Trucker's Diary - Life of a gamer on the road

Open

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

Entries
#1 & #2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
#11
#12
#13

1 year ago*

Comment has been collapsed.

90 Comments

Ryahn

Entry #9

Had 3 shows in California, 3rd was a festival. We brought 9 trucks and really should have only brought 4. We were only able to keep 3 at the festival and rest had to go to a truck stop 8 miles away.

After the last show in California, had 3 days to drive to Lubbock, TX. Got to Amarillo in 1 1/2 days of driving and getting my reset in. Currently 2 hours away from Venue and wont able to go park there until around 5am local time.

While I was waiting to get my truck washed and was next in line. I was told that the guy in the bay, had locked himself out of his truck. So those of us who were in line for bay 2, had to backup and get in line for bay 1. Was a headache and spent 2 hours there. Usually only spend about 45 minutes at a truck wash.

Had dinner at Iron Skillet and about 20 minutes later, I got sick. I am allergic to onions and pretty sure, something had them in it and didnt notice. Had an ambulance come and check everything out, since I had a hard time breathing and severe abdominal pains. Ended up spending the night at the hospital and was discharged about 45 minutes ago. Took forever for an uber to show up. Had a fun conversation with the company. They were worried about me and everything but were unsure if they could get a relief driver out to pick my trailer up for the show. Worst case, one of the other drivers would have to drive 2 hours to grab my trailer. But was lucky and got taken care of pretty fast and well.

1 year ago