I'm Back.... And Solo!

Long time no see my friends! My last update on this site was me going solo in a week! My name was Daniel_B on the old forum, I couldn't log in to the old one because its not friendly on my phone and I no longer have a computer available at all times. This new forum is much better seeing as how I only use a smart phone now. Anyways, I have been solo for almost two months now!! Central Refrigerated school was tough and the training with a "certified" trainer was the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. I've had many financial struggles but I am catching up. My wife is riding passenger with me and we are basically homeless, it's a wonderful life seeing the world with a wife and not having the hardships of having children, bills, mortgage and all that. I learn more and more everyday! Central Refrigerated is a good company as soon as I hit four months experience I will be transferred to west coast Kraft dedicated (good attitude pays off!). I have a dispatcher who basically deals with all the new drivers and he's a good guy but I don't really like him as a dispatcher, I still smile and talk to him in a great way though.

I am a 21 year old who went to company sponsored schooling as soon as I hit my 21st birthday and here I am- a solo driving living my dream! To everyone who is at home dreaming about it, thinking about it and studying for it, I just want to give you encouragement! I did exactly what you are doing, I did the High Road Training Program and got my permit before school along with endorsements, I was way ahead of everyone. This site isn't just feeding information, the information is amazing. I did exactly what Brett preaches on about. It really is a great way to get started in this hectic industry. Keep your head up because there will be many many times where you will just want to break down and give up but keep on going with your head held high. Its totally worth it at the end!!!

-Daniel B

Awesome!! Good to hear that you are enjoying it out there. You just motivated the hell outta me. Fu** yyeeahhhhh!!!! Lol. Thanks for the spark, tear it up out there.

Congratulations Daniel! Wow, and your headed for a Kraft dedicated account - that sounds like a really great opportunity! You guys are so young, I hope your wife is adjusting to the lifestyle with you. It actually sounds really cool to me - having your wife along with you and not having to maintain a home. It's an OTR driver's dream job! Keep up the good job, and keep wowing your dispatcher with that great attitude - it's already paying off, and it will continue to do so. It's great to hear from you!

The Kraft dedicated account after only four months??? My man, you must be kicking some serious arse out there!!! WELL DONE! I hope things work out for you, and having someone in the truck that you love and care about and supports your dream makes things that much easier. And having been through Centrals training, I feel you're pain! But you kept your eyes on the prize and got through it, and look at you now! Since you don't have a house, you can take you're hometime anywhere! My vote is for the sunny beaches of Florida for Spring Break.

The trainer I had was on the Kraft dedicated fleet so luckily I got some experience with it. I made good impressions on the Kraft fleet manager (Roger) and he personally told me when I was in the terminal that if I stay accident free and make on time delivers that he will add me to his fleet after four months of otr. I'm paid .28 and the Kraft account will put me at .34. Even better is that my wife wants to drive so we will eventually drive team and Roger will surely love that!

Wow, man. I mean, what an awesome update!!! I don't know how it can get any better than you have it right now - 21 years old, wife by your side, makin it happen out there with the big boys. Great stuff!!!

I never get tired of hearing how people are doing out there. It's a blast for me because I remember vividly how excited I was when I first learned to drive and I had such a great time out there all those years. Trucking was just the most awesome experience imaginable for me...it was the perfect job and lifestyle. So when others come in here all excited about how things are going out there it really takes me back to those early days. I was only 21 when I started driving too. Highly unusual in this business where the average age is in the upper 40's. But of course that just makes it all the sweeter.

Congratulations on getting to where you're at! And that dedicated run sounds like it might be fantastic - good for you!

Ok, that does it....I've just gotta call out the dancers....

Oh yeah! I find it awesome that the average trucker is in the upper 40's, I like it when people walk by me at truck stops and stare at me and my wife. And even better, in rest areas people really give a "what the hell" reaction. I'm a small frame, 5' 7" 120lbs so they think its a child in the drivers seat I bet.

Though there is good news, I must say that the trucking industry is severely difficult to get used to. I'm still adjusting to being treated like a turd by shippers and receiving even though I try to act like an angel to them. And that first month.... Don't even get me started! It gets easier and easier as the months go by though.

Awesome! you motivated the he** outta me as well! keep doing what your doing! and keep us updated!

I really need to start a topic about married couples living in a truck. TSB and I did that for 2 years. ..It was an eye opening experinece....and we had been married for awhile !!! Brett, do you want a thread on this issue ???

Eye opening experience is just about the only way I can describe living in the truck with a spouse.