APPLY TO VARIANT, JOIN DISCORD & MORE ALEX THE TRUCKING GUY HERE (note that if you apply to Variant they will call you with a 423-###-#### to follow up on your application)⬇ linktr.ee/alexthetruckingguy WATCH FULL VIDEOS HERE ▶ ruclips.net/p/PLqb3r_qeRLL7d61kF72wrlbbYrzXqb2Xq AT 1 MILLION SUBS I GO TO INDIA & YOU CONTROL EVERYTHING I DO THERE BY VOTING SO SUBSCRIBE ▶ ruclips.net/channel/UC5NT5DADrZ4LWBkr-5XVAaA Side note: Be aware of scammers. The real creator has their name highlighted like I do. Anyone without their username highlighted IS NOT REAL. PLZ IGNORE THE SCAMMER. 🙂
You can always release the trailer brakes as you walk around to check keep tractor on that way you can listen to anything leaking, also when you get in release everything and apply the brakes and listen out the window, that’s the service side to make sure nothing is leaking. The part that blew out on you when you were hooking up is called the dryer, it keeps moisture from forming in the air tanks.
That is for caging the brakes and the seal keeps stuff from getting in there so that tow trucks and mechanics can cage the brakes to move the trailer without air
from a european trucker, i envy you guys so much. just the space you guys have in those trucks....plus, thats a good company from what you say. a company that cares for the drivers is golden in these days. if i didnt had a young daughter, i would be there already, since i always whanted to go to the US and visit the country. doing that and getting payed as well would be perfect. cheers from a fellow trucker alex. keep calm and focus, and days will pass easy
From a new European trucker. I am limited to just 1 country because my I work in Iceland. In places in the US they can do speeds up to 80mph which is 137km/h. I do maybe 100km/h on straight rural roads but rarely go past 95km/h.
@@oligultonn big truck tires are only rated to 75 . The truck might go faster than that but it’s not a good idea . Eventually you see those guys who are pushing the limits in the same place rolled over in the median or in the ditch .
@@kwhopper1100 ah I did not know that but it makes sense. Here the truck tires are rated to go a similar speed but the roads here do not allow for 75mph.
When hunting trailers don't use anything less than a heavy .308 load but many hunters suggest .45-70. In any case shot placement is key to a quick, clean, and safe kill.
Hey thanks Alex! Dad drove a concrete mixer in the ‘70’s-‘80’s and my Uncle drove piggy-backs (3 tractor stacked on each other) back west from Indiana part time in the winter. I used to love hearing the stories they told, it’s really great that your vloging your adventures and bringing us along. Thanks!
Finally some one else that knows what he is talking about. Drove for 35 years and 3.8 million miles. Retired in May 2020. Miss driving but not the people
9:48 apply trailer brakes. Bump truck back to release tension on the king pin, apply truck brakes, push king pin button, release truck brakes, put it in gear, lower airbags and inch forward.
Cap on brake can is to prevent any debris from entering. You sure don’t want any in there especially salted road grime. I must say I really enjoy your videos there great. 🤙
Your social media advantage is not why they want you, your a good young truck driver period , that’s what they want, the other is just a plus , Good job young man
It's almost like driver retention is high when the companies listen to their drivers. They're the ones delivering freight and making them money, so it's the logical conclusion. Variant is looking better and better
You need to learn how to bang on the sides of those red seal trailers and differentiate between loaded and empty (saved by a driver). Shippers/Receivers do the same thing when they want to use a company's trailers for storage on their lot. Mega carriers are a specific target for this. You're obviously fairly new at this game. You've got alot to learn, but if you keep with it, you'll get there. Appreciate your channel. I know alot of people rag on Schneider, but they were my 1st go as a driver. They put me through their Driving School. I chose to go that route instead of (over)paying a commercial driving school. I got a top notch education from them and they know and have systems in place that cover and explain almost anything a driver can run into. I'd encourage anyone considering an OTR career to look into them. I'm not very impressed by most of the new drivers I see coming out there today. I've run into Western Express drivers who have been driving OTR for over a year that couldn't back toward a customer freight door out back of a retail location but without a dock...just a big open parking lot. What?!?!? How do you drive for a year and not be able to do that?!?
