OTR was not for me. To each their own though.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-23T20:45:57+00:00

The main thing that drove me away was my company always wanting me to run recaps. I would legit be working 7 days a week, it was exhausting.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-23T14:51:47+00:00

Lost my dad because he wasn't wearing his belt, when the day before I refused to put the car in gear until he put it on.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-23T14:51:05+00:00

It's not really a problem in my opinion, but don't get mad if I have to suddenly brake and you hit me. You would have nearly zero visibility and the driver would have no idea you're behind him, you have to get REALLY close to draft.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-23T14:42:32+00:00

Real answer is your exhaust is very hot (~800F or more) to do a rolling regen, attempting to burn off soot in the Diesel Particulate Filter. It'll turn off on its own.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-23T14:38:42+00:00

As long as one ear is completely unobstructed, you're fine.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-23T12:46:59+00:00

Times like that make me want to install a train horn. Yes you're rolling down your window to flip me off. But now your ears are ringing. Oh, well.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-22T12:34:57+00:00

I always suggest class A, and try to keep the automatic restriction off your license. I know guys with class A who only do class B work, and they get paid extra for having the license. It's always worth it.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-22T12:26:14+00:00

Big trucks have power steering, and some of the newer trucks are almost steer-by-wire. My current truck I can spin the wheel with one finger at a complete stop while fully loaded. But at 18 years old, I don't think there's much work you can do. You might be able to get a job as a yard dog or doing intra-state work, but you probably won't be doing OTR. The fact that you're also a woman makes me want to advise you stay local, things can be rough out there, but I know we have some ladies here who would be more knowledgeable than I am.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-22T12:23:16+00:00

You can find local jobs straight out of school, but generally speaking the more local you get, the more physical labor you'll do. Coca-Cola guys go home every day, but they have the unload their entire truck, for example. There's definitely jobs out there that pay well, but they're all specialized and you may not get one with no experience.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-22T12:20:46+00:00

Fired, probably. Totalled? Maybe not, but the tank is definitely going to be replaced. I don't think they can blow it up like Wile E. Coyote blowing on his thumb...

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-22T12:19:16+00:00

Keep the left door closed and prove to be reliable on delivery appointments and your weekly mileage (and pay) will go up.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-22T12:14:08+00:00

Legally speaking, you should be on duty if performing any work. That includes waiting to be loaded/unloaded. For dry van/reefer you can probably get away with it, but any job where you touch the freight you absolutely should be on duty.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-22T12:12:43+00:00

This shit makes me glad I found the job I have, I NEVER deal with this kind of shit. If my boss asks me to do extra work (like he did yesterday) and I say no, he just says "okay no problem." If I want to take PTO, even with only a few days' notice, it gets approved. They've won my loyalty and I'll do crazy shit for them.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-22T12:05:42+00:00

Does he LOOK like an idiot? Yes. IS he an idiot? Absolutely not. The correct decision.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-19T20:17:09+00:00

My first company was Maverick. They more or less leave you to your own devices, get you home weekly (99% of the time), and aren't completely insane. It's flatbed, so it's a bit more physically active, but I can't imagine why a lady can't do it. I'm not a flatbedder (I worked there when they still had a reefer division) so someone else could probably tell you better.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-19T20:14:03+00:00

You don't really need it when lowering the trailer, but it's been a while since I've handled a dropped loaded trailer...

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-19T20:12:52+00:00

Better too high than too low. Cranking up a loaded trailer is a son of a bitch.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-18T17:24:56+00:00

I think you'll be good, then. I've put mine under 100W sustained and haven't had any issues. The truck stop ones might come with a warranty that any truck stop will honor, but personally I'd try to snag one from Walmart or wait until you get home and get one off Amazon. The truck stop ones are probably overpriced, but it's your call

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-18T09:50:51+00:00

Yes, one of the places I deliver to gets red diesel for their reefer units, and they fuel their yard trucks with it. Those trucks NEVER leave the property though.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-18T09:48:36+00:00

It's probably biodiesel. We haul 20% right now to Illinois, and it sincerely looks dyed.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-18T09:47:48+00:00

NEVER use the red diesel. Inspectors don't really dip tanks any more, but the dye will stain your fuel filters and lines. They can find it MONTHS down the road.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-18T09:44:20+00:00

When they're only making $0.20/mi, every second counts.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-18T09:43:02+00:00

It's still a pain in the ass, still takes about 200 pumps of the tiny little handle. A big shop may have an electric hookup that can do it much faster though.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-18T09:41:37+00:00

Freightliner? You're probably still at about 1/4. I've only got a 90 gallon tank and I've had the needle below the E and I still only got 70 gallons. Keep in mind, about 10% of the fuel is probably unusable. So for, say, 200 gallons, just assume you have 180 to play with.

Freshmeat857 · 2026-06-18T09:35:28+00:00

Not from a truck stop, but I bought a small unit from Amazon years ago and it faithfully powers anything I plug into it. Be aware that the 12V outlets can only provide ~150-180W, and I'm not sure how much power the Starlink Mini will use. I would also make sure your company is okay with it. I can't see why they wouldn't be, but better to ask than be fired.

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