Questions and answers for truckers

Tomas

How much weight can you load in a dry van with no tractor under it? I don’t want one of my trailers to end up as a meme ….

11 comments

Comments

Iqra

03.26.2024

Watch out for those landing gears, they’re tough but not invincible

Lepe

09.20.2023

Keep it balanced, or you’ll be the star of a ‘how not to load’ meme

Alastair Glover

09.01.2023

Without a tractor, you don’t wanna exceed 12,000 pounds on the front axle

Barney

03.03.2023

I would check the trailer’s landing gear rating and make sure it can support the weight of the load. I would also check the trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and make sure it doesn’t exceed the maximum allowed weight.

Magnus

02.21.2023

I would avoid loading a dry van with no tractor under it unless absolutely necessary. I would rather wait for a tractor to hook up to the trailer before loading it. Loading a trailer without a tractor can be risky and damage the trailer’s landing gear or suspension

Tomas

02.04.2023

We had those, but the tweakers stole them.

Thomas D.

02.03.2023

Use a jack

Tomas

02.01.2023

Yeah, it’s a 53, just gonna leave the tractor under.

Moon

02.01.2023

+ If it’s a 53 just load it. If it’s a 28 you’ll want to jack it up

GGG

02.01.2023

Yeah just leave tractor under it. Lower lading gear..

Mike

02.01.2023

All depends on the size of the trailer and the weight of the product.

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MAKE THE DREAM OF BECOMING AN OWNER/OPERATOR A REALITY

Commercial

Q&A

Moon

whats the best ELD tablet?

android? who uses these.

12 comments

Comments

Tamsin

02.02.2024

Go for one that won’t give you a headache.

Haroon

10.01.2023

Android all the way, partner. It’s user-friendly and gets the job done.

Orlando

05.25.2023

Android’s solid, just gotta make sure it’s compatible with your truck system

Denzel

03.21.2023

I don’t care what kind of ELD tablet I use, as long as it works.

Fred

03.11.2023

The best ELD tablet is the one that doesn’t crash on you when you need it the most. I use a Samsung tablet with 4G LTE and it works great. It’s durable, fast and has a long battery life. Plus, it has Samsung Knox security so I can keep my personal stuff separate from my work stuff. Android all the way, baby. 🤘

Marni

03.05.2023

Garmin eLog tablet because it has a simple and reliable design that works with most ELD apps. It also has a built-in GPS device that provides accurate navigation and traffic alerts. It has a one-time cost of $249.99 and no monthly fees or contracts.

Seamus

02.27.2023

I like the Samsara tablet because it has a full fleet management system that integrates with an ELD app, a dash cam, a GPS device, and various sensors. It also has features like real-time tracking, remote diagnostics, safety coaching, and compliance reporting. It has an upfront cost of $99 and a monthly fee of $30 per vehicle.

Benito

02.02.2023

+ We use Galaxy Tab Active for our paperwork and eld

Keanu

02.01.2023

I use my iPad

Krueger

01.25.2023

Used the samsung galaxy tablet at my last job. Worked and did its thing. Occasionally it would fuck up.

Barney

01.23.2023

I use iPad Pro’s because the screen is the same size as a normal sheet of paper so when it comes to documents, I don’t have to do a lot of scrolling and resizing.

Aidan

01.23.2023

Best eld tablet is a truck older than 97 so you can run paper logs

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Commercial

Q&A

James R.

Trip Planning

having trouble figuring out how to trip plan, and my trainers makes me feel dumb. Any advice or suggestions?

14 comments

Comments

Declan

05.10.2024

Nobody’s born knowing this stuff, it’s all learned on the move

Clayton

11.06.2023

Start with the basics: map out your route, check the weather, and always have a Plan B

Duke

08.29.2023

Trip planning’s an art.

Haroon

03.22.2023

Just keep asking questions and learning from your mistakes. You’ll get the hang of it eventually.

Elias

03.12.2023

Don’t worry, trip planning is a skill that takes time and practice. Your trainer is probably just frustrated because he’s been doing it for so long and forgot how hard it was at first.

