|
 |
|
|
| Joined: |
Mar 11, 2008 06:03 PM |
| Last Post: |
Feb 22, 2012 10:52 AM |
| Last Visit: |
Feb 26, 2012 01:14 PM |
| Avatar: |
Is it worth the time and effort to worry about it?
|
|
View User Blog
Send Private Message
|
Dawdles has contributed to 194 posts out of 3925 total posts
(4.94%) in 1,895 days (0.10 posts per day).
20 Most recent posts:
Signing up to be mentor for others and to receive mentoring. Thank you
(Member I'd 10489 D).Don't sweat the small stuff....and remember, it is all small stuff!
Signing up to be mentor for others and to receive mentoring. Thank you
(Member I'd 10489 D).Don't sweat the small stuff....and remember, it is all small stuff!
Lori,
Check with a community college and see if they offer a CDL refresher course. Many of the large carriers (and even small carriers) are not going to hire without verifiable tractor trailer experience within the last 2 years. or a certified retraining program (that is an insurance deal unfortunately). Some community colleges offer these courses (may be able to get financial aid to help with tuition) and some even work with companies in the area for placement opportunties.
Let me know how it goes...and if we need to revisit this and come up with more ideas, we can do that!
Good luck
Dawdles
(Member I'd 10489 D).Don't sweat the small stuff....and remember, it is all small stuff!
Oops..I forgot...if she could work with one person for a few days that would help her develop the rhythm ....
ALSO...STAY AWAY FROM THE SIMULATOR!! they are not reliable and in my opinion, they are not very realistic and cover up the mistakes that are SUPER OBVIOUS in a real truck
(Member I'd 10489 D).Don't sweat the small stuff....and remember, it is all small stuff!
I had the same problem!!! LOL....and here is how my instructors broke me of the problem:::
UPSHIFT...it is a rhythm.... 1, 2, 3, 4 count
clutch (press clutch and hold it) neutral(Shift to neutral take foot off clutch)
Clutch (press clutch and hold) Shift (Put it in gear)
You have to repeat the rhythm..clutch neutral clutch shift...clutch neutral clutch shift
repeat it outloud or have a partner or instructor chant with her while she is doing the motion and remember to take your foot ALL the way off the clutch...there is free play int eh clutch that will break the rhythm if the clutch is not let all the way out......
DOWNSHIFT.....another rhythm (different from above but same pattern and timing) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
clutch, neutral, rev, clutch, shift
clutch, neutral, rev, clutch, shift
again repeat it with her...chant if you gotta.
it took me a while to figure out the downshift....upshift was easy for me...it was the "rev" part on the down shift that I messed up on. (you gotta make sure your foot is ALL the way off the clutch before you rev)
Also, dont let her rush...I used the breath rhythm..breath in (Clutch) breath out (Neutral) etc...(and still do) each breath is a step...she cant rush her breathing or she will hyperventilate....
hope it helps and tell her dont give up. (I was the only girl in my driving class as well!)
Good luck to you and thanks for seeking help support!!
let us know how she does.
(Member I'd 10489 D).Don't sweat the small stuff....and remember, it is all small stuff!
HI...this is a pretty touchy situation. But I do have several suggestions....
First, go for a DOT CMV driver physical. They will explain what limitations that you have and if it is even possible to obtain your medical card. There is a waiver protocol that must be completed in order to qualify for a medical card if you have limitations and that information can be found on the FMCSA.gov website.
Once you have received your medical card, then you can begin the search for a training carrier. Unfortunately, no CDL training school that I know of is going to be able to accomodate or supply the type of modified vehicle you have described for training. You may have to supply the modified vehicle yourself. I dont know that for sure. Simply a thought and observation.
As for carriers, again, I dont know for sure but it may be a matter of lease/purchase a vehicle and modify it to meet your needs (at your cost). I know that companies will make what they consider "reasonable modifications" for a driver; however, it is what they consider reasonable and cost effective.
these are just some thoughts on the subject. I know it probably really does not help but it is something to think about.
(Member I'd 10489 D).Don't sweat the small stuff....and remember, it is all small stuff!
Ladymidnite1,
Congrats on your decision to enter the industry!! I personally did what you want to do. I have no children at home and did not have many personal belongings, so to speak. My husband and I went to a new company after being owner operators and for the first 3 years, we simply "lived on the road". When we wanted some time off, we took it where we wanted to and did what we wanted too. It was nice to be "foot loose and fancy free".
