Ask a Trucker

[Teacher Mark 53]

Do prostitutes hang out at truck stops?

Yes. The official C.B. slang is "Lot Lizard". I have never required the service of one and never will. In fact I've been woke up several times by one knocking on my door in the middle of the night. They get an a$$ chewing when it happens, along with a lecture on the stupidity of destroying your life with drugs. They don't stick around long! I feel sorry for most of them.

well i have nothing to ask but i do have something to say.........we travel alot by road from one state to another and some of the best people we have ever met have been truckers......one time i remember us driving back from Illinois mom had been driving over twenty hours and was falling asleep a trucker got behind her and keep her awake with that annoying horn...when a rest area came up signaled for her to turn in she did he asked her what are u thinking lady......she told him money was to short for a hotel for all of us that man sat in that rest area all night nobody was allowed near our van......it was out in the middle of no where and i have to say that was one of the kindest things i have ever seen another driver do for anyone................may God Bless all the drivers out there that care about other humans............

sara

That's a cool story. Many of these guys would give you the shirt off of their back.

[Mononoke28 135]

How bruised up do your testicles get from sitting all day? I'm not being funny but I've heard that a lot of truckers are diagnosed with prostate problems because of this.

Diana

[NickD 203]

Does driving a large class A motorhome count as a truck driver? Eye to eye level with truckers. Only thing I found annoying about some truck drivers is hogging the left lane for miles trying to pass when their truck has a governor. Okay, they are doing 65 mph, I like to cheat and do 70 mph.

I had to also add an air horn to my motorhome, people don't realize these things can stop as quick as a sports car, my Supra does 60 to 0 in less than 90 feet, more like 300 in the motorhome.

How is an independent suppose to make money with close to 5 bucks a gallon diesel fuel? Are these things still getting 6 mpg gallon?

Memory tells me a gross weight of 80,000 pounds and a net weight of only 40,000 pounds, has that improved any? Use to do a lot with truck 20-30 years ago, different areas now. I-90/94 has a trail of trucks constantly, literally bumper to bumper 24/7, personally, I am sick of driving, use to be fun.

What about privacy, with satellite is someone looking over your shoulder? Guys that I knew preferred driving to working in a plant as a plant always had a bean counter looking over your shoulder, but sounds like that changed to.

Never cared to be an airline pilot either, just like a truck driver, but with a zillion more regulations to follow, and panic every six months to pass your class one medical. More fun to loop a plane, LOL, but may get one or two passenger complaints if you do that.

[Teacher Mark 53]

i wanted an explanation to the end in duel, but you haven't seen it.

I'll check it out as soon as possible. It may be awhile though. I'd have to get that off Netflix, which would require being home. That doesn't happen very often.

[Otto 83]

I feel we (in the US) should have much stricter 'trucking' regulations - similar to Europe/Germany; e.g., smaller trailers, stricter 'sleeping/rest' restrictions, much stricter vehicle safety inspections, and lane restrictions (far right lane only). What's your take?

[Teacher Mark 53]

Have you ever destroyed anything, like a bridge or a gas station canopy with your trailer? How common is that?

It's fairly common. I came around a corner too quick when I first started driving and clipped a concrete barrier with my trailer tires. It was 3k in damage to the trailer.

How bruised up do your testicles get from sitting all day? I'm not being funny but I've heard that a lot of truckers are diagnosed with prostate problems because of this.

Diana

Mine feel fine! I've heard the same thing though. Since I am in the entertainment industry I drive about half (1500 miles a week average as opposed to 2500-3000). I get to move around more than most.

[Niels Bohr 72]

Why do truckers like to tail-gate someone who is traveling at the speed limit on the slow speed lane on the highway?

So many times I see truckers sped past me, which is over the speed limit, tailgating everyone in site.

[Otto 83]

So many times I see truckers sped past me, which is over the speed limit, tailgating everyone in site.

Tailgating by anyone is illegal in Germany - a hefty fine - and they do enforce it.

[Mononoke28 135]

How bruised up do your testicles get from sitting all day? I'm not being funny but I've heard that a lot of truckers are diagnosed with prostate problems because of this.

Diana

Mine feel fine! I've heard the same thing though. Since I am in the entertainment industry I drive about half (1500 miles a week average as opposed to 2500-3000). I get to move around more than most.

Awesome! Thanks.

With that said...

Who is the biggest "star" you've had to work for? The nicest? The meanest? If you care to share.

Diana

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Are trucks here speed limited to 65 mph as per AUS?

Many lorries in US are speed-governed to that--especially rentals from U-haul, Penske, ... (from actual driving of 15' from several of these)

[Teacher Mark 53]

Does driving a large class A motorhome count as a truck driver? Eye to eye level with truckers. Only thing I found annoying about some truck drivers is hogging the left lane for miles trying to pass when their truck has a governor. Okay, they are doing 65 mph, I like to cheat and do 70 mph.

The biggest differences between RV's and Trucks is that an RV doesn't have to go through Weigh Stations, where you may end up with a hefty ticket! I know the feeling about the left lane. I'm glad I have the ability to pass quickly if I choose.

I had to also add an air horn to my motorhome, people don't realize these things can stop as quick as a sports car, my Supra does 60 to 0 in less than 90 feet, more like 300 in the motorhome.

How is an independent suppose to make money with close to 5 bucks a gallon diesel fuel? Are these things still getting 6 mpg gallon?

Owner Operators have went out of business in record numbers. Survival of the fittest applies here as well. Many guys have made a killing if they have a good business plan and are getting a fair fuel surcharge.

Memory tells me a gross weight of 80,000 pounds and a net weight of only 40,000 pounds, has that improved any? Use to do a lot with truck 20-30 years ago, different areas now. I-90/94 has a trail of trucks constantly, literally bumper to bumper 24/7, personally, I am sick of driving, use to be fun.

Still the same concerning weight.

What about privacy, with satellite is someone looking over your shoulder? Guys that I knew preferred driving to working in a plant as a plant always had a bean counter looking over your shoulder, but sounds like that changed to.

I don't have a satellite tracking me, but never cared when I did. It's someone elses truck. They have a right to know where it is.

[EstebanTrabajos 7]

Who is the biggest "star" you've had to work for? The nicest? The meanest? If you care to share.

chismosa! gossip girl!

But yeah tell us!

[Teacher Mark 53]

Why do truckers like to tail-gate someone who is traveling at the speed limit on the slow speed lane on the highway?

So many times I see truckers sped past me, which is over the speed limit, tailgating everyone in site.

They're idiots who are recklessly endangering lives. What else can I say?

[Teacher Mark 53]

I feel we (in the US) should have much stricter 'trucking' regulations - similar to Europe/Germany; e.g., smaller trailers, stricter 'sleeping/rest' restrictions, much stricter vehicle safety inspections, and lane restrictions (far right lane only). What's your take?

The regulations are pretty strict as it is. Many States have started making the left lane illegal for Semis. As long as there are at least 3 lanes, I don't have a problem with that. Higher weight limits would mean even higher prices at the store.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Your truck....is it your truck? Also, the sleeper compartment - do you have wireless internet? Is it comfy and cozy?