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Bruce Meaney wrote:
Keep up the good work, Robert (See Deaf to a brutal market message, September 22). I’m tipping you’ll read the Moody’s’ downgrade of the Bank of America credit rating as another sequence in this slippery mess.
22 Sep 2011 3:22 PM
ken mcalpine wrote:
I think the RBA must cut rates now – not in December (See Deaf to a brutal market message, September 22).
22 Sep 2011 4:16 PM
Graeme King wrote:
Why is it that the “market” is always looking for easy solutions from governments? (See The prelude, September 23) many developed countries now have little left for more stimulation efforts and previous efforts did not lead to the fundamental structural changes required. Speculators in the sharemarket (the vast majority of participants) need to look at their investment, or should that be speculation, strategy not to governments to rescue them with quick fixes which are likely to be skimmed of the market by hedge funds anyway.
Interest rate cuts can hurt as many people as they help, despite the media’s focus on the beneficaries.
23 Sep 2011 11:17 AM
Colin Hillery wrote:
I see that politicians get the blame everywhere for what’s happening, and while it has been well documented that financial market players are unhappy with their performance, I think the fact of the matter is it’s banks that are the problem (See The prelude, September 23).
23 Sep 2011 11:45 AM
Stefan Bay wrote:
I agree completely with your assessment of Karen Maley’s analysis (See The prelude, September 23). sorry Adam Carr, but it’s Karen I listen to.
23 Sep 2011 2:00 PM
Michael Clay wrote:
I disagree that the banks need to be bailed out again – isn’t that the reason we are in this mess to begin with? (See The prelude, September 23)
Banks have been gambling irresponsibly for years because of corporate greed, why should they be rewarded for this behaviour by government covering their losses. I think the other question that needs to be asked is why aren’t there a large number of people in jail for the corrupt behavior that created the financial crisis?
24 Sep 2011 7:48 AM
I hear these guys make good $$$$ driving cross-country. I am not good at backing up even small flat trailors that go behind pickup trucks. I drive a short wheel-base chevy 1995 pickup. how long does it take to be able to master driving one of those big-rigs? I think they have 16 day schools, make you a truck driver in 16 days! Diesel Driving Academy.
Im a former tow truck driver…once you get the hang of it backing up is a breeze and many drivers can back in to an arms lenght hole without difficulty…OK thats not the problem there are 2 bigger issues 1 directions and 2 the cul de sac/right turn 1 directions can lead you astray very quickly on the freeway 1 wrong turn can mean alot of money time and fuel…. 2 the cul de sac and the right turn are the worst enemy of the truck driver in either you can run over the curb or have to back out a very long way….
start on tow trucks then if you like it graduate to semis…..the school sounds great however practice experience will get you hired for the tow truck a special license isnt required only a police permit and thats ez to get
any way good luck
jeb
Like anything you do, practice makes perfect. Backing a long trailer with a semi tractor is actually easier than backing a pickup with a trailer. if you want to go to school then find a good one, not a 16 day rip off and get some training, some book and class room time and then go out as a trainee driver with an experienced over the road trucker. I wouldn't be so much worried about backing up as I would be about all the rules and regulations that you have to learn backwards and forwards and the huge amount of responsibility that comes with this big rigs.
Everyone must "pay their dues" in the trucking world. I've been a driver (& instructor, for a time) since 1993. I started with an 8-week course through a Tech. College (1 week of night driving). The instructors had 40 yrs. of driving & working in safety…told it like it was, "We will not make you a driver. We will show you how to pass the tests, you will learn to be a driver for the rest of your driving life."
Everyone is different. for me, after those 8 wks., I got a job w/a company where I drove w/a trainer for 6 wks., got a wk. off, & went back out w/another trainee for another 6 wks…yes, I stayed out the whole 6 wks. w/each of them. The 2nd wk. out w/the other trainee, I finally felt comfy backing & couldn't wait to finish & be on my own.
Training, practice, G.O.A.L. (get out and look), & asking for help from another driver, when available, are key to your becoming a good backer. Eventually, you'll be backing & looking in that mirror, all of a sudden…SNAP! you don't have to think about which way to turn the wheel to get that trailer to swing the way you want. all comes in time. Remember, safety is key! never think you "know it all" or it's time to hang up those keys. Safety is first, always! you will be kidded by other drivers, ignore them, they started out just like you!
It's fair money, you won't be rich, by any means. you can pay your bills & be comfortable. Depends on YOU. it will wear you out & you'll be away from your family.
Take a look at this site to see if you really wish to be a driver: layover.com/newbies/approaching/
One last thing, when you're driving down that road look way up ahead, sweep your eyes upon occasion, look up and around the curve ahead of the other vehicles…this will keep you between the lines. good luck!
Hi, i agree with all these answer's, backing up takes time and pratice, but you will catch on and back up to the dock all in 1 shot 
You should look into compay's that pay for your school and trainning, like Swift or England, about 4 weeks of school, and then a month or 2 out driving for the company with a trainner and getting paid..
When you first start out if you are solo you wont make top $$$, but if you want to get the money rollin into your pocket, i suggest riding team with someone, Teams keep the truck Rollin, and When the truck is rollin the money is there every mile.. Teams dont have to wait around for loads, they are usally loaded and ready to roll across the country…. company's dont like there teams to be sitting at docks waiting for loads. plus if you feel stressed when backing, it's always good to have someone with you to help direct you backing up….
Good Luck and be Safe
like anything else once you know how its a snap. They make good money but they also put in a lot of hours, you could have your cdl in a month easy, take the short course and you will have a job waiting for you.