Samuel Clemens / Mark Twain Revisited

Some of y'all may have seen a brief exchange between Anne A (G13Momcat) and I earlier today related to a possible gig.

Nothing cast in stone, but I am briefly redacting my commentary about end of trails due to spinal issues. I have been free of the IL climate for almost a year now, and feel in significantly better health. I have decided to try to climb back into the saddle and ride for a brand.

It has been a long process, and quite frustrating. My last outfit was a great place to work, and I highly recommend it for drivers in the IL / IN / SC / GA areas that want to be part of something where you matter, rather than just being "one in (almost) a million". That shameless plug aside, they treated me well and let me work a four day work week (right up until my rehire from the FMLA close out of time), with the caveat that if they needed me, and I had nothing planned with the woman who rescued me from myself 33 years ago, I would work full up to my 70 for them. It was a system that worked well for us (G&D, The Beloved, and I) - many weeks were five and sometimes six days. I left them because 1) physically I wasn't up to the fifth day OTR and 2) we decided to escape from the state south of Wisconsin to where we have long been gazing, State 48 (Arizona) where G&D has no footprint.

Fast forward some 10 months. No outfits here, despite their crocodile tears clamoring for bodies to fill the ohsoveryimaginary truck driver shortage, will even consider anything less than a full five or six days - gotta be off only a 34. "It's how we have always done it" or "Company policy doesn't allow anything other than full time with a 34 off" are refrains I am kind of tired of hearing. But, not whining, just stating the facts as presented by at least a dozen places, including some that are merchants with delivery fleets of CDL vehicles. Was working temp work at an Amazon Wagonwheel start-up and met an XPO local LTL guy making a delivery. Our brief conversation resulted in me making a phone call to the XPO recruiters and inquiring about local work. They may have a local gig at their 'zone' (non-occupied drop yard), they are considering my history and may decide that I fit their needs if there is actually an opening. Not sure if it would be an overnight line-haul (brutal hours, spent way too many years on mids in the old life) or a local LTL P&D. Will see.

AnneA - thanks for inquiring. I figured no need to take that thread afield - keep it related to the topic. As for the title of this? It's a rehash and literary license of Clemens' quote - words to the effect of "Rumors of my demise, I may have greatly exaggerated." I update as more comes available...

As Paul Harvey used to say "Stand By... For News!"

I know that I will be anxiously awaiting more great news from you!

Some of y'all may have seen a brief exchange between Anne A (G13Momcat) and I earlier today related to a possible gig.

Nothing cast in stone, but I am briefly redacting my commentary about end of trails due to spinal issues. I have been free of the IL climate for almost a year now, and feel in significantly better health. I have decided to try to climb back into the saddle and ride for a brand.

It has been a long process, and quite frustrating. My last outfit was a great place to work, and I highly recommend it for drivers in the IL / IN / SC / GA areas that want to be part of something where you matter, rather than just being "one in (almost) a million". That shameless plug aside, they treated me well and let me work a four day work week (right up until my rehire from the FMLA close out of time), with the caveat that if they needed me, and I had nothing planned with the woman who rescued me from myself 33 years ago, I would work full up to my 70 for them. It was a system that worked well for us (G&D, The Beloved, and I) - many weeks were five and sometimes six days. I left them because 1) physically I wasn't up to the fifth day OTR and 2) we decided to escape from the state south of Wisconsin to where we have long been gazing, State 48 (Arizona) where G&D has no footprint.

Fast forward some 10 months. No outfits here, despite their crocodile tears clamoring for bodies to fill the ohsoveryimaginary truck driver shortage, will even consider anything less than a full five or six days - gotta be off only a 34. "It's how we have always done it" or "Company policy doesn't allow anything other than full time with a 34 off" are refrains I am kind of tired of hearing. But, not whining, just stating the facts as presented by at least a dozen places, including some that are merchants with delivery fleets of CDL vehicles. Was working temp work at an Amazon Wagonwheel start-up and met an XPO local LTL guy making a delivery. Our brief conversation resulted in me making a phone call to the XPO recruiters and inquiring about local work. They may have a local gig at their 'zone' (non-occupied drop yard), they are considering my history and may decide that I fit their needs if there is actually an opening. Not sure if it would be an overnight line-haul (brutal hours, spent way too many years on mids in the old life) or a local LTL P&D. Will see.

AnneA - thanks for inquiring. I figured no need to take that thread afield - keep it related to the topic. As for the title of this? It's a rehash and literary license of Clemens' quote - words to the effect of "Rumors of my demise, I may have greatly exaggerated." I update as more comes available...

As Paul Harvey used to say "Stand By... For News!"

Mr. Curmudgeon, you're most welcome! I've always LOVED following your postings! The fact that you ARE a literature laureate makes it all the MORE interesting!!!! I'd almost bet your first initials to be TJ, actually! (Poet and didn't know it kinda deal!)

I'm following, for SURE!!!! This thread will be awesome. Thanks!

~ Anne ~

I am hoping that you get this gig, and that it works out for you. Best of luck.

I thought we were going to discuss shuck Finn and Tom Sawyer. Lol

Just recently reread them both

No outfits here, despite their crocodile tears clamoring for bodies to fill the ohsoveryimaginary truck driver shortage, will even consider anything less than a full five or six days - gotta be off only a 34.

Around here, the opportunities for part-time driving are mostly with USPS contactors like 10RoadsExpress and Midwest Transport, and Amazon's 'freight partners.' But yes, it seems that while a lot of local managers are open to the idea just because they have freight they need to move, their hands are tied by company policy, which I assume means what their insurance carrier will allow.

