Comments | soopageek: mmmmm, lookin' for a truck!

soopageek

mmmmm, lookin' for a truck!

Jul 09, 2011 13:14

After spending the July 4th weekend with welfy and her family in western PA, I took a train to Harrisburg, PA. Shaffer Trucking has a terminal in nearby New Kingstown. Shaffer is a subsidiary company of Crete Carrier, with whom I've taken a job. Since Wednesday, I've been in orientation going through the mandatory processes of starting with a new ( Read more... )

trucking

Comments 6

over_unity July 9 2011, 18:47:42 UTC

Not comfortable with a Classic??!!?! Not COMFORTABLE with a Classic? Tell him a former trucker said he may as well pack it in and go home to his Hyundi pony.

I learned on one and I don't know that I'd have switched trucks except maybe in to a Pete 379 (So I could then be one of those Peterbilt assholes) Square long noses defined transports for me and seem marginally safer if you're in moose country. Too many people get worried about the extra length.

Besides, if something's in your way. Just shove it.

soopageek July 9 2011, 21:07:30 UTC

I'm sort of torn. On the one hand, I like driving the bigger trucks for the easy, 95% of what I do: drive. On the other hand, I like the modern trucks for the 5% that's the most stressful part of my job: backing. When it's all said and done, I'm most comfortable in a truck where I don't have a smoke stack right behind my door and can see the rear of my trailer through the window when backing.

over_unity July 11 2011, 02:47:27 UTC

You must be one of those truckers who leans out of the door to back up.

I had to do that a couple times. I admit, having to step all the way out on the running board and use my right leg for the clutch was a bit of a contortion act. The truck was oh so worth it though. I switched up from the classic to the volvo, there was no exhaust in the road and the turning radius was a dream compared to the classic but it seemed a lot like riding a tonka toy in comparison.

welfy July 9 2011, 20:21:04 UTC

I think the rider policy is ridiculous. I know you told me the reasons for it, but considering a lot of companies allow people to ride along, I hate that this one company that seems good otherwise has such strict laws. I'm glad Werner let me ride in the truck with you those couple times. :^)

jenxteen July 10 2011, 15:44:39 UTC

Is the rider thing an insurance issue? With other companies, do people have to sign a waiver before riding with you?

soopageek July 14 2011, 00:06:59 UTC

It's more of a litigation thing. Their logic is that your minor children can't sue the company and your spouse isn't likely to.