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I have a CDL but I’m not working in the industry right now. I’m moving to another state and I want to keep my CDL. Do I need a drug test to transfer my license or only when I get a job? I have a valid medical card. I don’t mind quitting smoking for work. Thanks for your help.

Comments

Josef

06.06.2024

Keep that CDL active, never know when you’ll wanna hit the road again

0

Orlando

02.19.2024

There is no need to take a drug test to simply switch states as long as your medical care is under control

1

Declan

09.15.2023

For the transfer, just keep that medical card up to date

1

Thomas D.

04.10.2023

If you test positive or refuse to take a test, you’ll have to go through a whole process with a substance abuse professional and take some more tests before you can drive again.

1

Eddie

04.02.2023

I’m not a lawyer or anything, but from what I found on the web, you might need a drug test to transfer your license. It depends on the state you’re moving to and their requirements.

2

James R.

03.21.2023

I transferred my CDL last year and I didn’t need a drug test because I was working for a company that had me in their random testing pool. I just had to fill out some paperwork and pay a fee at the DMV of the new state

2

Addie

03.12.2023

You don’t need a drug test to transfer your CDL, but you will need one when you get a job

0

Benito

03.11.2023

They will make you take some tests and pay some fees. You should do that as soon as possible. You only need a drug test when you work for a company

0

Fred

03.10.2023

+ You need to transfer your CDL to your new state within 30 to 60 days of moving. You might have to take some tests and pay some fees.

3

Xander

03.10.2023

Your CDL is valid in all states, but you have to get a new one from the state you moved to.

1

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I’m facing a strange issue. The ambient temperature is 29 degrees. I set my reefer to 35 degrees. But the reefer shows that the box temperature is 19 degrees and it keeps running. It’s on heat mode but it doesn’t seem to warm up the box.

I tried to turn it off and on again. I left it off for about 10 minutes. When it came back on, it showed 22 degrees in the box but then dropped to 19 again.

I checked the doors and the box feels much warmer than 19 degrees.

Any suggestions??

Comments

Josef

02.15.2024

That’s a head-scratcher, partner. Might wanna give the reefer’s manual a once-over, see if there’s a recalibration trick.

1

Leon

10.19.2023

If the box feels warmer, trust your gut and double-check those readings

1

Orlando

08.11.2023

I’d check the sensors first

0

Rony

04.05.2023

Your reefer unit might have a fluid leak, like in the equalizer tube, the cooling hoses or the belts. This can affect the refrigerant flow and the cooling capacity. You should check for any signs of leaks and get them fixed as soon as possible.

0

Thomas D.

03.29.2023

That sounds like a pain in the ass.

2

Mark

03.21.2023

It sounds like your reefer’s temperature sensor is faulty or out of calibration. It might be reading the wrong temperature and causing the reefer to run unnecessarily. You should check the sensor and see if it’s dirty, loose, or damaged. If you can’t fix it yourself, you should take it to a shop and have it replaced or adjusted.

3

Barney

03.15.2023

I think some ice buildup in the box that is preventing the heat from circulating properly. You should check the evaporator and the drain for any ice or frost and clear it if necessary.

3

Grayson

03.13.2023

You can try to recalibrate the thermostat or use an external thermometer to verify the box temperature.

0

Addie

03.11.2023

Nothing scary, but you have to get that trailer to someone with the tools big enough to start fixing it.

1

Krueger

03.11.2023

If you can’t find or fix the problem yourself, you should contact your company or a mechanic as soon as possible.

0

Aidan

03.10.2023

You may have a faulty sensor or thermostat that is giving you wrong readings. You should check the sensors and make sure they are clean and not damaged.

1

Fred

03.09.2023

+ Temp sensor probably screwed up.

4

Denzel

03.09.2023

if you can feel that thing is clearly warmer than 35 you have a real issue here.

0

Levi

03.09.2023

You should also check the loading and make sure there is enough airflow and space between the pallets and the walls.

0

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I need an Android app for finance tracking. It should scan receipts and track recurring expenses. Any suggestions?

Comments

Haroon

02.05.2024

Rigbooks is the app that’ll do it without breaking the bank.

