{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"#34: From Volvos to Military Big Rigs, Part 2","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/34-from-volvos-to-military-big-rigs-part-2","audioUrl":"https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/d812ad6e-e2f5-4fe2-a52e-cab74cd34b90/Kaitlins_Episode_Part_2_Draft_Audio.mp3?dest-id=5058115","description":"Welcome back, Life Plus Cars Community! Join us this week for part 2 of our conversation with Kaitlin, friend of the show, who joined us to talk about her experience operating tractor-trailer trucks and other heavy equipment while serving abroad in Europe with the U.S. Army.    In this part 2 of our conversation, Ian, Brendan, and Kaitlin talk about: -Kaitlin's favorite places where she was stationed abroad in Europe -interacting with locals while on tour through small towns and large cities throughout Europe -trucking culture in Germany -special assignments outside of her regular duty as a truck operator in the military    Plus, Kaitlin shares helpful safety tips for everyday drivers to be aware of when encountering tractor-trailers out on the road.   We thank Kaitlin for her military service as well as for taking the time to join us on the show! We always welcome new voices on the podcast to share more life plus cars moments.    What do you think, listener? Do you have car, truck, or other vehicle stories like Kaitlin's? Let us know and write to us at lifepluscars@gmail.com   Or say hello over on Instagram @lifepluscars   Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations!  "},"annotations":[{"startTime":0.0,"endTime":6.0,"type":"concept","title":"heavy equipment transporter","url":"/glossary/heavy-equipment-transporter","quote":"but I did get to drive it's called a het which is a heavy equipment transporter and it's I want to say it sits 13 feet off the ground","canonicalId":"concept:heavy-equipment-transporter","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A heavy equipment transporter (HET) is a specialized military vehicle designed to transport large and heavy equipment such as tanks. It is built to carry extremely heavy loads over long distances, often featuring a powerful tractor unit and a multi-axle trailer.","simplifiedExplanation":"A heavy equipment transporter is a big truck used by the military to carry very heavy things like tanks. It has a strong truck and a big trailer to carry heavy stuff safely."}},{"startTime":17.6,"endTime":25.1,"type":"car","title":"M1A Abrams","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f9/M1A_Abrams_im_Taunus.jpg","quote":"this design to transport our Abrams the M1A Abram the tank the big tank yeah","canonicalId":"car:m1a-abrams","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The M1A Abrams is a main battle tank used by the United States military. It is heavily armored and equipped with a powerful gun, designed for frontline combat and known for its mobility and firepower.","simplifiedExplanation":"The M1A Abrams is a big, strong tank used by the U.S. Army. It has thick armor and a big gun to help it in battles.","imageAttribution":"US ARMY/HQ VCorps/VCI/Richard Bumgardner (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":94.0,"endTime":109.7,"type":"term","title":"manual transmission","url":"/glossary/manual-transmission","quote":"I when I hear them like take off from a dead stop and they go through like 18 gear changes like are these trucks like are they all like because we love manuals here on uh life plus cars yes but like so they all like big like manuals transmissions and you're like rolling through like dozens of gears","canonicalId":"term:manual-transmission","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A manual transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch and gear stick. It allows for more driver control but requires skill to operate, especially in large trucks with many gears.","simplifiedExplanation":"A manual transmission means the driver has to change gears themselves using a stick and a pedal. It takes practice but lets the driver control the truck better."}},{"startTime":129.9,"endTime":134.0,"type":"term","title":"deuce and a half","url":"/glossary/deuce-and-a-half","quote":"we actually in our motor pool we had a deuce and a half which is a five ton they call it deuce and a half but it's a five ton that was a manual","canonicalId":"term:deuce-and-a-half","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The term 'deuce and a half' refers to a 2.5-ton military truck, commonly used by the U.S. Army for transporting troops and cargo. Despite the nickname, it often refers to trucks with a five-ton capacity in some contexts.","simplifiedExplanation":"A 'deuce and a half' is a military truck that can carry about two and a half tons of stuff. It's used to move people and equipment."