 2: Day or especially night, horns should only be used in an emergency!
Every truck driver should watch this video.every single time I go to pilot fuel there is always a truck hold up at pump. Some went to store,some just sit in the truck.I don’t know why is so hard for them to pull up just 60 feets.
Yes, we have bosses: dispatchers, load planners, safety, schedules, etc. Also if you have Qualcomm, they know where you are and what you're doing anyhow.
When you pull forward after fueling, try to make sure the truck behind you has enough room to bring their trailer's landing gear even with the pump - that will make sure they can bring the reefer fuel tank close enough to fill it if needed (reefer fuel tank is mounted right behind the landing gear)
@@VelvetSanity not “most” but “some” then better to say if you have sometimes opportunity to give space for reefer fueling do so, but in my experience 50% of time you cant do so as you make exit for people left and right impossible to very hard
I have been in this situation more times than I can count, I do merchandising and spend an entire day in whatever store I'm working in that day (including truck stops), I pull up to a majorly full parking lot, one person has parked their vehicle so close to, on or over the stripe that I have to pull farther over in my parking spot than I'd like to be, later when I come out, that vehicle is gone leaving me parked there looking like I don't know how to park... It's even possible that person parked too close because of someone else's lack of parking skills. That's why it's not cool to key someone's car because of how they are parked, it's possible they had no choice. BTW I do park far away from the store, and if I'm parked in an uncomfortable manner because of someone else, I'll go out later and repark my truck...
I drove truck in the US for about a decade. Never broke any of these rules. I loved pulling into a truck stop and just people watch, whether inside or in the minutes after I did my paperwork, just to take a look around at all the truck and people. I never touched a truck, I pointed at a couple to say nice truck, but never ever touched someone else's truck. It doesn't matter if you drive for the same company, don't touch someone else's rig. I was not the best backer, I will fully admit that, so I would always stop a bit early and find a nice a pull through spot, centered myself, never had a problem. Truck Drivers as a general rule are pretty nice people, if you need help ask, 99% of the time they will help you back or answer a question.
He forgot the biggest one, don't leave pee bottles everywhere!
And don't take a leak in the parking lot. Walk your lazy ass to the bathroom. I'm sure the people who do that and/or leave piss bottles out everywhere could probably stand to take a few more steps.
@@truthunfiltered314 not in freezing temperatures I walk back to the grass mind your business instead of worrying where a poor guy takes a piss....also if it's 2 am I'm going right behind the truck then going back in to bed...
@@truckercowboyed2638 That’s because you are a Lazy, Dirty Driver. Piss in a Container and empty it in gravel, dirt or grass. Also if you have to Piss at 2:00 am I suggest you get your Prostate checked or quit drinking Beer before bed.
Easy solution is to get a big 5 litre bottle and use that
In pilot terms, it's called a "flight extender"
Flying J was my first job! Not a trucker but much love and respect to all truckers. You guys and ladies are our silent lifeline. Blessings and safety be with you all.
Thank you for working at a truck stop, if it weren't for awesome folks like you most of use would be a hell of alot worse off.
All these rule apply to RVers too.
Same for a bunch of the girls I grew up with. They always had plenty of money for beer, paid for themselves when we all went somewhere, and didn't whine about our locker room attitude when hanging out.
I don't know what a lizard is, but it must be a great job.
One year later, but it's never too late to say thank.so thanks!
@@leonorgrandle5960 Thank-you for your service.
I agree 100% I'm not a truck driver, but what you describe happens in every walk of life. Inconsiderate people are everywhere!
In England we call them wankers.
I’m a teacher and notice all the time nowadays many young people seem to have no manners at all. I often wonder whether parents these days teach their own kids anything. Of course some do, but I often feel many parents are the same. So young people today have no role models like in the old days. What has happened to the trucking community? Seems times have really changed for the worse.
The primary issue is Rx Vaccine brain damage by mommy, daddy, officials, servants, volunteers and potable water supply contamination by body function eliminated Rx Drugs and inexperience. The US Military is likely the worst Rx Vaccine Threat Vector resulting in a form of autistic egocentric. Best wishes.
Same with a car. Don’t hog the fuel pump and don’t take up two parking spots. Nothing learned here
Exactly what I intended to say. Park PROPERLY (and if you can't, go and practice, lol). Behave like a normal human being, not a *(^&*&^.
Excellent video. I have a few extra suggestions: (1) Don’t pee on the fuel island or on anybody else’s tires. (2) Don’t wash anything but windows with the squeegee. (3) Cigarette butts ARE trash, so don’t dump them out the window. (4) Don’t slide tandems on the CAT scale. (5) Be quiet in daytime, too. Some of us are sleeping and have to drive at night. (6) GET OUT AND LOOK before backing. Every time. Maybe several times. We’re all tired of getting hit. (7). Help other drivers. You were once a beginner, too. Thank you. Blessings, and be safe.
Thank you! So tired of being hit because some asshole was too lazy to get out. I'm also tired of seeing guys urinate at the fuel pumps.
If your truck releases air every 20 seconds, nose in or park somewhere else. I don't know how many times this has kept me up all night. And turn off your headlights when you are parked, they can be distracting. Just leave marker lights on so when a truck parks next to you at night, he/she can see your truck better and lower your risk of getting backed into.
I can give a pass to mirrors and headlights with the squeegees, but I myself have bought a small squeegee I use for my headlights and I use a paper towel and windex for my mirrors.
@@Dortchskii Same here. Paper towels and Windex for headlights and mirrors. I don't even use a squeegee on them. The people who wash their nasty trucks with the communal squeegees (and ruin them) are the selfish jerks who probably block the fuel islands and CAT scales. Best wishes. Be safe.
If you need help, ASK. I am willing to get up & help rather than getting hit.
The funniest thing I've seen at a truck stop was in California when a guy blocked the fuel island for 30 minutes for a shower. A driver behind him actually got into the offending truck and pulled it forward. I don't endorse that but I couldn't help laughing.
I would have left it in gear, and just stepped out,,,brown boys no doubt. See it all the time
Only 30mins, I once hit the Pilot(now Loves) in Souix Falls SD for fuel, backed off the fuel island, parked, showered, got something to eat and the truck was still there........
Carry some cheap locks and lock his trailer doors, which he won’t notice until he gets to the customer because jerks like this don’t do inspections either. He will figure out why.
@@kathyyoung1774 hahaha I wish I had thought of doing that when I was a driver😂
@@hazmathauler4536 NO, that can block up everything for others and damage equipment and get you arrested for vandalism. Also if he has any brains, it won't work. Some of us check that before we pull forward every time. Just lock his trailer doors. If enough people do this, very soon these jerks will be afraid to park on the fuel island or CAT Scale because they will expect to find their trailer doors locked --- and they won't know who did it. Locks are cheap. I think Dollar Tree sells them. But getting someone in a shop to cut off 2 locks is not cheap, especially if they show up at a customer and can't open the doors and have to leave and to find a shop to cut off the locks. They will be miles away and have no idea which driver did it.
