Contemplated Being A Truck Driver In The USA

vivekiny2k · 24th January 2008, 18:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stratos

The driver actually gets a room behind the cabin in which there is a comfortable bed, sometimes a little bathroom as well.

you forgot the fridge, TV and leather upholstery....can put our luxury cars to shame.

Rehaan · 24th January 2008, 19:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

What about the dhaba infrastructure?

Its called McDonalds there. I wouldnt reccomend the chai.

cya
R

anandpadhye · 24th January 2008, 19:41

Driving a truck is my dream too.
I will definately own one - one day.

I like this idea of enrolling for the Volvo training programme.
Need to check the logistics.

mohit · 24th January 2008, 19:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rehaan

Its called McDonalds there. I wouldnt reccomend the chai.

cya
R

LOL or Dunkin Donuts!
The Chai tea (Cinnamon and Orange Pekoe mix) is not all that bad if you can find it. I know Tim Horton's has it but I guess these are nearer to Canadian border. I think you should be able to get it at Starbucks too - though I don't see a trucker going there!

I say come up here to Canada. You have multitude of trucking schools catering to desi students - and then you can take a rig to US.

Mpower · 24th January 2008, 20:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

What about the dhaba infrastructure?

They have specialized truck stops which has everything a truckie needs.

BaCkSeAtDrIVeR · 24th January 2008, 20:40

For a HCV license - IIRC, you need to have heald a LMV license for at least 2 or 3 years. Additionally, in some states, you will need a "badge" - essentially intended as a test of first aid skill, which you obtain by going to the local St. John's ambulance society / red cross (yes - you need to pay them) and present that certificate to the RTO to obtain the "badge". In Kerala, you need this "badge" to drive all "transport" vehicles - the ones with yellow number plates.

moralfibre · 24th January 2008, 20:55

Guys, can somebody tell me what is the interval of license renewal in case I have a LCV / HMV license? IIRC if you have a T (transport) endorsed license you have to renew it every 5 years instead of 20 years that a normal driving license is valid for.

Stratos,

I am going to be in your side of the world in March. Would like to catch up with you.

DirtyDan · 25th January 2008, 13:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

What about the dhaba infrastructure?

"Truck Stops" are all up and down the highways as are fastfood franchises like McDonalds. The big trucks in the U.S. usually have first rate sound systems, AC and two-way radios and sometimes sattlelite links and GPS.
Also many carry small refrigerators for driver food.
But see my post above.

Sam, I think you should be in the food business. Misplaced genius, or at least, interest.

vivekiny2k · 25th January 2008, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by DirtyDan

The big trucks in the U.S. usually have first rate sound systems, AC and two-way radios and sometimes sattlelite links and GPS.

in fact trucks with hazardous material like petroleum are monitored 24 hrs and can even be immobilized remotely in case of a doubt. almost all trucks are always connected to their central control and get directions based on weather etc.

nosfreak · 25th January 2008, 21:36

i work for a trucking co (u.s) ......here in india. i have sat in one and i never dared to drive one !!!. sat in a 26ft Freightliner. just went for a few miles on the highway. seriously.. its scary drving these. and i think you gotta have Class A driving license to drive these monsters.

esteem_lover · 27th January 2008, 23:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackPearl

I am not sure why you are saying this as I have travelled quite extensively on the Indian highways and have found most of the truck drivers to be extremely decent. Their may be exceptions though.

Very very true. The truckers have more sense than private car drivers on the highway.

@mf. man i am one of those blokes too. i have not yet tried a truck though. i love long buses too.

24th January 2008, 19:41	#18
anandpadhye Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 3,054 Thanked: 3,313 Times	Driving a truck is my dream too. I will definately own one - one day. I like this idea of enrolling for the Volvo training programme. Need to check the logistics.
	() Thanks

24th January 2008, 20:40	#21
BaCkSeAtDrIVeR BANNED Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Kochi Posts: 2,522 Thanked: 752 Times	For a HCV license - IIRC, you need to have heald a LMV license for at least 2 or 3 years. Additionally, in some states, you will need a "badge" - essentially intended as a test of first aid skill, which you obtain by going to the local St. John's ambulance society / red cross (yes - you need to pay them) and present that certificate to the RTO to obtain the "badge". In Kerala, you need this "badge" to drive all "transport" vehicles - the ones with yellow number plates.
	() Thanks

24th January 2008, 20:55	#22
moralfibre Team-BHP Support Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: MH-12 Posts: 8,451 Thanked: 13,968 Times	Guys, can somebody tell me what is the interval of license renewal in case I have a LCV / HMV license? IIRC if you have a T (transport) endorsed license you have to renew it every 5 years instead of 20 years that a normal driving license is valid for. Stratos, I am going to be in your side of the world in March. Would like to catch up with you.
	() Thanks

25th January 2008, 21:36	#25
nosfreak BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Hyd Posts: 265 Thanked: 28 Times View My Garage	i work for a trucking co (u.s) ......here in india. i have sat in one and i never dared to drive one !!!. sat in a 26ft Freightliner. just went for a few miles on the highway. seriously.. its scary drving these. and i think you gotta have Class A driving license to drive these monsters.
	() Thanks