Comments By Pick/Grin

Went from a 15K load of car parts and electronics to a 40K load of paper rolls.

I haul paper at least once a week, so this last load threw me off once I got into the hills of NJ.

I could fly through gears with the first one, felt almost empty.

It wasn't covered in IN, so I didn't fully understand it when I actually got to use one. I didn't realize that rpm's need to be around 1250 to prevent potential damage, so in my first week I went through TN hitting 1600 but luckily I read the manual and was a little more perceptive afterwards haha

Interesting question. I have had one ticket in the past 25 years -- I got it in July 2013, going 15 over on a desolate stretch of Wyoming highway -- i didn't see that the speed limit had dropped from 75 to 65 so instead of going 80 in a 75, I was stopped for going 80 in a 65. And now Brett says that 15 over is considered reckless.. Now I'm worried that will knock me out of this whole process. But I did indicate that on my application so maybe if it was a deal breaker, they wouldn't have called me in the first place?

It wouldn't call if they didn't want you, I would not think much of it and pursue the opportunity!

Thank you for asking this question Magoo. I have been wondering the same. However, I would like to ask as a female can I do this without being confused with a professional 'lady'?

Be blunt, if you ask the question without an introduction, they will know right off the bat that your intentions are legitimate.

I ask all the time about Florida companies, where I might be able to work some ways down the road. Especially auto haulers, bull haulers, and all that specializes stuff. I write them down as well, I've got a whole list of places I look into in order to see what options I have locally and regionally. It's as simple as: "ay yo what it do boss man, lemme ask you a question"

And yes, I do speak like that.

I believe there is a school in Milton, Florida called TDI. I went to their school in Sellersburg, Indiana. A lot of companies will pre-hire if you go through TDI, I went with the company Roehl even though I live down in PBC.

Hard work goes a long way. Got a new dispatcher, I called him up to settle some appointment business and he asked "are you a runner? what areas do you prefer? when are usually up?"

I said hell yeah, anywhere, and as early as possible. I've logged over 1840 miles in four days, which is pretty good considering my goal was 450 miles a day.

A couple of weeks ago, I bought a CB off another company driver and he told me about a certain run for Volkswagen. Apparently, loads for Volkswagen are prized in this company since the load itself is never above 15k and the miles are usually over 700. Being theft sensitive and very specific about times, not too many drivers are assigned loads for them. I'm not even 3 months in solo, and they hand me the assignment! I feel like I'm doing really good because the loads I've been getting have been awesome. These guys are treating me right, it all depends on how positive you are and how willing you are to literally go the extra mile. Don't you worry too much about the naysayers, I would imagine they are either lazy drivers or crying woe is me and claiming some sort of false persecution.

First few posts have me thinking of bacon... and there's a Country Pride about 500 feet behind me...

Health doesn't seem to be a concern for most. I smoke, dip, drink a lot of caffeine, and sit on my rear all day. I just walked up a hill to use the restroom here and I was out of breath when I got up to the top. Healthy food is pricey and you don't have many options for relief as far as bodily functions go. Sometimes it's a bottle, sometimes it's 50 miles to the next toilet, and in some situations where time is short, you would hold off for as long as possible.

Dispatchers should be able to work around the little booboos. If you only get a few hours back, remind them so they don't stick you with something impossible.

I had a day where I'd only get three hours total of drive time in, called dispatch, and they switched my load for something more manageable. If you see a potential problem, send a message in as soon as possible. They err much like us, so plan on them not noticing your lack of hours.

I'm a tractor supply kinda guy. Schmidt is an awesome brand, brought my hoodie with me, plan to bring my overalls eventually too. Heavy duty, kept me warm during the Kentucky snow.

When I was a firefighter in KY, I'd sometimes rely on my Schmidt clothing for dry brush and field fires. Just like carhartt, but a little cheaper.