👍🏼I drove for 42 years and always treated others the way I wanted to be treated and by golly it’s not that difficult, sometimes you even might make a new friend ! I tried helping others if it looked like they needed help and such ! Good video sir !
What’s the way us old timers used to do thing. We respected and helped each other. Today it’s cut throat and it all about me attitude
To add to getting centered in your parking lane, be sure to also back fully into the lane. Not being able to back into a spot for the night because someone on the opposite side has their nose stuck out into the driveway makes for a rough end to a long day.
So mostly don't be a asshole
Amen brother!
They should play this video at every orientation, safety class, and cdl test center. 👍🏽
Thanks for taking the time to make it.
Unfortunately too many people don't understand what ET is doing. I'm just a company driver and I understand that they are simply giving a breakdown and explaining how they do things. They don't force or push their views on people but not everyone can understand that. It's really a blessing all the information they pass on and they are just trying to make the industry itself better. But everyone has this competition mindset and makes it out like they are claiming to be better. I hope this makes sense. Before anyone makes the jump to O/O, watch their videos and soak up as much free knowledge as possible. It's crazy how they are almost the only source for free valuable knowledge
As a retired Owner/Operator I find it's a damn shame "Drivers" have to be told to use common sense and clean up after themselves. And not be a nuisance by holding up the progress of others. As much time as Drivers spend waiting at loading and delivery points you'd think they wouldn't want to be the the reason others are held up. 🤔 From an OG's pov for what it's worth.
The only thing that matters is MONEY! and that's how ettequete and culture dies.
WHY YOUR FUCKING WATCHING IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHY YOUR FUCKING WATCHING IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sir, I am not a truck driver and just stumbled on this video and I really appriciate this video and I wish I watched it a few weeks ago when I purchased a RV and had to use truck stops for fuel for the first time due to the size. I know you all had a job to do and I did my best to stay out of your way and be respectful. I did not know about the pull thru lane and I wish I did since I had to go pay inside and pick up the receipt, but luckily no one was behind me when I returned. Thank you sir for the video and information.
I was a truck driver for 37 years and in my time - drivers were all about respect and helping one another.
Those days are long gone
That’s a thing long in the past……I’ve been driving for 23 years and it’s very rare these days to run into anything old school where drivers are actually respecting and helping one another…..these new and younger guys are absolutely clueless.
Bull shit … been driving as long as you and riding with my father before that ..
Those days are past. My friend now a days it is flooded with steering wheel holders
@@Truknup 🎉😢😂❤
The idea of camping at the fuel island (going into the store to use restroom, get provisions, etc.) when not fueling is something that happens constantly at regular auto gas stations.
I see it but I have never done it .it is very rude to block the gas pumps after you have finished fueling
@@michaelmerck7576 Used to be the norm to do that. You had to *go inside* to pay. Times are changing I guess.
@@ColonelSandersLite what really burns my ass is in all those years that I worked as a cabbie especially at night gas stations that were open 24hrs sometimes locked up their restrooms!.I and people like me were not the only one's out during the night!!!!!.BTW I don't know how it is in other states but you can't buy beer in Ohio between 1 am and 6am in Ohio🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
@@ColonelSandersLite going in to pay is okay but it's getting very common for people to go inside and be 30mins before coming back outside
Drivers are lazy and now that you can take your 30 on duty, some drivers are to lazy to go on duty “yard move” and pull forward or park.
OTR trucking seems to take a lot of patience, skill, and dedication to safety to be effective and good with that world. Major respect to those that keep us fed and supplied for every single thing all of us need. Everything is on a truck at some point. Bless U guys and gals and teams etc. Companies and O wner Operators too.
I work for TA. You hit the nail on the head! If only every driver was as respectful and as courteous as you.
When someone camps out at the fuel island you should start motioning everyone with a diesel car or pickup over to the truck side to refuel from their pump and see how much you can run up their bill.
@@nlpnt 🤣🤣🤣 that would be hilarious! Literally every 5 minutes I hear the PA system: "if you are currently parked at the fuel island and are done fueling, please move to a parking spot. The driver behind you would like to fuel and leave."
Then don't tell me "welcome to TA" and don't expect a reply...
@@christianmotley262 That's the difference with the experience you get at my location... my location is raw and unscripted... you get the real deal human experience good or bad... it's the last truck stop heading north for over 300 miles with service... next truck stop service location is in Montreal or Quebec City... my location is... "rough" 😅 but I keep it real and honest with all the drivers that come into my shop. I don't sugar coat anything or lie about wait times... I will tell you right off the bat that your radiator replacement will be over $5k... I will tell you right away that your looking at a 12 hour wait time before you even get pulled into the shop... and even then at least an hour before anyone looks at you... it's a tough place to work considering that everyone who walks through my door is already having a bad day.... nobody goes to TA service just for the fun of it...
Play this video in a continuous loop in the store
I've parked at a few places where the spaces are especially narrow. I try to keep it centered, but I have been in situations where the last space available had trucks on both sides a little too close (also had my hood mirror taken off 3x). I totally agree about the garbage. So many drivers complain about not being able to park on ramps, at larger department stores (Walmart, Lowes etc). They complain that they're treated like animals, well these places probably wouldn't mind us parking there if drivers would stop being nasty. You want to be treated decent? Be a decent, responsible human.
Just today, I went to scale my load. A driver had not even pulled all the way off of the scale and parked, went inside, took a shower and grabbed food and when the cashier announced that they needed to move their truck, they ignored it. This is unbelievably inconsiderate. The parking area was nearly empty. This is the stuff that needs to stop. If you're doing this on the regular, you need to stop being a prick.
There are people who enjoy being bullies. Gives them a sense of power.
There is this large parking lot near me with a Walmart on one side and a shopping complex on the other side where trucks were welcome to park overnight. For years you were allowed to park there but the recent behavior of the drivers caused the property management to post signs prohibiting overnight parking. What did it was the drivers harassing the female employees of the stores. Almost everyday, multiple employees were asked how much it would cost for them to climb up into the back of the truck with them. My wife among them. She had a driver in just his underwear hanging out of his open driver door asking her what she cost. It got to be so bad and common, the female employees began to fear coming into work, the property management had no choice but to ban the trucks. I've seen them go so far as to tow the trucks and trailers with the drivers inside shopping. They are serious about the ban now.
I work for an engineering firm and we have had to ban over a thousand drivers from our facilities over the years due to shit like that. Heck where a pretty good place to ship and receive considering basically every load comes with a preloaded matching outerload ready to move
I was driving for Walmart when they stopped letting trucks park at their stores , it was because of the garbage, the last straw was in mount Vernon Ill, when a driver changed the oil in his truck and let the old oil rundown the storm drain , the city changed wm $10;000.00 fine for the clean up , after that even wm trucks-couldn’t-park in the Front we had to break in the back or at the truck stop ,
@@Tiberius-op1du
I'll take "Things That Never Happened" for $300, Alex.
