Apocalypse and you need to learn quickly how to drive a truck?
Here i will teach you just the basics to get the truck rolling. The first thing find a truck then open the door, never mind if the tires are flat it’s an Apocalypse. Now after you’re in the truck adjust the seat after all even in an apocalypse you should ride in comfort. Then adjust the mirrors so you can see the horror behind you. Now an 18 wheeler has air brakes that lock into place for parking there is two of them. A red one and a yellow one both must be pressed in for the truck to roll forward or backwards depending on which way the horror is coming from!! See the video here for details on this. Then after you clean out your underwear, and are ready to get the truck moving you will have to put it in gear (See Video). 18 Whellers in general, most have 10 gears 5 low and 5 more high. The first five are just like a standard car 1 through 5. But if that is not fast enough to escape the horror chasing your ass then you will need the next five gears. On the gear shifter is a switch sometimes a button. That is your gear selector switch, press that or push it up to reach the next level of gears (6 through 10) Some trucks have more gears, and more selector switches but you get the point.
Shifting gears
Is diffrent in an 18 wheeler or however many tires you have left after the horror. It’s very easy there is two ways of shifting gears in a big truck. The first way is how they teach you in trucker school Double Clutching. This is the best way if you’re new to being a trucker. To double clutch just wait until the RPM is high enough around 13 for lower gears 18 for higher gears (each tractor is diffrent) just hear the engine wine that will tell you it’s time to shift. Now press the clutch in it’s the pedal on your far left then shift out into neutral, wait for the RPM to drop about three 13 to 10 then clutch in again, and into gear. That simple even a trained monkey can do it, and most of us are not much smarter than a trained monkey. The second and way more advanced way of shifting is floating the gears. This is magic, luck, and timing. Just rev up the rpm and then take it out of gear wait for the RPM drop then with magic just put it back in the proper gear. Dont forget to say abracadabra when doing this or it won’t work!! Now your rolling down the road, and probably shitting yourself if this is your first time driving a truck.
Trailer or Bobtail
If the truck has a trailer you will have to make sure the airlines are connected so the truck will roll. Check right behind the cab between the truck and trailer (See Video) There you will find two airlines a red one and a blue one. The red one is your emergency airline the blue one is your service airline. Make sure they are both connected, and the green one is your pigtail for your lights. If all 3 are connected then check under the trailer to make sure the 5th wheel is locked in place. Then check your landing gear is up. Now you’re all ready to roll down the road. This is just the quick basics to get the truck moving in case of emergency. If you have any questions at all feel free to ask im always available to help. (There are no stupid questions only stupid trained monkeys). Also you can find me on Facebook, and twitter. Now lets hope the apocalypse does not happen but if it does you can drive a truck down the road until the horror catches up, and gets you because you jumped in a swift truck that is governed at 63 mph when i got the ungoverned peterbuilt and beat you to safety.
So as my regular readers know I go to the Philippines often my ex wife is from there. This time i decided to go to Baguio Philippines a town that I’ve never been to in Philippines before. It’s located in the northern part of the country 5100 feet above sea level, in the cordillera mountains. The climate is different then where i most often go in Philippines, Cebu City. It averages 59 to 79f and rains a lot. So cold as shit for this journalist! This trip was to be a true affirmation the American trucker in a foreign country. I wanted to embed myself with the locals in the true Gonzo style of writing to get the real story.
I wanted to live like the typical person from Baguio. I wanted to learn about the truckers, and people of Baguio. The trip up to Baguio was a five hour drive in a Toyota pickup. The road was paved, and wound through many little towns, and it was a toll road. It was 12 midnight when we left Manila so very little traffic, and mostly just truckers on the road. It was a steady climb up the mountain, and if you have seen how people drive over there oh brother. It’s called combat driving very few rules as far as I can see. I have seen a few truck stops on the way up, and they look just like truck stops in the USA. The truckers were the same as here. They talked about how fast, and nice there trucks were. We stopped for breakfast at a little roadside truck stop. I ate some pork dishes with rice, and a beef soup. Baguio unlike most parts of the Philippines is loaded with farms. So all fresh vegetables, and good beef. So there were a lot of produce haulers there. After that we headed up the mountain to Baguio, and the little room i was staying in. Unlike many foreigners in philippines i dont stay in hotels i stay with the people at their house. Im a gonzo journalist i prefer to get the real story, and you can’t do that in a resort.
