Where's your car when you're driving your truck OTR?

Im the same as Brickman, my Semi is parked right next to my car when i'm home, When i was single i parked my car at the long term parking lot at our company terminal in tunnel hill, ga, they had a Finced in parking area with a security

 

I'm guessing you're meaning what is the NORMAL way to deal with this situation.
Usually, you'll be responsible to find a way to get to where ever your terminal is. Many companies, provide a place for their drivers to park their personal vehicles while they're OTR.
When you finish your tour, your car is waiting for you.
If it starts.
It's a good idea to disconnect the battery before leaving it parked for two or more weeks.

How far you have to drive your personal vehicle obviously depends on where you live relative to the terminal. If you drive team, and your co-driver is domiciled near your home 20, you might consider car-pooling.

Then, there are trucking companies that will require you to GET to the terminal to pick up your Big truck the first time. After that, they arrange loads that will get you through your home 20 on a regular basis. In other words, you'll be taking the Big truck home with you. You might be under a load that you pick up nearby, or a load with a delivery time for a couple of days ahead, giving you the time at home before delivering the load.

Anytime you will be taking extended time off, or when repairs are being performed while you're taking your days off, you'll be required to provide your own transportation from and back to the terminal.
Unless other arrangements can be and are made.

IMO, taking the Big truck home has it's benefits.
Especially if you have room to park -- at LEAST the tractor, in your driveway or at your house or apartment.

Keep in mind, I ain't "normal".
I try to think OUTside the "normal" box.
ANYthing is possible when I do that.
And usually more to my liking.

I have been allowed to take my Big trucks home by companies that say they don't allow that. And NORMALY, they don't.
I consider it a privilege to be allowed to take my Big trucks home when I'm off duty. ---- In return, I keep those Big trucks VERY clean. Mattresses come out and are cleaned. The ceiling and walls in the sleeper are washed. Same with the driving compartment.
I have time to inspect every little thing under the truck, under the hood, --- brakes, drive-line, tanks, suspension, etc.
And I blow out the debris under the sliding plate on the fifth wheel, and lube EVERYthing that requires lubing, like the fifth wheel locking device and linkage.

As an added bonus, I know every inch of my Big truck.
The frame is CLEAN, so ANY little leak will be noticed IMMEDIATELY.
Everything gets wiped down.
The fifth wheel grease that winds up on the frame --- is scraped off.
The fifth wheel get scraped of contaminated grease, and re-greased.
The engine compartment is wiped down while inspected.
This is done, with one company, every time I took days off, which was usually a week off, or more, because I prefer to stay out OTR around 6 to 8 weeks at a time. The company allowed a day and a half off, for every week out. Eight weeks out --- and I was entitled to twelve days off. But I usually didn't last that long off duty.

When I FIRST pulled the air valves in my driveway, I didn't even want to look at that Big truck --- for a couple of days.
When I stated showing interest in cleaning 'er up, I knew I'd be ready to roll in about 4 more days.
About the time I finished polishing the aluminum, I was calling dispatch.
And dispatch was on advanced notice that, if any of my FAVORITE loads came up while I was off duty, CALL ME!!
Or an emergency.

Win/Win situation, IMO.
Taking the Big truck home from the terminal, about 16 miles away, saved the warehouse space --- because ALL Big trucks and other vehicles are parked INside, EVERY night. And usually, those vehicles had to be moved every morning and parked around the area.
Big hassle for the warehouse guys and gals as this procedure took up to 45 minutes each morning and again at closing time. So, actually, we were scratching each other's backs.

I guess what I'm trying to say here is, often times, above average employees (drivers) are treated with above average perks. And another reason why I prefer the smaller outfits that are more willing to work WITH their drivers.

The last thing I have done before backing the tractor in my driveway, is take it to the BIG truck wash, --- to get all the major dirt off with high water pressure, mostly the frame. Then finish the job in my driveway.
Aluminum gets polished.
Paint gets waxed at least twice a year.
The Big truck always looked good and I
felt marvelous.
Take Pride In Your Ride.

 

No, you have someone drive you, or you toddle on down to the local Greyhound station and catch a ride on the big bus. If you don;t live near a terminal, and have some sort of secure parking at home, then set it up so that both the truck and the car are at home for your convenience.

I live about 90 miles from the terminal and the shop. If I need to drop my trick for a few days, I pick up a spare tractor. Only time i did different from that was when I went on vacation, and had a new trans put in the truck. I drove it to Indiana, had my dad follow me and bring me home.

You'll have to jump through some hoops to set it up the first time, but after that you should set it up so you have ready access to your car and the work truck.l

 

When I first started with PAM in 2003, they sent me to Tontitown, AR (their home terminal) via Greyhound. I then underwent orientation for three days, then hopped on board with my trainer. After training I was assigned my truck in Tontitown and given a load that headed close to home. Once I delivered my first load, I bobtailed home. If you're going to work for a large carrier that doesn't have a terminal near your house, this is a very likely scenario that you could find yourself in. Now I work for a small carrier in southwestern Indiana and park my truck at the terminal and drive the short drive to and from the terminal in my 4 wheeler leaving the car where my bobtail had been sitting over the weekend.

 

I guess it depends on the company and where the truck is. Ie...do you leave it at the terminal or truck stop or something?

In my case, Im doing a dedicated route and will be home daily (when I start, that is). I will just drive to the Flying J where it is parked (about 2 miles from home)....hop in and get on my way....come back and park...get in car and go home.

 

I have been looking at going back otr here lately & that is another issue i am finding with companies anymore. There have been 3 or 4 companies i have talked with that said truck had to stay parked at the terminal i think this is crap. Companies expect you to stay out 5, 6, or more weeks then you get to a terminal have to get into your car & drive another 100-200+ miles I really dont understand this expecially for people who have the space to park a truck.

Anyway just my 2 cents for what its worth

 

Oh, and just a heads up -- Be careful when you hop into your car after being out playing trucker. I typically oversteer my Honda all over the road for a while until I find the feel of it again. Whole different ballgame .....