Falsifying Driver’s Logs
Here’s an interesting topic on “Falsifying Driver’s Logs” that rarely gets talked about. 🤷♂️
When I first got my CDL I was hired on by a company that instructed me to falsify my driver’s logs if I worked over 12 hours. The company used a DOT loop hole that allowed carriers to use manual driver’s logs instead of an electronic log book if the drivers worked less then 12 hours. 📖
The penalties for a driver getting caught falsifying drivers logs can be severe that include DMV points and losing your CDL. But whatever the penalties, this violation will stay on a driver’s record. 🪪
As a new driver I did what I was told until I had enough experience to move on to another company like I already planned. Lucky for me I never got caught and I ended up representing a class action lawsuit that cost the company $200k. 💰
If you were in my position as a new driver and you needed the experience, would you falsify your drivers logs to satisfy the company’s request? 🤔
https://youtu.be/FUzxjZvSUpA?si=X3wOkitfIGhJS4rC
#trucking #trucker #career #advice #jobcase #jobsearch #motivation
A Female driver’s trucking experience
Here’s a short YouTube video of a female driver detailing her experience and the action she takes to overcome hurdles as a women in a male dominated industry. 👩 🚛
From my personal experience as a truck driver, I can personally say women are truly respected by male truck drivers in the industry. At times they are treated as one of the guys just like any other driver. 🤝
I was personally inspired by a female driver when I first got my CDL and a woman is responsible for me wanting to work inside the Los Angeles ports. If it wasn’t for her, I probably would have never started working inside the ports. 🪪
If you’re a woman that is interested in getting your CDL, I highly recommend that you do. 👌
Are there any women that that may be interested in getting a CDL? If so feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️
https://youtu.be/ELyWvLQiZrs?si=ukIOL-pRQCden3U3
#truckdriver #trucker #career #motivation #advice #jobsearch
Tanker Driver vs. Flatbed Driver pay comparison
Here’s a YouTube video comparing Tanker Driver & Flatbed Driver compensation. 💰
As a Tanker driver myself out of Los Angeles, my pay is $40 per hour, OT after 40 hours, and free employee stock option that can be an additional $10k-20k annually. I generally work 60 hours 5 days a week. I can work extra days if I want to, but I like to have my days off to work on other projects and get some R&R in. We work 5 days on 2 days off, 5 days on 3 days off and get weekends off every 2 1/2 months. ✅
Far as benefits go I can get free HMO benefits for myself, or PPO insurance for $150 a month. I pay for the PPO insurance so I can choose a doctor or clinic anywhere I want. I also get dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability. My company is the 2nd highest paying tanker carrier in the nation and it took me a year and a half to get in. ✅
If you’re a commercial driver I recommend getting into the fuel industry because you can make in between $130k-$160k annually. 🚛⛽️
Any questions or concerns feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️
Trucker GPS Apps
For you new drivers out there, it’s important to know what routes you can take when driving a tractor & trailer. 🚛 Going off truck routes can lead to a point on your DMV record and up to $1,000 fine. 💵
In February a Los Angeles County Sheriff from the “Commercial” unit pulled me over for going off the truck route. I was lucky to only get a violating a city ordinance for $230 and zero points on my DMV record. 👮♂️
Here are several GPS apps cater specifically to truckers, offering features tailored to the needs of commercial vehicle drivers. 🗺️
CoPilot Truck GPS provides truck-specific routing based on vehicle dimensions, weight, and load type, along with offline maps and real-time traffic information. ✅
Trucker Path features truck-optimized routing and navigation, detailed information on truck stops, rest areas, weigh stations, and fuel prices, as well as real-time updates on parking availability and traffic conditions. ✅
Sygic Truck GPS Navigation is designed for large vehicles with routes based on truck size, weight, and cargo type, and offers offline maps and real-time traffic updates, along with information on truck-specific POIs and restrictions. ✅
SmartTruckRoute delivers real-time truck routing based on vehicle dimensions and load type, providing live traffic updates and weather conditions, and featuring truck-specific points of interest and fuel price comparisons. ✅
Hammer offers truck-specific navigation with routes avoiding restricted roads and low bridges, including real-time traffic and weather updates, and allowing for multi-stop trip planning and fuel optimization. ✅
PTV Navigator provides truck-legal navigation with customizable routes based on vehicle dimensions, offline maps, and real-time traffic information, along with truck-specific points of interest and route planning tools. ✅
Route4Me is primarily a route planning app but offers truck-specific routing options, allowing for multi-stop trip optimization and route customization, and providing real-time updates and dynamic re-routing. ✅
These apps are available on both iOS and Android platforms and offer a range of subscription plans and features to cater to the specific needs of truckers. 📱
Any questions or concerns feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️
Tips on how to back a tractor and trailer
Here’s a video on how to back up a tractor and trailer. 🚛
These tips are important and will help you pass the DMV skills test. 📝
Any questions or concerns feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️
Doubles & Triples Test
Here’s a YouTube video that will help you study for the “Doubles & Triples” endorsement. 📝
California doesn’t allow for triples to be hauled, but places like Arizona and Texas do allow it. I recommend checking with your state laws. ✅
When I first got my Doubles & Triples endorsement, I thought I would never haul Doubles, but here I am 2 years later hauling Doubles. I must say it’s a lot easier to haul doubles then it is a 40ft trailer. With doubles you don’t need to make such wide turns like you would a 40ft, 45ft, or 53 footer. 🚛
I recommend just getting all your endorsements even if you convince yourself you don’t want to haul any of the endorsements. You never know when a great opportunity might fall into your lap that requires these endorsements. Better to have them ahead of time and be flexible for the next opportunity. ✅
Any questions or concerns feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️
DMV Tankers Endorsement Test
Here’s another YouTube video that will help you study for the “Tankers Endorsement” test. 📝
Any questions or concerns about getting a Class A feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️
Boom Truck
I recently came across a job listing for a “Boom Truck” operator that requires only a Class B license. 🪪 It looks like an operator needs to get certified to operate a crane. 🏗️
I noticed the position payed $32 an hour which is not bad for a Class B CDL. If this is something you’d be interested I recommend looking into the demand for Boom Truck operator’s. This is used in the construction industry, so this could get slow during the Winter season. 🦺 🥶
Any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️
5 Tips to Pass a DOT Physical
Since I took a DOT physical for my new fuel tanker position today, I thought I’d share some information that will help you pass a DOT physical. 👨⚕️
Eat healthy at least 1 month before your physical. ✅
Engage in physical activities like exercising. ✅
Know your numbers like your blood pressure. ✅
Know your health history. ✅
Don’t drink or eat sugary foods before your physical. ✅
Any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️
Average Day Delivering Fuel
Since I just recently landed a fuel delivery position, I thought I’d YouTube a bunch of videos of drivers delivering fuel. ⛽️
Educating myself before I start training will give me an advantage. I always do this before I start day 1 and I highly recommend anyone starting a new job to do this. You’ll impress your trainer and management on how easily you pick up on the job duties. 🚛
Any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️