And by the way, good evening from Nashville!
We ended our day dropping a load that dispatch knew I couldn't deliver as I will have only 3 hours at midnight! Not only that, they expected me to wait on a swap in a dirt lot with no lighting above a very crowed and dirty Loves Truck Stop with only 45 minutes on my clock! I dropped that load like fire and headed 10 miles out of town to a Pilot that is small and safe.....and insisted on taking my 34 hour restart after I arrived. I will only gain 7.5 hours at midnight tomorrow so I might as well wake up on the 27th with a full 80 hours to work with. I haven't heard a word since!
I did some research on comments as I was having my own issues. Try making comments, you should get a POP UP window to do so. Let me know if it works as I so would love to hear from ALL of my VIRTUAL TRUCKERS!
Since I am here for a bit, time to catch up on some shows! Later guys.,........ :)
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
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!
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!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Good evening from Cheyenne, WY!
We have run hard the past few days, taking short breaks for making up time gained for heading east. You see, if I stayed on Seattle time, by the time I hit the east time zone, I would be starting my day at 8 AM and parking at 10 PM.......dangerous situation with my night vision and backing into a dark parking spot. So I shorten my break time by one hour each day in order to wake up one hour early. Now when I am heading west, I run my full 14 hours and sleep in one hour as I will lose one hour per day......time management and knowing your time zones is so important as a long haul driver.
And I am tired, I was up at 4 AM and on the road by 4:45. We did manage a 30 minute run at lunch today and I was hoping to do the same before dinner but the long day of sitting behind the wheel has me just enjoying a mile long walk before my dinner of chili cheese and beef. No beer tonight, dang nab Wyoming! Dry state when it comes to beer and gas stations. Oh well, it just made me enjoy the calories of my dinner a tad bit more :)
I haven't heard from Brian, Jim or Kel in a while. Matthew is on home time and Marcus is sitting east of us waiting on a load. I got things squared away with the kids and we will be seeing them on the 10th or 11th of next month. After this visit, I will see Marie in California and Mom/Charlie at Christmas. My home time with Rhonda might not happen.......things are stirring up in her lil world but I am working on a visit to Florida to make up for it!
Wallet update.......nadda! The video footage was too dark to see. Good news though, the only activity on my account is done by me!
I do love driving, it feels good to see America on my terms for what little I get paid and now the added bonus of making my home time with friends and family........it gives me something to look forward too and to smile about!
And I am tired, I was up at 4 AM and on the road by 4:45. We did manage a 30 minute run at lunch today and I was hoping to do the same before dinner but the long day of sitting behind the wheel has me just enjoying a mile long walk before my dinner of chili cheese and beef. No beer tonight, dang nab Wyoming! Dry state when it comes to beer and gas stations. Oh well, it just made me enjoy the calories of my dinner a tad bit more :)
I haven't heard from Brian, Jim or Kel in a while. Matthew is on home time and Marcus is sitting east of us waiting on a load. I got things squared away with the kids and we will be seeing them on the 10th or 11th of next month. After this visit, I will see Marie in California and Mom/Charlie at Christmas. My home time with Rhonda might not happen.......things are stirring up in her lil world but I am working on a visit to Florida to make up for it!
Wallet update.......nadda! The video footage was too dark to see. Good news though, the only activity on my account is done by me!
I do love driving, it feels good to see America on my terms for what little I get paid and now the added bonus of making my home time with friends and family........it gives me something to look forward too and to smile about!
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge
Puget Sound
Good morning America!
Snake River
Friday, October 21, 2011
Good afternoon from Baker City, Oregon! Hey JAMES and Pix!
We have a light load consisting of fishing gear and outdoor vehicle accessories for Bass Pro in Springfield, MO. We will be arriving there Monday morning for delivery. This is a 2300 mile trip and the company is stating it is only 2000. I will be chatting with my dispatcher on Monday to make sure I get paid for the correct miles.
I am taking a short lunch so I can use the Internet and get a shout out to James and Pix to please let me know when the delivery date is and if there is room for my truck. I can be there in there weeks, two weeks before Thanksgiving and hopefully before the snow. Email me please and give me the land line so I can call you!
