In the movie classic “Wizard of Oz” the good witch Glenda tells Dorothy to click the heels of her red shoes together three times and say “There’s no place like home”. The movie ends with Dorothy waking up in her bed surrounded by worried family members…well, my training time is over, and I’m going home.

Even though I enjoy what I am doing and am learning so much every day, there is a down side to trucking. This will not affect everyone, but I wouldn’t be honest with all of you if I didn’t cover the tough part of relationships while on the road. Let me try to explain what I mean.

Last time I left you I had just finished waiting out my first blizzard off I-80 in Pine Bluffs. I was so glad I didn’t have to drive in that stuff again. After all, it’s spring! Last week we were leaving Fontana, California with almost 40,000 pounds of  something for UPS. This is an on-time, [...]

Let me start out by saying that I live in the desert. Yes, 120 degrees summer days desert. Blowing sand is common when it’s windy. We do have days when main roads are closed due to blowing sand - but not snow! Oh man, here comes a blizzard!

I am amazed at how different the life of a truck driver is compared to “other” people. We eat differently, sleep differently, see the road differently, and live in what seems like a parallel dimension.

Life on the road is totally different than anything I’ve ever done, and there’s a few things that take some getting used to.

We’ve heard the stories about truckers and their beauty tips. Maybe you’ve seen them when you ventured into a truck stop? Here’s what I’ve found out about person hygiene on the road.

Earlier I said I’d go into more detail on what I brought, what I should have brought, and what I could have left at home. Here is a bunch of items to bring, some not to bring, and some other insights into the trucking lifestyle…

As I said previously, you have to have patience. A sense of humor helps too! I started keeping a diary of where we went and what I did, but after a short time days and events became one long blur.

Well, I finished my CDL school and received my diploma! Hot darn! I am somebody! Here is what I went through during orientation and the important lessons I’ve learned.

Don’t wait until school is out to begin applying for CDL Jobs. You should apply to many different trucking companies as soon as you know the completion date of your school. Trucking companies can, and do, take their time going over your application and giving you a pre-hire. Start your research early. Follow along and I’ll tell you what I did and the insights I gained.

I first went to a CDL school back in 1974. I didn’t do anything with my new license, except to keep it. Now, I am wanting to go and become a real driver. Most companies will not accept you as an inexperienced driver unless you are a recent CDL school graduate. So, back to school for me. In my last post I gave a few key pointers in choosing a school. Now I want to let you know what I think the real purpose of the school is. (HINT: it’s not about making you a truck driver!).

Well, I have decided to take the big step and become a trucker. Although  I have wanted to drive for a long time my current job was just too good to quit. After I retired I decided to make the choice. My wife is very supportive. I can’t begin to tell you how important a [...]