Profile For Mountain Matt

Thanks, everybody. I started training last December and went solo in March. So yeah, sooner than planned, but like I said, I had kept in touch with the, and the opportunity came up.

I either get weekly hometime with this job or an extra $200 for the week for staying out. My daughter just started college, so I was able to pop by to help her move in, which was a perk.

Just unloaded 6,000 gallons of canola oil. I learn more and gain more confidence with each unload. I'm enjoying the physical aspect of the j9b as well, wrasslin' hoses.

I appreciate the warnings of being careful of pressure in the tank. I try to be very mindful of that, as it was emphasized in my training too.

I haven't been on here in a bit, as things have been busy. I'd been keeping in touch with a tanker trucking company I'd had my eye on even before I went into trucking. They reached out to me over a month ago and offered to bring me onboard. I gave two+ weeks notice at my other job, finished a week of orientation and training ("tank school"), and then spent a week doing local runs with a trainer. I just finished my first week solo.

I love the culture of this company so far and the additional learning/challenge of operating tankers (both the driving and the pumping/airing off the tanks). They also have an hourly pay structure that kicks in whether you're driving, loading, unloading, getting a washout, etc. That pay structure just sits better with me psychologically.

I'm humbled and glad for the opportunities that have opened up for me since I started trucking. My stress is much less than it was before I made the career change; I love the challenge, adventure, and travel; and I'm already making more money than I did in my previous career, despite 17 years' of experience.

Anyone need 6,000 gallons of kosher-grade canola oil? ;-)

I reported that I was too sick to drive for a few days and even mentioned my symptoms. My company never used the "C-word" with me, nor did I mention it. Don't Ask, Don't Tell...remember that one?

Once I felt able to safely drive again, I got out on a load and just tried to keep my distance from people, minimize going into buildings, and wore my mask. I was glad to be working again!

We've texted regularly during his training, but Benjamin A and I finally got a chance to meet today at Wilson HQ. It was great to talk shop for a while, and Ben, you have a great attitude and are killing it out there! Just 12,000 more miles to go for you...

Haha, fair point, Turtle!

Bill,

I'll have to figure out what your truck looks like, as you've got good eyes on me, haha! Where did you see me this time?

Maybe next time we can grab that bite?

Anne,

Sorry about your wifi. My inverter keeps giving off a Low Voltage Disconnect code, even though my battery voltage appears fine. None of Road Assist's ideas or my own research helped. So I'll wait til I'm thru the terminal next week.

In the meantime, no TV, coffee pot, egg maker, or George Foreman grill...

"set out into the gorgeous": What a beautiful turn of phrase, Anne!

I’ve been solo for 3 months. I'm already making 80% of what I made in my previous job, which required a grad degree and supervising 4 people. I got my training paid for and I am accumulating needed experience. Down the line, I can stay here, or I should have options open to me.

Was everything perfect with my training and company? Certainly not. But it's all been good and done what I needed. I focus on the many good aspects of my company that I like and on what I enjoy in this job every day. I feel like I'm living life rather than waiting in the cubicle for quitting time. And I'm learning more every day. I'm glad to have found a place in this industry.

Anne,

Back at it! I was Down with the Sickness, but no more.

Maybe I'll get to that movie now that my inverter died and my DVR/TV no longer work...