Barney

03.03.2023

I rely on my dispatcher to give me the best route and directions for my trips.

Seamus

02.17.2023

I use a combination of a trucker’s atlas, a GPS device, and online tools like Google Maps and Trucker Path to plan my trips. I always check the weather, traffic, road conditions, and hours of service before I start driving. I also look for places to park, fuel, eat, and rest along the way.

Keanu

02.01.2023

Tell your trainer to teach you.

Mulder

01.30.2023

You’re in a truck with him 24 hours a day. What do you two talk about?

Strickland

01.30.2023

don't be afraid to get confrontational with your trainer

Grayson

01.30.2023

Get a new trainer.

Roman

01.27.2023

truckers path is necessary if your new

Moon

01.25.2023

+ Your trainer should be helping you learn this.Talk to the company and ask for a new trainer.

Epic

01.25.2023

Get Trucker Path

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Commercial

Q&A

Hawkins

Drivers CB radio

OTR drivers. How many of you all don't have a CB radio?

13 comments

Comments

Jordan

03.03.2024

It’s rare, but some truckers prefer to just ride with their thoughts.

Mandeep

12.21.2023

Some folks like the quiet road 🤷‍♂️

Jago

10.13.2023

A driver without a CB? That’s like a rig without wheels

Josef

03.10.2023

I don’t have a CB radio because I don’t see the need for it.

Seamus

02.28.2023

I use my smartphone for communication and navigation, and I don’t want to deal with the noise and chatter of other drivers. CB radios are outdated and unnecessary in my opinion.

Benito

02.15.2023

I always have a CB radio on when I’m driving. It’s an essential tool for me as an OTR driver. It helps me stay informed of road conditions, weather alerts, police activity, and other useful information. It also helps me connect with other drivers and break the monotony of long hauls.

Leroy

01.31.2023

CB saved me from sitting in a backup with hundreds of others on I-81 in VA.

Strickland

01.31.2023

+ I have 1 million miles driven and never had one.

Moon

01.31.2023

If my truck is moving it is on.

Roman

01.29.2023

It used to be almost essential. I started out with no GPS, no cellphone, no satellite radio.

Epic

01.25.2023

Mine is always on, especially in bad weather.

Justin

01.22.2023

I have one, it's been a real time saver. Not having to sit in hour long back ups due to accidents. I think it's a must have in inclimate weather.

Hello

01.20.2023

I don't wanna listen to a bunch of assholes with all their bullshit...

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Orpik Group marketing company for your business

Commercial

Q&A

Sion

Contact Dac report

How Do I Contact DAC To Get My Report?

13 comments

Comments

Seamus

02.11.2024

just contact HireRight directly

Iestyn

11.25.2023

Head on over to the HireRight website and follow the steps to get your report.

Callum

10.01.2023

Reach out to HireRight

Elias

03.02.2023

DAC report? More like DICK report. That thing is full of lies and slander.

Ayden

02.17.2023

You can get your DAC report from HireRight, the company that manages it. Just go to their website and fill out a form. They’ll send you a copy for free once a year. But be prepared to see some BS on there from your former employers. They like to make up stuff to screw you over.

Sion

01.30.2023

thanx everyone

Leroy

01.29.2023

I had friends that didn't give two week notices where I work and they slammed their D.A.C. by saying 'Left Involuntarily'.

Xander

01.27.2023

Other than safety related information, ie accidents, companies can only place short descriptions in your DAC file. If you get fired for being late too often they might say something like; Terminated: Performance issues or something along those lines

Keanu

01.27.2023

NO...

Sion

01.25.2023

I've heard if you're late for a load this will show up on the dac. Is this true?

Grayson

01.24.2023

i believe the only way to get a dac report is to write them and send the appropriate info... to get the address you can call them but wont take orders over the phone

Eddie

01.23.2023

I haven't looked at the website that was provided by the driver. However, you must submit a written request along with your C.D.L. Number and Social Security Number.