Baguio is called the summer capital of the Philippines because of the weather, and tourists. But i have only seen 3 white dudes when i was there, and I the gonzotrucker. It was a beautiful city with the mountain backdrop and the parks. It’s very different then any other city in the Philippines. For one thing the people of Baguio are farmers, and farm owners so there is more money there. Baguio city has a population around 300,000 people. Most are Ilokano people of the mountains. Baguio has 8 colleges, and is the center of education for North Luzon. It has many markets and street vendors. Unlike other Philippines cities i’ve been to very few street beggars, and street children.
“The region around Baguio was first settled primarily by the Ibaloi’s and the kankanaey’s. In the nearby town of La Trinidad, Benguet, Spaniards established a commandant or military garrison, although Kafagway, as Baguio was once known, was barely touched. In 1901 Japanese and Filipino workers hired by the Americans built Kennon Road, the first road directly connecting Kafagway with the lowlands of Pangasinan. Before this, the only road to Kafagway was Naguilian Road. On September 1, 1909 Baguio was declared a chartered city. The famous American architect Daniel Burnham, one of the earliest successful modern city planners, laid a meticulous plan for the city in 1904. His plan was, nevertheless, realized only to a small extent, primarily due to the growth of the city well beyond its initial planned population of 25,000 people. The Americans earlier declared Baguio the Summer Capital of the Philippines on July 1, 1903 and The American Residence as the residence of the American governor-general to escape Manila’s summer heat. They further developed Baguio, building parks and public structures such as Wright Park in honor of Governor General Luke E. Wright, Burnham Park in honor of Baguio city planner Daniel Burnham, Governor Pack Road, and Session Road.” Quote from Wikipedia.
Truckers And License requirements
Truckers in the Philippines earn an average of seven us dollars a day. They not only drive but load, and unload as well as work on their trucks. They drive all types of trucks from old Cabovers to lorry trucks. They mostly haul containers, flatbeds, and tankers. Fuel in the Philippines cost 45 pesos per liter so that comes out to about $4 dollars a gallon same as the USA. Requirements for a license are as follows
Qualifications :
1. Must be at least eighteen (18) years old.
2. Must be physically and mentally fit.
3. Must not be a drug user or alcoholic.
4. Must be able to read and write in Filipino or English.
5. Must be clean, neat and presentable.
Requirements :
1. Duly accomplished Application Form for Driver’s License.
2. Valid Student Permit (at least five (5) months old / NP – 4 mos. Old).
3. Medical Certificate (from an LTO accredited or Government Physician) or valid AFP/PNP organic personnel ID.
4. Negative Drug Test result (from DOH accredited drug testing center)
5. Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN).
6. Clearances
— NBI, Police or Court Clearance or Certificate from Commanding Officer, if a military personnel.
7. Must have passed the written and practical examination.
1. Must be at least eighteen (18) years old.
2. Must be physically and mentally fit.
3. Must not be a drug user or alcoholic.
4. Must be able to read and write in Filipino or English.
5. Must be clean, neat and presentable.
Requirements :
1. Duly accomplished Application for Driver’s License.
2. Proof of identity (Any of the following)
– Original and photocopy of Birth Certificate
- Any legal or government issued document to prove his/her age and identity (SSS ID, PhilHealth ID, GSIS ID, TIN ID, Pag-ibig ID, Company ID)
4. Medical Certificate (from an LTO accredited or Government Physician)
5. Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)
6. Must have passed the written examination.
Fees and Charges : Application Fee Php. 25.00
Computer Fee 52.80
TOTAL 77.80 License Fee Php. 210.00
Computer Fee 52.80
TOTAL 262.80
All of these prices are in Philippine pesos which right now is p43 to 1 usd
Most of the truckers are company drivers because they can’t afford to buy a truck. A truck in the Philippines can cost $8000 usd to $15,000 usd. The Philippines does not have too many options for leasing or buying a truck on a loan. The country does not use credit scores like we do. There you will need to have a long standing bank account, and 50% down plus collateral to get a loan. The fastest i’ve seen any of them drive is around 50 mph. They drive all over the road, and pass on curves and hills. They just beep their horn, and you are required by law to get out of their way!! Oh how i wish that was the way here. Philippines truckers are just like us in most ways. They curse, and chase wild women when they’re not over worked and under paid! “Just like us”. One difference i have seen them use spotters, and there is two drivers per truck mostly due to the fact they load, and unload their trucks. The truckers of the world are the same. I did not see any women truckers in the philippines im sure there has to be some. I will research this, and get back with you on it. I just ask some friends there and they tell me in metro manila there are a few women truckers. Also some of the busses are driven by women. I will keep researching this. Lane splitting is ok there, hell use any lane you want there.
They have toll roads, and radar speed traps with tickets to be given out. At the entrance to the toll road was a sign reading overweight, and overloaded truck rules will be enforced!
