Comments By Rico

How do you guys handle paying your monthly bills? You know, credit card payments, utilities, phone bill, insurance, etc. I know I can pay all that stuff online now, but my concern is with using wifi hot spots and even my cellular service. I'd like to get something figured out on how I am going to take care of this while I am out on the road.

I didn't think cabovers were still being made.

The law says trucking companies and owner operators have to be reimbursed for lumper fees.

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/49/14103

The physical is a federal requirement. Make sure whoever does it is approved and on the registry of approved examiners. I got mine done at an urgent care center.

I read about this this morning. There was a bad one not too far from where I live the other day. Two people were killed. Killing someone is my biggest fear about becoming a trucker. My heart goes out those who were injured and those who lost love ones.

Congrats!

I like the idea of longer runs, but I don't want to run into problems getting the truck loaded and unloaded all the time. To be honest, I don't see the logic in dock workers being a-holes towards truckers or truckers being a-holes towards dock workers. Everyone's just trying to make a living, so we're all in the same boat. I have a tendency to be the type of person who gives what he receives from people. In other words, if you come at me with an attitude I am likely to give it right back to you. I have bad days and am not perfect at it, but I lead with kindness most of the time but know only one way to deal with a-holes. I realize that that's something I will probly have to work on as a trucker.

Brett, Thanks for the candid reply....I assumed that was the way it was going to be. Understandable. So, instead of getting a Summer Gig, what about "teaming" with another driver during that time to accumulate OTR experience? Same wall? I would like to be able to walk right into a position after I retire. Guess my sights are set a little too high for that scenario. Oh well...I should get ready to pay my dues like everyone else.

Rico, You are very perceptive, my friend! I've been a teacher for 15 years in an alternative education school. Basically, kids who get expelled come to me. I'm just really tired of the daily battles and would enjoy doing something else. Best part of my job is driving there and driving home. Hence____________. I bow to your mom. Congratulations on 40 years of service! No way I can pull it off without a guaranteed heart attack.

Well, you are working with the toughest kids to teach. That can burn anyone out. Surely there are other openings in the school corporation you work for, yes? Maybe all you need is a lateral move. My mother spent her career in bilingual education for youngsters. She never had a child that was over 8 or 9 years old, and she loved it. I almost became an aide in special education after I got my degree in Human Services, but decided against it.

By "live loads" you mean loads that have to be unloaded when I get there, right?

Here is the question I asked:

Just to confirm, I do not have to go thru the full school, even though I only have 2 weeks OTR training, correct?

Here is her response:

"Correct, you do not have any further schooling, just 4 weeks out with a trainer".

Is that enough, or should I push for specifics?

Since you already have your CDL, there's no need for you to go through school again.

Yes, I understand that. I am just concerned that there website says a minimum of 3 months OTR experience is needed to work for them. She said it would be OK, over the phone, but she won't confirm by email.

That requirement is for you to go solo as soon as you hire on. It took me a while to understand that about these company websites. In other words, if you have at least three months experience, you do not have to go with a trainer when you first hire on. Since you don't have the required three months experience, you have to go with the trainer. I just spoke with a company whose website says they require a minimum of 8 months OTR. They want me to call them back the last week of school. Hope this helps.