I'm currently applying for cdl school. making moves to get my class A and see the open road. your videos are insightful and entertaining. thank you for helping me feel more confident for this new chapter of my life. thanks again, great content
I start my CDL school in 2 days!! Good Luck!!!
The schools teach you how to pass the test. You learn how to drive and park out here. Try to find a company that will put you with a trainer for a few weeks. Trust me…😎
@@spyder8093 Yeah man I just got my CDL Thursday. The school didn’t teach us much other than how to pass the test. Anything else I learned was from asking the instructors questions.
i work at certain truck stop not mentioning names but often i hear this message: “Welcome Professional drivers as a courtesy to other drivers please pull forward from the diesel islands when you are finished fueling Thank You!!” And i can’t tell you how many times they don’t listen. Sometimes the manager on duty would call out the company name and ask them to move.
Thank you for doing what you do for everyone
Very good advise. I drove for 17 years and had to quit, because I was diagnosed with Vertigo back in 2012. Think some guys park along the side, because they can not backup that good. Sometimes on the fuel island after you get done fueling the guy in front of you is still on the pull up lane, so a lot of guys will just run in.
Big tip when parking. Pull your trailer brake and pull forward, get that pin tight against the fifth wheel, and then pull the tractor brake. This will keep someone from being able to pull the pin on you. Also always, always check your fifth wheel and make sure it is locked into position before pulling out. This actually saved me one night when I first started driving. I got out and did my walk around and the fifth wheel was pulled. I had to put the landing gear down and reconnect. Six other drivers pulled out that morning without checking it and dropped their trailers on the ground.
Ooh I feel for that guy if they ever found out he did that!
Always worried about that, never happened, did have a trailer license stolen, seal cut, doors pulled open and some boxes stolen.
Assholes that do that should be criminally charged .
"Think some guys park along the side, because they can not backup that good. "
My uncle was a trucker for 3 decades. He actually asked some during those years why they do that and "most' have that reason, including avoiding "geniuses' who hit their truck in the parking lot! to avoid confrontations, they do this. Not a total blanket reasoning for everyone who does this, or they even tell him during coffee at gas stops, without asking for it.
There’s emerging technology that lets you know from the cab if the king pin is secure
Great info bud. I like to add: TURN OFF YOUR HEADLIGHTS at night if you’re stopped and facing other trucks. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been blinded by guys pulling in to fuel with their high beams on. It takes 1/2 a second to flick the switch
Great video my friend! I agree 100% w all those. Thought I would add 3 more: 1) The truck stop is not a race truck for you compete in the Super Truck 500..slow down 5 mph max while driving around in a truck stop…2) When backing up or doing any kind of maneuver in a truck stop use your 4 ways…3) when you park… turn off your head lights especially you LED…I don’t want to back into a spot and by blinded.
Thank you for sharing a couple more tips! Appreciate the comment. Glad you enjoyed the video!
Here's another, DONT USE THE DAMN SQUEEGY TO WASH YOUR TRUCK!!! 👌
👌
I wish everyone who parked, turn their stupid headlights down
I wish I could give this comment 2 thumbs up
AMEN.
I'm 2 minutes into this and I'm just asking why common sense needs to be explained. But people suck. Love yalls videos and thank you. Only wish the folks who need to see this will.
Unfortunately the explanation won't help as much as it should, because most of the transgressors simply don't care. The new drivers who could learn from this video would learn this stuff on their own before long anyway. But North America is loaded with Cluster B personality disorders, so common courtesies are not nearly as widely adhered to as they should be.
Think about how stupid the average person is, and remember that half of them are stupider than that. ~ Carlin
Thanks to all the truck drivers that keep our economy moving. Your work has not gone unnoticed even before the pandemic debacle. Your pet peeve about not pulling forward is relevant to even U.S. automobile drivers.
I really respect you guys, truck drivers are truly keeping society running. The Pandemic showed how vital you really are. Salute from Maryland 💯
How did the pandemic come to make you see the light ?
I don't know how something like that could have possibly escaped you for all the years prior.... that's truly unbelievable.... I'm just floored.... OMG i have to go tell everyone upstairs about that.....in-fuckin-credible!
Yes siiiiir!
This is the first video I've ever watched from you. These "No No's" can be applied in many more places than truck stops. Subbed, thank you
call it common sense
"Common sense" often is a code word for "I've been doing this for so long I forgot that it took me a 10 years to figure it out on my own."
My dad was a part time semi driver in Chicago (he was also a firefighter, 24 on/48 off) and taught me on the road semi etiquette when I started driving. He also tried to teach me to back up a trailer, and to his eternal disgust, I never mastered it! 😂 Keep on truckin’! ✌🏼
As far as pulling forward after fueling, I agree 95%. I reserve that 5% for those instances where that lane was occupied, preventing the truck behind from moving up. If you happened to pull behind the truck on the fuel lane after the fact, then it just looks like he could have pulled up from your perspective because the first truck left before you got there.
For my own part, I usually didn't wait in my truck after fueling for the truck ahead to leave unless they were actively preparing to depart. That being said, if I was planning to do anything other than sign my fuel ticket, I would wait in my truck then go find a proper parking spot. But that's just me.
Another thing that's annoying is when drivers block up a fuel island to do maintenance on something they could've done in the parking lot. However, I did get yelled at by another driver because he caught me changing out a torn mudflap on the fuel island. There were 20 lanes, and only 2 trucks at the time... so my response was "hey driver, how about you offer to help instead of yelling at me while the truck stop is empty? Are you expecting a convoy to stop here soon or something?" To his credit he apologized.
The bobtail taking two spots in the parking lot may have parked there when the lot was covered by snow and the lines were not visible. I once parked my personal vehicle in our mostly empty employee lot with about six inches of unplowed snow on top of it. I then stayed out on the road for five weeks. Upon returning to my home terminal the snow had long since melted and we all had a good laugh at where my vehicle was parked in the middle of one of the travel aisles.
Facts!!
That's what I was thinking. Considering it's been there a while (he said that himself) and it's obviously recently snowed, it might have been parked there with the entire lot covered in snow where you couldn't see the lines.
That’s what I wanted to ask. Could the guy have had a hard time seeing the lines because there was snow at night?
This is great. It brings back to this retired trucker some of the reasons I retired. Also some of the good, like the friendly banter between drivers. A lot of good people in trucking. And a lot of knuckleheads. These pet peeves mirror mine closely. I hate litterers, too. Selfish, inconsiderate drivers will always be a problem. Where do they teach etiquette? Here. Well done, buddy!
Etiquette in the trucking industry went out the window a long time ago. Once upon a time, trucking was a reasonably respected industry, today, its mostly a free for all for ignorant, incompetent steering wheel holders.
The economy has sucked since 2008, and megq corporations got even bigger so every industry has become colder.
Thankfully there are small companies in trucking.
Manners have been gone in society for 30 years, it's all about their rights and not giving a shot about each other
It has nothing to do with the industry but the individual
It started with NAFTA.