0

Orlando

12.22.2023

Check out QuickBooks Self-Employed

1

Ayden

10.16.2023

Keeper might just be your best co-pilot

1

Daniels

04.11.2023

I don’t need an app for finance tracking. I just use a shoebox and a calculator. It works fine for me.😎

0

Rony

04.05.2023

You should try the app called “IRS”. It’s great for tracking your finances and scanning receipts. It also sends you friendly reminders every year.😁

2

Fleur

03.23.2023

Rigbooks for my accounting. It’s a simple and affordable software that helps me track my income and expenses. It also does fuel mileage, profit and loss, and IFTA reporting. It lets me log expenses from my phone or tablet and invoice by mile, item, or weight. It starts at $19 per month for one truck

3

Jago

03.14.2023

ATBS and the Epson receipt scanner.

3

Jordan

03.11.2023

Use a CPA

2

Xander

03.11.2023

Get an accountant.

2

Lepe

03.10.2023

I've heard about Foreceipt, it syncs with Google Drive so you don’t have to worry about losing any receipts.

2

Alastair Glover

03.09.2023

+ I use Expensify because it makes it easy to report my expenses to my clients.

3

Pascal

03.09.2023

ATBS trucking accountants. They have an app to scan receipts as you go. They make it pretty easy.

0

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During the special enforcement detail “Operation Southern Shield”, the Arizona Department of Pulice Safety`s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Task Force and partners completed 693 inspections and recorded 2,238 driver-vehicle examination report violations.

Throughout the operation, CVETF personnel placed special emphasis on violations involving reckless driving, failure to use a turn signal or improper signaling, failure to yield the right of way, and improper lane changes, according to a statement from the ADPS.

Comments

Ayden

05.07.2024

With all them violations, sounds like some folks forgot the basics of trucking

5

Orlando

09.21.2023

More like Operation ‘Gotcha!’

2

Daniels

06.20.2023

With that many inspections, reckon they could spot a fly turning without a signal! 🤣

1

Joe

03.19.2023

I always try to drive safely and professionally, and I don’t mind being inspected if it means catching the bad apples who give us a bad name.

4

Magnus

03.11.2023

Speeding is not the only cause of accidents, and sometimes we have to speed up to avoid hazards or meet deadlines

0

Alastair Glover

03.10.2023

It could affect my income and productivity if I get pulled over or fined for speeding. I hope they are reasonable

0

Addie

03.09.2023

I always follow the speed limit and other traffic rules, so I have nothing to worry about

1

Fred

03.08.2023

+ I think it’s a good initiative to reduce crashes and improve safety on the highways.

4

Denzel

03.08.2023

I feel like it’s unfair and discriminatory to target commercial vehicles more than other vehicles.

2

Aidan

03.08.2023

I don’t care about this operation. I have a radar detector and a CB radio, so I can avoid getting caught by the cops.

1

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Can you ask and get the billing paperwork from a company you are leased to???

Comments

Tamsin

06.09.2024

No doubt about it. Those papers are as much yours as the miles you’ve clocked

1

Haroon

11.22.2023

Ask them straight. They have to keep it transparent for you.

4

Gordon

07.12.2023

Man, It’s your right to get the billing papers.

1

Josef

04.06.2023

If you’re leasing a truck from a carrier, you should have a lease agreement that spells out the terms and conditions of the lease, such as the payment, maintenance, insurance, and termination clauses. You should read this carefully and make sure you understand your rights and obligations.

0

Daniels

03.30.2023

Sure, you can ask for the paperwork. But don’t be surprised if they tell you to take a hike or give you some BS excuse. They don’t want you to see how much they’re screwing you over.

2

Joe

03.20.2023

I always ask for the billing paperwork from the company I’m leased to. They send me a copy of the invoice and the settlement statement every week by email. I check them carefully to make sure everything matches up and there are no errors or discrepancies.

2

Artur Ishch

03.12.2023

I trust them to pay me fairly and promptly. I also don’t want to hassle them or cause any problems. I just focus on driving and delivering the loads.

0

Jago

03.10.2023

I don’t work for a company that doesn’t give me the billing paperwork.

0

Krueger

03.08.2023

+ If you are leased to a company, you may or may not be able to get the billing paperwork from them. It depends on the terms of your lease agreement and the company’s policy. Some companies may provide you with the billing paperwork upon request, while others may withhold it or charge you a fee for it.