Section 48.Reckless driving. – No person shall operate a motor
vehicle on any highway recklessly or without reasonable caution considering the
width, traffic, grades, crossing, curvatures, visibility and other conditions of
the highway and the conditions of the atmosphere and weather, or so as to
endanger the property or the safety or rights of any person or so as to cause
excessive or unreasonable damage to the highway
I put this in here because this is funny, everybody there drives just like this. That is from an accutual philippine driving manual!!! All of the regulations are they at that link. You can read it, and understand it in 3 hours lol. In 3 hours here you just get stated on all the regulations.
E. Violations relative to weights and load limits.
37
Load extending beyond projected width without permit
200.00
Driver
38
a. Operating MV with wheel axle, or axle group loads in excess of the limits in Sec. 9, RA 4136 or any regulation without permit.
P 150.00
Driver
b. Operating MV with total weight of cargo carrying device on passenger truck including cargo exceeding 100 kilos.
P 150.00
Driver
c. Allowing more passengers and/or more freight or cargo in his vehicle more than the registered carrying capacity.
P 150.00
Driver (If PUV, imposed upon Conductor)
d. Baggage or freight carried on top of truck exceeds 20 kilos per sq. meter and not distributed in such a manner as not to endanger the passenger or stability of the truck.
P 150.00
Driver/Conductor
So what did I learn? Philippins truckers are the same as all truckers of the world. Most of this information was gathered at a drinking party where i met a one eyed, one armed truck driver who claimed to have one ball but I never confirmed that!!! We spent all night drinking, and talking while playing poker “he took most of my money” but i got the story! After drinking until five am we blacked out, and I woke up in a chicken coop. What a night that was. If someone can tell me what happened it would help me?
JOBS IN THE OIL FIELDS”, MIDDLE EAST AND ON THE ICE ROADS FOR EXTREME TRUCKERS.
“These
are some of the highest paying truck driving jobs in the world”,
and if you want to earn big money these jobs are for you. The
“danger” is high and sometimes very remote driving where you will
have to be a mechanic as well. Some loads will be heavy haul,
tanker, and flatbed trailers. This is for extreme truckers only.
OIL FIELD INDUSTRY TRUCKER JOBS
“You will be required to transport supplies to and from the job site.”
Many times to a remote place where oil and natural gas exploration
are going on. Some of the loads will be’ flammable”, and volatile
so you will need Haz-mat training. Sometimes you will transport the
drilling rigs and have to help load, unload, set up of the
components. Water truck drivers transport water to camps and remote
drilling sites. Gravel truck drivers transport gravel, and rocks to
the job site for lining of the pipeline corridor. String truck
drivers deliver pipe to the job site. Dry van “supply truck
drivers” deliver food and other supply. Vacuum truck drivers will
load and transport waste materials and hazardous waste from the job
site and camps. Explosive delivery driver (suicide jockey) will
transport explosives and load and unload them!.
Stampers are the truckers gopher. Because of the nature of the job
the “salary is very high”, and awesome benefits. The company
will take very good care of you, so they can retain good drivers.
You can earn well over “$100,000” per year in the oil fields. Extreme truckers only need apply.
“MIDDLE EAST” EXTREME TRUCKERS
First thing you should know is Americans working overseas don’t have to
pay income tax on anything under “$90,000.” that’s right no
income taxes on the first “$90k” that equals big money. Of
course the job is “dangerous” but the salary is high extreme truckers. Most
company’s will hire you with very little experience. You will work
in countries like uae, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, quatar, and moan.
“Sometimes in a war zone or very volatile environment.” You will
haul all types of freight from tankers to rail containers. You will
have to drive in extreme heat with no a/c , and drive where there are
no roads. “In a middle eastern country”, no alcohol and no women.
Plus you will have to stay in tents eat what the company provides.
The danger include’s landmines, snipers and even your fellow
driver might be a terrorist. Is all this worth it? Well just ask a
driver who completed his 1 year contract. you can earn up to
$150,000 for a one year contract (the 1st 90k tax free). This job is for real men,and women with nerves of steel extreme truckers.
“ICE ROADS EXTREME TRUCKERS”
“This truck driving job has high earnings potential.” You will transport
across roads that are frozen over, to towns and oil platforms that
are only accessible in winter when the ice frezze’s. Oil, food ,
and medical supplies are essential to keep these places running. “It
takes big balls”, and maybe a little craziness to drive across a
frozen lake! But the pay is very high so the job gets done. “Most
new drivers quit”, there first time on the ice due to the cracking
noise! Most make just one trip and decide even if the money is so
great to quit, and the pay is very good! You can earn a whole
years pay in three months of work. You will drive in a convoy they
don’t let anyone go it alone. The roads are carefully monitored to
make sure the loads get through and the ice is thick enough. If you
think you have the webos “EXTREME TRUCKERS” to drive on the ice with strict speed limit
rules then do it because the pay is very high.