@@RedSiegfried bullcrap, most of the bad behavior are American people not "Mexicans "
I'd like to add that if you're bobtailing, ask the store if you can park in the car parking area toward the front if there's no dedicated bobtail parking or curb areas to use. Most will have no problem with it. Just be careful that you don't end up in a spot you can't get out of if a four wheeler decides to cozy up to you.
I'm not a trucker, I don't know any truckers but I just want to use this little space to appreciate truck drivers every where,.. Thank you for bringing our supplies from one end to the other... Much love to all!
👋I’m really impressed with your comment, if you don’t mind friendship where are you from?
Etiquette, discipline and respect starts from home and you have that sir.
Brian sure does!
I recently worked at ******* Truck stop. 35% of truckers today do not speak English as a first language. 15% have no English as all! Even if the Trucker's Code WAS written, they still would have no appreciation. Appreciation takes an understanding of customs and norms in the culture where you are trucking. Many have no understanding of the place they are in; even if they call it home.
It’s a real problem
I'd have to say the most gross thing and least appreciated job I've ever done is empty out truck stop garbage. I have no idea how this much trash can come from one or two people after a day of driving, and this is coming from someone whose dad took road trips across the US every other summer with 6 other siblings, so I know how much trash one person can make. At least they didn't dump it on the highways, but in a lot of these stops, the guys emptying out the trash cans are also the ones cleaning out the showers, bathrooms, as well as stocking and doing minor maintenance on the pumps when required. We would make rounds 2-3 times an 8 hour shift and the cans would be overflowing with garbage. Every. Single. Time. The bottles of piss leaking out the bag onto your leg was just so much fucking fun and really rounded out the entire experience.
1sluggo1 have I gotta leaking bottle of piss story for you......was working local deliveries driving different trucks for this company...was in one truck and halfway to the delivery point I could smell piss every now and again...got to destination grabbed paperwork out of pocket compartment on console and walked to security that processed it....while waiting I could still smell piss I thought there must be something wrong with their toilet...finally got to the window and lent against the window sill and I got a whiff of piss stronger than ever....looked down and I noticed that the bottom couple of inches of the paperwork I was holding was soaked with you guessed it piss....informed security about the paperwork they were about to process and strangely enough they didn't seem overly concerned about it....upon getting back to the truck I checked out the pocket on the console and found it to have a substantial amount of piss in it....it had leaked out of a bottle during the journey into rags old wrappers nut,bolts,washers and what ever else was in there....the driver apparently forgot to take it out....put some gloves on and cleaned it out when i got back to the depot.....that was my first day doing local....the company had a high turnover of employees became very toxic and i left about 12months later....
🤮🤮🤮🤮
Ewww !!!🤮🤢
If I was working there I'd probably want to change my clothes and take a shower before going home!
Sounds like you worked for Loves lol
I get that sometimes you're stuck with no bathroom and you can't always go outside.......but piss bottles are for barbarians. Buy yourself a pack of Depends if your toddler bladder can't hold it. I'd rather side step literal puddles of piss than deal with the "apple juice" some nasty people leave all over. Seriously. Get some Depends. And ffs HYDRATE yourselves!!
Brian, you're 110% correct on the fuel island. I cannot count how many times I've seen ID10T's fuel up and go inside leaving their units at the pump!
I understand that sometimes you've got to go inside to prepay for your fuel (card reader at pump doesn't work or accept the card you're trying to use) but that's BEFORE you fuel - NOT after. As you say, get your fuel, clean your windows (check oil, etc), and get the hell out of the way so the next truck in line can fuel!
Or leave their rig ON the CAT scale
I not sure if he was upset about it
Be careful if you see someone leave their truck at the fuel island. I've had to do this many times because the keypad on the pump didn't work so I had to go inside and have them turn the pump on for me. I'm already pissed that they're making me take longer fueling my truck because they won't fix their stupid pumps, and then you come up and give me lip about leaving my truck at the fuel island and going inside is likely to get your teeth knocked out.
Yes, this applies to all traffic in the lot. I drive a dually. Sometimes, I pull an RV, and other times, a trailer. But before I leave out, I drive to Love's to fuel up. Many times, I have just the truck. I use the truck islands for three reasons. My dually is barely able to squeeze in among the passenger car traffic. Most standard passenger car pumps don't dispense DEF, and more importantly, my discount fuel card only works at the truck pumps.
I always give the right of way to the larger rigs and do not dally when fueling. I fuel up, top off DEF, and, if needed, wash my windshield. Then I leave completely out of the area. If I need fast food, bathroom facilities, or anything unrelated to fueling, I find a spot out of the way and walk in. Always respect the truckers; don't take advantage just because you can.
Larry from Texas
I was employed by a Canadian grocery company for 25 years. 23 years on the road, two years in yard shunting. We had our own fuel pumps in our yards so I never had to use the pumps at the truck stops.
One consideration I practiced for the guys with sleepers: I tried to avoid parking near them when running reefers if I thought they were sleeping. If I had to due to lack of parking I'd shut the reefer off before backing in; I'm only going to be there 15 minutes. I don't know if reefers bother drivers in bunks, but I avoided them if I could.
My husband drives reefer and other drivers will avoid parking next to him if they can help it, especially in summer. It's a nuisance to them but a lullaby to him LOL
as a dry van (company) driver, reffers bothered me for years, then i got on a walmart dedicated reefer account and after just a few days of that i didn't even notice it anymore
Personally speaking, I've never had an issue with being next to reefers.
@@scottcrawford7674 I'm just a native Southerner. I could sleep through a tornado with little issue haha
@@scottcrawford7674 Snowstorms, I'm not a fan of. Folks down here can't drive in that stuff, makes it potentially more life-threatening than a normal 'nado. I've never been in the vicinity of an active hurricane, though, so I couldn't say.
To defend the truck taking 2spots. Could he have parked there when the snow was covering the lane markers. Since it looks like it’s melting pretty good, covered when he parks, melts off two or three days later.
I was looking for this comment as I had the same thought
If you drive truck u already know those lanes exist
@David Wangit would never be under 6 inches of snow cause they would plow the lot, so whats your point?
Sometimes they do that if they are waiting for another truck to Swap trailers.
@@No_Toes.420 wrong.
I remember the high prices, the crappy food, the lot lizards knocking on the window when I finally got to sleep, the filthy showers, the loud refers, idiots idling engines all night in cool perfect weather, and the crappy coffee. Still I miss driving, I really enjoyed that job. Worked for Knight Transportation, they were very nice people.
Great (should be common sense) rules. You professionals see this all the time and we non-pros also see all of this on the "car" side of the truck stop. All drivers should learn these things if they don't already do them! Thanks for what you do - all of you professionals!
The only time I am guilty of leaving my truck at the fuel island is if I gotta use the bathroom and I can't wait to finish fueling. But the only thing worse than blocking the fuel island is blocking the scale.
Exactly when you got it go you got to go. And usually when I have to do that I pull up as close to the truck that's blocking me in the spot as possible so it looks like I at least tried to get out of the darn fuel island.