Actually variant does take new drivers. I got my CDL on 10/07/22 and i start with variant on a student account in 2 weeks, i just don’t get the opportunity to choose any specific dedicated account they said i will start off with a family dollar dedicated account then i can change accounts after 60 days. But my recruiter did tell me that they don’t hire new drivers in all locations or the area you live. But since i live in Tennessee they have that dedicated student account
I work in Germany as a forwarding agent for one of the largest forwarding companies. One thing has to be said, the amount of respect I have for truck drivers (especially the drivers who have been working under my orders for years) is indescribable. That's why I'm also for the absolute opinion that the driver comes first above all at work, they are the most valuable workers in this business, without them nothing works especially in these times because there is currently a VERY lack of drivers, especially here in Germany. Sorry for my english, my respect Alex!
When you doing a drop n hook Dropping one, Picking one up. Finding an empty one, always have a pad and pen ready to write trailer number down. Example. Trailer# 576- 256 or 167206 . You'll have that trailer number when hook up to it. Trailer may be a Class 3, 4. 5 Check the inspection date.
USX/Variant is an awesome company. I drove for USX on a CH Robinson account for a year and a half and i absolutely loved it. If i ever go back to a mega carrier itll definitely be USX. Haven't decided if i want to do CHR account again or go to Variant side though. 🤔
I'm the same way I never take for granted that the fifth wheel locking jaw latched I always look at it after I connect.The one time I forgot to check ,backed up to a empty tanker, latch closed did tug test got to fuel isle in lot, trailer was sliding off fifth wheel.Thank God I noticed before it dropped on the nose.
6:43 god I hate when that happens. Especially on a gravel lot. My truck always gets me either when I get off or on the truck. Never fails. Especially when I’m wearing shorts, Sketchers and ankle socks all the time! I always get rocks to the shins. Feels wonderful!!! 😣
Alex, your company should have a list of trailers and #'s that are empty and thier locations. Give your company a call. Its just a waste of time looking for empties in a yard of sealed trailers.
I'll seal and padlock my empty at an OC if I have to unhook for service or whatnot. It's dog eat dog sometimes when it comes to grabbing an empty. You do what you gotta do.
Why doesn’t the yard have an inventory of which trailers are parked there, their status (active/out of service), if active are they loaded or empty? Seems like a simple thing to track….
The airdryer exhausted dust all over you because you took too long to hook up, should have done airlines/electrical then turntable and landing gear then turn lights on and do a walk around while trailer brakes are airing up and releasing
one thing i did not waste time on was worrying about the condition of the trailer overall. I have to admit as long as it was road legal i did not care. Looking for new tires and new trailers was a waste of time many times. The carrier worked for would get 100 new trailers a week and many times after 2nd or 3rd load they were damaged or nothing worked anymore. As for no lights on your first trailer. i would have dragged it to the shop and made them fix it. most likely just a lose wire in the 7 way.
3 months experience is new, 4 days off is not nearly enough time off. Other than being innthe truck, how do you have any relationship with anyone with 4 days off per month ?
Trailers are inspected “officially” once a year. As a driver you have to inspect the trailer when you get it because trailers change people throughout the year and can cover hundreds if not thousands of miles, between “official” inspections. As a driver you’re assuming responsibility of the trailer and marking legally if it is still in good condition or isn’t.
Hey Alex love watching your videos I have so much respect for truck driver’s I have a bother who drives trucks too but I was wondering what do you think of the electric trucks there trying to put out on the streets I’m not for the self driving one if that was to every happen there not going to be jobs left for people just like at the stores self check out are taking the jobs away but any how can’t wait to see what you’re up too next
At any yard that I haveaintence done at I will put a seal on it just so I can ensure I get my empty that I hunted to the ends of the earth for. The ellenwood yard is the worst.
The problem with your lights is because probably your truck have 2 switches for the trailer lights and you are turning just one of them instead of both, maybe that's the problem
I have never worked for a really big company but it was so strange seeing u walk past other employees and not even a hi or hello to each other. No sense of a team at all or company spirit.
