Questions to ask about "equipment" as a new driver

SevenOfNine · #1 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 07:38 AM

What kind of truck will I drive?

Will it be assigned to me?
If it is not "assigned" to you, that means you'll have to trade off trucks with other drivers. If it is not "assigned" it is usually a "slip seat" arrangement.

Will I have to Slip Seat?
Someone else may drive it when you’re off.

Do I take the truck and trailer home?
If you are expected to take truck and trailer home with you, do you have a place to park it? This can be tricky. Also, depending on how far you live from your home terminal, you’ll need to know if you’ll be expected to drive your personal vehicle home or if you'll be allowed to bobtail home. After putting in a 2500+ mile week, you may not like driving another 100+ miles home.

Engine size and kind?

Transmission?
If you've learned only one transmission, this may be very important to know…Rest assured, though, if you learn one transmission well, it's not nearly as hard to learn the next one. 9 speeds have been a very popular fleet transmission but Super 10's are gaining a lot of popularity.

Speed / Governed at?
Most trucks, especially those owned by a company (vs owned by an owner/operator) are governed or "cut back". This means there is a top speed that the truck's computer will allow it to go.

Sleeper style: Double bunk, Single bunk, Stand Up, Mid-Roof/Raised Roof, Flat Top

A double bunk has two beds; the top bunk folds down. These are nice for teams. A single bunk, stand up sleeper just has one bed but has a tall roof, tall enough that a person may stand up completely. A Raised Roof or Mid-Roof sleeper is something between a stand up and a flattop. A Flat Top is not one you can fully stand up in - unless you're relatively short!

Other features: Cruise Control, Jake Brake, Opti-Idle
Cruise control is usually standard. A Jake Brake is an engine/exhaust/electric retarder that assists in slowing the truck. Opti-idle is a newer option that allows a driver to set a temperature for the cab, like a thermostat, and the truck turns itself on and off to maintain that temperature. Aids in reducing idle time.

How often does company buy new trucks?

Do I have my truck serviced on the road or at the terminal?
If it’s done on the road, you’ll have extra unpaid down-time just as you will if your terminal is in another city. If your terminal is in your home town (or at least close to) the servicing can be done while you’re at home.

MileMarker · #2 (**permalink**) 09-26-2007, 02:27 AM

As someone who has yet to climb up into a truck, let alone sleep in one, how long is the common bed in the sleeper? I'm 6'5", and like to stretch out when possible. Is this going to be a problem if I proceed in the direction of a career in OTR?

hillbilly frog · #3 (**permalink**) 09-27-2007, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MileMarker

As someone who has yet to climb up into a truck, let alone sleep in one, how long is the common bed in the sleeper? I'm 6'5", and like to stretch out when possible. Is this going to be a problem if I proceed in the direction of a career in OTR?

It's as wide as the inside of the truck.

JLKKLJ777 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-27-2007, 03:52 PM

depends on the truck of course. Volvos are narrower than freightliners or internationals and the insulation installed on the walls as well as the fabric reduces the interior width. At 6' 2" I have to sleep diagonally in my volvo and my feet are pressed againt 1 wall while my arm (which I have over my head and sleep on) is pressed against the opposite wall. I never had this problem in freightliners or internationals though. So while the ride of the volvo is considerfably better the leg room and sleeper room are lacking.

medic92 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-22-2007, 11:55 PM

I'm 6'5" and I have an '04 Volve. My feet touch the opposite side, but there's more than enough room for me, especially if I sleep diagonally. I was in a Freightliner Century before the Volvo and the sleeper space was comparable.

Cerberus_Kelpie · #6 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SevenOfNine

What kind of truck will I drive?
Depends entirely upon which company you sign on with. It can be ANY of the types currently seen rolling and can be as old as '93 and older.

Will it be assigned to me?
If it is not "assigned" to you, that means you'll have to trade off trucks with other drivers. If it is not "assigned" it is usually a "slip seat" arrangement.

Will I have to Slip Seat?
Someone else may drive it when you’re off.
Some Companies have a NO PARKING rule in that once at home your truck will be driven by someone else and when you get back to the yard you may end up in anothers truck. Pretty sad way to be a Trucker.

Do I take the truck and trailer home?
If you are expected to take truck and trailer home with you, do you have a place to park it? This can be tricky. Also, depending on how far you live from your home terminal, you’ll need to know if you’ll be expected to drive your personal vehicle home or if you'll be allowed to bobtail home. After putting in a 2500+ mile week, you may not like driving another 100+ miles home.

Engine size and kind?
Depends entirely upon what the Company prefers or what is available.
Engine size: 6 Cylinder. Kind: Detroit, Cummins, CAT, Volvo, Ford, etc..

Transmission?
If you've learned only one transmission, this may be very important to know…Rest assured, though, if you learn one transmission well, it's not nearly as hard to learn the next one. 9 speeds have been a very popular fleet transmission but Super 10's are gaining a lot of popularity.
In Petes, the REVERSE 9 Speed is a fun tranny. There are a lot of "auto" Shifts.

Speed / Governed at?
Most trucks, especially those owned by a company (vs owned by an owner/operator) are governed or "cut back". This means there is a top speed that the truck's computer will allow it to go.
Some Companies have set MAX speeds of as little as 61 mph. Some, no faster than 70. Most between 61-70 flat out on cruise or pedal.
There are people at shops scattered about this Country that will, for a small fee, reset ones Truck Computer to allow for faster speeds however the Communication devices in most Company Trucks will rat you out and you will more often than not LOSE YOUR JOB.

Sleeper style: Double bunk, Single bunk, Stand Up, Mid-Roof/Raised Roof, Flat Top

A double bunk has two beds; the top bunk folds down. These are nice for teams. A single bunk, stand up sleeper just has one bed but has a tall roof, tall enough that a person may stand up completely. A Raised Roof or Mid-Roof sleeper is something between a stand up and a flattop. A Flat Top is not one you can fully stand up in - unless you're relatively short like 4'6"!!

Other features: Cruise Control, Jake Brake, Opti-Idle
Cruise control is usually standard. A Jake Brake is an engine/exhaust/electric retarder that assists in slowing the truck. Opti-idle is a newer option that allows a driver to set a temperature for the cab, like a thermostat, and the truck turns itself on and off to maintain that temperature. Aids in reducing idle time, however increases wear upon the Starter and other Engine components.

How often does company buy new trucks?
Some Companies are every year, some every 2 years, every 5 years, etc..Economics play a large part.

Do I have my truck serviced on the road or at the terminal?
If it’s done on the road, you’ll have extra unpaid down-time just as you will if your terminal is in another city. If your terminal is in your home town (or at least close to) the servicing can be done while you’re at home.

Depends as well upon what the service entails and/or how imminent the need.

WE hope this helps you!!