Gotcha beat there Mr. Stell, saw a Swift truck one time blocking the entire entrance/exit lane to a truck stop!
I retired in 2020 after 34 years and I saw the decency of drivers decline terribly over the last 15-20 years or so that I was on the road. There are still a lot of good drivers out there,but unfortunately there are far too many inconsiderate dirt bags out there these days.
This week, two guys went to war over a parking spot in Ohio. First they played chicken and dented up each other's tractor. Then they got into a fist fight. When guys working at the Love's repair shop came out to break them up, they were rolling in the mud and one was in a head lock. Hilarious for everyone except the two guys. Finally ended when a second space came open. Still arguing over the dents though.
Fight night at the truck stop! Glad the two drivers kind of sorted out the situation… Thanks for sharing this story, fighting over a spot is absolutely not worth it at all.
😂😂😂 that's some childish crap right there. I don't think it's that dang important to me, there is always somewhere else to park, even if it's an off ramp
@@feliciagillman5610 park on a ramp in Virginia. You would get a trooper knocking on your door and giving you a ticket and making you move depending on the trooper.
@@jamesmcfayden9778 especisly in Roanoke
Place your bets. 😂
This video and others should be showed/taught to new drivers coming into the trucking industry so yes thumbs 👍 on this video! Overall morel don't be lazy!!
Glad you enjoyed the video!!
Trainers are supposed to teach this. I did when I was training.
It’s not only new drivers. I’ve seen plenty of “million milers” ole timers block fuel islands, cat scales, roads, drives. Even double/triple parking in front of a line of parked rigs.
You are totally right
Like you think it will make the difference...so funny
Guy I've been driving over 35 years and I can really appreciate the info because it could help some truck drivers that don't understand the hidden rule book of the road, but there are some factors that play big into this and a lot of it's just pure laziness
Great video with useful suggestions. I would argue that all your suggestions could also apply to driving any vehicle whether its a car, pickup, RV, box truck, delivery truck or tractor trailer. Respect is the keyword and it seems like more and more people have forgotten what that means.
Many drivers do all of these things. They also drive too fast in the parking lots. They use their jake breaks and have their radio on too loud when I try to sleep. They also blow on the horn when it is not necessary.
Oh man, few things were guaranteed to piss me off more than a big ass chicken truck hittin his wide- open jakes in the parking lot. I get it that sometimes we forget to turn them off, but still.
@@kensingtonchapp4819 I was at a truck stop in Garden City, Ks on day. An empty bull hauler was coming up to the stop sign. He started braking 1/2 mile from the intersection. 10" straight pipes. He jaked every gear. Completely uncalled for.
Those bull haulers tend to be quite rude and ride your butt instead of passing....as if I can go any faster in a 65 mph company truck
@@kensingtonchapp4819
I carried a schraeder valve tool in my pocket....And I used it more than once. Let the dickhead figure out why the valve cores are missing from his trailer tires in the morning.
How about the clowns that park next to you and leave there clearance lights on and light up the inside of your cab like daylight....or some bozo comes along with a reefer going and parks next to you
Oh yeah don't forget the drop kicks using engine brakes going past truck rest areas.....the list goes on....
Thank you I thoroughly enjoyed this video!
Because of it I am a new subscriber.
If you ever update this list please add one thing:
When drivers back into a space at a truck stop they should get out and check to see how far back they can get.
The reason is because at least in the US, there are some truck stops that have limited space between the isles and in some scenarios I see there will be four or five trucks in a row on both sides of the aisle that are parked out a good four or five feet to far out and it makes it harder for bigger trucks or bigger trailers to maneuver from awkward angle into a space. Conversely if they weren't all sticking out like that it would be a piece of cake.
You missed another peeve at the 14:16 mark of the flatbed's trailer tail over the white lines/lane behind him. In a full lot that impedes another driver from parking there. Great video. Thank you!
Good call! Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching!
When I pulled flatbed, if I had backed too far (never happened, but if I had), I would've gotten out (as is proper) and seen it and pulled forward. I hate it happening to me. Be courteous to your fellow driver.
Stick a cork in it and fuel up, pal...
What's crazy is that all these tips should be used at all times by everyone! Like you said, it's just common courtesy, use it at all times.
One thing I can add is for anyone driving a box truck or shorter hotshot rig is to see if there is another shorty or bobtail around and share one of the big spots instead of taking up another one. But only two per spot, that way you both can get out. It's not cool to make someone the pickle in the middle 😕
I appreciated the video. I pull a long gooseneck trailer with a pickup and I’m generally too long for regular gas stations, so I fill my diesel at truck stops. I try to blend in, and not be the jerk in the crowd, but sometimes I wish I didn’t have to use the truck stops. One time I backed between two trucks into a marked lane and one driver came out to watch me. I have a camera on the back of my trailer, so I can see exactly where I am going, but he didn’t know that and didn’t think I had any experience backing.
Ii drive otr. I love it when another driver is willing to spot me. It's not meant to be mean but to be helpful. What one set of eyes may miss a second set will catch.
Never look a spotter in the mouth. It's worse than looking a gift horse in the mouth.
As I'm sure you've noticed you may not get cash price for diesel and the pumps are way to fast. I used to work the desk at a J and it's interesting to see all this from the driver's perspective. Truckers were(usually) OK but I was scared of RVers, they are mostly terrible.
Hey man I just wanted to say this is my first video watching of yours. I definitely appreciate the way you explain everything and I can tell you really know what you're talking about but you're not arrogant and I appreciate you taking the time to show us newbies the ropes a little bit.
Eight minutes in, and you (inadvertently) cover my biggest pet peeve, and I’m not even a truck driver! The guy who parked taking up two spaces. I once worked with a guy who might have been the worst, as he’d park directly over the point where the the four parking spaces would meet; taking up massive amounts of space for no reason.
Upgrading to Class A soon, and this is good common sense info for all to see. Of course there are some people that won't adhere to any standard of etiquette...no matter the situation.
/Cheers
Big thumbs up on this video! It's shameful that it needs to be made. I'm an old timer, so sorry about the state of affairs that a video like this needs to be done.
I've had a couple times where I'm looking for a trash bin that isn't full and end up just putting it back in my truck until later to throw it out elsewhere where a bin is available.
Often times, ends up being when I get back to the company yard and putting it in the dumpster there.
One thing I think you did miss is with oversize loads that don't fit in one spot and other drivers get as close as they can to them, leaving barely any space between the load and their trailer.
Also, don't pull behind a wide oversize load at the island because he will likely have to back out of the spot and when they're getting fuel, their escorts are as well, so they're not able to be behind to block the space.
All that said, very well done video and nice to have the examples of no-nos right off the bat without looking for them.
I have a new found admiration for Canadian truckers. I wish more people down in the states shared your values. 👍
You have pigs on both sides of the Border in my Decades of driving truck over the road all over the United States I have never been a pig
These etiquette tips can apply at any place that serves vehicular traffic. Here in SW Pennsylvania, you go into almost any Walmart, Grocery store, Family Dollar, Gas station, Or whatever..
