Running With The Big Dogs

Darn Old School. I passed ya up two hours ago. I have been on i90 since Washington state. Had I known I would have stopped long enough to say hi.

Congrats on the recognition. Even though you were not looking for it it still does feel good that someone took notice even if a computer had to tell them to take notice.

I completely agree that time management is the key to success out here on the road as well as attitude and when you master the clock and have a great attitude together that is when things go great. If you have one and not the other then life will be very hard out here on the road.

Some of us have learned a long time ago how to manage our clocks down to the minute. Sometimes it gets down that close. There is no magic that we can teach and all the sudden things will be easier for a rookie. Most things we do are very situational. And depending on the situation that comes up it can change the course of your entire plan for that day but know the best thing about it? The second something happens we change our trip plan to match the new change and continue down the road. One of the biggest complaints I hear out here is "At the end of the day I can not find parking and spend an hour looking for a place to park". All I can do is ask why? I can tell you why. Trip planning did not take place and they figured they would look for a place to park when they were close to the end of their hours. Bad mistake. Hmm this is taking up more time in this post than I had planned on. Really need to make a separate post and try to explain the difference between what trip planning is and how I do my trip planning and what that all entries because I can tell you one thing.... The trip planning they teach in school is only the first step in a Real World Trip Planning. There is so much more to it.

Way ta' go, Old School. But truly, no surprise, here. It sure is nice to get recognition, though. It's so good for morale. I'm glad they acknowledged your hard work.

This is all really great stuff to learn from you guys. Keep the informative posts comin'. I'm soaking up as much information as I can, while I have a week or two till I start. BRING it ON, guys! Much appreciated.

Again, way ta' go, Old School! I too, was hoping I was seeing a couple more zeros in that check. Anyway, good on your DM.

Thanks for all the knowledge you guys send out.

-mountain girl

Way to go Old School! As usual, outstanding advice, too. The learning curve is steep in this business and more so, I think, in flatbed. That first 3-6 mo is absolute killer and frustrating. I'm coming up on that first year mark and feel like I'm sort of competent. I look at a load, have a plan to secure and tarp then execute in a reasonable time. Other days, not so much. Keeping a positive attitude is THE key in my opinion. That is with your DM , shippers, receivers, clerks, shower attendants, et al. Also be positive with your self, since that sets the stage. Some are worried about speed. But something I learned in a previous endevour sticks with me.

Fast is slow and slow is fast.

Take your time, do it the right first time and the speed will come. There is enough pressure without us internally adding more.

Again, great job and I still look ever time I see your company flatbeds.

As far as time management and finding parking goes, I been starting my day at midnight cause that's when I get my hours back. It has worked out well since traffic is light and parking in the early afternoon is easy to find.

Congrats Old School! I have run across many drivers who have been doing this longer than I have been in the workforce and have to say almost all of them have been class acts. You, sir, are among the best in the Industry (you have helped me several times probably without even knowing) and I always enjoy talking to the veterans out here. I find that I leave having learned something new every time. Again, Congratulations, and thank you.

So, I was surprised by this message that I received on my qualcomm this week from my new DM.

At first i thought that read 100,000 not 100,00. I had to read that 3 or 4 times before i realized he put a comma instead of a period and thats what was messing with my eyes. Even though its not a big 100,000 dollar bonus congrats old school!!!! hahahaha

I already talked to you on the phone about this, but once again, congratulations sir!