GONZOTRUCKER
Thanksgiving is a time to be with your family, and celebrate the year’s harvest. But for a truck driver it is the busiest time of the year, and most of us have to work. Everything for your Thanksgiving dinner came on a truck. From now until January a trucker will earn the most money of the year. October through December is the busiest time of the year for freight, and january through April is the worst time of year. This means most of us spend the holidays away from our families. So when you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner thank a truck driver for the food. I remember one year i was trying to get home on Thanksgiving day i was in northern indiana on Hwy 20. Passing through Amish country when some little Amish girls started waving and giving me the sign to blow my air horn that made my day. I made it home at 4 pm Thanksgiving day that year.
Watching football in the TV room at the Petro
For those of us working we try to stop at the truck stops and get a turkey dinner. Then some of us watch football others spend time talking with other truckers. Some even watch Nascar then we shuffle back outside to our trucks alone, and rest. I remember
Truck stops Thanksgiving dinner
When i first started driving the truck back in the 90s most truck stops would give us a free dinner or discount. But not anymore now the jack up the price on Thanksgiving for truckers not much love for us at the truck stop like before. You can still find some mom and pop truck stops that offer free Thanksgiving dinner to truckers, and when you find them please support them by buying other things and spreading the word.
Truckers load on Thanksgiving weekend
Most businesses are closed on the holiday so no deliver’s if you have a load you will have to wait all day, and sometimes all weekend to unload it. I talked a trucker who had a load to mesa Arizona we were 1 hour away but it won’t deliver until Monday, so he sits away from family and friends all weekend with very little layover pay. He worked for a big company that pays
$50 dollars a day layover thats it. Sit in his truck on a holiday weekend for 4 days, and get paid only $200 dollars. That is a truckers life get used to it if you’re going to be a trucker!! But then another trucker had a good load going to NYC so he can drive all weekend this is what you want on a holiday weekend. Remeber truckers keep America rolling without us the world stops.
Truck stops Thanksgiving day
Truckers wife
Then there is a truckers wife at home with the children, and family worrying about her husband and wishing she could have him there. But she understands the life of a trucker and knows how to keep the home running when he is gone. But she does miss him dearly on Thanksgiving. So be safe and get home soon to your family.
“How to deal with dispatchers to get better loads”
Knowing a little about
“dispatchers” is crucial to getting better loads! First you
should know they earn on average $31,000 a year. They hold the “key”
to you earning big bucks and your future. They are the biggest factor
for you to earn big money. They are even more important then your
type of truck or freight you haul.” Most of them don’t really
care about you earning more money. Throughout your career you will
have to deal with them.
So how can you get them to work better for
you? Well it’s simple get to know them on a personnel level.
“Make a 2 minute call each day to them”, just checking in today,
ask hows the family are things going good in the office. Little
things like that will get you on his or her good side and get “your
name” known to them. Many dispatchers have 30 or more drivers on
there board so you need to distinguish your self from the pack, and
1 phone call every day can do that. Those truck drivers who are not
getting the miles and home time they want, will tell you there
dispatcher is an *******. that’s not always the case maybe there
just not working with the dispatcher in a polite way that creates a
better working environment for both of you.
You will deal with your
dispatcher every day he knows you better then anyone in the company.
He or she knows how good of a truck driver you are. How many miles
you can run if you cheat your log books, how much home time you
like, and most importantly how reliable and flexible you are.
Become a valuable asset to them when it comes to taking loads nobody
wants or can do. “If you have a can do attitude that goes a long
way with dispatchers.” It’s not always up to them what loads they
have to give you and if you refuse one of these bad loads they wont
forget! Load planners have most of the control over you and not the
dispatchers. But if you have a good dispatcher, and you both get
along he will beg and plead with the load planner on your behalf.
Load planners don’t care because its not there problem they just
need to get the freight moved. So sometimes your dispatcher has no
say in your loads remember that when you feel like yelling and
screaming at them. Work well with your dispatcher and they will work
harder for you and your future earnings.
GONZOTRUCKER
December 16, 2011
|
Posted by GONZOTRUCKER
Categories: Truck Driver schools
| 
Tags: 18 wheelers, auto transport, cdl practice test, colts, container trucks, driving in iraq, driving trucks in the middle east, flatbeds, how to be a truck driver, how to drive a truck, how to make money as an owner operator, the trucking life, truck drivers, trucker, truckers, trucking, trucks, worst drivers
|
No Comments