About 75% of the time you have the ones taking up 2 spaces either because they can't park straight or they think that their minivan with the puke-stains on the seats deserves two spaces. Then you have the trash dumpers. They're everywhere. Could be a can beside their car, and that shitty diaper or fast-food bag is going on the ground for sure! Parking wherever TF they want,, Oh yeah, It's all over too. Walking off to the gas station while blocking pumps? It's un-freaking-beleivable when they actually DON'T do that! S.O.B's parked up at the pumps, and be in the store friggin' gambling at the counter buying 40 lottery tickets. Like dude, you wanna throw your money into the black-hole of lottery? Fine. But get your brat-wagon TF out of the pump first.
And from my own observations, you want to know who are the worst offenders with all this? PARENTS! I'd say nearly 8 times out of 10, that I spot this stuff, it's someone dragging kids along. Then when they DO finally come to the car, they have to get the kids in and buckled. (Ok I give them that, free and clear) then they get in, take several minutes to find and buckle their belt, then check the twaters and instascamms and fakebooks, check "duh sdillrz score nat" text their bff and shit.. Then they have to go owl mode, and twist their heads 180, go bug-eyed and try to silence the 6 screeching, tentacled banshees that they just took 2 minutes each getting buckled and strapped into miniature NASA-grade launch harnesses. Of course they gotta' check the mirrors and line them up too... double check the belt and another glare back at the beasts, then, and ONLY then will they pull out. And they stall on purpose! If you sit and watch, if nobody is waiting on them, they get in the car and git. But if they see someone waiting for that spot... Oh boy here comes the checklists they need to do!
You know why? None of them give a flying f--k. They don't care about you, them, nobody, or being a decent person at all because it benefits them in no immediate way. Plain and simple. "F--k everyone, I'm more important!" is what it boils down to.
I used to leave a paper on their windshield "Free Parking Lessons today at 4".
I drive artics over here in the UK and the fuel pump thing does my head in. Lads taking 15 minute breaks sat there blocking the road off for everyone, or disappearing off into the services. Great channel, sir!
Thanks for watching!
Spot on info I've been driving 23 years and it's never been so bad with these ignorant drivers as it is today , I hate everything about being a driver lately.
It’s called the down fall of society, it’s happening in every industry not just trucking. For most jobs these days just showing up is considered a skill.
@@ericclift1773exactly!
Hopefully life has gotten better for ya Brother 🤘
Thank you for this. Universal rules of respect for each other's time and consideration for the situation.
Special thanks to mentioning that people who work there are not your personal trash haulers. Stuffing truck stop trashcans and littering doesn't end there. When trucks pull into large store lots for the night many leave their trash, pee bottles, needles, condomns, and the like for maintenance. I don't get paid enough for that and it's gross.
What they need the needles for
@@donovanwilliams29 You'd be surprised that Truck Driving has a high rate of drivers utilizing drugs. I mean, coupled with the fact that an equally high rate of their drivers are also diabetic...
@@donovanwilliams29 take a wild guess
@@makeawishkid8039
As you can see there's supposed to be 3 responses and 1 disappeared. But they explained some are using for illegal drugs, but some also are using for medical purposes like diabetes and their insulin treatment.
@@donovanwilliams29 Yep. I'm on an injectable medication for autoimmune arthritis, a lot of the new medications for autoimmune stuff are injections.
Who knew I wanted to start watching videos on trucking thank you for your introduction to me on these videos I loved it and I subbed. I just learned from you that when you don't have a trailer its called a bob tail so thankyou
You are so welcome
Great video mate- I'm in Melbourne Australia and have driven all up and down the east coast.
100% agree with everything you said, but you forgot one thing- don't piss in the parking bays.
I was at a major truck stop the other day, pulled in to check my straps, and this dude comes in and gets out of his truck and just pisses on the ground.
We were maybe 30 meters away from the shop.
Apart from being gross af, there's a lot of female drivers in Melbourne who wouldn't appreciate the show
Not that males would appreciate the show, either 😂
Or would they ???
HEY NOW !!!!
100 % Agree! I always practice truck stop etiquette...I know how frustrating long haul is, so I try to make it convenient for other drivers!
I just earned my CDL A, and have begun transporting cars I have been trying to watch a lot of these types of videos to learn the unspoken rules. I’m just a 3500 dodge with a 50’ car hauler so right there I believe anything I might do incorrectly would get a chirp quickly. Just trying to learn and stay safe, so I make it home every night.
I knew a James Pitts in high school NoCo STL, this gave me pause and really made me wonder if you, I am also in logistics now :)
Yo James!! Don't worry about a thing! You have the right attitude, so you'll do just fine Sir! Just keep an eye out for some that don't possess common sense or respect. Be safe and best of luck to ya!!
Love the energy…great vid,I am starting my journey as a trucker in December,I want to do the right things,hate the No No’s…
Hey congrats on your CDL . 15 years experience I wanna tell you a couple of things and I’m not trying to sound like an A hole , if someone is passing you take your foot off the pedal for 3 seconds and let them pass don’t hold them in the left lane because if one of you blow a steer bye bye to both of you , use your hazards as much as necessary to tell others of what you see on the road especially deer waiting to cross or tire fragments, these things can make a hole in the fuel tanks and possibly rip the hell of the underside of the truck, and don’t lineup right next to someone window at the truck stop , last thing I can come up with if you happen to have a failed iPass/ezpass turn on your flashers to let people know not to go behind you , good luck on your journey and be safe
been to many trucks stops mostly greyhound stops and most truckers I ran into were very friendly and chatty. am not a chatty person, but always find time to chat with them the stories a trucker tells is always interesting.
Where the bobtailer stood maybe there was a lot of snow when he parked it! Good video👍🏻
Great point! Thanks for the comment!
I was just thinking the same thing
I thought that at first but then realized he did it to keep someone from backing into him while he was gone and taking off....either way it's a duesch bag maneuver
Pulling through after fueling is thoughtful when driving a vehicle or motorcycle, too. I traveled for Thanksgiving and the pumps were stacked up. Drivers didn’t pull forward and the rest of us waited. So frustrating.
Love the AC/DC hoodie!
Great video, I wish all drivers could follow along. You forgot a very important one though, and I almost thought you were going to mention it when you started talking about garbage and the employees having to clean it up. Piss bottles, don’t put full piss bottles in the garbage. I work at a station, and I have to change the garbage from time to time when someone calls out, our cans get changed 3 times a day. When I tell you more piss is put in our garbage cans than the restrooms I’m not exaggerating, it’s disgusting. Every garbage can out of the 12 or so at the diesel pumps have multiple full piss bottles in them, anything you can piss in, gallon jugs full every other can. Did I mention how disgusting it is? Some of our cans smell like ammonia, feces too, Fortunately I’ve only found 2 bags this month. I understand you gotta piss and it’s a hassle to stop the truck every time you gotta go, I was a driver at one point too. The least you can do is empty the bottle, how hard is that? I know this isn’t all drivers either so those of you that do dispose of your waste properly we all thank you at the station, and it’s a pleasure to keep you on the road. But the vast majority of you that don’t should be ashamed of yourself, it’s vile and disgusting to have to clean up. I hope you don’t think every bottle is leak free, and before you jump all in here crying, you go compact that filth and watch the 10’s of gallons of someone else’s stinking piss pour out of the bottom of the compactor and tell me you feel any differently than any of us.
