“If you could pick any work shift morning, swing, or night which one fits you best and why?”
Falsifying Driver’s Logs
Here’s an interesting topic on “Falsifying Driver’s Logs” that rarely gets talked about. 🤷♂️
When I first got my CDL I was hired on by a company that instructed me to falsify my driver’s logs if I worked over 12 hours. The company used a DOT loop hole that allowed carriers to use manual driver’s logs instead of an electronic log book if the drivers worked less then 12 hours. 📖
The penalties for a driver getting caught falsifying drivers logs can be severe that include DMV points and losing your CDL. But whatever the penalties, this violation will stay on a driver’s record. 🪪
As a new driver I did what I was told until I had enough experience to move on to another company like I already planned. Lucky for me I never got caught and I ended up representing a class action lawsuit that cost the company $200k. 💰
If you were in my position as a new driver and you needed the experience, would you falsify your drivers logs to satisfy the company’s request? 🤔
https://youtu.be/FUzxjZvSUpA?si=X3wOkitfIGhJS4rC
#trucking #trucker #career #advice #jobcase #jobsearch #motivation
A Female driver’s trucking experience
Here’s a short YouTube video of a female driver detailing her experience and the action she takes to overcome hurdles as a women in a male dominated industry. 👩 🚛
From my personal experience as a truck driver, I can personally say women are truly respected by male truck drivers in the industry. At times they are treated as one of the guys just like any other driver. 🤝
I was personally inspired by a female driver when I first got my CDL and a woman is responsible for me wanting to work inside the Los Angeles ports. If it wasn’t for her, I probably would have never started working inside the ports. 🪪
If you’re a woman that is interested in getting your CDL, I highly recommend that you do. 👌
Are there any women that that may be interested in getting a CDL? If so feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️
https://youtu.be/ELyWvLQiZrs?si=ukIOL-pRQCden3U3
#truckdriver #trucker #career #motivation #advice #jobsearch
Tanker Driver vs. Flatbed Driver pay comparison
Here’s a YouTube video comparing Tanker Driver & Flatbed Driver compensation. 💰
As a Tanker driver myself out of Los Angeles, my pay is $40 per hour, OT after 40 hours, and free employee stock option that can be an additional $10k-20k annually. I generally work 60 hours 5 days a week. I can work extra days if I want to, but I like to have my days off to work on other projects and get some R&R in. We work 5 days on 2 days off, 5 days on 3 days off and get weekends off every 2 1/2 months. ✅
Far as benefits go I can get free HMO benefits for myself, or PPO insurance for $150 a month. I pay for the PPO insurance so I can choose a doctor or clinic anywhere I want. I also get dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability. My company is the 2nd highest paying tanker carrier in the nation and it took me a year and a half to get in. ✅
If you’re a commercial driver I recommend getting into the fuel industry because you can make in between $130k-$160k annually. 🚛⛽️
Any questions or concerns feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️
Trucker GPS Apps
For you new drivers out there, it’s important to know what routes you can take when driving a tractor & trailer. 🚛 Going off truck routes can lead to a point on your DMV record and up to $1,000 fine. 💵
In February a Los Angeles County Sheriff from the “Commercial” unit pulled me over for going off the truck route. I was lucky to only get a violating a city ordinance for $230 and zero points on my DMV record. 👮♂️
Here are several GPS apps cater specifically to truckers, offering features tailored to the needs of commercial vehicle drivers. 🗺️
CoPilot Truck GPS provides truck-specific routing based on vehicle dimensions, weight, and load type, along with offline maps and real-time traffic information. ✅
Trucker Path features truck-optimized routing and navigation, detailed information on truck stops, rest areas, weigh stations, and fuel prices, as well as real-time updates on parking availability and traffic conditions. ✅
Sygic Truck GPS Navigation is designed for large vehicles with routes based on truck size, weight, and cargo type, and offers offline maps and real-time traffic updates, along with information on truck-specific POIs and restrictions. ✅
SmartTruckRoute delivers real-time truck routing based on vehicle dimensions and load type, providing live traffic updates and weather conditions, and featuring truck-specific points of interest and fuel price comparisons. ✅
Hammer offers truck-specific navigation with routes avoiding restricted roads and low bridges, including real-time traffic and weather updates, and allowing for multi-stop trip planning and fuel optimization. ✅
PTV Navigator provides truck-legal navigation with customizable routes based on vehicle dimensions, offline maps, and real-time traffic information, along with truck-specific points of interest and route planning tools. ✅
Route4Me is primarily a route planning app but offers truck-specific routing options, allowing for multi-stop trip optimization and route customization, and providing real-time updates and dynamic re-routing. ✅
These apps are available on both iOS and Android platforms and offer a range of subscription plans and features to cater to the specific needs of truckers. 📱
Any questions or concerns feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️
Tips on how to back a tractor and trailer
Here’s a video on how to back up a tractor and trailer. 🚛
These tips are important and will help you pass the DMV skills test. 📝
Any questions or concerns feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️
Doubles & Triples Test
Here’s a YouTube video that will help you study for the “Doubles & Triples” endorsement. 📝
California doesn’t allow for triples to be hauled, but places like Arizona and Texas do allow it. I recommend checking with your state laws. ✅
When I first got my Doubles & Triples endorsement, I thought I would never haul Doubles, but here I am 2 years later hauling Doubles. I must say it’s a lot easier to haul doubles then it is a 40ft trailer. With doubles you don’t need to make such wide turns like you would a 40ft, 45ft, or 53 footer. 🚛
I recommend just getting all your endorsements even if you convince yourself you don’t want to haul any of the endorsements. You never know when a great opportunity might fall into your lap that requires these endorsements. Better to have them ahead of time and be flexible for the next opportunity. ✅
Any questions or concerns feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️
DMV Tankers Endorsement Test
Here’s another YouTube video that will help you study for the “Tankers Endorsement” test. 📝
Any questions or concerns about getting a Class A feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️
Boom Truck
I recently came across a job listing for a “Boom Truck” operator that requires only a Class B license. 🪪 It looks like an operator needs to get certified to operate a crane. 🏗️
I noticed the position payed $32 an hour which is not bad for a Class B CDL. If this is something you’d be interested I recommend looking into the demand for Boom Truck operator’s. This is used in the construction industry, so this could get slow during the Winter season. 🦺 🥶
Any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️
5 Tips to Pass a DOT Physical
Since I took a DOT physical for my new fuel tanker position today, I thought I’d share some information that will help you pass a DOT physical. 👨⚕️
Eat healthy at least 1 month before your physical. ✅
Engage in physical activities like exercising. ✅
Know your numbers like your blood pressure. ✅
Know your health history. ✅
Don’t drink or eat sugary foods before your physical. ✅
Any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️