}},{"startTime":157.7,"endTime":164.3,"type":"concept","title":"spatial awareness","url":"/glossary/spatial-awareness","quote":"small car and I'm like guys you it's a great conversation to start with spatial awareness yeah there is something to be said for having that spatial awareness","canonicalId":"concept:spatial-awareness","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Spatial awareness is the ability to be aware of oneself in space and understand the position of objects around you. For driving large vehicles like trucks, it is crucial to know where the vehicle is relative to the road, other vehicles, and obstacles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Spatial awareness means knowing where your vehicle is and what is around it while you are driving. This helps you avoid hitting things and stay safe, especially when driving big trucks."}},{"startTime":168.3,"endTime":177.9,"type":"concept","title":"two speed rear end","url":"/glossary/two-speed-rear-end","quote":"did you ever drive anything with a two speed rear end because some some 10 wheelers dump trucks and some 18 wheelers will have their manual and then they'll have a switch yeah and the rear end is two speed no flip that switch so then you actually have 16 gears","canonicalId":"concept:two-speed-rear-end","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A two speed rear end is a type of truck axle that allows the driver to switch between two different gear ratios in the rear differential. This effectively doubles the number of available gears, providing better torque for heavy loads or improved fuel efficiency at highway speeds.","simplifiedExplanation":"A two speed rear end is a special part on some trucks that lets the driver change how the wheels turn. It helps the truck go slower with more power or faster with less power, which is useful for carrying heavy stuff or driving on highways."}},{"startTime":194.3,"endTime":199.1,"type":"part","title":"air brakes","url":"/glossary/air-brakes","quote":"you pushed a button for reverse neutral yeah um I mean you had your air brakes you'd pull in the knob pushing then whatever so yeah no everything was","canonicalId":"part:air-brakes","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Air brakes are a type of braking system commonly used on heavy trucks and buses. They use compressed air to apply pressure to the brake pads or shoes, providing strong and reliable stopping power for large vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Air brakes are special brakes on big trucks that use air pressure to help stop the vehicle safely. They are stronger than regular brakes because trucks are very heavy."}},{"startTime":264.8,"endTime":269.6,"type":"concept","title":"situational awareness","url":"/glossary/situational-awareness","quote":"to your point it was it was you had to be as you said situationally aware you had to have I mean I think I had six or eight mirrors and to this day I mean constantly checking my mirrors","canonicalId":"concept:situational-awareness","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Situational awareness is the ability to identify, process, and comprehend information about the environment around you. For truck drivers, it involves constantly monitoring mirrors, road conditions, and traffic to drive safely.","simplifiedExplanation":"Situational awareness means paying close attention to everything happening around you while driving. This helps you react quickly and keep safe on the road."}},{"startTime":294.3,"endTime":299.6,"type":"term","title":"truck stop","url":"/glossary/truck-stop","quote":"truck stop we would get not crowds of people but people would come over and talk to us and they would just they would be so excited to see us","canonicalId":"term:truck-stop","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A truck stop is a rest area specifically designed for truck drivers to park, refuel, rest, and eat. They often serve as social hubs for truckers.","simplifiedExplanation":"A truck stop is a place where big truck drivers can stop to rest, eat, and fill up their trucks with fuel."}},{"startTime":316.3,"endTime":327.3,"type":"concept","title":"cab over","url":"/glossary/cab-over","quote":"I don't know what they're called but their engines they sit over the engines so they don't have an engine block in front of them it's just the driver it's called a cab over cab okay that's yes yeah I was it's basically just a flat front yes","canonicalId":"concept:cab-over","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A 'cab over' truck is a design where the cab sits directly above the engine, resulting in a flat front with no extended hood. This design is common in Europe due to narrow roads and length regulations.","simplifiedExplanation":"A 'cab over' truck has the driver's seat right above the engine, so the front of the truck is flat. This helps the truck fit better on narrow roads."