100% agree. I am sorry you have to deal with this.
that's absolutely disgusting, i would literally refuse to clean it up. they can fire me. fuck that.
as a trucker for over a decade I gotta agree that I hate piss bottles. Get out of the dam truck and go. Only time I can see it is when it's freezing outside, but even then go empty the thing when you wake up, don't toss it in the trash geez!
I met a kid that worked at a truck stop in New Mexico. He caught a driver dumping a bag of crap in the garbage can and had words with him. The fat slob middle aged driver took a punch at him, not knowing the he was was a golden glove champ, and he made quick work of the driver. Driver called the cops and the cops took the driver away for dumping human biohazard waste in a public place. Kid is still laughing.
Awesome video. I sometimes need to utilize truck-stops when towing. Learned several new things. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing. I’ve learned a great deal. I will keep that in mind whenever I use the truck stops/rest area(in US).
Yes I agree with you there should be proper edicet in the truck stop. Yes blocking fuel ills are one thing I can't stand
Maybe I’m old fashioned, these seem like common sense and just courteous actions we all should abide by when driving anywhere. Thanks for the videos.
Common sense isn't so common any more sadly
You make some very valid points. I also dislike when drivers pull straight into a parking spot instead of backing in. Great video.
Thanks for watching!
Sometimes it makes good sense to pull straight into a parking spot instead of backing in --- driver is dead tired and may hit something if backing, there is a reefer next to where the tractor will be, the truck pulling in IS a reefer that will disturb drivers on both sides, the land slopes so that the driver will have a hard time staying in the bunk. Be safe!
@kathyyoung1774 Thanks for the input Kathy. Sometimes there's good, common sense reasons for nose diving into a parkin' spot. I've nose dived myself, in that "falling out of the bunk" scenario!!😊
Just a random “honorable mention” as a former full time OTR motorcoach operator: if you see us backing into a fuel line it’s cause we need DEF! The majority of coach manufacturers put our DEF fillers are on our passenger side, so we’ll often either line up backward or come in to the empty stalls from the exit if it’s not busy.
I can’t agree more with the first lesson. In Nebraska it got so bad me and the other older truckers decided to serenade the inconsiderates with our air horns
Great info! But please don't assume the guy parked when he could see the lines. They were probably covered with snow when he arrived. You know what they say about assuming! Keep 'em coming!
Well done. It’s sad that drivers don’t understand the rules and this should be shown to all new drivers. It’s getting worse each day.
They know the rules. They go out of their way to be nuisances.
Yes and it's just not here. They drive in the left lane I guess they cannot read. I will never get out of the way and break the speed laws just so they can break the law driving in the left lane. I have a right to pass without having a truck tailgating me. Tailgaters need a break and a fast one. Laws are for everyone's safety. Including trucks. 73
Well, to be fair, they drive differently in Mexico.
A majority of drivers I see coming off the I40 are foreigners, specifically the "Durka Durka" kind.
So I'm not surprised when the state of the Love's I work at is always a sad sight to see, because their level of courtesy, etiquette, and hygiene is lower than their IQ.
@@norbertsiewert3917 Seriously, Norbert... shut up!
Hey there. Been there at that fly j. But I definitely totally agree with what you said in your video. The garbage , piss bottles on the ground when the trash can is even within one spot from the driver. It's bad in US too.Thanks for sharing.
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Drivers remember that the fuel has to be delivered by truck also. Don’t be that idiot blocking the fuel drops. I drive for a large truck stop chain in the US and Canada (I think you’re at one😉) and people park in the no parking zones where I unload.
the fueling goes for everyone, even regular car gas stations! hate it when people leave their cars at a pump other than paying cash inside. Overall, just seems like common sense, just wished it was more common.
Yeah, I'm with you as well.
Or they go in to shop and use the facilities. Wait in line for a biscuit. Just leave the pump tied up why don't ya?
Great hoodie! I used to haul AC/DC's lights and rigging on the WHO MADE WHO tour and the BLOW UP YOUR VIDEO tour! Now, I'm 473 dog years old and they're still touring.
Is it possible that the white lines were covered with SNOW, when he originally parked.. ??
While I agree with the etiquette suggestions I would preclude with: Don’t make assumptions. The guy parked in The fuel island may not have been able to pull forward due to someone else being in the pull-up spot when he was done fueling, and perhaps he had to piss out some of that awesome flying J coffee, so instead of waiting for the guy in the pull-up spot to come back he went in, pee’d, paid for his fuel, then left. Next, when you see someone parked funky, it is possible the guy next to him parked funky too but now has left and so you only see the 2nd truck parked. Maybe the bobtail lot was full, or perhaps, noticing the bobtail was way out in the middle of an otherwise empty lot with a hundred empty spots around… no harm no foul.
Don’t be a know it all. Don’t make assumptions. If you need to talk to another driver be polite, ask him to adjust his parking if there are no other options to park elsewhere, and show some gratitude when they comply. Most drivers are tired, underpaid and irritable, and out on the road a little consideration goes a long way to the health and welfare of everyone else on the road and in the truck stops. My number one pet peeve in the truck stops… don’t treat the public restroom like your own personal bathroom! I’ve literally seen people washing their feet in the hand washing sinks, ewwww! Brush your teeth somewhere else… maybe on the catwalk or in the dirt behind your trailer, or how about getting a shower and doing it there? Sometimes I come out of the bathrooms thinking “truck drivers are freaking animals”, or like little boys that never learned to clean up after themselves… it’s unbelievable!
If you want to be really cool, when you see someone paying for a shower with cash, and you have extra shower credits maybe offer to let that driver have one of your shower credits. (This is almost like washing someone’s feet… “mighty Christian of ya!”) Like I said, many drivers are underpaid… and under-showered for that matter, lol. As a hot shot driver many truck stops won’t give me shower credits due to the fact that my fuel tank only holds 50 gallons. Loves requires you to purchase at least 100 gallons before you get a shower credit , and they don’t calculate past fills so that you can earn a shower. Lastly, as a hot shot driver I try to look for that small odd ball parking spot that a larger truck won’t fit into so that other drivers can park.
I appreciate the video, and love the topic! Peace everyone🙏🏾
Omg I wish that I could pin your comment at the top and give you a thousand likes!!!! It is amazing that there are so many drivers out here, who are so quick to make assumptions about dumb, petty stuff!! It is like the majority of drivers don't have any critical thinking skills.