We will be stopping short of the Utah border for the night.......hopefully I will have web as there is a lot of new postings on CL for driver jobs!
Off to enjoy my chili...... :)
I am taking a short lunch so I can use the Internet and get a shout out to James and Pix to please let me know when the delivery date is and if there is room for my truck. I can be there in there weeks, two weeks before Thanksgiving and hopefully before the snow. Email me please and give me the land line so I can call you!
We will be stopping short of the Utah border for the night.......hopefully I will have web as there is a lot of new postings on CL for driver jobs!
Off to enjoy my chili...... :)
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Ummm.......shouldn't I be heading South?
After a late start dealing with stolen wallet "must do" issues, I was at my truck at 11 AM to pick up a load 16 miles away.......to take south, 160 miles. I arrived on time, dropped my load of soda pop and was instructed to head north, back to the yard, for a noon pickup in Kent. Good news, it is a 2000 mile trip (MO) and I will have time in the morning to see if there was any video capture of the JERK who took my wallet. Bad news, they will expect me to drive late because of the late pick up..........NOT!
And thank you for your advice son......credit is excellent and not ALL Walmart shoppers are blood suckers......I am sure there are a few that prefer going straight for the meat!
You get to sleep in for a few hours.......enjoy it as we have a long way to go to the drop. Good night!
And thank you for your advice son......credit is excellent and not ALL Walmart shoppers are blood suckers......I am sure there are a few that prefer going straight for the meat!
You get to sleep in for a few hours.......enjoy it as we have a long way to go to the drop. Good night!
Honesty....not at a Walmart parking lot!
Well my virtual truckers, our day is starting a tad later than I expected. My wallet was stolen last night. I was running two hours behind due to the tattoo artist taking a little longer than I expected. I had to do a quick stop at Walmart to pick up a new cooler (the previous one over heated) and I left my wallet sitting in the grocery cart. By the time I drove seven miles and realized it was not with me, it was taken.
I lost roughly $50 in cash, a $2 bill I have been carrying for 14 years, social security card, check book, debit card and credit card. Both cards were canceled, I will be going to the bank at 9 AM to get a replacement card and off to Walmart to see if there is anything on the video footage of the parking lot.
They pulled a shag from me this morning at 8 AM which doesn't bother me at all. Hopefully we will be back in the truck by 10:30..........thank goodness my license and passport are in the truck!
Dang nab it, why couldn't an honest person have found what I so foolishly left behind?
I lost roughly $50 in cash, a $2 bill I have been carrying for 14 years, social security card, check book, debit card and credit card. Both cards were canceled, I will be going to the bank at 9 AM to get a replacement card and off to Walmart to see if there is anything on the video footage of the parking lot.
They pulled a shag from me this morning at 8 AM which doesn't bother me at all. Hopefully we will be back in the truck by 10:30..........thank goodness my license and passport are in the truck!
Dang nab it, why couldn't an honest person have found what I so foolishly left behind?
Monday, October 17, 2011
This snowbird is missing the heat of down south.......
Good morning my virtual truckers! It has been down right chilly and wet here in Seattle, something I haven't missed since I started driving back in March; when I was working on my tan lines in Florida. I have enjoyed doing not much of anything in the past two days besides being with family and friends. Today is the day I return to doing something from preparing my "on the road" meals, seeing the dentist, last minute shopping, and getting my nails done. Tomorrow is packing, getting the new ink, and unpacking my gear in the truck.
James and Pix are now in Troy, Montana, so our next home time will be with them as I won't go back until they thaw out.....
Lorene surprised Mom by showing up in Yuma for her and Charlies' wedding anniversary. She is now on her way home after being delayed a day due to mechanical failure of the airplane.
Since we are going to be gone for most of the winter with our home bases being in much warmer locations, better pack tight but light and pray that dispatch keeps us south!
James and Pix are now in Troy, Montana, so our next home time will be with them as I won't go back until they thaw out.....
Lorene surprised Mom by showing up in Yuma for her and Charlies' wedding anniversary. She is now on her way home after being delayed a day due to mechanical failure of the airplane.
Since we are going to be gone for most of the winter with our home bases being in much warmer locations, better pack tight but light and pray that dispatch keeps us south!
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