Start in feeders tomorrow. Don’t have a ton of details yet but i think the first week is 40hrs of training and then I do 30 days on my own? I’ll find out tomorrow I suppose.
Anyways, I’ve got a pin puller and a set of gloves. I have an LED flashlight but going to upgrade that to a rechargeable one that one of our feeder drivers showed me that can charge via USB cable in the truck. Anything else I should acquire as feeder driver must-haves?
Cleaning supplies and some paper towels. Make a small medical baggy with some anti-diarrhea and some sort of tylenol. Band-aids. Some A&D for monkey-butt. Stuff like that. Small pair of pliers, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, hammer and some zip ties. You can buy these for a couple bucks, they don't have to be nice. I've found some of these on the side of the road. Trust me these will come in very handy and really are mandatory. Some things you can get from automotive most not. You don't want to be 300 miles from home and have the squirts.....or a headache. Throw a pair of underwear in there. Most guys have a backpack type deal...always carry a raincoat....the weather can be very different miles from home. It sucks to be soaking wet and sit in a soaked tractor seat for 12 hours.
You'll learn about glad-hand seals very quickly......I carry a few and know how to replace them. Ask around. Ask a mechanic. Breaking down is a loser all around.
Now, I'll get ripped for all this but it is a practical approach to everyday feeders. Thing is......being far away from home is very different than being local. Sometimes a little electrical tape or duct tape will get you home. Have 2 flashlights.
Be very aware of working on equipment and know what you are doing. Good policy to ask before you do anything. Get approval. I used to carry a spare headlight bulb for the Internationals....they went out pretty regularly.....new ones not so much (LED). Cops will stop you in a heartbeat for faulty lights.....they get to fish for other things like hours of service. You know you have to have a spare set of glasses with you.....all of this can lead to a Level 1 inspection....you don't want that...
If you know a piece of equipment is iffy....get it fixed before you leave....it's not going to be much fun breaking down.
If a clearance light is out, sometimes tapping on it with your puller will light it up. Always try jiggling things first. Apply a little fifth-wheel grease to glad-hands to stop air leaks.
Ask lot's of questions and know exactly where you are going before you leave. I carry a days worth of water everyday. 6 bottles. That way you aren't thinking of being thirsty all day. Healthy lo-cal snacks will help pass the time. Healthy....not chips and candy.
And if you think time isn't important in feeders...you couldn't be more wrong. Some feeder jobs are pkg car in a tractor trailer. You'll see.
Your life is about to change. Skipping details can get you or someone else killed.....easily. Don't cut steps of procedure.
Get as much sleep as you can. This is a absolute priority. If you feel sleepy. Find a place to take a few minutes and close your eyes. Let mgt. know. Don't drive with the nods.....this is ultra dangerous. Don't get caught up with sleep aids and energy drinks. Coffee in moderation. Feeders is tough on your mind and body not to mention your personal life. Good habits are good habits.
