P.S. No trucking simulator will not make a good truck driver e_e
Aw man... I've been playing ATS for months now hoping you would notice and invite me to the secret club! ^^
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Thd fact that OP mengioned that learning backing up takes a year explains why I I felt "fuckno" about it in ETS2 and just uswd the automated lol
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I think you might have wanted to reply to the comment below? ^^
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Backing: This will take months, if not a year to master. You will also learn new techniques from other drivers as you go. Trust me, I have put a 73' (feet) semi into places, it should never to.
[...]
P.S. No trucking simulator will not make a good truck driver e_e
ETS2 taught me that I'd never master backing though. 😁
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I like trucking and I was thinking I would like to be one when I was growing up. But I realized that being away from home wont be good for me. I mean I still like long journeys with a car, but if I am limited to only 8 hour drives and have to rest on weekends and sometimes that can happen on side of the road or parking near a highway, it seems highly boring. And doing local runs don't earn that much.
So I will be sticking to the trucking simulators and ignore that it will not make me a good trucker :D
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8 hours before you have to a mandatory 30 minute or greater break and max of 11 hours to drive per day. You also have a 14 hour work clock, max of 14 hours of working per day. Also you dont have to rest on weekends, that's depending on the fleet you are one. Most of the time, I take a 34 hour reset to get my 70 hour clock back. So every 6-8 days, I take 2 days off.
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Pretty interesting insights, especially for someone who's really bad at driving like me.
I remember seeing a documentary about truckers in Kazakhstan, basically they had to sleep in bursts of 1-2 hours to regularly restart the engine and make sure it didn't freeze, because if it did they'd be stranded in the middle of nowhere with nobody to help them and could die from the cold. I was like wow, never thought trucking could be this dangerous.
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Interesting read, thanks for sharing Ryahn.
But when I do have decent internet, I torture you guys with my puzzles.
🤣
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My mind directly goes to the Question about Zarddin!! I was new back then, struggled for a while until google helped me out😅
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Looks like a hard life, not that I was expecting it to read easy.
Trucking is 80% driving, 15% backing and 5% dealing with customers/people.
Sounds very lonely. I love my job but the best part about it is the people I work with. Which, I guess can also make a job a nightmare if the people you work with suck. I don't know if I could do a job that's me and myself for hours every day, days and weeks on end. I don't like myself enough to spend all that time with me XD
Does working on tours make it less lonely in some way? I guess you have more interaction with roadies and other truckers than if you work just merchandise, no?
But getting plenty and quality sleep, is key
Well, that would disqualify me right off anyway.
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Sounds very lonely. I love my job but the best part about it is the people I work with. Which, I guess can also make a job a nightmare if the people you work with suck. I don't know if I could do a job that's me and myself for hours every day, days and weeks on end. I don't like myself enough to spend all that time with me XD
I have people I can call and sometime meet up with at truck stops. But yes, it can be very lonely. But I have a cat with me :)
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Haha look at that cozy cat! You're never really alone if you have a friend with you. Even if they're short on conversation.
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Such a cute companion. I see cats going on more adventures than dogs. I would guess it would be the opposite. But at the same time cats are easier to manage.
All the best, thanks for sharing your work with us :)
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Entry #1:
Arrived in Jones Beach, NY. While taking a nap, Rick (assistant Lead) pounded on my door to wake me up. Since I am hauling rigging, I am the first to be unloaded. I was told to make the left turn wide, as it was very tight. Still being in a bit of stupor, I misjudged the turn and couldn't make it. So I had to back up again and swing wider. At this point, I had to get as close to the concreate barriers as possible and not hit them. After making it through, Steve (Lead) backed me into the tight docks. From here, we had union stage hands and they unloaded the equipment in about 30 minutes. Around 11am EST, I was finally parked and decided to take a name.
