One Year Milestone

The time has come to make that big decision. I made it through the one year rookie solo mark. It hasn't been easy. A lot of sacrifices were made along the way - not the least of which was starting pay and no time off the first year. I've confessed some of my silly mistakes such as almost passing a weigh station and getting yelled at by the DOT officer; forgetting to lock my trailer tandems and getting that sudden jolt as I applied the breaks in the shippers yard; heading to a consignee before I went to the shipper for a live load, thank goodness I figured that out only 9 miles into the journey; and a couple of near misses almost scraping a sign or two early on.

All-in-all, it was a pretty good first year. 1. I qualified for every single bonus at one level or another in every single quarter. 2. I consistently placed in the top 8 drivers, safety-wise, every single month since I went solo. Finishing as high as 1st one one occasion and top three at least 1/2 dozen times. 3. I drove 119,000ish miles in 12 months using three different trucks. 4. Earned the respect and trust of everyone I work with. And they've earned mine. 5. I've been rewarded with a mileage pay increase each and every quarter.

I looked at other companies for local home daily jobs, which is what I really want to do. But, in the end, none of them felt right, and I didn't feel right even looking at them. The biggest con to trucking the first year, especially since I've never had fewer than three weeks vacation annually at any point in my working life, is limited or no time off. However, the company treats me well. From the owner to the mechanic, everyone does what they say they will do - that's a rarity. And, I think I know they can depend on me too. So, I inquired about increasing my vacation time but I did not ask for a pay increase because I know those will come as I continue to put in the time and perform to expectations. Within 8 working hours, and without me giving a specific number of weeks, they met my minimum annual vacation time requirements. After looking back at the last 12 months and considering all the pros and cons I could write down on paper, and talking with my wife, we've decided to stick with it for another year.

So, it's another year on the road for this rookie driver. Oh, and I'm climbing into my new truck when I get back from vacation the first week of April!

It feels good doesn't it? Treat that new truck well and it will treat you well.

Congrats Bill, another MAJOR milestone in the history book. Well done!!!

It sure doesn’t seem like a year. The older we get the faster father time seems too move.

The things you describe are common, we’ve all been there and may even have a t-shirt for it. This industry is very diverese and therefore challenges are also.

I think you made a great case for staying where you are for the foresable future. I was speaking with a friend the other day that had a new driver call him. The new driver wanted advise how to handle a situation where he is only working every other week right now. He is on salary so he was told to sit back, relax and let them pay him for sitting at home. Their call. He said he feels guilty for getting paid and not working.

Right now is probably a good time to hold onto what you have. This year is looking like a good size roller coaster.

New trucks are a blessing and a curse, lol. If it is brand new will probably have issues pop up, plus changing trucks is always a pain. Enjoy it!!!

Pianoman.

Thank you for the kind words.

So far, I'm glad I'm sticking with it. As Brett and many others here on trucking truth have said, Trucking isn't easy and isn't for everyone.

Congrats sir! Honestly your responses and posts on here are so mature and reflect such good decision making I thought you had more than a year of experience already. Glad you decided to stick it out

Thanks, Bobcat.

Thanks for the advice. Complacency and I are not good bedfellows. LOL. I'll keep the radar tuned and operational at all times.

Take care out their, man!

Congratulations sir! Sounds like a very good first year.

Just don't let your guard down, a lot of drivers make it through the first year end up getting complacent and having a accident.

HI Bird-One.

Thank you.

Yes, they are hard to find. But, there are multiple local routes available in my area.

I'm still developing as a driver. I know I have more to learn, but I don't want it to be at the expense of the quality and quantity of my work. The company I drive for has earned my loyalty and I reeeeeeally like working for them. For the next 12 months, I'm content staying on my regional route and being home every weekend. Who knows? Maybe they'll develop a local route in my region, and I'll be the guy for the job! Doubtful, but you never know.

Congratulations. Local jobs are probably going to be slim pickens just about everywhere. If you do decide to get another year otr in even more opportunities will open for you. A lot local opportunities at the most will want two years. Some three.

A year already!?!? Where did the time, places, and mileage go already?

Congratulations on this career and life milestone!

An enormous congratulations Bill! I’ve enjoyed following your journey over the last year, as I have prepared to start my own.

So glad you are going to stay out here and enjoy some new equipment. You’ve definitely earned it! Godspeed 💪🏼

Congrats on the milestone! I've only a month-and-a-half accomplished as a solo driver, but it's flying fast. Hope that new truck is awesome for ya! Be sure to post a pic.

Congratulations sir! Enjoy that new rig!! Now you can change your profile to experienced driver!!!

A year already!?!? Where did the time, places, and mileage go already?

Time sure does fly. I was about half way through training this time last year wondering what the future would hold for me

Congratulations Bill! That's awesome to hear. I haven't been there nearly as long as you but I'm liking our company as well. I'm curious, is your new truck one of them with cameras for mirrors?