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Mile marker #4

I now pronounce you Man and Truck, or in some cases Woman and Truck. The uncontrollable attachment to your truck will come automatically. You will spend numerous hours driving your truck, you will sleep in your truck, and sometimes you will eat in your truck. The tractor will be pretty much your home away from home. Did I mention that you will be spending a lot of time in your truck?

Most of today's OTR equipment are late models and provide modern technology for driver comfort. A lot of companies equip their rigs with extra add-ons to draw or keep drivers employed with them for long periods of time. These extras help to keep the turn over rate at a minimum. Most of the larger companies have satellite capabilities. Instead of drivers wasting time in the truck stops using the phone, all the information they need will be at their finger tips. This includes dispatching, destination directions, or any other communications. Also, a driver can stay in touch with family and friends VIA e-mail. The downside of satellite is that the employer knows your location at all times. In my opinion, as long as the load is at the destination at the appointment time, they don't need to know when the driver is driving or when he or she is not. I like to be in charge of my own driving schedule. Over all, satellite communication is an excellent tool for a driver.

There are a few useful items a driver can add to make trips more pleasurable. The first purchase should be a CB radio. Some drivers run without one, due to the useless chatter that broadcasts over the airways. A driver without a CB radio, is like a carpenter without a hammer. CB radios are a great resource that provide helpful information such as: weather, road conditions, truck stop info, and communicating with other drivers and authorities. For all of the other unwanted transmitting, the on/off button is on the left. These reasons make a CB radio a wise investment.

Satellite radios are becoming very popular in trucking. After the initial cost of the unit, there is a minimal monthly fee with XM or Sirius in exchange for numerous uninterrupted channels anywhere and anytime. Throw a plug-in refrigerator, some fresh bedding, and a television in your truck, and you will have the main staples of truck driving. Just by having these additional items, along with good housekeeping, you will have created a cozy place to hang your hat and a place you can truly call "Home Sweet Home".

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