Email from a Check Ride Student ;)

Good evening from Russellville, AR!  I am pooped!  There was no time to run or enjoy our little breaks as once we dropped that load in Springfield, they had me run to Joplin to pick up a load off dog food to take to Memphis, TN.  So I spent our breaks, loading, unloading, pre tripping and pre planning.  This load is due tomorrow at 9:45 and we are only 3 hours away..........so I might sleep in until 5 AM!

I was tickled pink to get an email from a current student driver from Check Ride!  Hello to all the gang down there in Woodinville!  It appears that our class and myself have been brought up quite a few times with new students and this particular student read my blog from START to FINISH!  The only thing I can think of is that he was being punished by Vern for running over cones  ;)

He is a 50+ displaced worker as I was and decided to follow the same path as me (poor soul).  I thought I would share his questions and my answers for everyone to read and giggle.......here we go!

Waves to Dan!

My responses to your questions!

1.  What made you and your classmates choose "your company" to start your driving careers?  I choose my company because they courted me real hard with half truths and a salesman's smile.  Brian felt the same and really didn't check out any other companies and  Jim......he went with Schneider (?) as the training period was shorter.

2.  Does it really matter which one the Big 3 you get your training from. (if they are all the same, why not go with the one that pays the best)?  Sadly, they all pay the same to start.

3.  When you go solo, what can a driver do (or has to do) to make sure you get good loads where your making money?  You know, if I knew this answer, I wouldn't be working for this company!  It is the luck of the draw my friend.  As for making money, not until your year is up and you are hired by another firm.

4.  What suggestions or recommendations would you give for speeding up the training processes or making sure you get your hours behind the wheel?  Do you really want to speed up the training process?  If you have never been behind the wheel of a big truck, you dang nab it better get as much training as you need before you go solo.  Driving the lot is not the same as driving the freeway!  And.....some of my trainee paychecks were bigger than my current paychecks!

5.  Does having a terminal (as opposed to a drop yard) closer to Seattle make a difference in getting back home more often?  We have a drop yard in Pacific and it doesn't make a difference unless your dispatcher makes sure that planning knows it is your home time.......you will make it home, either on time or a day or two late........just extend your home time if this happens.

6.  Is the best way to insure loads and consistent paychecks team driving?  OMG!  I am dying in laughter, oh  it  hurts, oh my, where is the tissue as I can't see from the tears pouring down my lovely face!!!!  On that note, become an owner operator, that is the only way that is going to happen!

7.  If you had to do it over again, what would you do different?  Sell off everything I have and move to New Zealand!

I hope that answers your questions!  The first year sucks, you don't make a dime if you are lucky enough to come out even......even better!  Last that first year and a door or two might open up for you.  Best of luck!

Fall colors for Mom!

Tornado Alley in Joplin.......still a mess!

I can tell you one thing, you sure can tell who had insurance and who didn't!