Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/147778
Introduction to Trucking is left waiting for repairs or pulled off the load to wait for another one. And that costs him earnings. The most dangerous deficiency you've discovered during a PTI? What was done to make it safe to roll? Naomi: Gash in my steer. I called my shop; they sent Repair to me in a Rest Area. Both steers were replaced. Ben: I picked up a trailer totally missing brakes; I mean, the brake shoes were gone. The trailer was fully loaded with 42,000 pounds of freight. I called the company and reported it. They wanted me to haul it about 20 miles to have it fixed. I told them they were crazy, to expect me to pull that trailer 10 feet, much less 20 miles loaded with no brakes. Told them to send someone there to repair it. It wasn't my fault that trailer was missing brakes. I didn't move it until it was fixed. I stood my ground on that. New challenges in the past month? Naomi: Stereotyping because I'm a woman. Just sick of how men talk; how some think I get choice loads. Sick of rumors and innuendo. "She's a high-profile princess who gets whatever she wants. She never had to prove herself." Not true. I work just as hard, if not harder, doing the same job to get my miles. So I ignored them and worked harder. Proof is in my bonus and pay and safety. Ben: I saw a bad fatal wreck. You never quite know how something like that will affect you. As I drove by and saw white sheets covering the deceased, all I could 4 intro trucking 0813.indd 2 do was pray. One of the hardest parts of this job. Interesting experiences? Naomi: Seems like weekly for the past 2½ months I've been DOT-inspected; all Level 2 or 3; all clean. Finally in Tennessee the DOT officer called me in, told me to bring all my paperwork. I pulled around back, grabbed everything, and asked - almost begged - for a Level 1. The officer looked at me straight-faced and said, "It's too hot and muggy outside to do a Level 1." Well, I tried. Ben: I've been going to a few different places lately; it's always great to see different places and meet people. Also all the different foods are awesome. Advice for someone just finishing school? Naomi: It's a lonely existence. Don't forget to take time to smell the roses. Help is always a phone call away. Ben: Whenever you pick up equipment that you feel is unsafe to put OTR, don't do it. The company must either come fix it or give you a different load and trailer to pull. Go with your gut feeling; never take a chance - your life and everyone on the road depend on it. Here's to your future great loads and great roads. ◆ Timothy Brady © 2013 To contact Brady go to www.truckersu.com or call 731.749.8567 www.studentdriverplacement.com August '13 7/19/13 9:57 AM