Profile For Mackerel (Mike D.)

Thanks old school. I sucked up the embarrassment and asked a passing driver to spot me when the “panic “ began to overtake me. I have been fortunate enough to keep running into kind human beings.

So I am two weeks on the road and still really nervous about backing into truck stops. The mechanics are there, as in I understand which way the trailer is going to go, however my set ups are still really bad. Thanks for letting me vent.

No

Thanks Pig. I’m now in Fontana at the hotel. It took 3 days to get my truck into the shop for some maintenance, not related to the incident, and it took so long that I am going on some home time to help mom out some. Talk at y’all later.

Well sorry it’s been crazy. I still have a job, some remedial training and 45 days probation. It could have been more severe. Time to focus on the task at hand. See y’all out there.

I went to CDL school at a community college. That route will be a good one for getting help paying for the schooling. Mine was a 300 hour course, some private schools are 160 hours. So there are choices out there. Happy hunting.

It’s a little tiny fire engine. On 70 near Grand Junction, CO.

Are those the belts? That guy had only one job.

I spoke with another driver today and he talked me off the ledge. So my first two days have been a SUPER STEEP learning curve. I bobtail to get an empty in Downtown Los Angeles, then deadhead 130 miles to struggle backing in my empty, to run to the shipping office 3 times (cuz I have no idea what to do) to get a 1000 mile trip to this crunch. So far I have run into only kind human beings. So here we go. I will get called onto the mat in a week or two, I have to think positively or I will…fill in the blank…. Thanks all

Day 2 and I had an accident in a Loves parking lot. Grrr. Everyone is okay. My truck has cosmetic damage, but the other truck will have to be towed. Ahggghh. I will keep you updated when I can.

Ok picture coming soon. The sun is just rising here in Tehachapi.

Got my truck assigned it’s a 2019 KW, with ~270,000 on the clock.

Made it to Fontana today. It is busy here. Waiting for the confirmation of promotion. Just waiting to begin waiting.

My mom was born in Manhattan and raised on Long Island. I was born upstate and then raised in California. But I still get called out for being too loud when I speak. What gives? Coffee only, Hershey’s is a candy bar not a chocolate bar, if you take my meaning.

Heading to Fontana on Monday to test out and hopefully be issued my first truck. Wish me luck.

Western 11 regional runs.

Pack Rat. I have spent most of my life in CA, 35* is coooold to me. But yes the Peacoat is like 10 lbs I think I still have the Blueberry parka. I will have to look for it. I know I have the liner, but have no idea where the coat is. Thanks.

Summer is coming to a close. Any suggestions on foul weather gear? Lightweight and waterproof would be nice. I have my Navy rain coat, the type that looks like a duster type, and my Navy issue Pea Coat, but god is that thing heavy and bulky.

Week 2 finished up...last night Western Wyoming and Eastern Utah on I-80 was just about underwater and 47 degrees. Summer weather is changing to fall. Better get some foul weather gear.

The Bendix in my truck can't read. It will read the 'advisory' speed limit signs and yell at me that I am going too fast...technology...