3

Jordan

03.08.2023

I always ask and get the billing paperwork from the company I’m leased to because I want to make sure I get paid correctly and on time. I also need it for my tax records and expenses.

1

Alastair Glover

03.08.2023

f it’s a new customer or a high-value load, I want to see the billing paperwork to verify the rate and terms. If it’s a regular customer or a low-value load, I don’t care about the billing paperwork as much.

1

More Comments

Which/how many companies do not pay their drivers's for tarping? Telling them it's just part of thier job?

Comments

Duke

04.25.2024

It’s a mixed bag out there

0

Tamsin

02.13.2024

Many expect you to throw up a tarp without paying a few more dollars. You need to find those who understand that time is money.

1

Daniels

05.12.2023

Well, I'll tell you, some companies think the tarp is part of the concert.

0

Orlando

04.05.2023

No tarp pay? That’s a joke, right? Tarping is a pain in the ass and it takes a toll on your body. You deserve to get paid for it.

0

Ayden

03.25.2023

That’s a load of crap. Tarping is hard work and it takes time. You should get paid for it. Any company that doesn’t pay for tarping is a cheapskate and doesn’t respect their drivers.

1

Josef

03.19.2023

I work for Melton Truck Lines, and they pay me $100 per load for tarping. They recently doubled their tarp pay from $50 to $100, which adds over $10,000 to my annual pay.

3

Iqra

03.10.2023

I get my normal percentage of the tarp pay.

0

Denzel

03.08.2023

+ I think tarping should be paid because it’s hard work and it takes time away from driving. I don’t want to work for a company that doesn’t value my effort and safety. Tarping can be dangerous and exhausting, especially in bad weather or at night.

4

Levi

03.07.2023

That should be a question you should ask any company before you hire on.

2

Aidan

03.07.2023

I don’t mind tarping as part of my job because it’s part of being a professional driver. I don’t expect to get paid extra for doing what I signed up for. Tarping is not that difficult or time-consuming if you know what you’re doing and have the right equipment.

1

Grayson

03.07.2023

Tarp pay is nice but it’s not a deal-breaker for me. I care more about the mileage rate, the home time, and the benefits than the tarp pay.

2

More Comments

What apps, or websites do you use for local weather updates?

Comments

Mari

04.15.2024

For a clear view of what’s over the horizon, The Weather Channel

3

Aidan

01.23.2024

AccuWeather is good

0

Denzel

08.08.2023

I keep my eyes on the sky

0

Seamus

04.08.2023

I just follow the storm chasers on Twitter. They always know where the action is 🤣🤣

1

Orlando

03.27.2023

I use the window app. It’s free and it shows me exactly what the weather is like outside. The only downside is that it doesn’t work at night or when I’m in a tunnel.

0

Milo

03.15.2023

I use Google for Temps and conditions and Google maps for road traffic

2

Rory

03.09.2023

Windy because it shows me the wind speed and direction, which affects my fuel efficiency.

2

Leroy

03.07.2023

Usually every state has a dot website- for Wyoming I download WY 511 from the App Store

0

Epic

03.06.2023

I don’t trust any app or website. I just look at the sky and use my intuition. 🤣🤣

2

Artur Ishch

03.06.2023

The Weather Channel because it gives me personalized alerts and news stories that are relevant to my route

1

Hello

03.05.2023

+ I use Weatherbug because it has live cams that show me the road conditions ahead.

4

More Comments

What do you look for when buying a new truck, and what is a deal breaker or red flag for you?

Comments

Barney

03.13.2024

good fuel efficiency, strong tires, and a clean bill of health

1

Aidan

12.26.2023

A jumpy transmission or a history of breakdowns

4

Magnus

12.04.2023

Any sign of rust or wear, and it’s a no-go

1

Seamus

04.02.2023

look for fuel efficiency, reliability, comfort and safety. A deal breaker for me is a truck that has a lot of miles on it, a bad maintenance history, or a shady seller.

2

Josef

03.20.2023

Reliable engine, good fuel economy, enough towing and payload capacity, and a comfortable interior.

