Another Day Schneider Orientation

     Well Schneider Orientation is going good but they're really cramming us with homework. We get up at 5:00 am eat breakfast at the hotel and the bus picks us up at 6:00. A full day of learning about paper logging, pre-trip, coupling, backing, road skills, everything done the Schneider way. Although we use a Qualcom computer they still want us to learn paper loggingjust in case the Qualcom breaks down. They also do what is called bump and run downshifting. This is where you downshift by skipping gears say 7th gear bypassing 6th and going to 5th.  You could skip up to 3 gears or 3 gears depending on the situation. They say by skipping gears like that they can save on fuel. 

    
      It's very cold here in Green Bay in February and we have to be outside almost all day. Damm, I should have come in the spring!  Something you may want to consider if you decide trucking is right for you. Being outside in the freezing cold waiting for your turn to practice driving on the course along with the stress of leaving the family behind can really take it's toll.

Back At Schneider Orientation

     Well I'm back again for another shot at starting my driving career with Schneider Trucking. This is a continuation of my blog from my first tryout for Schneider. The first time I went to Schneider orientation in January I came with high expectations but ended failing their physical. As a result I ended having to come home with my tail between my legs. I went to my doctor for a complete physical. The only thing he found was that my blood pressure was high so now I on medication.
     
     Even though I passed my physical this time my pulse rate was still high which means I guess that the medication may have to be adjusted. Now we have non-stop class work so they can cram as much information as they can in the short time we are here. We also have mentors assigned to us to see how we drive and to help us with any weak areas we may have.
I'll continue to blog as I progress through the training program.

How To Be A Healthy Trucker

It's not always easy to stay in healthy shape while on the road. Sitting down driving for long periods and grabbing a quick junkfood snack at a fuel stop can take it's toll on a driver. Exercise and proper healthy meals are a must or you'll be gaining lots of unwanted extra pounds not to mention health problems. Check out this website "The Healthy Trucker". Useful tips on how to manage your health and more.  How To Be a Healthy Trucker | Free Truck Driver Health Tips & Advice
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Pile Up On Snowy Indiana Highway

Winter weather is a reminder of how we have to be EXTRA CAREFUL when driving in the snowy and icey roadways. Even when you are driving extra careful anything can happen. Check out this story just recently.  More than 30 vehicles, including 20 semitrailers, pile up on snowy Ind. interstate; 10 injured

Road Rage: 10 Tips That May Help Calm You Down

     Road rage is somethings that has affected almost everyone at one point or another. For some it's just giving a dirty look but to others well we've seen some great videos of how it can affect someone. It's crazy to see how some of the calmest people in everyday life are transformed when the get behind the wheel. If you are susceptible to angry episodes when you're behind the wheel of your vehicle, here are ten tips on how to stay calm and avoid road rage while driving.

1. Breathe - Unfortunately it's inevitable that we're all going to encounter aggressive or reckless drivers whose actions put us in a state of unease or worse, they can be a danger to our safety on the road. As we all know, it's best not to react but sometimes the urge can become overwhelming. The first simple step involves breathing. Deep breaths in and out are well known relaxation techniques that work at all times even when you are behind the wheel.
2. Laugh - This is a common suggestion for anyone that is embroiled in a road rage situation. Even if you don't feel like breaking out into smiles. try and force yourself into doing so. It's odd how the muscle memory tricks you into laughing and seeing the funny side of any situation.

Insider Advice For The Owner Operator

     Is becoming an owner operator right for you? I'm sure every trucker has at one point or another has considered the possibility of buying a semi truck and being your own boss. Well after reading this article I can tell you there are plenty of thing to consider before taking this giant step. Very informative article on the ups and downs of owning your own tractor trailer truck from The Smart Trucking.com website. Great reading, Check it out!

Iowa 80 - World's Largest Truckstop

     If you are ever driving through Walcott, Iowa you need to stop and visit the Iowa 80: The World's Largest Truckstop. Started out as a small Standard Oil truckstop and then an Amoco before I-80 was even built. Bill Moon managed the Amoco and then eventually purchased it. Iowa 80 has become a truckers and travelers haven under the supervision of the Moon family.

     The truckstop boast the Iowa 80 Kitchen, it's new 300 seat restaurant with a 50-ft.salad bar, one-of-a-kind truckers warehouse store, 24 private showers, 60-seat Dolby Surround Sound movie theater, Driver's Den, two game rooms, Embroidery Center, Vinyl Graphics Shop, Barber, Dentist, Truckomat truck wash, CAT Scale, state-of-the-art Fuel Center. Wendy's and Dairy Queen in the food court, a Blimpie located in the fuel center and parking for 800 tractor-trailers, 250 cars and 20 buses.

Every summer in July they host the annual Truckers Jamboree event. During this three day event, guests enjoy over 175 exhibits; a Super Truck Beauty Contest, a fantastic antique truck display, delicious Iowa pork chop cookout, Carnival Games; and music all three days. Thursday night and Friday night included fireworks displays, a truck light show and loads of fun! Check out their website for more info.

Schneider Orientation Surprise!

     Well I came to Green Bay, Wisconsin to the Schneider orientation camp hoping to start my trucking career here. I arrived Monday the 7th with high expectations. They put us up at a very nice hotel. I really wasn't sure what to expect beforehand. I guess I was expecting some roach infested hotel but that was not the case. Very clean place, nice comfortable beds and a swimming pool. They have a free breakfast bar in the morning. After breakfast the bus arrived at 6:30 am.
     
     We arrived at Schneider camp around 7:00 am from the hotel. As we arrived they took us to class where the instructor talked to our group about what is in store for us, fill out paperwork and do the required physical. Little did I know I would be in store for a very BIG disappointing surprise.