ModernMuscleCars.net - Modern Muscle Cars Archive

Pages: 1

Online trucking game
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: Grape Ape

Found this about a month ago and it's kinda fun to play. It can be tricky and it takes time due to rules involved. Some here may like it. For those who can't play regularly, there are options as to making more or less money baed on the time you are available. The idea is to haul stuff somewhat like a truck driver would... only from the comfort of home.

http://www.trukz.com/default.asp?VALUE=22C9BD052A

Good luck if you try this one. It's easy to play, but not necessarily easy to play well.

Posted by: bl3wbyu

I'm sure I'll regret this, but I joined, and under my s/n here.

I've applied to the Colossus Freight company, as they seemed to have a good collections to rewards ratio.

I also bought the Kenworth W900, I think it is. I didn't notice 'til after I bought it, but over 2 million miles?! Holy shnikies, batman. That's one tough cookie.

I also just looked through all the available trucks (since my driver's already exhausted and I'm just waiting), and there are some NICE trucks toward the end. I can definitely see myself in a nicer Kenworth at some point, assuming I stick to the game.

However, Peterbuilt doesn't seem to have a very strong showing. Yeah, I see a few, even more than a few...maybe five or six. But not as many as I'd like to see. Not that I'm a trucker or even know much about the big rigs, but I've always been partial to Peterbuilt and Kenworth...though Peterbuilt moreso.

Posted by: Grape Ape

I've driven both in real life... Gimme the choice and I'll be in a Pete. I think Mack makes a stronger truck than either of them though.

Now in the game... I began with an old MACK and it was good for a bit. I'm done with it though. Tell me how that KW holds up though. I was wondering about that. I actually noticed the mileage and skipped on that one. I think I should've chosen the Ford 9000 1st, but it's too hard to say for sure.

And tell me how Collossus turns out. I never joined a company. They seem like a strong one.

Posted by: bl3wbyu

How many miles do truckers really put on their rigs? I mean, I know they do tons of driving and the miles must add up real quick, but how long do these rigs last? Is that 2million miles actually reasonable? I'm assuming to reach any kind of mileage like that LOTS of work would need to be done. Engine rebuild, tranny rebuild, etc.

What was your reasoning behind not joining a company? Did you see negatives about it that you wanted to avoid or just wanted to do it on your own or what? Oh, and Colossus did accept me. So hopefully I'll be getting help on my expenses now.

Also, I know it says you have to be away for an hour to regain one fatigue point. But what does that mean? Do I have to log out of the game for an hour, or can I keep my browser open and logged in but just be idle? And if the latter (which I'm hoping it is), I'm assuming that browsing the forums, reading about companies and bulletins, and buying items WOULD be considered being idle, since I'm not driving.

Any insight into how that works?

Thanks!

Posted by: Grape Ape

There are thounsands of trucks out there with over 2 million miles on them. Major companies buy up a hundred or maybe even 3,000 trucks. They issue them for typically about 400,000 miles and then sell them for about 1/2 what they paid and since they've had so many out there making them millions of dollars, they just go buy more. It's a cycle for most major companies and it works well. I've driven trucks with almost no miles on them and trucks with early a million. I've seen them with plenty more, but wouldn't own one myself over maybe 1.5, even if it's been very well kept.

To reach 2M, you'll see solid preventative maintanence records with the truck. It will have had at least 1 major overall and probably 4-8 minors. If a single owner puts that many on a truck, he's probably driven it either as a team, or for 15yrs. It takes the general driver 8yrs to reach 1 million miles. An O/O can do it quicker if they push, twist and bend the rules. They're far more likely to do so willingly than a company driver.

I chose to remain solo until I really figure out the game. If it looks better to joing a company in another month or so, I'll probably look for the one paying the most(least collection), like "Teamsters Local 95." It's a stupid name, but they may do...

Lemme know the "quit policy" for that company. I was also concerned about that. I wouldn't wanna be locked in. As it is, I can take move load when I want to, and not be told to get moving if I don't. Real companies often used what's called "forced dispatch," but Idonno if the game is the same. If so, I don't like that stuff.

Fatigue Points... As you go leg to leg, you get tired. In the real world(America), you may only drive 11 hrs without a 10hr break. In the game, you have the same situation, EXCEPT you can play your hrs all at once. You still have to stop for 1 hr for each fatigue point you gain in the game. It's similar, but the game allows us to not have to come back each hour... Which we wouldn't want to do, of course.