I thought that too. Regardless of if they were from the same company, I say hi to anyone I walk past. Maybe it's a regional/cultural thing. People are friendly where I live! 🙂
First of all i have to say i like you videos, its nice to see what trucking in us might be. But i have to say you should gain some knowledge about trucks and trailers, i dont see what purpose it makes if you go under truck or trailer and you dont know what you see there.. You have a good spirit keep going!!
I don’t see a normal driver make any money This cat sits more than drive Who the he’ll going to stay out a month for 4 days I do 4-5 days and off 2 every week Not no 1000 mile week either 4000 plus
I can not afford all of the extra King Alex...But I shall do what I can from RUclips! I hope you are doing alright and staying safe Sir! I can not wait to see your big next video! 🙌🏼👑😈💪🏼🤤🙏🏽
APPLY TO VARIANT, JOIN DISCORD & MORE ALEX THE TRUCKING GUY HERE
(note that if you apply to Variant they will call you with a 423-###-#### to follow up on your application)⬇
linktr.ee/alexthetruckingguy
WATCH FULL VIDEOS HERE ▶
ruclips.net/p/PLqb3r_qeRLL7d61kF72wrlbbYrzXqb2Xq
AT 1 MILLION SUBS I GO TO INDIA & YOU CONTROL EVERYTHING I DO THERE BY VOTING SO SUBSCRIBE ▶
ruclips.net/channel/UC5NT5DADrZ4LWBkr-5XVAaA
Side note: Be aware of scammers. The real creator has their name highlighted like I do. Anyone without their username highlighted IS NOT REAL. PLZ IGNORE THE SCAMMER. 🙂
I just report them. That is what commenters should do to help you. You can't monitor ALL of the comments, Alex.
Alex I tried the link and it takes me to GP TRANSCO application. Are the two companies connected ?
Alex I tried the link and it takes me to GP TRANSCO application. Are the two companies connected ?
You can always release the trailer brakes as you walk around to check keep tractor on that way you can listen to anything leaking, also when you get in release everything and apply the brakes and listen out the window, that’s the service side to make sure nothing is leaking.
The part that blew out on you when you were hooking up is called the dryer, it keeps moisture from forming in the air tanks.
No Alex. The seals on the chambers are so water don’t get in them. But it allows mechanics to unscrew the tension on them when replacing them.
Yes we call them pancakes basically big rubber seals. But never try change them yourself unless you know how. A Very strong spring inside.
@@Houndini correct
i've changed a couple of those personally with my dad, taken a couple apart havent had one explode thankfully
@@Houndini and the springs are caged.
That is for caging the brakes and the seal keeps stuff from getting in there so that tow trucks and mechanics can cage the brakes to move the trailer without air
from a european trucker, i envy you guys so much. just the space you guys have in those trucks....plus, thats a good company from what you say. a company that cares for the drivers is golden in these days. if i didnt had a young daughter, i would be there already, since i always whanted to go to the US and visit the country. doing that and getting payed as well would be perfect. cheers from a fellow trucker alex. keep calm and focus, and days will pass easy
From a new European trucker. I am limited to just 1 country because my I work in Iceland. In places in the US they can do speeds up to 80mph which is 137km/h. I do maybe 100km/h on straight rural roads but rarely go past 95km/h.
@@oligultonn big truck tires are only rated to 75 . The truck might go faster than that but it’s not a good idea . Eventually you see those guys who are pushing the limits in the same place rolled over in the median or in the ditch .
@@kwhopper1100 ah I did not know that but it makes sense. Here the truck tires are rated to go a similar speed but the roads here do not allow for 75mph.
When hunting trailers don't use anything less than a heavy .308 load but many hunters suggest .45-70. In any case shot placement is key to a quick, clean, and safe kill.
👊
Never had to hunt for a decent trailer with the company that I drove for the last 21yrs, they kept their trailers in good shape.
4:10
When you got in the truck, I felt nostalgic for the road again. Nothing beats a nice afternoon with some warm sunbeams on your passenger seat.
Hey thanks Alex! Dad drove a concrete mixer in the ‘70’s-‘80’s and my Uncle drove piggy-backs (3 tractor stacked on each other) back west from Indiana part time in the winter. I used to love hearing the stories they told, it’s really great that your vloging your adventures and bringing us along. Thanks!