Entry #2:
Well, my APU AC unit couldnt keep up with the hot temperature and had to turn on my portable AC unit. Looking at my ThermPro thermometer, it was 92F inside the truck. Took about an hour for the it cool down to 75F. So now, I have to find a way to get some more sleep. As there is a 5 hour drive to Maryland. Hopefully going over the GW Bridge (George Washington) around 1am wont be bad....
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At this point, I had to get as close to the concreate barriers as possible and not hit them.
Damn, it's like ballet dancing with concrete ski boots on!
Have a good nap and drive safe
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P.S. No trucking simulator will not make a good truck driver .... LOL
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please consider me subscribed to Trucker's Diary magazine
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Entry #3
Got woken up by Rick for my meal ticket. We got road food (food to go) from Big Cheese. Got myself a grilled cheese with hamburger on it and fries. Now that I am up, time to either watch anime, play a quick round of Battlebit Remastered.
Looking at google maps, GW bridge is fucked but hopefully it clears up before I leave after load out. Hopefully be out by 1am.
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Wow you slept all of 3 hours and change. Quality sleep :P
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Entry #4
Pretty busy few days. After leaving Jones Beach, we went to Columbia, MD. I volunteered to do a festival with 4 other drivers. Was a straight 8 hour driver after loadout to OH. After reaching OH, I had been up for about 14 hours and stayed up for another 2 for load in. Lets just say that normally at a festival, you parked right behind the stage. The music is load and I mean like they put the speakers next to the truck. You can feel the bass in truck and everything. Well I was so tired, I didnt know it had started until my alarm went off. Got a solid 14 hours of sleep. Loaded out of OH around 2am and just got to Hershey, PA in about 5 hours (speed limit was a suggestion). Now I am here at a truck stop to upload some driving footage driving to Columbia, MD. My go pro died part way through due to not charging it. Hopefully have that up at some point today. Going to be here at the truck stop for about 4 days.
EDIT. Forgot the mention that I got to meet Jelly Roll. I didnt have my phone on me to take a picture but got to get a pic of his trailer...
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Is that your 4 days off? And you spend them at a truck stop?
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Would you go sightseeing at the Capitol with a stretch like that?
Or go get some blueclaw in Baltimore?
Or are you planning to drive 0 miles just on principle that this is your time off?
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Would you go sightseeing at the Capitol with a stretch like that?
No. DC is a few hours away and would have to pay for an Uber. I can take my truck off route unless its approved.
Or go get some blueclaw in Baltimore?
Not sure what this is
Or are you planning to drive 0 miles just on principle that this is your time off?
Next show is only 7 miles away from where I am parked. So wont leave until about 3am day of the show.
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By 'blueclaw' I was referring to crabs.
You're in the right area to get them. I recommend steamed whole, and you eat them by breaking them open with your bare hands (or with the help of small wooden mallet (or an empty glass Coke bottle)). The seasoning goes from the shell to your hands, from your hands to the meat as you go.
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Sadly I cant eat any type of shell fish. I might die e_e
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2022 Freightliner Cascadia. Got it brand new a little over a year ago. Already put 205k miles on it. Company usually switches trucks every 3 years or 400k miles. Which ever comes first.
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First time seeing it.looks cool.we don't have these types of trucks here in jran
Im a pickup truck driver and its so exhausting traveling between cities can't imagine the heavy trucks.
Wish you luck
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Not gonna lie. Sounds hard and like not a life for someone like me.
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Is your truck stop of the moment good for gaming? How's the wifi? Decent and gratis, I hope.
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Wifi is ok. Cell signal for in truck wifi is ok/better.
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yoo, my dad was a short distance trucker so learning about the trade kinda makes me feel closer to him :)
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Entry #5
While hanging out at the truck stop, we decided to go out and check the city out. We ran across a brewery/restaurant and it was awesome. Thank god we didnt drive :3
Also is is an hour long video before my go pro died of my drive to Columbia, MD LINK
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Have you heard of The Rockford Files? It was a 1970's TV show about a private detective. His dad was a retired trucker, always worried over how dangerous P.I. work is, and kept telling his son to give up P.I. work to go into trucking. There's a two-part episode called Gearjammers, referring to truckers. Is that term used these days?