So if you drive 1 hr and stop, you get 1 fatigue point removed after 1hr of being parked. If you drive all 11, you must wait 11hrs to be rested to a "0" fatigue level. DO NOT exceed 11 with driving... It will cost you. And 10 may well cost you too...

You may leave your browser open, just don't perform any truck actions. Then, when your time is up, refresh the screen so you and the game agree with the fatigue level. You may buy things or browse the site and not gain fatigue. You cannot drive, refuel or repair the truck without gaining fatigue.

Posted by: bl3wbyu

Thanks for all the explanation.

Wow, that's really amazing that a truck will hold up to that much use and abuse. I'm assuming that the overhauls would include and engine rebuild at some point, but the original block is kept for the duration of the truck's life?

Oh, and what's an O/O?

Not a bad idea about going solo 'til you get a good feel for the game. I couldn't think of a handle I really liked, so I'm just going to play it for a while 'til I get a feel for it and then create another user with a handle I like better.

Funny thing is, though, I was reading about CB handles and lingo last night, and now I really want to get a CB for my Jeep!

As far as I can tell, you can leave the company whenever you want with no penalties. I see a "Leave this Company" button at the top of the company page. Also, I think you get paid better when you help them fulfill their contracts, but I've not seen anything about them REQUIRING you to do so. However, that might be different from company to company.

Yeah, the reason I chose Colossus was because they had a HUGE amount of money and GREAT cost/rewards ratio. Only 8% collection, 20% help with repairs AND gas, and 5% help with tickets. Seems like a win win to me, especially seeing how they have 20 terminals.

Thanks for the explanation on the fatigue points.

What's your handle in the game?

Posted by: Grape Ape

A major overhaul is a rebuild, and it's usually done without removing the engine from the cradle. the cylinder walls of many engines, and basically all diesels are sleeved. They've designed most trucks on the road to allow for removal of everything inside and outside of the block. That is what I'm told, anyway. I've rebuilt engines, but not in or from a big truck. The average engine is expected to be rebuilt at about 500,000 miles, but many go all the way to 1million. Minor overhauls don't see the crank or rods/pistons removed.

O/O = Owner Operator. These are just the folks who purchase or lease a truck rather than working under contract or as a general employee for someone else.

I don't have a CB in the game. I have one in real life and it's usually off, thanks to all the morons on the road. I've heard some serious rants out there and no more would be too many!

I was offered a contract job rather than a company job a few weeks ago. The mail you get will disappear from your inbox if you don't answer it. Not too good either, because I couldn't do a thing about the offer, as I was under load at the time. When I got delivered, it was gone. The offer was $1.73 per mile... And I could haul it all I wanted. Bummer... I wanted it, just couldn't take it at the time.

Posted by: bl3wbyu

Oh, wow, I TOTALLY forgot about lots of diesels having sleeves. Wow, I feel stupid now! Haha. That's pretty cool that you can rebuild it without taking the block out. I imagine it'd require quite an engine hoist to pull one out!

I didn't know you'd get job offers through your inbox. That's pretty cool. I guess I could've gone solo. But I think I'll stick with the company and see how it pans out.

I foolishly wasted the money for the CB, so I'm going to be surfing the channels and seeing what I can garner from that. I also joined the Trukz forum and my company's forum, so perhaps I'll get some ideas from those places, too.

I was reading some of the posts in the Trukz forum, and one was about company stocks. I was reading all about how you could buy and sell public and private stocks and such, and thought that was a pretty good idea. But then I read that they've removed that feature.

I also just discovered the 'casual/standard' gameplay style. That's good to know about, as I'm sure I'll need to kick it into 'casual' a few times.

Posted by: bl3wbyu

From scanning the channels on the CB, I've noticed Bill Cedar keeps asking for contract drivers, as he says he needs help with a huge contract and is asking people to PM him.

Since you're solo, I figured you might wanna give it a shot. Here's a link to his profile:
http://www.trukz.com/driver_display.asp?ID=1006803

Posted by: Grape Ape

I went ahead and purchased a CB... But don't expect me on that chat... It looks really silly! I looked things over, and left. Checked out that profile too... May contact him tomorrow.

Posted by: bl3wbyu

Yeah, I've not been impressed with the CB on this game at all. I'm still hoping to find a channel that'll prove to be worth the purchase price of the CB. But so far it's not happening.

Posted by: bl3wbyu

I've actually been getting ~6.19mpg. However, I only loaded up with about 35,000pounds of stuff and have been keeping my speed to 45mph to try and avoid any wrecks, failures, or excessive wear, and so forth.