It was also a real logistical trick!! Remember that you still get mail, still have driver license and medical appointments and just all the other stuff that goes with day to day living and then you throw living on the road and still trying to do it....it can get tough.
I would be happy to chat with you about this....give me a shout...email rwdssd7@aol.com (Use Women in trucking in the subject line)
have a great day,
Dawdles
(Member I'd 10489 D).Don't sweat the small stuff....and remember, it is all small stuff!
Soooo easy and soooo yummy!!!
1 pack of country ribs (the ones with no bones)
Put them in the crock pot and cook with just a tad of water until they are tender. (I cook mine 10 hours on low in the crock pot)
when they are done, take them out of the juices, and place in aluminum pan lined with foil. Pour B B Q sauce over the ribs and put them in the cooler or refrigerator over night.
Take them out, pop them in the crock pot for an hour or until hot, or place them in a Burton stove and let them glaze with hot BBQ sauce....so easy and yummy!!!
(Member I'd 10489 D).Don't sweat the small stuff....and remember, it is all small stuff!
This can be made quick in a crock pot...takes about 1 hour if you use fresh/thawed cheese ravioli; about 1 and 1/2 if it is frozen
(this recipe is supposed to be spicy so spices are to personal taste and I prefer mine not really thick...you can substitue tomato sauce if you would like it more like a soup)
2 can of fire roasted stewed tomatoes chopped and drained
2 can black beans (drained)
1 small can tomato paste
splash of water
1 package of cheese (or meat) ravioli
cumin, salt, pepper to taste
place in crock pot (dont forget the liner for easy clean up) and squish it together...allow to cook together for until hot and flavors have mingled...season to taste
add ravioli and allow to cook until hot.
can garnish with parmesan cheese
(makes about 4-6 servings) Serve with butter bread or a small salad.
(Member I'd 10489 D).Don't sweat the small stuff....and remember, it is all small stuff!
I make this in the crock pot...setting on LOW and let it cook for 11 to 12 hours (when hubby is running his shift and I am sleeping)
1 large crock pot with hook closure lid (I got mine at Wal-mart for 30.00)
1 crock pot liner for easy clean up
1 pack of lean stew meat (or diced chicken)
1 can of green beans
1 can of chuck potatoes (sliced works too)
1 can of carrots and peas
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 small can of tomato paste (or you can use bar b q sauce your choice)
1 can of mushrooms
Seasoning: a splash of water, a dash of salt and pepper and a quick shake of season all. You can also use the stew meat seasoning pack.
Drain all the veggies and dump it all in the crock pot.
Let it simmer its way to being done.
You can also add a box of whole wheat pasta about 30-45 minutes before you eat. it will thicken in up and make it more hardy.
In a large crock pot, this recipe makes about 6-8 servings and reheats in a Burton stove Beautifully!!!
Serve with butter bread and it is a wonderful winter lunch.
(Member I'd 10489 D).Don't sweat the small stuff....and remember, it is all small stuff!
Dont forget me!!!
Bio:
"Dawdles" runs team with her husband and "baby dog" driving 48 states and enjoying every minute. When she is not cruising the highways with her 53' trailer, she enjoys visiting her grandchildren, Nascar, football, reading and even being domestic occasionally. While her recipes are not complicated, they are delicious and even good for you! Eating healthy and being healthy are very important and she tries and usually succeeds in doing both, always with a smile and never at a rush.
(Member I'd 10489 D).Don't sweat the small stuff....and remember, it is all small stuff!
Sandy...I have tried the plastic tool box and it worked WONDERFUL in the Columbia...I have a goofy Cascadia now and the side box is all strange because the fire extinguisher sits in the middle of the box. and it is not really tall....UGH. I use a crate for the sprays and it works well but finding a "tool box" or kit has been a challenge!!
(Member I'd 10489 D).Don't sweat the small stuff....and remember, it is all small stuff!
Sherri,
So glad to have you and nice to meet you. Unfortunately, I dont get here as much as I should but am always available on FB or by cell...can give that info privately.
Susan
(Member I'd 10489 D).Don't sweat the small stuff....and remember, it is all small stuff!