Before you try to release king pen try putting tractor in reverse and taking pressure off of it. Usually works In my freightliner
That was my goto back in the day in a pete as well. Physics, who knew? :)
Finally some one else that knows what he is talking about. Drove for 35 years and 3.8 million miles. Retired in May 2020. Miss driving but not the people
9:48 apply trailer brakes. Bump truck back to release tension on the king pin, apply truck brakes, push king pin button, release truck brakes, put it in gear, lower airbags and inch forward.
Cap on brake can is to prevent any debris from entering. You sure don’t want any in there especially salted road grime. I must say I really enjoy your videos there great. 🤙
For those trailers with a red seal, I’d check for paperwork up front. If non, probably empty and someone just saving the trailer.
Your social media advantage is not why they want you, your a good young truck driver period , that’s what they want, the other is just a plus ,
Good job young man
Hey Alex i am from north Carolina myself and i have been watching some of your videos and just would like to thank you for what you do man.
It's almost like driver retention is high when the companies listen to their drivers. They're the ones delivering freight and making them money, so it's the logical conclusion. Variant is looking better and better
Thank you to all the American truckers out there.👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍
You need to learn how to bang on the sides of those red seal trailers and differentiate between loaded and empty (saved by a driver). Shippers/Receivers do the same thing when they want to use a company's trailers for storage on their lot. Mega carriers are a specific target for this.
You're obviously fairly new at this game. You've got alot to learn, but if you keep with it, you'll get there. Appreciate your channel.
I know alot of people rag on Schneider, but they were my 1st go as a driver. They put me through their Driving School. I chose to go that route instead of (over)paying a commercial driving school. I got a top notch education from them and they know and have systems in place that cover and explain almost anything a driver can run into. I'd encourage anyone considering an OTR career to look into them.
I'm not very impressed by most of the new drivers I see coming out there today. I've run into Western Express drivers who have been driving OTR for over a year that couldn't back toward a customer freight door out back of a retail location but without a dock...just a big open parking lot. What?!?!? How do you drive for a year and not be able to do that?!?
Actually variant does take new drivers. I got my CDL on 10/07/22 and i start with variant on a student account in 2 weeks, i just don’t get the opportunity to choose any specific dedicated account they said i will start off with a family dollar dedicated account then i can change accounts after 60 days. But my recruiter did tell me that they don’t hire new drivers in all locations or the area you live. But since i live in Tennessee they have that dedicated student account
god.... thank god im leaving. 4 years otr and im not driving with monkey noobs anymore. oof. gl
I work in Germany as a forwarding agent for one of the largest forwarding companies. One thing has to be said, the amount of respect I have for truck drivers (especially the drivers who have been working under my orders for years) is indescribable. That's why I'm also for the absolute opinion that the driver comes first above all at work, they are the most valuable workers in this business, without them nothing works especially in these times because there is currently a VERY lack of drivers, especially here in Germany.
Sorry for my english, my respect Alex!
Love your videos!! Always wanted to do this for a living cheers from Toronto 🎉
When you doing a drop n hook
Dropping one, Picking one up.
Finding an empty one, always have a pad and pen ready to write trailer number down.
Example. Trailer# 576- 256 or 167206 .
You'll have that trailer number when hook up to it.
Trailer may be a Class 3, 4. 5 Check the inspection date.
I don’t know why but I really enjoy watching your videos bro… keep it up
USX/Variant is an awesome company. I drove for USX on a CH Robinson account for a year and a half and i absolutely loved it. If i ever go back to a mega carrier itll definitely be USX. Haven't decided if i want to do CHR account again or go to Variant side though. 🤔
Wait, why in the HELL is it the driver responsibility to find an empty trailer?
take a note pad and write the trailer # down that way you don't have to remember
I'm the same way I never take for granted that the fifth wheel locking jaw latched I always look at it after I connect.The one time I forgot to check ,backed up to a empty tanker, latch closed did tug test got to fuel isle in lot, trailer was sliding off fifth wheel.Thank God I noticed before it dropped on the nose.
