Profile For Steve L.

“ There was a time when "Made in USA" was prized around the world. If any company that left here to manufacture overseas to save money, they should be charged penalties to bring their products back here.”

I’m also old enough to remember that time. But didn’t we also believe in paying extra for quality? Didn’t we understand that luxuries were for those who could afford to pay more? Now, to bring all of that back, will we be willing to pay higher prices (maybe 2-4 times higher) for laptops, TVs, cellphones? Isn’t labor always the highest cost? American Labor is no longer a low-cost expense.

Moe, I sincerely hope and pray this is a bump, not worse, for your family & our country.

The best I ever heard was a version of Big Rock Candy Mountain, sung by a Driver (great voice) over the CB. He changed the lyrics to include DOT Officers, HOS regs and making it home. We were outside Greenville, SC in a backup so I got to hear him sing the whole song. This guy was so good I thought there must be a professional version, but I’ve had no luck finding one.

😎 Be safe! 😎

“I'm not scared of the "Boogey Man," but these nut jobs in D.C. are literally frightening.”

Great points! I agree!

It seems the medical “experts” and news media are ecstatic over the demise of common sense and freedom. Can Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness be far behind?

🤔

Must be on his way to Bike Week. 😎

Yes my company does.

Happy belated Birthday!!!

Keep that Faith! When “the world” says you can’t, It’ll tell you that YOU CAN!

Enjoy the blessings each day brings. 👍😎

I live in the Florida panhandle and started with Schneider, attached to their Lebanon, TN (Nashville area) operating center. They always had me drop my trailer somewhere and bobtail home.

Good luck!

I’m a company driver and intend to stay that way. Why? Because I’ve owned my own (non-trucking) businesses and just don’t have the desire to own the depreciating, maintenance-requiring “assets.”

I’m probably less than ten years from retiring, so the debt and liabilities would probably ruin any plans I have.

Besides, have you seen all the announcements of companies closing? Even when we’re told the economy is booming? 🤔

Subway cold cut. Loaded up with veggies (‘cause the veggies are free). Use whatever points you can.

In my opinion, it’s way better (financially & healthwise) than the burger meals.

If you pull into a truck stop near a Walmart, tuna lunch kits, peanut butter & bread (I like “sandwich thins”).

I hope this helps.

Congratulations! Man keep that positive attitude. Stay safe and enjoy the ride! 😊👍

Do you ever give back?

If “profit is the thanks we get for treating our customers well” maybe we should consider our dispatcher, or driver manager, one of our customers.

Many of us are grateful for the money we make, but do we let the rest of our team know how much they’re appreciated?

Sometimes I get run so hard my weekly paycheck is a couple hundred bucks higher. So, if I spend $50 each quarter to say thank you, isn’t that worth it for the relationship? I doubt the other drivers are doing this. 😎

CONGRATULATIONS!!! That’s NIIICE!

I love that area! Great food. Prayers for your swift healing from that painful experience. 🙏😆

I’ve used the Plantronics Voyager Legend for 5 years. Easy on and off and less bulky than most others. But I don’t like to be on the phone.

Not your responsibility to babysit me. 😎

With the experience you do have (managing processes) it seems a more conventional job would allow you to still care for your family’s needs.

I get the dream and desire and I may be misunderstanding your post. But I’m reading; a disabled child, cared for by a parent with their own health issues, while you are on the road. What stress will that cause you? Is it worth it?

As for taking your handicapped daughter on the road, I doubt it would be a good idea.

Every day people overcome incredible obstacles and prove conventional wisdom wrong. Maybe you are that person.

😊

Maybe there aren’t many positive reviews because those drivers are busy making themselves, and their company, money.

I’ve Always given at least two weeks notice and not had a problem.

If you hadn’t taken the Florida load, would you have gotten where and when you wanted? Sometimes, if I’ve got a must make home time, I tell ‘em I can only take that load if they can still get me home. If my pay takes a hit because I had to pass up a load, so be it.

Hello all,

It’s been a long time. I last posted here before I went back to Prime for my second go around with TNT. Got in just before the change in miles. I also mentioned I would be going Lease. I know that lease is a no no around here, but I felt it was right for me.

So on the year I only had 6 mo this if solo time as a contractor, the rest of the year I was training it at my previous job.

In 6 months time I Grossed over $100k in revenue including reimbursements, fuel savings, detention pay etc. all the things I as a contractor receive money for. Now I know I do t get all of this money in the end I netted over $33k in 6 months. And after I paid my quarterly taxes I averaged .55/mile in my first 6 months.

So I’m posting this not to say haha or anything like that. But for those new drivers who are thinking about this. It can be done. But it will require much sacrifice and dedication. I worked all but 14-15 days in those 6 months. Taking only 1 34. I had to change my mindset from miles to revenue. I didn’t care if it was 200 miles I cared what was the total revenue and how did it fit into my average each week. You have to be business minded. Prime pays my business and I pay myself the minimum amount that I have been told is the minimum average that drivers make. That way if I get audited it won’t look fishy. In fact every decision I make is how do I do this and the business still turns a profit.

All in all I’m happy with my decision. What the future holds for me is unknown. I could stay a one truck operation or continue on my path of a small fleet. But 2019 my second go around in trucking has offered me the freedom to control my life.

I still appreciate this site for all it has done guiding me on this path. Even though I do t post much I stop to read from time to time.

I’m glad you are doing well. There will always be people who aren’t willing to make the sacrifices you are regardless of the type of business.

Congratulations on your success and I hope it continues!

One friend of mine, who’s an Owner/Operator, stays on top of the maintenance religiously. I encourage you to do the same and that truck should keep producing.

I hope you have continued success.

When I was “48 states” with Schneider, I usually started about 4-5am & tried to shut down by 4:30-5pm. Did I leave $ on the table? Maybe, but I was often running on recap hours & didn’t wanna sit for a 34 on the road. I was always doing 2,500 miles per week.

Now I mostly run FL MS LA & and sometimes start later. Today I’ll start around 11am. I rarely do my 10hr at a truck stop. FL scales are my favorite place to park, always room & quiet.

I hope this helps.