Comments By Joe Mc

I see 4 wheelers pushing the limits of sanity on US 89, 93 and 95 all the time. I can’t believe some of the stuff i see. It borders on the surreal man. Serious Twilight Zone stuff. People passing when they don't have enough time to make their pass and causing me to brake hard and get onto the shoulder. People coming around me when lanes converge from two to one and cutting it way too close, and causing me to brake or slow way down to let the whole plug of four wheelers pass I tend to take the fat roads (interstates) now when i can to avoid this stupidity

Smokey and the Bandit. This is my favorite because Sally Field looked so good in this film she’d make the pope swear

What is your favorite trucking movie?

I think I see a tool bag or knapsack on the trailer deck between the last two pieces of dunnage. Moving forward on the deck towards the tractor- is that a water jug ?

Getting out of California and away from their 55 mph speed limits

Free coffee, showers and laundry at the Pilot/Flying J

Bypass signals

Lots of truck parking available

I work for Knight, dry van division, Las Vegas NV, 11 western states region. 1. The people. Everyone that I deal with regularly or have just encountered once or twice at Knight have treated me fairly and with respect. That’s huge for me. 2. Patience. I am celebrating my six month anniversary as a solo driver tomorrow. My Driver Manager (dispatcher) and Driver Development Manager have been patient with me and my bonehead rookie mistakes and questions. My DM has been kind enough to help me learn this trade and I would do anything for him. 3. A chance at a new career. I applied to Knight and they hired and trained me. That doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it meant a lot to me. They took a chance on me and gave this 55 year old guy a shot. Wow. There were no lies or misrepresentations regarding training, pay, truck assignment or home time on Knight’s part. They have given me a little home on wheels. I am a gypsy, with my home two steps behind my office. I have an opportunity to travel all over the western U.S. and see things and places that make me appreciate how awesome and special our country is.

Old School, I’m located in Las Vegas, Nevada. When I hired on at Knight I asked about flatbed jobs. I was told by my recruiter that my living in Las Vegas would prevent me from working with the nearest flatbed fleet in Phoenix, AZ., and that I’d have to relocate to Phoenix to work in that division. My family lives in Vegas, so I couldn’t make the move.

Joe Mc, where are you located?

Are you aware of Knight's dedicated flat bed opportunities?

Robert, thank you for your reply to my question. I didn’t know the pay could be that good in heavy haul, wow...Your reply to the OP really rekindled my interest in heavy/specialty hauling. My plans of starting off with an entry level flatbed job kind of went awry, (long story). I wound up at Knight Transportation driving for their dry van division as my first job, instead. With what you’ve revealed, I’m considering a move to a dedicated flatbed/heavy haul company after I complete my first year at Knight. Thanks again for the good info.

One thing not mentioned yet is the various opportunities which arise after getting your foot in the door and gaining experience in open deck work. Specialized and heavy haul divisions are much more intensive from a logistics standpoint, training and skill than other open deck operations and that's also where you will see significant advance in pay. The company I'm with has a specialized / heavy haul division. They hire primarily from within and the waiting list is roughly 8 months before consideration. There's additional training for the various styles of trailers along with familiarization with permit, escort, police escort, policies etc. Those trucks are all 4 axle rigs and company drivers average between 125-150k per year while rarely running over 1800 miles per week. Open deck offers the most options over other aspects in trucking and rewards the hard work in many ways, you just have to go get it. Oh and you'll drive really nice trucks, I know I love mine.

Excuse me, but if I may ask, what trucking company do you work for?

One thing not mentioned yet is the various opportunities which arise after getting your foot in the door and gaining experience in open deck work. Specialized and heavy haul divisions are much more intensive from a logistics standpoint, training and skill than other open deck operations and that's also where you will see significant advance in pay. The company I'm with has a specialized / heavy haul division. They hire primarily from within and the waiting list is roughly 8 months before consideration. There's additional training for the various styles of trailers along with familiarization with permit, escort, police escort, policies etc. Those trucks are all 4 axle rigs and company drivers average between 125-150k per year while rarely running over 1800 miles per week. Open deck offers the most options over other aspects in trucking and rewards the hard work in many ways, you just have to go get it. Oh and you'll drive really nice trucks, I know I love mine.

Excuse me, but if I may ask, what trucking company do you work for?

Thanks for the nice welcome, I appreciate it! Movin' On is one of my all time favorite shows.

Love that, "Movin' On" avatar! Welcome to the site.

I'm a casino lifer. I've been in the casino industry in Las Vegas, NV since 1984. I've been a table games dealer, 21 pit floor supervisor, assistant shift manager and shift manager. Now I'm back to being a dealer, which I enjoy, much less stress and strife.

If it all breaks right, I'll be starting school with Prime Inc. on the 27th. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. It's kind of cool that I can still have this kind of a great adventure at my age.