more noob questions

Jack_Berry · May 15, 2006

Jack Berry

hi folks. i fell on this site accidently and have been looking at it closely especially the helpful people on the forum.(is my check in the mail yet?)

anyway here are my noob questions

1.
i have seen different classes of trucks from A0E. My guess is they are broken down by weight? trac/trail is A then what is b-e? reefer in there somewhere?

2.
I have a class b school bus hazmat and airbrake. Is that enough or should I go for the A license also? My initial impression is a B will at least put me in a 40'straight truck.

3.
My wife is in a job she goes back and forth on. what is life like for you married teams? how hard was the transition for the women from cars to big trucks?

HEY anytime you are in Racine Wi let me know in advance and I will come grt you and we can go to a local place to eat and talk. I'm a pretty fair cook. Want something cooked and frozen for later?

terryandrene · May 15, 2006

Jack:

A = minivan or p/u truck carrying up to 500#
B = Cargo full size van carrying up to 2500#
C = 14' straight truck carrying up to 5000#
D = 24' straight truck carrying up to 13,000#
E = Tractor/trailor

A CDL 'B' will put you in a 24' Straight truck

Lots of husband and Wife teams in expedite trucks. You'll have to ask the women how the transition is from a normal life to life on the road.

Terry

Jack_Berry · May 15, 2006

okay i will, rene, how did the change from grounded to footloose take place? were you intimidated by the big rigs? we have friends who drive as a team for swift. scott does the backing. tell us rene, did terry offer to do your backing or did you do it?

here is a question for anyone.

what is the diff between a class 7 or 8 truck? they look alike to me.

phatTweaker · May 15, 2006

Class 7s are typically the Freightliner FL70, KW T-300, Peterbilt 330, GMC C7500, and others that I cant remember off the top of my head.
They usually have 1 rear axel, smaller more fuel efficient engines and synchronized 6 speed or automatic transmissions, and lighter frames.

Class 8s are typically ex semi tractors that's been stretched and a box added. They usually have non synchronized 9 or 10 speed transmissions or 10 speed auto shifts where you just use the clutch when starting and stopping, they have larger less fuel efficient engines in the area of 350-500+ horse power, heavier duty suspensions, frames, etc.
Typical Class 8s are KW T-600, W900, Freightliner FLD 120, Century, Columbia, Mack CH613, Vision, Peterbilt 387, 379, Volvo 670, etc.

Look at trucksforsale.com and truckpaper.com and you can compare the class 7s to the class 8s. The cab on a class 8 is definitely larger.

TeamCaffee · May 16, 2006

Jack_Berry

You might want to consider attending the Expo in July. On Friday at 1:00 we will be have a session on "Women addressing women's issues in Trucking" We will be discussing women doing the same job as the men but with different worries. We have a panel of women from all different vehicle types. I think we will be able to answer a lot of your questions, and if we cannot answer them all in the session we will all be around for a one on one conversation.

Every team runs different and you just have to figure out what fits you. We have a 40' truck and it is very easy to back and drive. I do not fuel the truck or maintain the outside. I take care of all the cleaning and all the paperwork. I do have the better end of the deal.

If you have more questions just send us a PM

Jack_Berry · May 16, 2006

i have seen the expo and have to deal with a new temp assignment i was just given and the fact the next day the family leaves on vacation up nort, hey.

thanks

cheri1122 · May 16, 2006

Hi Jack_Berry: Linda is correct - driving team is just like being married, there's no "one way", you work out an arrangement that pleases you both. You said that your wife goes off & on her job, but how does she feel about driving a big truck? If it's something she wants to do, then she won't feel intimidated. I wasn't - I enjoyed the challenge, because it was what I wanted to do, though - not because someone wanted me to do it. The things I've done to go along with what someone else wanted, like shooting trap, I didn't enjoy. So your wife is the only one who can tell you how she feels about it - but if she wants to do it, please tell her that there are lots of people here to help, or answer questions, or just say "You CAN do it!" Good luck!