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You dont hear much these days. Some old timers will use the term but it means for a speeding truck driver.
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I was always curious about truck drivers. Such lonely life.
If you don't mind answering my questions, here it goes:
- What equipment do you usually take with you? like what is in your backpack?
- Where and how do you sleep? are there specific stops that you always go to?
- What's going on with the extravagant truck paintings? were they allowed by the company to do that, or do they own the truck? I imagine you'd want to be as much discreet as possible.
- Have you ever given a lift to someone? Any interesting story?
- Can you tell us more about the cargo do you carry? or it's just band equipment?
- And have you ever carried anything that you knew it was illegal?
- What is your best memory while driving so far?
- Are trucks more comfortable than cars?
- Have you ever had thieves trying to steal the cargo? Everywhere you go, you get noticed.
- Do you plan on having another kitty on the road?
- Any accidents that you want to tell?
- If you had one thing you could suggest to the American Truck Simulator developers, what would it be?
- Sorry if I sound like an asshole, but I had to ask. There's an idea that truck drivers have some unflattering tattoos, classic's like "mother's love" or chicks they meet on the road. Is this true?
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What equipment do you usually take with you? like what is in your backpack?
Each truck driver is different. I am out 8-10 months of the year and I have most of what I need to pretty much live in here. Microwave, air fryer, fridge, tv, wifi, apple tv, etc
Where and how do you sleep? are there specific stops that you always go to?
I sleep in my truck. I have a twin xl size bed in here. I have a $2000 mattress. I usually cant sleep on much else other than this one. I do have some specific truck stops I like to go to, if I am in area. But I will usually try to stop at a Loves or Pilot/Flying J.
What's going on with the extravagant truck paintings? were they allowed by the company to do that, or do they own the truck? I imagine you'd want to be as much discreet as possible.
Truck painting? Do you mean the decals on the side? The company I work for, likes to have graffiti type stuff on their trailers and trucks.
Have you ever given a lift to someone? Any interesting story?
Company policy is no passengers unless its family for very close friends. We have to fill out a waiver and get approved. I have too many stories.
Can you tell us more about the cargo do you carry? or it's just band equipment?
Depends on the size of the tour. This one has 12 trucks on it. 2xBackline (instruments, etc), Rigging, 2xLighting, 2xAudio, 2xProduction, 2xB-Stage and Catering.
And have you ever carried anything that you knew it was illegal?
What happens on tour, stays on tour.
What is your best memory while driving so far?
Doing a memorial convoy for a good friend of mines, grand dad. 48 years driving a truck.
Are trucks more comfortable than cars?
In some ways
Have you ever had thieves trying to steal the cargo? Everywhere you go, you get noticed.
While on tour, no. Hauling freight, yes. Usually anything alcohol or tobacco related, you get followed a lot.
Do you plan on having another kitty on the road?
No
Any accidents that you want to tell?
Never been involved in any but have witnessed many
If you had one thing you could suggest to the American Truck Simulator developers, what would it be?
Havently played it.
Sorry if I sound like an asshole, but I had to ask. There's an idea that truck drivers have some unflattering tattoos, classic's like "mother's love" or chicks they meet on the road. Is this true?
We do tend to have some unique tattoos and apparel we wear. There are lot lizards in some places but its rare.
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Thanks for answering everything :)
Each truck driver is different. I am out 8-10 months of the year and I have most of what I need to pretty much live in here. Microwave, air fryer, fridge, tv, wifi, apple tv, etc
Didn't realise trucks are like motorhomes, so many amenities man :D
I sleep in my truck. I have a twin xl size bed in here. I have a $2000 mattress. I usually cant sleep on much else other than this one. I do have some specific truck stops I like to go to, if I am in area. But I will usually try to stop at a Loves or Pilot/Flying J.