@@yakzivz1104 I give you a thousand likes just for using the term critical thinking! It’s a hard enough job without adding all the negativity…
Peace and prosperity to you my friend🙏🏾
Most assumptions are based on experience. More often than not, assholes are buying food when they should be pumping fuel. It isn't a bad assumption and taking a piss is something you should have done before you get to the fuel pumps.
@@theprofessorfate6184 Been driving CDL A since 2000. I am speaking from experience. The way you perceive the world is your choice, but it is a choice. I hope it makes you feel better. Have a beautiful day!
RE: Bobtail straddling the lanes -- I see snow -- (Does it snow in Canada?) Perhaps other rigs were parked wrongly (snow covering the paint) and Mr. Bob Tail innocently parked perfectly between them. Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes -- that way, when your criticize -- you have a one mile head start and they are barefoot! Otherwise -- most of your content is Full of Wisdom. Thank you.
I used to work at a truck stop. Every once in a while when things would get slow, they sent us employees to go throw away trash in the parking lot. That included between the trucks.
I knew the drivers would watch me as I cleaned up the trash. That was fine because I respected their stuff. Even if they were not watching, I would not have touched their trucks.
It is all about the simple rule: If it is not yours, just leave it alone unless you have permission to mess with it.
This is very enlightening for me. I didn't appreciate what you guys have to go through to bring us the things we need.
Oot here, making videos, having fun with the accent.
Why would a driver do that? Because he's CS ( and we all know what that means ) .
Don't empty your piss bottles in the lot. Empty it in the grass. Throw out your trash when you get your fuel.
When it comes down to it it's just a matter of respect and being considerate. Unfortunately this problem goes beyond trucks. People do it with their cars and even their bodies!
You're right that it's uncool to block the fuel pumps, but there's an even WORSE no-no: When a driver DOES pull through to the "pull-up lane", DO NOT go ape-shit crazy on them for taking "too long" inside the building! Remember, they want to get outta there just as much as you do, AND they've already DONE their part by pulling through for you!
Recently, I fueled at a stop , then pulled through to run in and get some anti-gel for my tanks. I get inside, and there's 10,000 customers & exactly ONE cashier! (And of course, one driver's getting 80 billion packs of smokes, 319 trillion lotto tickets and wants to pay with some long-defunct fuel card from Outer Bolivia!)
So I get back out to my truck & the driver behind me is blowing a gasket because it took me so long! Guess what pal -- I had to wait longer than you did, before I even GOT to the pump! Just chill out - it takes what it takes!
That's understandable but when the guy in front of you hasn't come out by the time you've finished fueling and when he finally does come out, he comes out with an order of McDonald's, that guy is an A hole. He should have parked in a spot if he knew he was going in to order food because you can't be sure how Ling that will take. Don't have the guy behind you stuck, losing time because you're too lazy to take 5 or 10 minutes to park.
I disagree. If you walk in and see something like that, go park your truck, THEN go inside. I shouldn't have to be stuck behind you when I just need to fuel and run and you're inside getting your sodey water and your cheeseburger.
One day I am going to join your team you are so educative. Big up Rogel from Montreal for saying hello.
We are so glad you enjoy watching our videos! Big shout out to Réjean from Montreal!
8:37 While I completely see your point and agree 100%, is it possible that this guy parked during some heavy snowfall and couldn't see the lanes? What do you do when something like that happens when you're out on the road? I'm genuinely curious.
Thanks much!
This truck stop actually has spots for bobtails
9:30
They could have all been taken when he parked.
I agree, it happens, and his point about not parking centre in your lane is part of the reason why it happens. If one guy parks too close to the line one side of the row often times it gets multiplied on the other side of the row, where one truck will have to park in two spaces. It's then made worse by tired drivers trying to park in low light, poor weather conditions. Then when everyone else pulls off in the morning, last in last out rule, you're left there looking like an idiot.
Oooo right on....good point !!
This needs to be part of trucking school and EVERY ORIENTATION!!!
1: Put your 4-flashers on BEFORE youset up to back intoa space, give drivers a warning of what your intention is. The driver behind the truck backing up WAIT and give the backing truck some room, dont try to Nascar around a backing truck unless the driver signals you too!
2: Day or especially night, horns should only be used in an emergency!
Every truck driver should watch this video.every single time I go to pilot fuel there is always a truck hold up at pump. Some went to store,some just sit in the truck.I don’t know why is so hard for them to pull up just 60 feets.
Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for sharing!
I never drove a rig. But great advice. I'm fascinated by the trucker life. Freedom, no boss behind your back.
Yes, we have bosses: dispatchers, load planners, safety, schedules, etc. Also if you have Qualcomm, they know where you are and what you're doing anyhow.
When you pull forward after fueling, try to make sure the truck behind you has enough room to bring their trailer's landing gear even with the pump - that will make sure they can bring the reefer fuel tank close enough to fill it if needed (reefer fuel tank is mounted right behind the landing gear)
its 1/3 of a truck so u block road way for everyone else
Most truck stops have more than enough room for it to not block anything
@@VelvetSanity not “most” but “some” then better to say if you have sometimes opportunity to give space for reefer fueling do so, but in my experience 50% of time you cant do so as you make exit for people left and right impossible to very hard
@@kogguk the major chain ones (Pilot, TA, Loves, Sapp Bros) as well as the larger independent ones almost always do
@@VelvetSanity I use mostly pilot and a lot of time there is no room for this otherwise you make it hard for all truck around you to leave
I have been in this situation more times than I can count, I do merchandising and spend an entire day in whatever store I'm working in that day (including truck stops), I pull up to a majorly full parking lot, one person has parked their vehicle so close to, on or over the stripe that I have to pull farther over in my parking spot than I'd like to be, later when I come out, that vehicle is gone leaving me parked there looking like I don't know how to park... It's even possible that person parked too close because of someone else's lack of parking skills. That's why it's not cool to key someone's car because of how they are parked, it's possible they had no choice. BTW I do park far away from the store, and if I'm parked in an uncomfortable manner because of someone else, I'll go out later and repark my truck...
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I drove truck in the US for about a decade. Never broke any of these rules. I loved pulling into a truck stop and just people watch, whether inside or in the minutes after I did my paperwork, just to take a look around at all the truck and people. I never touched a truck, I pointed at a couple to say nice truck, but never ever touched someone else's truck. It doesn't matter if you drive for the same company, don't touch someone else's rig. I was not the best backer, I will fully admit that, so I would always stop a bit early and find a nice a pull through spot, centered myself, never had a problem. Truck Drivers as a general rule are pretty nice people, if you need help ask, 99% of the time they will help you back or answer a question.
Cool tips. Would be really nice to see Brian do a practical backing and parking video with his trailer on, his style and approach as he explained it.
Great idea!
@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News LOL. Great idea but getting the camera angles right is really tricky.
@@donaldmickunas8552 We have already started to plan this shoot!
@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News Looking forward to it. Thanks.
@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News I look forward to watching it. Good Luck. :-)