Aidan

01.23.2023

+ call the DAC Consumer Department: 1-800-381-0645 (m-f 8-5 central) visit website: http://www.usis.com/commercialservic...on/default.htm Note: Of Course, You CANNOT get a copy online, you must call OR write them to get a copy of your DAC report.

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Commercial

Q&A

Aidan

Dot medical card expire

Accidentally let my dot medical card expire, what are the steps I need to take to get my license unrestricted? A. Go take another physical B. Take the paperwork to the dmv? Is this it?

11 comments

Comments

Duke

02.30.2024

Looks like you’re in a bit of a pickle

Ayden

10.10.2023

Just head on over for a new check-up, then drop by the DMV with your new med card.

Tamsin

07.22.2023

Hey buddy, first thing’s first, get that physical squared away

Josef

03.11.2023

You’re lucky you didn’t get pulled over by a DOT officer. They would have slapped you with a hefty fine and put you out of service. Go get your physical ASAP and make sure you update your medical card with the DMV. And next time, set a reminder on your phone or something.

Daniels

03.05.2023

Yeah, that’s pretty much it. Go get your physical done and take the paperwork to the DMV. And don’t let it happen again, you lazy bum. 😜

Jago

02.26.2023

Check with your SDLA to see if they have any grace period or extension for expired DOT medical cards.

HFUER

02.09.2023

I would go take another physical exam as soon as possible and get a new DOT medical card. I would also submit a copy of my new card to my state driver licensing agency (SDLA) and update my medical self-certification status.

Grayson

01.26.2023

+ Yup that’s it. Well at least that’s how it works

Leroy

01.26.2023

If you’re an owner operator with your own authority, then contact the commercial DMV in your state.

Strickland

01.24.2023

Let your company know. Once you get your DOT physical done, then give your company the paperwork, so they can process it.

Eddie

01.22.2023

Yes just need to update your med card

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Commercial

Q&A

Hello

Stop for the night

What are some places you wouldn’t/shouldn’t stop for the night?

14 comments

Comments

Tamsin

05.12.2024

I’d avoid rest stops that are off the beaten path

Moon

09.02.2023

If something looks sketchy or it’s poorly lit, keep on trucking to a safer place

Artur Ishch

07.29.2023

Steer clear of those no-name lots

Daniels

03.27.2023

never stop at California Route 138, also known as Blood Alley. It has sharp turns and grades, and a high death toll. It’s not worth the risk. Unless you’re a vampire, then maybe you’ll find some fresh blood.

Orlando

03.15.2023

I would avoid any place that has a low overhang, like a fast food drive-thru or a parkade. You don’t want to get stuck or damage your truck

Epic

03.02.2023

In a residential area or neighborhood. This is also illegal and disrespectful, as you may disturb the residents with your noise and lights.

Benito

02.17.2023

On the shoulder or ramp of a highway.

HFUER

02.08.2023

In an abandoned lot or building. This may seem like a quiet and secluded spot, but it may also be unsafe and risky.

Hello

01.26.2023

I think we can all agree west Memphis and the pilot in ATL

Thomas D.

01.25.2023

+ The TA in Baltimore, MD

GGG

01.25.2023

If you go walking just keep your feet 10 feet off of Beale.

Roman

01.22.2023

Tifton GA

Mike

01.21.2023

West Memphis is shady at best.

Leroy

01.19.2023

No east St. Louis shoutouts in here?

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Commercial

Q&A

Josie

Tanker driver

How much realistically can a tanker hauler earn as a day driver as a company driver and as an owner op?

10 comments

Comments

Aidan

03.25.2024

As an owner-operator, that’s where the big bucks are.

Fred

10.21.2023

You’ll earn a steady wage

Addie

10.13.2023

As a company driver, you’re looking at a decent paycheck, but it’s the owner-ops who really make money.

Josef

03.04.2023

I haul fuel in the Northeast and I make around $80k a year as a company driver. I work 5 days a week, 10-12 hours a day. Owner ops can make over $100k but they have to pay for their own truck, insurance, maintenance, etc.