I carry pretty much the same stuff...plus a can of brake cleaner (for emergency clean ups), can of motorkote, rolls of tape (duct, gorilla, strapping, packing and red/green/black electrical). Tin snips, different length zip ties, small roll of wire and electrical connectors.
It would be wonderful to find a tool bag that keeps stuff sorted niceless so it doesn't just gwt thrown in the bag. I have tried the hard cases, bags etc. Any suggestions
(Member I'd 10489 D).Don't sweat the small stuff....and remember, it is all small stuff!
Sandy...Just curious but where are you getting your information...Everything I have read shows these are only recommendations that still have to go through all the processes for rule making. (Comment periods,etc). I am not doubting you, just curious because I heard an interview with several members of the review board and they are saying nothing is set in stone, these are just general ideas and "recommendations".
Personally I dont have a problem with any of it. On the surface and what information I have read and heard, It is my opinion, they (the government) is simply focusing on what we are all wanting...making our industry safer.
Until I know that this has gone to Rule making, I am with holding my final opinion but curious as to your sources since I did not see them cited anywhere.
Thanks
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
Sandy,
I guess I misspoke when I said "economy". The term "freight volume" would have been more appropriate. It is my opinion because of lower freight volumes, companies are diversifying more into areas that they normally would not venture. For example, because of lower freight volumes, the company I work for is not able to offer the 90% no touch or drop/hook freight which what was advertised when we hired on. Now we are maybe 60% no touch or drop and hook. Companies are hauling different loads now that what they used to because the freight is not there.
Because of this lower freight volume and more diversified/different loads, companies are expecting their drivers to be more than just "truck drivers". Of course loads have always needed braced, load locked, loaded and unloaded. But many drivers are not used to doing such work because if it is a different kind of freight than what they normally haul.
Now that being said, do I think that companies should expect their existing drivers to immediately be able to meet the physical requirements...No not necessarily. But they should give their drivers fair warning if they decide to begin testing, so drivers can take the necessary steps to prepare themselves. Companies should also list in their hiring protocol that strength testing is required.
As for a company making accomodations...in my opinion, a company should not have to make accomodations for drivers who were hired as general duty drivers. Our company has hired some drivers knowing they have limitations. Fine. The company made that choice when they hired these folks (and they are great drivers); however, these drivers also know and accept that their miles may be lower than the fleet average. They dont complain and everyone in that situation is happy.
Now that being said, if a driver is hired as a general class driver (meaning htey are able to be dispatched on any and all loads) and then call in and say I cant do the job...well, it is a problem. it is a huge financial loss to the company if that is the only truck in the area. If the driver can't do the job they are dispatched on and hired to do and the company has to pull them out, dispatch another truck to the load and send the driver to another load...well that is plenty of empty miles that have to be driven and the company looses money. In some cases, shippers will charge a fee to the company for delay of loading and the receiver could also penalize the company for late load. (this depends on how contracts are written) With the economy being tough right now, companies aer working on a tight margin and can not afford the unnecessary expense of a driver not able to do the job they were hired to do. '
Finally, the ADA states "An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment." It also states that "Title I requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide qualified individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from the full range of employment-related opportunities available to others... It restricts questions that can be asked about an applicant's disability before a job offer is made, and it requires that employers make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities" (www.ADA.gov)
Okay so that being said....if a driver is hired and there is no known physical limitation...meaning he does not state at hire that he can not do the physical aspects of the job because of a disability as defined above then no accomodations have to be made. Not being able to lift 75# as required by the company is NOT a disability. if the limitation is not obvious, it is the EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY to inform the employer. If the employer then determines the employee does not meet the job requirements they can offer another position that the person is capable of doing, or make the necessary accomodations for that person to do the job...if they can.
I do agree with you that training facilities should also be doing strength testing for the reasons you have stated. I also think that the term "truck driver" is a misnomer. We do so much more than just drive a truk up and down the highway and people have a perception that when they come to the industry...all they are going to do is cruise up and down the open road is a big fast shiny rig and never ahve to do any real work. So if we could rename ourselves....maybe that would help with the perception.
JMO
susan
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
I guess I always knew I could do it...my problem was in really putting it into action. Before when I backed up, if I fouled up, hubby would help me out. When I was solo...well there was no hubby to fix it for me. I had to either reset up, or figure out what I did wrong and fix it myself.
