Profile For DanKCMO

That was meant as a 'tongue-in-cheek' remark. But, it seems to be the best way to get the '100% control' of your time that he's looking for, (once he's paid his dues).

Have you considered LEASING?

Where did you get your CDL? and, did they tell you why they decided not to hire you?

Ditto, MG! I second that! That kinda puts it into perspective! Thanks, guyjax. Thanx everyone.

Now you're really making me feel like a wannabe! I thought I might leave you alone now but, since you insist... what exactly is 'floating' the gears? What are you actually doing?

I'm certainly not in any position to question or argue with anyone about double clutching. I'm just trying to understand the concept behind it. I understand that the weight of the vehicle is on the gears while in-gear; but, I was uncertain of the reason for 'releasing and re-clutching' before going into another gear. I know that RPMs must be brought up to speed when down-shifting but, is it any more necessary to double clutch while UP-shifting as opposed to DOWN-shifting (aside from DOT and mfg. requirements), or is it equally important for both up and down? I appreciate all your time in helping me understand this. Thanx!

I have a healthy respect for anyone raising more than 3 children! I am second-born of 5 boys and 1 girl. I am now 57 yrs old and my mom (at 78) is G-Ma to 21 and GREAT G-Ma to 13!! Congratulations! I wish you the same blessings!

I've done some reading and Youtube time watching vids on double clutching but, I haven't really come across the real reason for it and how it differs from single clutching. If the clutch is in, it's in; why does it have to be released (though not necessarily) before entering another gear? And, thanx to Brett and the rest of you for the opportunity to come here for the answers.

I tried copying and pasting your photo onto a Word doc and stretch it out to see if I could find your truck. I think I saw it on the horizon. Good thing you didn't get your flat way out yonder! That would have been a real nice walk back! Some things you might consider taking along with you on your next ride: Cell phone, Spare tire, Compressor, HEAVY DUTY battery, Hiking boots, Lunch, A tent, Bear repellant, Fire wood, Marshmallows, A compass, and a First aid kit! At least you had your keys with you when you got back, huh? :~D

Really though, Thanx for the scenery!

One thing you might keep in mind is to not unload too much of your emotions/anxieties onto your wife. She has a whole different set of emotions and anxieties; not to mention fears, while trying to adjust to this thing just as you are. Give her the encouragement and support you have also received from these fine people. I'm only in the 'considering-a-career' stage myself and I would like to thank you for your honesty and transparency. I am 57, single, 5 grandchildren and a HUGE family mostly all within 20 miles here in the Kansas City metropolitan area, and I have truly debated whether I can leave for long periods without seeing them. But, this particular post has GREATLY encouraged me. Besides, today, unlike any time in the past, we have Facebook, Twitter, Skype, texting, etc.

A special thanks to Brett Aquila for this site and the company he keeps. I feel like I'm starting to get to know some-a-ya'll!

Can someone from Admin tell me how to change my password, please? Thanx!

I'm glad to hear that. THANX!

My brother went to school and drove for Prime back in the 80's. Speaking with him recently about my decision to start driving, he advised me to stay away from Prime. He said they were all about getting you to lease their trucks after about six months or so, and that if you refused they would limit your runs or pass along the crappy runs to you; and if you left the company you would wind up owing for your schooling. I have read here in the Prime presentation that they do not "persuade or incentivize" you to lease their trucks. Does anyone know if they have changed their practices since then? I have been hesitant to consider them seriously because of this question. THANX!

Yeah, I know. Don't worry, though; "Ain't skeered!" I'm gonna do this thang!

Maybe construction isn't quite so bad after all!

So, are you saying I am looking at it 'backwards'? Now that I think about it that way, .50cpm does sound TOO SWEET for any long haul!! Thanx for the insight, no chin! My first post on this site; I've learned a lot in just the past few days as I'm just preparing to decide on a CDL school. Thanx again!

‘Little help here? Somebody please explain to me how a person can make any money based on Swift’s sliding pay scale (accessible via pg. 3 of ‘Swift's CDL Training Program Evaluation’). At year one (East); driving 149 miles, at .50cpm, you would make $74.50. But, if you keep driving another TEN MILES into the next sliding scale ($0.44 cpm), you would only make $69.96. I’ve done this a few times with different rates and get the same basic results. Am I missing something here? Three 99 mile jaunts at .50cpm takes essentially the same time as a 300 mile trip at .34cpm; the former pays $148.50, while the latter pays only $102.00! I don’t understand! Why take the long hauls?