Comments By Matthew R.

Well, two more days and I'm hopping a bus from Albuquerque, NM heading to Springfield, MO. 18.5 hours on a bus. Should be interesting. At least ill be able to sleep on the bus. My time as a firefighter/EMT taught me to sleep anywhere. If I was able to fall asleep in our wildland truck (a converted military deuce and a half) over a washboard road a bus should be easy. My nerves haven't started getting to me yet. I'm not sure it's really sunk in quite yet that I'm about to leave my loved ones behind for an extended period of time. I think that will be my biggest hurdle during this adventure. Wish me luck everyone! I'll do my best to keep you updated at least once a week, but will try to make it more frequent.

Everyone stay safe out there and get back to your loved ones. Matt

Right on. Grew up right in Bradenton actually. Keep doing what you do man. Maybe we'll run into each other. Good luck.

Will definitely put your suggestions to use. Thank you.

So about two weeks ago, I decided to start looking into OTR as a career. I submitted applications all over (I did not have a CDL yet so a training position was what I was seeking) and heard back from several companies the next day. Needless to say, after research, I opted to steer away from certain companies and landed on Wilson/Jim Palmer. I reached out to my recruiter, who asked me a bunch of questions, and when I told her my decision stemmed from a desire to better support my family, she told me that was a very good reason. She explained about training and pay and everything. She also told me to take a couple days or a week and talk things over more in depth with my wife and make sure I was 100% sure that this is something not only I wanted, but that my family was ok with. My wonderful wife supported me and even encouraged me to pursue this career. I called my recruiter back after a few days and told her I was ready. 100% committed. She then told me what my next steps were (CDL Permit and DOT Physical) so I (being the impatient guy I am) rushed right over to the Motor Vehicle Department and took the three tests to acquire my permit. Somehow (I'm still trying to figure out how) I passed on my first try. I then went and shelled out the $$$ for the DOT Physical, ran back to the MVD, and shelled out more $$$, jump through a bunch of bureaucratic hoops and preform like a good circus animal, and BOOM!!! CDL permit the same day! My recruiter almost couldn't believe it when I emailed pics of the documents to her less than 6 hours after her telling me what I had to do. Now in just under a week and a half, I am hopping on a bus for 18 1/2 hours to go to Springfield, MO and begin my journey. Ill try to keep you updated as best I can and bring you all along on what promises to be one h*** of a ride.

Everyone stay safe out there and get back to your loved ones.

Matt

My 1911 isn't too fancy. Just an Rock Island "tactical" with a 2.5-3 lbs. trigger and a compensator. Recoil and muzzle rise feels closer to a 9mm with .45 punch.

Thanks Kearsey! Appreciate it!

Appreciate the advice man! My wife's family is all around to help her out as well. We actually decided the easiest thing (emotionally and financially until I start making money) will be for her to stay at her moms and save up to buy our own place within the next year or two. But yeah, I definitely am savoring every moment with them both until I leave and showing my wife a few things she will need to take care of like minor upkeep on my 95 Nissan d21. (also how to keep her eyes open when she shoots my 1911. lol)

Right on. Sugar Gliders huh? And D*** that's a big dog! My daughter just turned 3 back in July, and I think being away from her will be the hardest, but with video chats I think it will be ok. My wife is somewhat used to me being away for days at a time as I used to be a firefighter and EMT for four years, (making s*** for pay) but that was before my daughter came along. Any advice to maintain a strong relationship with my family?

Is it hard being away from your wife? Do you have any kids? Asking cause I'm married and have a daughter. My wife is very supportive of my decision to pursue a trucking career though.

I just finished PSD at prime. If that is where you are going what do you want to know. There are a few primates with more experience around.

Actually going to Wilson, but appreciate it. Any advice for us south-western boys about going to the Midwest at the start of the chilly season?