Profile For Grandpa

Guys and Gals I've been home for the past month so I would like to know if the truck stops with full service restaurants are still offering sit down dining and the Pilots and Loves still have their fast food joints open and are offering sit down eatin' as well.

Also how is the availability of bottled wayer in truck stops?

Much obliged for your answers!

Thats bottled WATER of course

Guys and Gals I've been home for the past month so I would like to know if the truck stops with full service restaurants are still offering sit down dining and the Pilots and Loves still have their fast food joints open and are offering sit down eatin' as well.

Also how is the availability of bottled wayer in truck stops?

Much obliged for your answers!

So with all of these amenities when are you going to find time to drive?

Well don't you be doing that, Bob. Just a matter of time before that guy is a statistic.

I have an automatic Oiler.

Detroit?

As an O/O I buy Mobil Delvac at Walmart or Tractor Supply for $12.99 per gallon compared to $24.99 at truckstops..yikes!

Also I buy Howes diesel treatment at those two places as well at significant savings.

When are you moving? Your Carrier will want you to have a CDL from the state you are domiciled.

If you move will be soon then I would wait.

Yes, Harvest there is me. I have been an Owner Operator for 36 years and for me it is the only way.

Why? I love the independence. I am leased to a company but actually it's like having my own authority. There are no dispatchers here. I am the driver and dispatcher. I have access to my company's load board and can pick and choose but also I have made some terrific relationships with our independent agents and I call them for a load and they also call me. Many agents dont pusy their freight. They have worked hard to build relationships with shippers and only want select guys to handle their loads.

Another thing that makes me successful is that I am doing something that very few are doing. But that is a story for another time.

I got into trucking when times were much different and I had some excellent mentors that opened a lot of doors for me. Frankly I dont recommend being an owner Operator unless someone has spent many years driving company and has the business acumen and dedication to see this through. Its rough out there if you are inexperienced and dont onow what you are doing.

I dont recommend lease purchases under any circumstances. Beware! Stay away!

I'm going to cut it short now cause this reply has been way too long but anything you want to touch on just ask!

So why am I on a forum geared for newbie company drivers? Because I had help and valuable advice given to me half a century ago and I would not have made it without their help so I am just giving back what was given to me. I do know a thing or two or three about what company drivers need.

You have a good attitude Harvest and you can go a long way in this business.

Watch where you do all this fitness stuff at. Try to avoid inner city truck stops and bad neighborhoods and just hang close. Country stops and suburban stops go for it..the chances if cargo theft is lower.

They can even bust in while you are eating. I don't think your company wants you to starve.

An aside: Trucks enroute to Hunts Point market in the Bronx get broken into while at red lights and unloaded before the light turns green. They will even come up to your cab and chat with you while their friends are lightening your load. But stay in the cab unless you want to die.

Dont discuss your load with anyone or your route. If you are hauling high value stuff like electronics, pharmaceuticals, cigarettes or liquor keep a watch on your trailer.

Otherwise get out and keep in shape and dont obsess over it.

A lot of those day cab drivers are former OTR drivers that have given up the long weeks on the road and would rather be home nightly with their wife, kids, and grandkids. Also to have a regular life without worrying if they will be home for special occasions.

These type of day cab drivers can drive circles around the best of the OTR guys. They have been there and have gotten the T-shirt.

They deserve your respect.

Someone can back into your truck even if you are sitting in it. I wouldn't give it too much weight. If it happens while you are gone try to find witnesses and call your company.

Buy good heavy duty padlock for your trailer. If some breaks in and steals cargo that is a federal offense. Again call your company. They will likely have you call the local constubalary and they will notify the FBI.

If they break into your cab and steal your personal stuff you are just S0L.

Any other lifestyle questions fire away

Yes, If you were at the terminal I dont understand why you hung your keys on the dipstick and rode away. It would have been much better to go inside and hand the keys to the person in charge with a brief explanation for leaving.

The Lord works on mysterious ways. If this is the kind of trucking you like then I wish you all the best.

Just tell the other drivers you are new and ask them to spot you. Most will be happy to help.

So how do drivers pass their drug screens?

Rob, you impressed me as a man of integrity when you reported that RR crossing arm incident. Many would not have accepted responsibility.

One way the C.B. was the ruination of trucking was the drivers talking about popping pills, snortin' some nose candy and smoking some weed then driving their truck.

All of a sudden there was pre employment drug screening and random drug testing.

You think the two might be connected?

Mitch, your post made me smile.

After 50 years there isn't much I havent heard. LOL

It's a good thing that Steve doesn't like trucking because after reading all this I wouldn't hire him and neither would anyone else.

Trucking is not for everybody, Steve. Good luck with your life.

Why ghost a company?

Be a man and give them proper notice. You are contemplating doing this twice. This can come back to haunt you.

Just because you will be applying for a job in another line of work dont think that this irresponsibility won't hurt you.