I feel you. I can sleep only on certain mattresses too, and I’ve tried the floor :P
Truck painting? Do you mean the decals on the side? The company I work for, likes to have graffiti type stuff on their trailers and trucks.
I meant the decals yes. Always thought it was paint. So the companies are ok with it?
Doing a memorial convoy for a good friend of mines, grand dad. 48 years driving a truck.
The convoy sounds like a great memory to have.
We do tend to have some unique tattoos and apparel we wear. There are lot lizards in some places but its rare.
it seems there is some truth to the story then!!
If you feel like answering some more:
- Have you always wanted to be a truck driver? How do you ended up in this type of job?
- How did you even get started with gaming? I was surprised you had time to play games.
- What's your gaming setup like? laptop, steam deck?
- When extreme weather hits, do you stop or continue? Is the truck prepared for it? like snow, wind, thunderstorms, etc
- Do you cook often, what is your typical food on the road?
- How about the bathroom? Where do you piss or take a shower? 😛
- Due to the long hours, wouldn't it be better if there were two drivers per truck, so you could switch and rest in between? or is there some specific reason this is not the norm?
- How long can everything stay turned on, without the truck’s battery dying? all those appliances must be power hungry
- How's the logistics of checking in and checking out cargo? Is it a simple process (or has it become simpler), or still too much paperwork?
- Any favourite landscape or place you discovered during trips?
- Is there an inside joke that everyone knows? if yes, could you let us know?
- Has anyone drove next to you, and then try to distract you while you're driving? this is what we see in the movies lol
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I meant the decals yes. Always thought it was paint. So the companies are ok with it?
Yes
Have you always wanted to be a truck driver? How do you ended up in this type of job?
Yes and no. Family has always had a few truck drivers. I grew up around it. I didnt get fully interested in the job until I was in the Army and drove them in combat for 4 years. So after I got out of the Army, I just transferred my military license over to a CDL A.
How did you even get started with gaming? I was surprised you had time to play games.
Been playing games since I was small. Started on NES, Super NES, Dreamcast, N64, etc. Played even more while serving in the Army. Then I just find free time to play an hour or two before I sleep.
What's your gaming setup like? laptop, steam deck?
I use to have a desktop in here but had to downsize. I have pretty beefy laptop now that I use. It can handle VR games and the likes. Spent about $5000 on it.
When extreme weather hits, do you stop or continue? Is the truck prepared for it? like snow, wind, thunderstorms, etc
Depends on how extreme it is but I usually do stop and wait for the roads to be cleared or for the weather to pass. I have chains I can use for snow (not ice). I can drive through about 2-3 feet of water and handle winds up to 40-50mph fully loaded (40 tons or 80,000 lbs). I typically will not drive in windows over 40mph. As for normal thunderstorms, typically I can just drive through them but depends on how heavy the rain is and wind.
Do you cook often, what is your typical food on the road?
Yes and just do simple meals
How about the bathroom? Where do you piss or take a shower?
Depends on location. If I am in the middle of no where. I will take a piss or shit out in the field. I have a portable toilet with me. Showers are at all truck stops and some rest area. If I cant get to one, I make my own in the truck. 5 gal bucket with cold water and a drain on the side with a shower head. I drape 2 shower curtains into a large container and just go to town.
Due to the long hours, wouldn't it be better if there were two drivers per truck, so you could switch and rest in between? or is there some specific reason this is not the norm?
Yes team driving is the best thing to do. However, this comes at a huge risk. You have to be able to truck the other person driving and get along with them. Most drivers prefer to be solo due to the fact they have to worry about a second person. Being solo, I can stop whenever I want, go where ever, be as rough on the road, etc. When you have a second driver, you have to drive like it was you sleeping back there. Most trucks have bunks in them. You can get these taken out and have more storage put in.
