Trucking 101

My office

I currently drive a 2015 International Prostar with a 425 HP Cummins ISX-15 and a 10-speed transmission. It has a basic gauge package with many of the same gauges you would find an automobile, with the addition of some truck specific ones like air pressure. The screen on the windshield is my GPS (which I trust as far as I can throw it) and the screen to the left is where I receive my load information, communicate with my dispatcher, and maintain my driving logs.

My house

(sorry, this is the best picture I can get since I can't get back far enough. A truck cab is about 8'X8'). I have a twin sized bunk which is about a 6" mattress. The controls on the wall are for the stereo, bunk lighting ( I even have floor lighting for when I have dance parties), and bunk air conditioning and heat. The bunk AC and heat run off the truck batteries so I don't have to idle. Not shown are a closet, chest of drawers, and overhead storage. It's really quite comfortable and this truck has the best storage I've ever had.

My work

I haul flatbed freight which mainly consists of construction materials, vehicles, and industrial raw materials. I am responsible for the safe securement, positioning, and protection (tarping) of the load. I receive my pick up/delivery times and locations from my dispatcher and it is left up to me to do the rest. There is quite a bit of freedom with this job compared to others and I have gone weeks without talking to my dispatcher. This picture is from a job site delivery in Northeastern Wyoming.

Home away from home

When not at shippers or consignees, I am usually parked at a truck stop or rest area. I also park at my customers if truck parking is available. Most truck stops have showers, laundry, and restaurants available. The big name truck stops are the Pilot, Flying J, T/A, Loves and Petro. I'm usually there for my Federally required 10 hour break (I won't torture you with Federal Hours of Service rules).

Not just a job, but a lifestyle

Just like the postal service, I work in all kinds of weather. It is important for me to keep up on weather conditions for where I am driving so I can plan ahead for bad weather. I work (by Federal regulations) 70 hours in an 8 day period and am away from home for 2-3 weeks at a time. At 2 weeks out, I get 3-4 days off. Other companies run a 1 day home for every week on the road policy. This picture is from Ladd Canyon on I-84 in Oregon.

View from my office

It can be a lonely road and I spend much of my day alone, but yet surrounded by people. I can't complain though; I get paid to look out a window and listen to music all day. I love what I do and can't picture myself doing anything else. If you're really curious about Federal Hours of Service, here is the link: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations
If you have questions, feel free to ask. I've been driving for over 10 years and should be able to honestly answer any questions you may have. Trucking is an industry that the public is exposed to on a daily basis but has very little understanding of.