It does feel amazing though to realize that God forbid something did happen and we could not run together.....well, i could still earn a good living out here doing the same job.
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
Sandy, while I agree with the a lot of guys are out of work here is my thought.
I just picked up steel coils and had to build the bracework in the trailer, handle a 50# air powered nail gun, yank heavy pieces of wood and stack build and nail. This is not a "normal" load for us. This is something our new flatbed division handles but they had the laod it had to be hauled. The dock guys no longer build the frames. It is driver responsibility and you don't have hours to do it. I deliver tonight and who do you think has to use the crow bar and break down the frame work. I do. You said yourself you just delivered coils and had tpo play with the nail gun
My point is this...the economy is tough. Companies are branching out and that means they are hauling loads that before they would not have. It also means that drivers are going to be asked to do things other than just driving. So what do companies do of a driver calls and says I can't do this. I'm not strong enough to handle the equipment. They have committed to haul the laod and it is a huge economic/reputation impacy to pull the drivers out and hope the next one can handle the job. So what do they do...they hire drivers that can handle all aspects of the job.
Jmo
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
Well, the last several days have been interesting for sure. Our company asked us to run solo for this week. And I had some really interesting observations not only about those around me but myself.
I noticed in myself that I was more confident, gave off a more confident attitude. because of that other drivers reacted differently to me. In the three days that I ran alone, I stopped in places I have heard others say were a problem (West memphis AR being one of them) Well at these places, I backed up, parked, showered, ate dinner walked the dog....everything that a driver needs to do when they stop for the night. No one bothered me, harassed me, ridiculed me or laughed at me. I had one driver offer to spot for me in backing in. I said thank you, took the help and when he told me nice job..i said I know. we laughed.
Receivers were equally as nice. But then honestly I have never had a problem with shippers/receivers; I treat them with respect, they treat me with respect. Anyway...
I guess this is my observation...I think i acted different than when I am teaming. I have no one to fall back on if I get into a jam. I have to think it out, think it forward, plan ahead. All the decisions and consequences are mine. I think people (including other drivers) picked up on that and reacted different to me....I think some even saw me as more of an equal.
Anyway, it was interesting, it was fun, it was tiring, and I dont like my own company enough to do it all the time. it was a nice break and a fun adventure. Now I am ready to get on with my real life and get rolling again.
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
Ellen,
You have asked a valid and important question....is it discrimination? And in my opinion, NO! FMCSA set minimum standards for drvier qualifications. Companies are allowed to set their own standards for hiring criteria. Whether it be for workman comp issues, or cost related to health insurance, companies can set their own hiring criteria.
Of course, a flat bedding and household goods are more physically demanding and their strength tests should be more physically demanding. It is important that drivers who do these jobs are physically able to do the other aspects of the job such as tarping loads, throwing chains, carrying refridgerators and sofas up two flights of steps.
Normal van driving jobs, well in my opinion a driver still must be able to handle what the company asks. If that means that a particular load has several stops and there is no dock...the driver may be required to move the items to the rear of the trailer. (We had this happen with industrial washers...we had to slide them to the back of the trailer). If they cant handle the physical nature, well then they cant meet all aspects of the job.
In this economy companies are doing what they can to save money. I have heard that some are no longer paying lumper fees..and well, the driver is the one doing the unloading. If tehy cant do the physical part and the company does not pay lumper fees how does the load get delivered?
Anyway, basically what it comes down to is this....as long as the physical strength tests are equal for men and women, are reasonable with what the job requirements dictate, and are administered fairly, then no it is not discrimination. If you apply for a job as a computer programmer but dont have the skills to the job...well you dont get hired. If you apply for a job as a truck driver but dont have the skills to do the job...well you dont get hired!
Truck driving is not just about driving a truck. There are many different aspects to the job. Opening hoods, climbing into trailers to sweep them out or dispose of trash, climbing on the motor to change a wiper blade or clearance light. Physical strength is required to do the job...and physical strength testing is required to ensure that those hired can do all aspects of the job.
(Member I'd 10489 D). If you sit and wait for all the good things in life to come to you...and never have to go through bad times...how do you know you got what you were waiting for?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home
Search
Register
Login
Member List
Blogs
Recent Posts