How long can everything stay turned on, without the truck’s battery dying? all those appliances must be power hungry
2 solutions. Either idle your truck or have an APU (Axillary Power Unit). I have an APU. Its like a little diesel motor that runs a small generator. It keeps the batteries charged and provides power for everything else. I have built in outlets in the bunk area.
How's the logistics of checking in and checking out cargo? Is it a simple process (or has it become simpler), or still too much paperwork?
Every shipper and receiver is different. Some have little or no paper work (digital), while others have 50 sheets of paper. Some check in/out processes are easy, others are pain.
Any favourite landscape or place you discovered during trips?
There are a few small places but those are for me to know :P
Is there an inside joke that everyone knows? if yes, could you let us know?
SWIFT. They are the meme of trucking.
Has anyone drove next to you, and then try to distract you while you're driving? this is what we see in the movies lol
Only time this happens, is when some woman is showing me her tits. But rarely happens.
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I use to have a desktop in here but had to downsize. I have pretty beefy laptop now that I use. It can handle VR games and the likes. Spent about $5000 on it.
That is a lot of money! Since you have a TV, you can always get a mini PC. They tend to be much cheaper than beefy laptops, with better cooling.
Depends on how extreme it is but I usually do stop and wait for the roads to be cleared or for the weather to pass. I have chains I can use for snow (not ice). I can drive through about 2-3 feet of water and handle winds up to 40-50mph fully loaded (40 tons or 80,000 lbs). I typically will not drive in windows over 40mph. As for normal thunderstorms, typically I can just drive through them but depends on how heavy the rain is and wind.
😮 Impressive!
Only time this happens, is when some woman is showing me her tits. But rarely happens.
Distracting truck drivers is a fun activity it seems.
Are there any truck driving clubs, like there are for motorcycles? 😄
Further to that, there are also so many movies about motorcycles but not many about trucks. If you know any, let me know.
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🚛 Convoy (1978)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077369/
Was on german telly a lot in the '80s and '90s
And of course 🚚 🚓 Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076729/
They're kind of cheesy fun but like you said, not many truck themed movies.
Or series.
There was a huge 🇩🇪 german TV Series called "Auf Achse" which apparently ran for 16 years and 86 episodes!
Which literally means "On axle"
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076980/
I definitely remember watching quite a few episodes and it was like seeing Europe from the comfort of your living room 😉
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Sorry for the late reply (forgot to check). Thanks for the suggestions, haven't seen any. I like cheesy 😁
The german TV show looks specially interesting.
I would like to see something in the lines of reality as well. Like showing the daily lives of normal people, along with truck's capabilities. And how they manage the lonely life.
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Are there any truck driving clubs, like there are for motorcycles?
OOIDA is really the only thing I can think of. Its not really a club.
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I imagine that ETS2's helicopter camera for backing up isn't a thing IRL?
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Entry #6
Here in Hershey, PA and planned on touring around the park here but its too damn hot. Its 97F with 70% humidity. Opted to just chill with the other drivers and talk shit to one on another. Will have to drive 8 hours to Brooklyn, MI for a festival, then to Chicago, IL for another festival the next day. After that, we have 5 days to make it to Ridgefield, WA. The only thing is, I have to make a stop in Monmouth, IL to get the trailer rewrapped with the new sponsor. So its going to make it even tighter drive. Its about 2129 miles from Monmouth to Washington.
Will probably have another driving video up later next week of the drive from PA > MI > IL > WA.
EDIT
Forgot that we will be get all new trucks on the fleet. Equipment Operations Manger from the company is stopping to talk to us on what we need.
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Entry #7
I will be sure to get pics. We are getting the trailers unwrapped to get rewrapped later during the tour, with a new sponsor. Going to be a fund 2000 mile drive to WA. Have to be there on 7/20 before 7am. I have 9 hours driving footage that I will be editing and uploading once its done. Just to show what I go through on the road. Nothing really exciting.
