Checking Back In.

I've absent a while...my only excuse is being busy.

Had lots of loads...lots of interesting experiences. I've just gotten a brand new truck to replace my much beloved '09 Volvo with a Cummins.

I have brand new 2014 Volvo ... with an automatic! ... actually, they refer to it as an 'automated' transmission, it's really a 12 speed manual with a computer and air actuated clutch and shifter. To the driver it does all the work though. It even kicks on the Jake brake going down hill. I can override the Jake anytime and add more braking, and even put the transmission in manual mode, although even there I don't have a clutch to worry about. The whole truck is very nice...lots of cabinets and space. Moved my inverter, refrigerator and microwave in easily. There is even a mount for a flat screen TV...I suppose I'll have to get one now.

The only thing that didn't work well is the built in XM satellite radio. I transferred my subscription to it thinking I could do with less hardware in the truck but it didn't work well in the mountains of Washington, Idaho and Montana, so I went back to my external radio and outside mount Motorola antenna. Much better reception.

With everything brand new I'm tempted to short cut the PreTrips, but I've managed to stick to the program and do them. Haven't found a single problem, but I'm going to keep doing them.

I've been running hard, country wide. I do a little more than 10,000 miles a month, and should hit my 100,000 right before I get to my 10 month anniversary on the 18th of this month. I'm also on truck to gross just under $45K for my first year of trucking, with the bonus pay and other add on pay benefits. Not too bad, IMHO. At one year I get a 3 cent per mile pay raise. That's a pretty good jump, almost 10% from the 31 cents per mile I get now.

I continue to be very happy with Watkins Shepard...I hear drivers complain and complain about how they are treated, and I just don't have any of that happening to me. They even gave me a brand new truck when I have less than 10 months driving fer gossakes!

I'm still rolling hard, and in fact, this evening I am delivering Organic Wheat Flour from Montana in Buffalo, NY, Brett...right in your neck of the woods.

One other thing....the magnificent beard has been shortened (it was getting to be a pain to deal with when you can't wash it daily), and I've let my hair grow out again. I'll have to put up a new picture soon.

I've missed chatting with everyone here. I hope to be on more often if I can.

I've been running hard, country wide. I do a little more than 10,000 miles a month, and should hit my 100,000 right before I get to my 10 month anniversary on the 18th of this month. I'm also on truck to gross just under $45K for my first year of trucking, with the bonus pay and other add on pay benefits. Not too bad, IMHO. At one year I get a 3 cent per mile pay raise. That's a pretty good jump, almost 10% from the 31 cents per mile I get now.

Congrats on reaching 100K - sounds like you're doing well! Congrats on the new truck as well!!

Congrats on reaching 100K - sounds like you're doing well! Congrats on the new truck as well!!

Thanks, Bill. I'm sure as heck trying!

I can't believe you would cut that beard!

Glad to hear that you're doing well Tracy, and congratulations on the new rig!

By the way, your current pic reminds me of Dusty Hill of ZZ Top fame! Should leave it!

LittleJoe

Tracy, its so good to hear that you are happy with Watkins Shepard....They treated us well, as O/O's...and like you, the only ones who complained, were the ones who didn't do their job.... Volvo with an auto....not sure I could do that...I'm to old for new suprises.....lol

I should have qualified my comment ... I hear drivers from OTHER companies complaining....it's rare that I hear a Watkins driver complaining. In fact, we have a pretty high percentage of people that leave for greener pastures, then come back to Watkins Shepard when they find out they had it pretty good!

And tomorrow by the end of the day I will have just over 100,000 miles exactly 10 months to the day after starting driving. Woo Hoo!

(Tracy breaks his arm patting himself on the back)

Tracy, thats great mileage.....and you have proved that you want to run, so they are giving you all they can. Stay safe and sane...well...not to much on the sane part...its way over rated..