}},{"startTime":356.8,"endTime":367.7,"type":"car","title":"PLS (Palletized Load System)","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/A_container_of_supplies_is_loaded_to_a_palletized_load_system_truck_at_the_staging_yard_on_Shindand_Air_Base%2C_Herat_province%2C_Afghanistan%2C_July_4%2C_2011_110704-A-UB106-812.jpg","quote":"I drove a different truck called a PLS which is a pallet palletized load system it's a completely different truck and those were much wider than the freight liners","canonicalId":"car:pls-palletized-load-system","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Palletized Load System (PLS) is a military logistics truck designed to carry palletized cargo efficiently. It is wider than typical commercial trucks and built for heavy-duty military use.","simplifiedExplanation":"The PLS is a special military truck that carries big pallets of stuff. It's wider than normal trucks and made for tough jobs.","imageAttribution":"Sgt. Edwin Rodriguez (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":640.0,"endTime":645.3,"type":"term","title":"jake brakes","url":"/glossary/jake-brakes","quote":"and then of course we had our jake brakes on so we're making a ton of noise um but oh it was it was fantastic","canonicalId":"term:jake-brakes","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Jake brakes, or engine compression brakes, are a type of engine braking system used on large diesel trucks to help slow the vehicle without using the wheel brakes. They create a distinctive loud noise and reduce brake wear.","simplifiedExplanation":"Jake brakes help big trucks slow down by using the engine instead of the regular brakes. They make a loud noise when used."}},{"startTime":698.8,"endTime":706.1,"type":"term","title":"18-wheeler","url":"/glossary/18-wheeler","quote":"like for me if I'm driving a 10-wheeler and 18-wheeler I'd be like I could just push that little Hyundai right","canonicalId":"term:18-wheeler","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"An 18-wheeler is a common term for a large tractor-trailer truck with 18 wheels, used for long-haul freight transport. It consists of a tractor unit and a trailer.","simplifiedExplanation":"An 18-wheeler is a very big truck with 18 wheels that carries lots of stuff over long distances."}},{"startTime":729.6,"endTime":737.9,"type":"term","title":"CDL","url":"/glossary/cdl","quote":"like so now like right now you could not drive one of those rigs again correct correct or do you have like a CDL so the nice thing about the army is they afford you an opportunity because we drove these trucks and their their big rigs are considered CDLs","canonicalId":"term:cdl","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"CDL stands for Commercial Driver's License, a special license required to operate large or heavy vehicles such as big rigs and commercial trucks. It involves passing written and practical driving tests and often requires additional endorsements for specific cargo types.","simplifiedExplanation":"A CDL is a special driver's license you need to drive big trucks or buses. You have to pass tests to get it, and sometimes extra tests if you want to carry certain things."}},{"startTime":772.4,"endTime":783.3,"type":"term","title":"flatbed trailer","url":"/glossary/flatbed-trailer","quote":"I could only test out on um flatbed trailers I could not test out on any other kind of like hazmat like chemicals","canonicalId":"term:flatbed-trailer","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A flatbed trailer is a type of truck trailer with a flat, open deck and no sides or roof, used to transport large or irregularly shaped cargo that doesn't fit in enclosed trailers.","simplifiedExplanation":"A flatbed trailer is a truck trailer that's flat and open on top, so you can carry big or oddly shaped things that don't fit inside a box."}},{"startTime":772.4,"endTime":777.3,"type":"term","title":"DOT physical","url":"/glossary/dot-physical","quote":"and pass physical pass it yep the DOT physical yes the DOT physical take a written test","canonicalId":"term:dot-physical","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A DOT physical is a medical examination required by the Department of Transportation to ensure that commercial vehicle drivers meet health and fitness standards necessary for safe driving. Passing this physical is mandatory to obtain or maintain a CDL.","simplifiedExplanation":"A DOT physical is a health checkup you must pass to drive big trucks. It makes sure you are healthy enough to drive safely."