Monthly Archives: December 2008

Tractor Trailer Brakes On Fire!

I arrive at work around 5 am to get the truck and trailer all ready to go by 5:30 for Seneca, MO to the Smuckers plant. Extra loads are needed due to the holiday season. I pulled out of the … Continue reading

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A Funny Warehouse Story

I get to spend the day in the warehouse loading and unloading plastic juice bottles. There are 1,188 64 oz bottles on the 5 foot tall pallets with about 9 to 12 layers depending on what size of bottle is needed. … Continue reading

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Preparing Myself for a Truck Driving Career

If you have read my previous blogs, you know that I’m getting ready to start my CDL-A Training. I’ve found a CDL truck driving school which I will be starting in about 3 weeks (which I will write about frequently) … Continue reading

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An Icy Night On The Prairie

An ice storm hit Dallas today, and its my day to make that run. I pull up the Texas weather before leaving. I know it will be an interesting drive and I will shut it down if it is not … Continue reading

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To Fuel or Not To Fuel? It is to Question.

To Fuel or Not to Fuel…That is the question. Most truck stops will give you a free shower with the purchase of fuel. Some places require that you get 50 gals, some it’s more or less. Most times those free … Continue reading

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Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part VIII: Talking With The Right People

In part one of our series, Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part I: Factors That Effect All Companies, we talked about different factors and considerations which will affect your experience at any company you go to work for. In part … Continue reading

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Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part VII: Tankers and Flatbeds

In part 1 of our series, Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part I: Factors That Effect All Companies, we talked about different factors and considerations which will affect your experience at any company you go to work for. In part … Continue reading

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Choosing a CDL Truck Driving School – The First Challenge

Many of you are probably searching for a school to obtain your CDL training, so I figured I’d touch on the subject as I’ve done a lot of research on it. It’s a tough task and one that I think is … Continue reading

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The Magical, Mystical “Hot Load”.

My Boss, one time, told me that what I was about to haul into town was a “Hot Load”. He told me, “Don’t be screwin’ ’round now…that load should’ve done left hours ago,” and with a hardy, “Hurry up driver,” I … Continue reading

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Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part VI: Dry Van and Refrigerated Companies

In part one of our series, Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part I: Factors That Effect All Companies, we talked about different factors and considerations which will affect your experience at any company you go to work for. In part … Continue reading

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Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part V: Comparing Large Trucking Companies To Small Ones

In part one of our series, Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part I: Factors That Effect All Companies, we talked about different factors and considerations which will affect your experience at any company you go to work for. In part … Continue reading

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Keep Entertained While You’re Out There On The Road

Man alive. If you can’t entertain yourself with all the various gadgets and gizzmoes out there, you must already be bored to death. There’s satellite radio, satellite TV, books on tape and CD, Laptop computers, mp3′s, video cameras, video games, Internet, uploads, … Continue reading

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Finding A Positive Perspective On Being A Truck Driver

When I first graduated college I briefly considered becoming a truck driver. One of the reasons I quickly decided against it is because of all of the negativity I read in various forums and blogs. It seems like for every positive post, there are 10 negatives that follow. Is the trucking industry really that bad? Turns out that maybe it’s not. There are a lot of positive opinions out there, you just have to know where to look….. Continue reading

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Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part IV: Advantages of Large Trucking Companies

In part three of our series, Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part III: How Your Family and Lifestyle Will Affect Your Choice, we considered your personality and lifestyle as factors that will affect your choice of truck driving jobs. In part four of our series, the next big consideration will be the size of the company you choose to work for. I have worked for companies with over 5,000 trucks and for companies with as few as eleven. It’s a huge cultural difference. Here we’re going to discuss the advantages of working at one of the larger trucking companies. Continue reading

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Why I’m Finally Becoming A Truck Driver

Hi all! Thanks for checking out my blog. This is the first of hopefully many, many more to come. And I hope I can help those of you who are considering getting into the trucking industry. I’m not a truck driver quite yet. In fact, I’m in a white collar, 9 to 5, office job right now (why do I want the career change? More on that later). I’m in the stage right now that many of you reading are probably in. I still need to attend a truck driving school to obtain my CDL, find a company that will hire me, go through their training, and learn all the tough lessons that lay ahead when I finally get my own truck! So here’s my story – why I’m doing it, what I’m hoping for, and what I’m all about….. Continue reading

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