Here is when I arrived
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Entry #8
Pretty beat driving to Ridgefield, WA. Drove 700+ miles for 2 days and 620 miles the third day. Venue doesnt start until the 20th and got here at 1am PST on the 19th. Going to be nice to have a day off to relax. Was pretty uneventful on the way. The only thing worth mentioning, is a roll over I came up on.
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Preface
Those of you who know what I do for my job and have taken part in my wonderful puzzles, this might interest you (maybe). For those who don't like puzzles or read anything I post or comment on, I am truck driver in the US.
About
I have been driving a trucker for a little over 4 years now. 3 years of it, I have been in the tour side (concerts, etc), hauling equipment for bands and artists. I am an avid gamer but most of the time, I dont have a stable internet connection and have to play offline a lot. But when I do have decent internet, I torture you guys with my puzzles.
Trucking In General
I have been asked this in private steam chats, discord, etc about what it takes to be a truck driver and can anyone do it. Trucking is 80% driving, 15% backing and 5% dealing with customers/people.
Technically yes, anyone can do it. BUT you need to have a pretty clean driving record and background. Some companies will over look certain things from years ago, while others wont. As for your background, its all about felonies. Depending on the company, it will depend on what it is. Also you will have to not be intimidated by driving a vehicle that is an 80k road missile. It will take practice. You will also need to pass your states CDL test and get your permit. After that, you need to find a place to train at. Some have 2-4 week programs, others have 6 month ones. I personally would go with the one that gives the most road time with a trainer.
Its a life style. You first year with any training company, you are expected to be out 4-8 months minimum before you get home time. After this, you will just need to find the right company or fleet within that company. Once you find the right fleet for company that gives you the home time you want or length you have to stay out, stick with it. The first year is rough. This industry is not know to hold hands or pamper to care bears. You will need thick skin, decent common sense/level head and ask questions. I have seen too many times, someone quit because of something small. 90% of the time, it was because they didnt question what they thought was wrong. 99% of all dispatchers/Drive Managers (DM), etc have never driven a truck. As such, they don't understand what goes on out on the road. So question anything that you think is wrong or if you have a question in general. /rant
Learning. Never stop. Always try to talk to old timers or people who have been driving for 20, 30 or 40+ years. Trust me, they will know a thing or two that could help you. Like using vice gripes to pinch off an air line to your air brakes, to keep them from locking up when there is a massive air leak.
Take time off. I personally have a bad habit of staying out 8-10 months and taking 2 weeks off and repeat. I personally love what I do (not married). You will want to take time off when you can. If you land a gig where you can work 6 hours a day and be home on weekends, with decent pay. Stay with it. If you prefer to be out 3 weeks and home for 4 days, take it. You can sometime negotiate with your DM, on how long you stay out and how many days you can take off. 90% of what I hear, for every 1 week your out = 1 day off. Now most places wont let you bank those days. So you plan on saying out for 18 weeks and taking 18 days off, probably wont happen.
In the end, I would say the hardest part(s) for new drivers:
Logs: It can be a pain to learn how your 8 hour, 11 hour, 14 hour and 70 hour clock all work. You will get it over time. Then learning when to use Yard Move and Personal Conveyance. How to do sleeper splits and recaps.
Backing: This will take months, if not a year to master. You will also learn new techniques from other drivers as you go. Trust me, I have put a 73' (feet) semi into places, it should never to.
Long Drives: This the bread and butter. You will have to find ways to keep awake towards the end of your shits. But getting plenty and quality sleep, is key. Also not relying on sugar or energy drinks, helps a lot. I personally listen to audio books. By the time a 10 hour book is over, your ready to shutdown for the day.
This is a good read LINK
I will update this with things that happen or events while on the road. Also feel free to ask questions. P.S. No trucking simulator will not make a good truck driver e_e
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