}},{"startTime":783.3,"endTime":788.6,"type":"concept","title":"hazmat endorsement","url":"/glossary/hazmat-endorsement","quote":"I was hazmat certified because I mean some of the things we transported explosives","canonicalId":"concept:hazmat-endorsement","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A hazmat endorsement is a special qualification added to a CDL that allows drivers to transport hazardous materials legally and safely. It requires additional training and background checks.","simplifiedExplanation":"A hazmat endorsement is a special permission on your truck driver's license that lets you carry dangerous things like chemicals or explosives."}},{"startTime":783.3,"endTime":788.6,"type":"term","title":"hazmat certification","url":"/glossary/hazmat-certification","quote":"like hazmat like chemicals well no I could test out on because I did have my I was hazmat certified because I mean some of the things we transported explosives","canonicalId":"term:hazmat-certification","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Hazmat certification is an additional endorsement on a CDL that allows a driver to transport hazardous materials such as chemicals or explosives. It requires specialized training and passing a separate test.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hazmat certification means you are allowed to drive trucks carrying dangerous things like chemicals or explosives. You need extra training and tests for this."}},{"startTime":795.4,"endTime":805.3,"type":"term","title":"reefer trailer","url":"/glossary/reefer-trailer","quote":"I could have done reefers or like the the ones you see to the box ones yeah I couldn't have tested out on any of that","canonicalId":"term:reefer-trailer","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A reefer trailer is a refrigerated truck trailer used to transport perishable goods that need to be kept cold or frozen during transit.","simplifiedExplanation":"A reefer trailer is a truck trailer with a fridge inside to keep food or other things cold while being moved."}},{"startTime":810.5,"endTime":816.6,"type":"term","title":"10 wheeler","url":"/glossary/10-wheeler","quote":"there's a wicked shortage of CDL certified people for even just 10 wheelers 18 and you name it yeah it is it's huge shortage","canonicalId":"term:10-wheeler","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A 10 wheeler refers to a type of medium to heavy-duty truck with ten wheels, commonly used for hauling various types of cargo. It is smaller than typical big rigs but still requires a CDL to operate.","simplifiedExplanation":"A 10 wheeler is a big truck with ten wheels used to carry stuff. It's smaller than the biggest trucks but still needs a special license to drive."}},{"startTime":942.1,"endTime":958.5,"type":"concept","title":"Palletized Load System (PLS)","url":"/glossary/palletized-load-system-pls","quote":"so they trained me on the pls which is the palatalized load system basically what it is the giant hook arm that has um it looks like a square on it and it comes down and it can pick up containers it can like it hooks onto the container and it will pull it up and then load it on the back of back of the truck","canonicalId":"concept:palletized-load-system-pls","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Palletized Load System (PLS) is a military logistics vehicle equipped with a hydraulic arm and hook system to load and unload standardized cargo containers quickly. It enhances the efficiency of transporting supplies and equipment.","simplifiedExplanation":"The PLS is a special truck that has a big arm with a hook to pick up and move big boxes or containers. It helps move things faster and easier."}},{"startTime":992.5,"endTime":997.8,"type":"term","title":"CB radio","url":"/glossary/cb-radio","quote":"you communicating I'm I'm just thinking of like truckers would like you know and go on the cb and like yeah the cb radio right I imagine you had something a little bit I imagine it was probably a little bit more so","canonicalId":"term:cb-radio","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"CB radio (Citizens Band radio) is a short-distance communication system commonly used by truckers and drivers to communicate on the road. It allows for quick voice messages without cellular networks.","simplifiedExplanation":"A CB radio is like a walkie-talkie that truck drivers use to talk to each other while driving. It helps them share information about the road."}},{"startTime":1015.5,"endTime":1020.3,"type":"term","title":"WhatsApp","url":"/glossary/whatsapp","quote":"we used funny enough our cell phones uh cell phones and whatsapp especially when I was over in Germany what's app was interesting huge communication","canonicalId":"term:whatsapp","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"WhatsApp is a popular messaging app used worldwide for text, voice, and video communication. It is often used by military units for coordination and communication.","simplifiedExplanation":"WhatsApp is an app on your phone that lets you send messages and talk to people easily. Many people use it to stay in touch."