Finished First Solo Load

I failed my first Solo test because I was so nervous I made stupid mistakes. So I had another week of training with the local delivery guy running empty trailers to a large shipper mostly. In hindsight I am thankful that I had that extra week. It was all city driving and backing, which was what I needed work on. I didn't know how much I didn't know. If I had passed the first test I would have been out there by myself so frustrated.

I passed my second test and was dispatched a HEAVY beer load (79600lbs gross with half tank of fuel) from Colorado to Idaho. It was nerve wracking doing it myself, but I made it. I almost hit a telephone pole making a right turn leaving the consignee because I forgot to slide my tandems forward before leaving. But I saw it in the nick of time (an inch maybe)and stopped, backed up and swung wider, with the help of a guy on the street who held traffic for me. I checked the trailer and there are no marks that I ever touched the pole so it's all good.

Now I am at one of our shops to have a few maintainance items and cabinet removal for fridge. And today is my 26th wedding anniversary

CONGRATULATIONS! That first load is always special. It's even more special cause you know YOU did it on you're own, no trainers, no help, it was all YOU. And that is one hell of a feeling. And good for you avoiding what could have been a catastrophe, swing wide! I uh, um..."misjudged" a right turn in Coalinga, scraped up a signal pole kind of bad, word on the street is they're still looking for a Central driver with dreadlocks....

Congratulations on you're 26th year wedding anniversary! My parents have been together 30. Keep it going, we don't see too much of that these days! And ps:

Hey congrats on the first solo run and the wedding anniversary!

It's amazing how quickly things can go wrong out there, isn't it? One moment of inattention can be life changing. You really have to be sharp. Makes you really appreciate just what an accomplishment it is to be out there doing it safely for years, ya know?

Congratulations! That first solo load was such a rush for me. Since I'm still fairly new to this also, let me just tell you that I remember my first few weeks as being exciting but draining. I think the adrenaline and the constant vigilance of attention is such a new thing to get accustomed to that it takes a physical toll on new drivers. Having said that let me hasten to say that it really does get better as you gain some experience and confidence. There is nothing like time on the road to hone your skills and develop your style of handling all the things that are constantly affecting you. The road is a great tutor and sometimes a harsh master, but time well spent behind the wheel does pay off with very tangible results.

Hang in there, and please keep us posted. If we can be of any help to you we want to do jut that.

How does it feel to have traded in your lab coat for a pair of blue jeans? I know this was a really big career change for you, and I'm assuming it takes a little getting used to. I still remember when you first came into the forum, and now here you are out there on the road in a big rig! Well, congratulations my friend, and watch out for those poles!

Good job and congratulations sir!!!

Prepare yourself for that first month, it is absolutely brutal.