When You Hang Up The Keys, But Wish You Didn't Have To

Hey everyone...it has been a long time since I posted here but I wanted to check in with everyone. I was posting a couple years ago, but last April I got custody of my two sons that hadn't seen me in 7 years (thanks to their mother). Because of this, last July I hung up the keys so I could be home with them and we could get to know each other again (the last time we saw each other they were only babies). I sure do miss the road though! I think in 2 years of driving I maybe had 2 or 3 days where I really hated my job. I finally found my calling, and I sure can't wait to get back to it. The plan was to be home for a few years, then once the boys are stable and used to being here, get back into it...but it has been less than a year and I miss it every day!

Wanted to open it up for other people to share if they have had experiences like mine. Or maybe I'm just the weirdo of the bunch...either way, I can't wait for the day I can get back out there with all of you. Keep the shiny side up!

Joseph:

Congratulations for putting your Sons first! I think I know how you feel about returning, because I felt the same way. Twenty-nine years ago, I walked away from being a professional driver, and I left to start and maintain a Family. With my two children fully grown and on their own now, and with my Wife established in her career, I will have retired from my current accounting career, and I plan a subtle return to professional driving within the next few weeks.

Take good care of your Family! Your Sons are handsome, and they need their Father beside them.

P.S. Overall, how was your career with KLLM?

Steve, I loved it. My first dispatcher had been with the company for 27 years, he knew everything there was to know and could do things a lot of the others couldn't. He always had a preplan load ready for me the day before I delivered the one I was on, I never had to wait around for him. When he retired I got a newer guy who I had to train a little bit, but we worked together really well. I think the pay rate could have been a little higher, it wasn't really matching the market, but it was still pretty good and I brought home plenty of money. They treated me really well and I only once had to fight with them to make sure they got me home when I was scheduled. There was no pressure to lease a truck, they were just as happy having you as a company driver. (I leased a truck anyway, as they have one of the best lease purchase programs in the industry.) All in all, I would say they are a wonderful company to work for, especially for a new driver. They focus on safety and training, instead of just trying to churn out butts in the seats. The only real problem I has was their referral program - I referred a driver and he was poached out of driver school by FFE (KLLM and FFE are both owned by the same group). Turns out you only get the referral bonus if the driver you refer goes with KLLM.

Steve, I loved it.

That's great to hear, Joseph.

KLLM also has a great CDL Training Program for those who qualify (State Residency).

I see KLLM's trucks quite often in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area, especially around the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Factory, the Chocolate Factory itself, Hershey's warehouse space leased from Exel, and General Foods.

Good luck to you, Joseph, and thanks again for sharing your experiences.

Stay Safe!