Location:
NC
Driving Status:
Rookie Solo Driver
Social Link:
I have been a Paramedic for about 20 years. It is time for me to change careers. Taking care of people, many times when they are at the worst, takes a toll on you over time. Recent changes have brought a "reduction in hours". That is political speak for a pay cut. Our benefits are getting worse and worse every year. Yet, the cost of the benefits have been increased each year. It is time for me to look for a change.
I have three daughters and a wonderful wife. Providing them the best possible life is what drives me. Being away from them, I hate. Over the years, many holidays, birthdays, and milestones have been missed. I do what I do for them. The adventure has started.
Being a free spirit, trucking would suit me. Being alone with my thoughts is a good day. Travel, adventure and exploring has always made the heart beat a little faster.
Hobbies: Texas Holdem, computers, novice woodworker, auto mechanic, running and travel.
Posted: 9 years, 7 months ago
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Drivers Guaranteed Pay for All On-Duty Hours - Transportation Bill
Well, I think it is a good thing if it happens. One of the big positives of it passing, drivers would actually log on duty time tarping and doing other work. We all know many people don't log on duty many things they are supposed too. On the flip side, it still will not pay the driver when sitting waiting for a load and things like that because all that time is logged off duty or sleeper berth.
Posted: 9 years, 7 months ago
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Thanks guys. I tell you it has been a lot of adjusting to being on the road. It is really hard being away from family and friends. Every now and then I hit a day where I say this is just not for me. Then the next day, I keep on trucking. Not sure I will stay doing OTR for the long haul. I enjoy going places I have never been. Some of the things you see out here are absolutely beautiful. The hardest part is being away from home so much.
Posted: 9 years, 7 months ago
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I try not to judge. I have made similar mistakes. It is usually when I get in a hurry. Luckily, none of them ended badly like these did. The best advice I can give, slow down and do it right.
Posted: 9 years, 7 months ago
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Wow! It has been a while my friends. It seems like yesterday that I had started asking questions. I have learned so much over the past year and yet I still feel like a complete rookie most days. I was talking to Pat on the phone today and he said he had referred someone with questions about Roehl to me. I realized I had not been on in a long time and needed to jump in and say HI.
Just a little story for you guys. This morning, I arrived at the consignee. All the guys in the warehouse were just grumpy and rude. I got the truck in the dock and the guy started to unload me very slowly. There was a young guy sweeping the floors and picking up trash. He had a big pile in the floor and grabbed a shovel and started scooping it up. I walked over and took the broom leaning there and held the pile while he shoves it. After the pile was up, he grinned real big and said, "Hey, thanks." I said, "No problem." Then the forklift drivers stops and says, "Hey man, where are you from?" I said, "NC." We talked about stuff for a second and then it was like someone put turbos on the forklift and my truck was empty in no time. I stood there shooting the bull with these guys that at first looked like the would beat me if I even spoke.
This was just one of the small lessons I have learned everyday out here. I did not have to say a word. I just offered a helping hand. I did not ***** about them being mean or moving slow. By holding a broom for two minutes, my truck got unloaded 30 minutes faster.
Posted: 10 years, 1 month ago
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If you are going flatbed, some of the places you load and unload require you to have steel toe or safety toe shoes. Most of the time I wear tennis shoes. I just switch into my safety shoes if it is required. Just remember if you do flatbed, you have heavy chains that can smash a toe.
Posted: 10 years, 1 month ago
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Woman killed after semi carrying pumpkins crashes into home
The trailer "wobbled" and no brake tracks... yeap he fell asleep. How do people think these things they say will actually be believed? It makes no sense. I guess they think everybody is stupid and will believe that BS story.
Posted: 10 years, 1 month ago
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Most hair test are only good for 6 month to a year. Stay clean for that long and you will be fine!
Posted: 10 years, 1 month ago
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Hey Andy! Sorry I have not been on much. Congrats! Welcome to Roehl! Does it seem like a blur? Just remember most people have an accident between 3 and 6 months of driving. Remember to always pay attention. Turn the radio off, roll down the window, and eliminate any distractions while backing. G.O.A.L!!!!!! Get out and look!!!!!! There is NO shame in taking 10 minutes to get into a parking place. Never get in a hurry because being in a hurry is a distraction! Good luck out here man. Hope we happen to bump into each at the terminal (not with our trucks).
Posted: 10 years, 2 months ago
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Wow, skid pad. We did not get to do that in training. Roehl has really changed the program quite a bit. Sounds like it is much better. Not that it was bad before....
Posted: 9 years, 5 months ago
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Roehl pet policy
Wow, a lot of Roehl guys around now. There used to be only a couple of us. As others have said, yes pets are now allowed. The cleaning fee is so funny to me because I see some guys without a pet that have gross trucks. A pet with them may even make it cleaner. ROFL.