I Think I Made It

I just passed my 6month mark and I still really love doing this. Even though there are times that I question my sanity I take a little rest and realize that this is what I am supposed to be doing right now.

Got assigned a NEW truck. A Volvo 670. Only had 24 miles on it when I picked it up. What a difference! My other truck was just beating me up all the time(it had 446,000 hard miles on it). Especially in Calif. I think they have the worst roads I have been on. Been from the west coast to Ohio and North Dakota to Texas and Have loved every minute of it!

Sitting in Ripon Ca. right now waiting to deliver a load I brought down from Lewiston Id that is going to Winco Foods. Getting used to the weird hours and the stupid things people do on the road. That doesn't mean that I don't pay attention any more! On the contrary. I pay attention more now! Seems like you can never really anticipate what some one will do on the highway.

I am usually out for a five week run. My choice. Company says 2-3 weeks but I really feel good about five. Longest was a seven week run. Don't want to do that EVER again but it will probably happen. My DM loves it when I am out because I will run hard and get the load there on time. I am batting 98% right now on my loads being on time. Can't complain about that I guess.

For the new drivers, stick it out for at least 6 months before you make the choice about OTR. I know that there are those that want/need to be home because of family issues and that is OK. But, if you have no real hard ties this is a great way to go.. Other than that just be safe and watch out for the nuts on the road.

Doug...its so good to hear from you !!! I keep a list of students/drivers who start here, then get out there on the road...and I'm always hoping that they will come back in here and tell us how they have done, and the choices that they have made. So hearing from you has been a great surprise. I'm glad you still are enjoying the open road.....on with your adventure !!!!

Hey it's great to hear that things are going so well for ya!!! Being on the road definitely takes a lot of getting used to and it's a steep learning curve for everyone. It saddens me when I hear about people quitting after only a month or two because those first few months are the most difficult you'll ever face out there. If you can just push through and hang in there, it gets better.

But it sounds like things are going really well for ya and that's always nice to hear.

Thanks for the great info and encouragement on this forum I don't plan on stopping this for a while. Having too much fun. It would take something earth shattering to get me out of the truck. Off to Utah in the morning.

Be safe and enjoy the journey