1 Year/100,000 Mile Checkup

One year ago tomorrow, I started Knight Squire School in Phoenix. Happy to say, no incidents, no accidents, I feel like things continue to go well for me. Ive done just under 100k with this load (driven miles) My paid miles is slightly less. I didnt go solo until the last week in May, by the time I got through with school, Top Gun and training as well as settling my house and stuff.

Funny thing is, Im sitting at a receiver in Easton PA, so pretty deep into the North East. It was a hot load, or really important one at least, so they told me. It had a lot of days on it, and I needed a reset but they still wanted me to do it. I asked my DM and TM if I could pick it up, do a couple hundred miles out of route for a reset and home time and then finish it. They both said sure, had to fight the route planner for it, but we did it. They had to reschedule the delivery apt. and in doing so, I got it in a day early, meaning I had to brown nose with receiving to let me unload today. They were cool about it. That lets me pick up my next load early (after asking if I could). Its only 560 miles, but I like those, money makers because I can hit them in one day and they pay more.

So many things I carry with me from this community, tools in my tool box. Driving through the construction zone on 81, somewhat tight lanes. I heard G-Town telling me to watch my wagon. I heard OS telling me to communicate with the shippers and receivers, to be safe, reliable and on time. I heard PackRat laughing at me....just kidding. Seriously though, the advice here is beyond valuable. Im really grateful I stumbled on this community. Ive had the chance to pass it on to others as well. I saw a kid practicing backing last week at a truck stop, I talked to him for a while, it was his first week solo after only two weeks of training. We talked for a good long while, I showed him the community and recommended he at least check it out, if not get involved.

I have my complaints with Knight at times, but they do work to resolve them. Im still a firm believer in we make our own destiny, its not governed by the name on the door, especially in the first year, maybe even two. I may go down the road somewhere in the future, but it would have to be really compelling to do so. While I might make more CPM , the other factors are important. Knight has demonstrated an ability to work with me and great flexibility. I enjoy the relationship I have with the office staff and I make adequate money if I put in the miles (sometimes I take a few too many vacations).

I think Ive been blessed with opportunities, a fair amount of luck and a great attitude so far in trucking. I guess I would ask how willing are you to listen and follow the advice here if you are new? For me, its a no brainer, but I see others struggle with it. I still talk regularly with Doc, my trainer, and I listened to what he had to show me as well. Its served me well. So mostly, after a year, a big ole heaping of thanks to everyone here. And Mamma Anne, I cant tell you how much I appreciated the kind helping words in training, when I was doing the dairy. I have a hunch that all of us that were stressed and feeling like we might never get this really appreciated seeing those words of encouragement to keep us going. Most of all, thanks to Brett for establishing all this and helping so many of us out. Ya'all rock.

Congratulations!

Very impressive to make it your first year with no incidents. Just do not let your guard down, year 2 can be the most dangerous. People get relaxed and complacent which can lead to accidents.

Really happy for you, Davy. And you didn’t stumble on this site, you stumbled UNTIIL you found this site. Keep up the good work!

Congratulations Davy!

Great work on another milestone!

Ya'll rock.

Haha, you're the one that rocks Davy!

Look at what you've accomplished. You survived your first year in trucking. That's awesome!

You not only survived, but you did a great job of it. You've helped a lot of folks along the way. You've left a legacy here with your classic diary, and you did all this without a rookie accident. That really is incredible!

I can't wait until you decide to be a flatbedder.

Congratulations Davy. I will be in your same place in about 9 months. I agree the wealth of knowledge in here is immense. I have been out solo these past almost 4 weeks and many times I have thought about things that I had seen in these threads and suddenly I have a voice in my head guiding me. I’ve met and talked with many other flatbedders who openly helped and shared knowledge. I’ve only entcountered two that I would put in the useless human category. Ironically they both worked for the same company. There is a cammeraderie here IF you choose to be humble and embrace it. I’ve had the opportunity to help others as well. I’ve seen drivers get out of their truck in single digits to help others tarp loads. I look forward to running into you on the road some day.

Congratulations on reaching that milestone! One year doesn't seem very long but, when you think of the high percentage of drivers who fail to make it through their first year, it is actually quite an accomplishment!

Congratulations Davy on a great milestone that many never reach. It isn't easy to reach the 1 year mark, and you did it in a commendable fashion.

Congratulations! I hope you continue to find the experience fulfilling. 👍