1

Jordan

03.05.2023

Oh man that can be a long list

1

Pascal

03.04.2023

A deal breaker for me is a pushy seller or hidden fees.

0

Jago

03.04.2023

If you're buying used, go thru a dealer and get the warranty added into the financing.

1

Alastair Glover

03.03.2023

+ I look for a truck that has low mileage, good fuel economy, and a comfortable cab. A deal breaker for me is a bad engine or transmission.

3

Lepe

03.03.2023

Truck that has a strong engine, reliable brakes, and a spacious bed. A red flag for me is a salvage title or a lot of rust

0

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It seems to happen to me frequently. Usually in the large cities like Atlanta, or in the Northeast. One time, a hazmat tanker brake-checked me in Maine.

Comments

Haroon

02.30.2024

Getting brake-checked by a hazmat tanker? That’s a whole new level

1

Denzel

10.28.2023

some of these four-wheelers must think we can stop on a dime like they do

0

Callum

09.17.2023

in the big cities is like a new sport

1

Levi

04.09.2023

I had a brake-checking incident a few months ago that still makes me laugh. I was driving on the interstate in Texas, minding my own business, when this little car cut me off and slammed on the brakes. I had to swerve to avoid hitting him, and he gave me the finger. I was pissed, but I let it go. A few miles later, I saw him pulled over by a state trooper. Turns out he had a bunch of drugs in his trunk and a warrant for his arrest. Karma is a bitch, huh?

5

Seamus

03.30.2023

That sucks, man. I hate it when people brake-check me. It’s dangerous and stupid. They don’t realize how hard it is to stop a big rig. I try to keep my distance and stay calm, but sometimes I wish I had a horn that could blast them off the road.

2

Josef

03.22.2023

Some people have no clue how hard it is to stop a loaded truck. I try to keep my distance and stay calm

3

HFUER

03.08.2023

Never intentionally but many times a week someone will get in front way too close

2

Artur Ishch

03.06.2023

Have that happen often! What's the saying? 'A bad driver never misses their exit.

1

Mulder

03.05.2023

I pretty much never get brake checked.

1

Milo

03.03.2023

I know how you feel. It’s very frustrating and annoying. I always try to stay calm and not react to their provocation. I also report them to the authorities or their company if I can get their license plate or truck number.

1

Roman

03.03.2023

I've never been brake checked in 3+ years

0

Josie

03.02.2023

+ I hate when that happens. It’s so dangerous and irresponsible. I always try to keep a safe distance from other vehicles and anticipate their moves. I also use my horn and flash my lights to warn them if they are too close or cutting me off.

4

Leroy

03.02.2023

I feel sorry for them. They don’t realize how much risk they are putting themselves and others in. I always try to educate them and explain the consequences of their actions if I get a chance to talk to them.

0

More Comments

The CVSA will conduct a 72-hour inspection of commercial vehicles and drivers in North America from May 16-18. The inspection will focus on brake systems and cargo securement, which are important for preventing crashes and hazards.

Comments

Magnus

03.16.2023

I hate these inspections. They are a waste of time and money. They only target truck drivers and ignore other drivers who cause more problems on the road. They also don’t take into account the different types of cargo and equipment that we haul.

3

Marni

03.05.2023

Won't be any timpe hoppers triple axel pass

0

Levi

03.04.2023

Lol they don’t care about our safety or our livelihood

3

Krueger

03.04.2023

I think this is a mixed bag. On one hand, I understand the need for these inspections and the benefits they bring to the industry and the public. On the other hand, I’m concerned about the inconsistency and subjectivity of some inspectors and their criteria.

2

Strickland

03.03.2023

Load securment? That's great start cracking the seals on box trailers 1st

2

Barney

03.02.2023

These inspections are just a way for the CVSA to make money and harass us.

2

Iestyn

03.02.2023

That’s half the trucks going down the road with the abs light on ! They should make lots of money.

0

Fred

03.01.2023

+ I think this is a good reminder to check my vehicle and my documents before hitting the road.

5

Addie

03.01.2023

I appreciate the CVSA for conducting these inspections and enforcing the standards

1

Iqra

03.01.2023

this is a hassle and a waste of time. I don’t need an inspector to tell me how to do my job or how to maintain my vehicle. I know my truck better than anyone else.

2

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