But I think I'd still be benefited from a newer truck.

Posted by: No Rice Allowed

I got The Caterpillar 797B, but can't seem to find any back roads I can drive it on.....

Posted by: Grape Ape

Quote:

Originally Posted by No Rice Allowed


	I got The Caterpillar 797B, but can't seem to find any back roads I can drive it on.....

Hah!

Get a MACK! No back roads needed. Or get a Ford for that matter!

Posted by: bl3wbyu

I finally finished my route, took out a few another loan, sold my truck, and bought the 1987 Peterbilt 359. I know the Volvo had a bit better stats for not much more dough, but I REALLY prefer the looks of the Pete, so I went with it.

Now to see how it hauls!

Posted by: Grape Ape

Pete's are good trucks in the real world and until the past few yrs, Volvo's haven't been so good. I'm beginning to wonder if I shouldn't have gone with a Pete instead, but this is just another stepping stone anyway, so I don't care. Maybe I'll get an air filter or something to increase economy. But I think I'll either get wheels 1st, or wait till I get my next truck. and try to deck it out. That is, of course, if it's new enough.

I like the Pete, but the 379 doesn't do all that much for me personally. A new one is real nice, but they're longnose versions and in real life, not allowed into Canada. I didn't wanna take that chance in the game. In real life, I don't do Canada or Mexico.

Posted by: 1LowCav

COOL! I signed up but I don't have enough cash yet to get a truck I really want! No Freightliners yet!

Posted by: Grape Ape

The list for a 1st truck is pretty short, and I don't think and Frieghtshakers are part of that list. Once you move a load or 30... You can sell your truck and upgrade. I chose a MACK to start, but that may not have been the best choice. I'm using a Volvo now, and it's losing value quickly. If I can get, say, 5 more loads done, I might be able to upgrade to a faster truck getting better economy. At least this one allows me to haul 40,000(the limit) without making changes.

The amount a truck can haul drops over time as does the condition of the truck. The Volvo is dropping value at a rate making me wish I'd held off for a KW or newer Pete.

Posted by: 1LowCav

I chose the KWhopper. My driver name is EagleAce, the same one I use at truckstopusa.com

Posted by: Grape Ape

I'm gonna try for a newer truck next... 200X... We'll see, but I suspect they'll be very pricey. I'm on a run now which looked good at the start, but then my truck failed... I'll have about zero in my pocket when the run is over, considering one more top off of the tanks.

That's if I don't buy anything for the truck between now and runs end, and if I don't repair it, which I'll have to do soon. It'll only run 53mph now.... 54 is tops, and it was 55 when I got it some 4days and 2 trips ago. At this rate, it will be down to 30mph if I keep it 2 months. Can't have that.

Next truck will have to be able to go at least 65mph. It will need over 6mpg(which cracks me up, considering the low number of real trucks getting that mileage) and will have to be above 85% value.

I saw one guy who's truck was getting over 10mpg! WTH is that about? Not in reality, that's for sure. Can't even get that empty. The best I ever got was about 7.5mpg bibtailing.

Posted by: bl3wbyu

Yeah, I was looking through some of the guys' trucks, and a few were getting 11.xx, almost 12 mpg.

I finally finished another job. So now I have three under my belt, and managed to pay off one of my loans. I'm going to make a trip to Charlotte as soon as I get rested up, and hopefully I'll get there soon because my company has a contract to take electronics from Charlotte to Yellowknife. Those company contracts sure do pay well. Hopefully I can start getting in on them.

Posted by: 1LowCav

I'm about halfway from San Fran to Albuquerque, hauling general merchandise. I'm getting a measly 5.76 mpg.

Posted by: bl3wbyu

I'm getting 6.88!

But I did buy an air filter to boost it a bit.

Posted by: Grape Ape

I'm still considering a filter, and even injectors. Seems it may be a better bet to start with the smaller items(for money's sake) and later, to get the lighter wheels, etc. At this point, I see about 5.6mpg total, and better if the wind is with me. With no wind at all, I can only get about 5.4-8, and that's not real good. I'm not seeing the cash I'd like, but I haven't joined any compny as of yet. If I could get contract hauling of about $1.75pm, I'd be good with that. As it is, I see about $50.00 per trip and that won't do.

Cav, be sure to find something a city wants and get yourself to a city which supplies it. That pays much better than GM.

Posted by: 1LowCav

I'm currently hauling a load of medical supplies to Houston. Dang truck broke down! Just my luck!