Anne- thanks for asking about my status,on the 15 year old CMV driving thread.

I'm still struggling, it's a continuing plight. Looks like The Gahds are speaking in ways CRYSTAL clear. Going back to CMV driving doesn't seem near. C-spine shyte, not sleeping at night, getting a neuro and mri appointment an ongoing fight.

As I told the ER nurse (thru *almost* tears of pain and frustration) "Peripheral Radiculopathy? Don't be ridiculous. There's NOTHING radiculous about this ****e at all!!!" She was NOT amused, apparently never worked ER or around public safety folks who deal with shi**y news with dark humor views. The radiculopathy, apparently, causes pain and general weakness through nerve compression in the cspine. The ER trip was triggered by excruciating pain, and inability to use either hand. The Crappiest part is that it is intermittent.

I have not taken any of the prescribed narcotics for pain or to help me sleep at night, fortunately Tylenol and the Nerve Anti-inflammatory gabapentin have been moderately effective. Last night I actually slept through the whole night ( with dreams that I was an Iranian computer hacker, working directly for the Shah, and was working in a US based CIA safe house hidden behind miles of barbed wire and miles ofconcrete walls. )

Who says I'm not taking narcotics?

I was fervently Hoping for a non-surgical resolution, but my cousin, a Neurosurgery OR Nurse for Barrow Spine in Phoenix says "Ya, their gonna fix the broken hardware". Maybe in a year or so the bottle gas outfits up around chino valley will be seeing my shining curmudgeonliness on their doorstep like a bunch of Cancun street urchins at the restaurant window, sans the boxes of Chiclets.

For now, I have taken non driving employment with a semi-local fry's grocery store, part of the kroger chain. I'm working in the meat department at the meat-seafood service counter, enjoying the customer contact, high volume pace and being part of a team that is incredibly, incredibly positive. I have never heard people thank their coworkers as much in any of my previous jobs as I do here. I don't think I'm gonna make it a career, but I can see myself being there a couple of years while everything gets worked out medically, if they'll keep me.

Learning a crapton about different types of fish. My other passion, cooking and especiallly smoking, is paying off. My trainer has told Multiple customers, "tj is the guy you need to talk to about the best way to cook that" so I am getting a vibe of usefulness that I have been missing for about a year or so.

I have not given up on getting behind the wheel again, but have put that aspiration on hold for a while. I will still stick around here, as I enjoy the discussions, and being able to offer what small bit of knowledge And perspective I have to people considering this career, which I dearly miss..

Oh, and didja see what I did there.. ?

Good Day and Joy beto you all!!!

Anne- thanks for asking about my status,on the 15 year old CMV driving thread.

I'm still struggling, it's a continuing plight. Looks like The Gahds are speaking in ways CRYSTAL clear. Going back to CMV driving doesn't seem near. C-spine shyte, not sleeping at night, getting a neuro and mri appointment an ongoing fight.

As I told the ER nurse (thru *almost* tears of pain and frustration) "Peripheral Radiculopathy? Don't be ridiculous. There's NOTHING radiculous about this ****e at all!!!" She was NOT amused, apparently never worked ER or around public safety folks who deal with shi**y news with dark humor views. The radiculopathy, apparently, causes pain and general weakness through nerve compression in the cspine. The ER trip was triggered by excruciating pain, and inability to use either hand. The Crappiest part is that it is intermittent.

I have not taken any of the prescribed narcotics for pain or to help me sleep at night, fortunately Tylenol and the Nerve Anti-inflammatory gabapentin have been moderately effective. Last night I actually slept through the whole night ( with dreams that I was an Iranian computer hacker, working directly for the Shah, and was working in a US based CIA safe house hidden behind miles of barbed wire and miles ofconcrete walls. )

Who says I'm not taking narcotics?

I was fervently Hoping for a non-surgical resolution, but my cousin, a Neurosurgery OR Nurse for Barrow Spine in Phoenix says "Ya, their gonna fix the broken hardware". Maybe in a year or so the bottle gas outfits up around chino valley will be seeing my shining curmudgeonliness on their doorstep like a bunch of Cancun street urchins at the restaurant window, sans the boxes of Chiclets.

For now, I have taken non driving employment with a semi-local fry's grocery store, part of the kroger chain. I'm working in the meat department at the meat-seafood service counter, enjoying the customer contact, high volume pace and being part of a team that is incredibly, incredibly positive. I have never heard people thank their coworkers as much in any of my previous jobs as I do here. I don't think I'm gonna make it a career, but I can see myself being there a couple of years while everything gets worked out medically, if they'll keep me.

Learning a crapton about different types of fish. My other passion, cooking and especiallly smoking, is paying off. My trainer has told Multiple customers, "tj is the guy you need to talk to about the best way to cook that" so I am getting a vibe of usefulness that I have been missing for about a year or so.

I have not given up on getting behind the wheel again, but have put that aspiration on hold for a while. I will still stick around here, as I enjoy the discussions, and being able to offer what small bit of knowledge And perspective I have to people considering this career, which I dearly miss..

Oh, and didja see what I did there.. ?

Good Day and Joy beto you all!!!

Yes, TJ... I saw what you did there, hahaha!!

I'm glad you've found your 'niche' for now; something WILL come up when the time is right; usually does.

Too bad there's not a FAB Express by you; I know Tom's company as of recently, will hire P/time drivers on a need/case basis. Others we don't know about, may also! What about Kroger's themselves?

I'm always trying to 'think outside the box.' One almost HAS to, anymore!

Best always; stick around, and update!!

~ Anne ~