6:43 god I hate when that happens. Especially on a gravel lot. My truck always gets me either when I get off or on the truck. Never fails. Especially when I’m wearing shorts, Sketchers and ankle socks all the time! I always get rocks to the shins. Feels wonderful!!! 😣
Betta get a glad hand air hose 150 ft long save some head aches you have a flat....er low trailer tire ...you'll figure it out..
Just an fyi for the kingpin release not releasing, tap on the throttle a bit at the same time when you engage the kingpin release and it should work.
The pin has pressure on it. Back up in to it and it will release
Take a picture of the trailor number. This might help. Good trucking Alex
If you love your company that’s hard to beat ! Less money and a great company is a lot better deal than more money and a bad company !!
Dinner looks good. Rice does go pretty good with shrimp.
In Directed Study watching cause I’m bored.Thank you Alex for keeping me occupied and entertained:)
Alex, your company should have a list of trailers and #'s that are empty and thier locations. Give your company a call. Its just a waste of time looking for empties in a yard of sealed trailers.
Hey Alex are close to my neck of woods be safe out there my guy👋🏾👋🏾👍🏾
If you're at an OC and they have a shop, get the tires replaced before you leave.
I'll seal and padlock my empty at an OC if I have to unhook for service or whatnot. It's dog eat dog sometimes when it comes to grabbing an empty. You do what you gotta do.
Why wouldn't you install a camera on the back so you can see better?
It could be a wireless or wired camera.
You called yourself short in this video but I think you’re a giant among men 😂 please stay safe and keep Well!
the truck farted at Alex lmao @6:41
If the lights truly didn't work on that first trailer I hope you told somebody at the shop. Otherwise they'll never get fixed.
You ever attach the GoPro to the passenger side of trailer then use you phone to watch your blind side? Thinking of trying that when I get my cdl.
I enjoy watching Alex cooking
You should really make a cookbook for truckers
Did you ever take photos of the numbers so you wouldn't have to get in and out of the cab so much? Thanks, I enjoy your vlog!
You need to worry less about what the other drivers are doing so you can concentrate on what you are supposed to be doing.
Why doesn’t the yard have an inventory of which trailers are parked there, their status (active/out of service), if active are they loaded or empty? Seems like a simple thing to track….
The airdryer exhausted dust all over you because you took too long to hook up, should have done airlines/electrical then turntable and landing gear then turn lights on and do a walk around while trailer brakes are airing up and releasing
By now you’re already tired of me telling how to do shit. 😂 it’s ok. They are all good tips. Been doing this for 20 years
It’s 80 degrees!? I’m in Georgia and it’s 40 it should be colder there
one thing i did not waste time on was worrying about the condition of the trailer overall. I have to admit as long as it was road legal i did not care. Looking for new tires and new trailers was a waste of time many times. The carrier worked for would get 100 new trailers a week and many times after 2nd or 3rd load they were damaged or nothing worked anymore. As for no lights on your first trailer. i would have dragged it to the shop and made them fix it. most likely just a lose wire in the 7 way.
Me too. Kick tires make sure most lights work then omw
Yep
3 months experience is new, 4 days off is not nearly enough time off. Other than being innthe truck, how do you have any relationship with anyone with 4 days off per month ?
Why drop an empty trailer and pick up an empty trailer. Just keep the one you had.
Aye Aye Aye
You said a mouthful. Not an easy job.
Their security is about as bad as it gets if they can't give you a trailer number to an empty trailer!
It's a bit weird that you have to do this yourself.
Don't they have the regular inspection & reports which trailer is safe to use?
Trailers are inspected “officially” once a year. As a driver you have to inspect the trailer when you get it because trailers change people throughout the year and can cover hundreds if not thousands of miles, between “official” inspections. As a driver you’re assuming responsibility of the trailer and marking legally if it is still in good condition or isn’t.
Driver should always do a pre trip on a trailer in any case.
Still waiting on my "good morning Dru the tow truck driver". I'm watching every video, and I'm waiting!!