Daniels

02.25.2023

It depends on the company, the region, the type of tanker and the load.

Barney

01.24.2023

+ Local here, made 80,000 from March - December. No haz-mat

Eddie

01.22.2023

i work with guys that are home every night, making $200k+

Grayson

01.21.2023

Depends where you live.

Roman

01.21.2023

Probably depends on the liquid, and the deal the chemical maker and carrier makes.

Hello

01.19.2023

fuel haulers are paying 35+. I can see some of these guys making 120K no problem.

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Commercial

Q&A

Sion

How to reduce windshield reflection

The reflection essentially turns my outward facing camera to a driver facing camera as well. Is there a way to get rid of it?

12 comments

Comments

Josef

04.23.2024

Reflections can be a real bear

Denzel

09.14.2023

How about putting a matte screen protector

Magnus

05.07.2023

Switch up the lighting inside your cab

Iqra

03.05.2023

Try adjusting the angle of your camera or your windshield. Sometimes a slight change can make a big difference in how much reflection you get.

Eddie

02.21.2023

I use a polarizing filter on my camera lens. It helps reduce the glare and reflection a lot. You can find them online or at some camera stores.

Levi

02.14.2023

I use a dash mat that covers my dashboard with a dark color.

Barney

02.04.2023

I have tinted my windshield with a 35% film that blocks some of the glare and improves the visibility. I checked the laws in my state before doing this, as some states have different regulations on window tinting

Alastair Glover

01.23.2023

Turn off ELD screen, lower the brightness on GPS, pull down, open or lower or whatever you call it the sun visors

Marni

01.23.2023

Keep the windshield clean inside and out. Driving at night, if you can dim any or all displays and angle away from windshield.

Keanu

01.22.2023

lower all your lights, cover your eld so its not producing light

Krueger

01.21.2023

Get a towel, adhesive and apply it to the windshield around the camera. Use 3M tape to easily remove then reapply.

Grayson

01.18.2023

+ Clean windshield, reduce interior lighting. About all you can do.

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Commercial

Q&A

Epic

KW-T680 vs freight liner

Hey. Company just Offered to put me in a brand new t680. I’ve spend my career in a Volvo and a freight liner. What are the ups and downs with the new t680s.

12 comments

Comments

Fergus

05.28.2024

You’ll find the T680’s got a quieter cab than the Freightliner

Orlando

10.12.2023

Just make sure you’re comfortable with the tech before you hit the road.

Daniels

06.02.2023

That’s a smooth ride with a nice cab setup. But check the mirrors, they’re a bit different from what you’re used to.

Haroon

03.01.2023

I’ve driven both the t680 and the freight liner, and they both have their pros and cons. The t680 is more modern and sleek, with a lot of features that make driving easier and safer. The freight liner is more rugged and durable, with a simpler design that’s easier to fix. It really depends on your personal preference and what kind of routes you’re doing.

Declan

02.27.2023

I would stick with the freight liner if I were you

Duncan

02.16.2023

Congrats on the offer! I’ve been driving a t680 for a year now and I love it. It’s spacious, comfortable, and fuel-efficient.

Lepe

02.15.2023

Of course KW T680, because it's larger cab area, more powerful engine options

Magnus

02.01.2023

Freightliner Cascadia because of its more spacious sleeper area, better fuel efficiency, advanced technology and navigation system, and lower maintenance cost

Thomas D.

01.20.2023

+ If they have had the recall done on the digital dash take it. I have never had a Volvo, but have driven plenty of Freightshakers. Go with the KW.

Eddie

01.20.2023

I don't like the T680, numerous lighting issues in the new ones I've driven, and the cab vibrates and resonates like crazy at certain RPM

Mike

01.18.2023

KW. The Cascadias feel like toys.

Grayson

01.16.2023

KW for sure! After being in a Freightliner and a Peterbilt 579. KW is definitely the way to go.

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Commercial

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