}},{"startTime":1050.0,"endTime":1055.0,"type":"term","title":"call signs","url":"/glossary/call-signs","quote":"I pulled a couple missions with them and they loved just like you just did the rubber ducky they had call signs and they would call to each other on the road","canonicalId":"term:call-signs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Call signs are unique nicknames or identifiers used by radio operators, such as truck drivers using CB radios, to identify themselves during communication. This helps keep conversations clear and organized.","simplifiedExplanation":"Call signs are special names that truck drivers use when talking on their radios so they know who is speaking. It's like a nickname for radio chats."}},{"startTime":1229.3,"endTime":1233.5,"type":"term","title":"Caterpillar engine","url":"/glossary/caterpillar-engine","quote":"may have been Oshkosh I know the Hets had a caterpillar engine I know that mm-hmm I don't know what the Hets were but I know PLS's were Oshkosh","canonicalId":"term:caterpillar-engine","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Caterpillar engines are heavy-duty diesel engines manufactured by Caterpillar Inc., widely used in construction, industrial, and military vehicles for their durability and power. They are known for reliability in demanding environments.","simplifiedExplanation":"A Caterpillar engine is a very strong engine used in big trucks and machines. It helps them work hard and last a long time, especially in tough places like the army."}},{"startTime":1704.2,"endTime":1714.1,"type":"concept","title":"escort duty","url":"/glossary/escort-duty","quote":"I did have a thing where we got to drive I got to escort and drive VIPs there you go escort you just you that's the word I was looking for like any type of escort type duty there you go","canonicalId":"concept:escort-duty","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Escort duty involves driving alongside or ahead of important vehicles or convoys to ensure their safety and smooth passage. This is common in military or VIP transport scenarios.","simplifiedExplanation":"Escort duty means driving with important people or vehicles to keep them safe and help them get where they need to go without problems."}},{"startTime":1743.2,"endTime":1756.0,"type":"concept","title":"VIP mission","url":"/glossary/vip-mission","quote":"one of the missions I got to pull was it was a VIP mission and it was in Belgium because the NATO headquarters are there and I got to drive for the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the time who was very cool","canonicalId":"concept:vip-mission","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A VIP mission refers to a special assignment involving the transportation or protection of Very Important Persons, such as high-ranking officials or military leaders. These missions require heightened security and professionalism.","simplifiedExplanation":"A VIP mission means helping or driving very important people like leaders or officials. It needs extra care to keep them safe."}},{"startTime":1749.6,"endTime":1772.0,"type":"concept","title":"Joint Chiefs of Staff","url":"/glossary/joint-chiefs-of-staff","quote":"I got to drive for the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the time who was very cool yes who was very cool yeah that's amazing yes so I don't know if people know who the Joint Chiefs is the Joint Chiefs of Staff is he is isn't he your your boss your big boss well he's big big boss he's in charge of all them like all them so marines the big big boss the navy he's in charge of of all he he oversees all of them","canonicalId":"concept:joint-chiefs-of-staff","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a group of the highest-ranking military officers from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. They advise the President and the Secretary of Defense on military matters and oversee all branches including the Army, Navy, and Marines.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Joint Chiefs of Staff are the top leaders in the U.S. military. They help make big decisions about the country's defense and lead all the different military branches."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Ian Henry","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"Brendan Bailey","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/34-from-volvos-to-military-big-rigs-part-2/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}