Hey Alex love watching your videos I have so much respect for truck driver’s I have a bother who drives trucks too but I was wondering what do you think of the electric trucks there trying to put out on the streets I’m not for the self driving one if that was to every happen there not going to be jobs left for people just like at the stores self check out are taking the jobs away but any how can’t wait to see what you’re up too next
It is Amazon that is pushing these electric trucks in the US and UK
At any yard that I haveaintence done at I will put a seal on it just so I can ensure I get my empty that I hunted to the ends of the earth for. The ellenwood yard is the worst.
That’s those weekly or no weekly drivers dropping trailers trying to hide dem
The problem with your lights is because probably your truck have 2 switches for the trailer lights and you are turning just one of them instead of both, maybe that's the problem
Did you turn on your lights and four ways to check the lights on the first trailer Alex?
This ridiculousness (searching for a trailer) is having me re-think my desire to get my CDL.
Why doesn't dispatch just tell you which one to pick up?
That depends on who you end up working for and what you haul. I do tankers and my company assigns which trailer I hook up to.
@@wref24 Good to know. Thanks. I have my permit, and my tanker endorsement, but not my HazMat yet. I'm thinking tankers might be lucrative.
I like such freedom of work
I did not see a year shift on the floor, where did it go?
how can people who are outside america can apply for trucking job kindly do us a vidio
They need a better system what a joke go find a empty trailer
home 4 days a month. though it was at least a week. do you have apartment ?
What other kinds of trucks do they have?
I have never worked for a really big company but it was so strange seeing u walk past other employees and not even a hi or hello to each other. No sense of a team at all or company spirit.
I thought that too. Regardless of if they were from the same company, I say hi to anyone I walk past. Maybe it's a regional/cultural thing. People are friendly where I live! 🙂
Drivers must not be performing post preventive maintenance to let the company know which trailers have defective parts or lighting.
How many years have you been doing RUclips? You have a lot of subscribers
We would like to see driving through night and things to get Starr at 1am to end of day.
What do you keep
Blurring out on the truck
Not gonna lie Alex. You sound like Travis from fallout4
What camera do you use for your vlogs ?
Hey Alex! Could you say good morning Bennett next time?
Looks like the Duncan, SC yard lol
Lol I typed that in before I saw you’re gps. That place is so recognizable.
Good job Alex.
Day messed up trailer is for master brand dem loads always a mess
First of all i have to say i like you videos, its nice to see what trucking in us might be. But i have to say you should gain some knowledge about trucks and trailers, i dont see what purpose it makes if you go under truck or trailer and you dont know what you see there.. You have a good spirit keep going!!
Thank you Alex
Do you know any company that comes to Canada and back to United States😊
nice looking shrimp Alex!! I am more a potato lover than vegetables. yeah it's bad for me. and I have the body to show for it.
We just had a driver in the area getting squished in between trailers trying to lift the landing gear so it can happen to anyone
10-4 good buddy!
I was gonna switch to variant from us xpress but pay cut wouldn’t make it worth it. So the job hunt continurs
There are plenty of local companies that pay good money and your home every night. I work for a good company, you just have to look
Yeah, new trailers, fontana yard just received 11 this morning,
You've been otr 3 years but wait, it will catch up with you and will catch up to you as more years go and pass.
I don’t see a normal driver make any money This cat sits more than drive Who the he’ll going to stay out a month for 4 days I do 4-5 days and off 2 every week Not no 1000 mile week either 4000 plus
why not putting empty trailers in one spot and the loaded ones in another...?
hi alex, is your company hire directly from outside the country?
Good thing you didn't forget to put your seat belt on.
You should be an advocate for better trailers.
You could call your dispatch and get list of Mty.
That's a trick guys use to...out of service tags
.56-.60 cents per mile and off 4 days out of the month
Alex where ya at in SC, in about to stop for the night in Columbia S.C., we can have dinner together
Alex sorry to bother you but how do you keep the smell of your cooking grilling out of the Truck so you can sleep
He probably opens the windows.
Does alex respond 😁 also good vid
I can not afford all of the extra King Alex...But I shall do what I can from RUclips! I hope you are doing alright and staying safe Sir! I can not wait to see your big next video! 🙌🏼👑😈💪🏼🤤🙏🏽