Posted by: Grape Ape

I think I have a load of gasoline at the moment, and maybe going to NYC or close. I haven't looked since ... I'd better go see if it's ready to move... brb... Oh yeah... El Paso to Halifax... Gas.

There was a reason I picked this long run, but I can't remember why. It does pay the best I saw from this location, but I should've taken a shorter trip. I'm just hoping my truck can allow this load an ontime delivery. Speed counts!

Posted by: bl3wbyu

Well dang. I just delivered my first load that was contract work, so I made a bookoodle of dough. But then on my next trip I've already had two mechanical failures! What's with that? Hopefully I won't have anymore before I deliver.

I'd like to save up and get a new truck here in a few days.

Posted by: 1LowCav

I'm hauling a load of gasoline from Houston to Halifax. I'm supposed to get $1700 for delivering it on time. My truck's malfunctioned twice already! Yes, I've got hazmat and tank on my REAL license!

Posted by: Grape Ape

I'm on the route to Halifax, and I'm late. I went and did stuff today and forgot to log in and move... HOWEVER, there's little chance I'd have been ontime anyway. I, too, had 2 breakdowns. To top that off, my truck has lost 3mph since I got it like a week ago. So this load will be 2 days late now, and I will lose $100 in pay. But I should still make a decent pay. Which won't really help, since I've alredy spent nearly $1,000.00 since beginning the run. I'll have to fuel up by the time this one ends and that's odd.. A real truck gets about the same mileage as my truck in the game... But I can run a real truck over 1200 miles on 200gal. I get maybe 1,000 from the game if I run it low.

Posted by: 1LowCav

I've got 11 fatigue points with 975 miles to go. I'm expected to arrive at 10 pm Sunday.

Posted by: Grape Ape

You'll make it if you don't forget, as I did today. I'm like 600+ out and have 13 fatigue points AND am already 2hrs late.

Tomorrow, I'll get nearly there, then have to wait till I get rest again. So I only hope to not be 2days late. Soon, I need a better truck again. I can't believe how quickly this one losses value and mph. I think I'll also be joining a company soon, if they'll gimme contract runs. I need to see more cash to advance in this game.

Posted by: 1LowCav

Haven't been on lately as I've been too busy with THE REAL THING! Training's been going very well; my trainer is really good.

Posted by: Grape Ape

Good for ya! I'm glad you have a trainer who's helping you along. As you've clearly figured out, there's much more to driving than CDL school could cover. There simply isn't enough time to get to many of the possibilities in the real world while taking a 3 week course.

So which truck are you in now? And which trans does it have?

Posted by: 1LowCav

I'm in a Columbia w/ a Fuller 10-speed. It only has 85,000 miles on it and has an apu with an inverter. My trainer says that since I'll be based in Cali my truck will likely have an apu as well. Oh I always thought from the beginning that school only gave me what I needed to get my CDL; the real training would be on the road! My trainer is really thorough but doesn't make me feel like an idiot if I don't understand something, and she gets out of the truck and watches me when I'm backing, and is always in the other seat- not the bunk, I've heard Werner's known for that!- when I'm driving.

Posted by: Grape Ape

Oh yeah, she's doing good! A Werner trainer will certainly sleep while you drive, though it's against all rules. Not to mention, it's downright friggin' dangerous!

85K... WOW! That's like brand new!!!!! And an APU, very much needed, believe me. My last truck had over 885,000... But it ran very well and also had an APU. It was a Pete though, so ADVANTAGE ME!

Posted by: LS1JAY

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1LowCav


	I'm in a Columbia w/ a Fuller 10-speed. It only has 85,000 miles on it and has an apu with an inverter. My trainer says that since I'll be based in Cali my truck will likely have an apu as well. Oh I always thought from the beginning that school only gave me what I needed to get my CDL; the real training would be on the road! My trainer is really thorough but doesn't make me feel like an idiot if I don't understand something, and she gets out of the truck and watches me when I'm backing, and is always in the other seat- not the bunk, I've heard Werner's known for that!- when I'm driving.

Cool deal! I hope it all works out for you. Do you miss the park yet? You were there for a few years, right?

Posted by: 1LowCav

Quote:

Originally Posted by LS1JAY


	Cool deal! I hope it all works out for you. Do you miss the park yet? You were there for a few years, right?

yeah I do miss the park, but it has been a whole new experience for me! I SURE don't miss the dickhead boss I had there! And of course I deal with the idiot 4-wheelers who don't know that 75 feet and 79,000 pounds of truck and trailer DOESN'T maneuver like a sports car!

Back to the Forums