Question:
Many have read my Trainers Tale and now I am starting a new period of my life. I am a Grandpa and I am going to be taking my wife with me more; we want to go see our Grandson in Southern CA, so I will not be training drivers for awhile.
I am going to post my thoughts and comments on the trucking life in general on this thread maybe those who have been reading the Trainers Tale will find what I write entertaining and informative, and I need a hobby. Through this I hope to keep in touch with those I have become acquainted with through the Tail and other post. I hope that others will feel free to post comments or questions and contributions.
September 23, 2004
Lakewood NJ
04:46 Hours
I delivered my load of plastic bottles to the customer in Lakewood and they were kind enough to let me stay on their lot over night as I was out of hours to drive it was a quiet night and I had a good nights sleep. I am up for the day and will be checking in with dispatch shortly. Before that I will be catching up on the data entry chores so I can keep up with my attempt at record keeping. That seems to be a constant battle for me. But keeping good records helps me to see where I am and how I am doing.
I have 16:30 hrs for the next two days I will see what dispatch does with me.
06:04 hrs September 23, 2004
September 26, 2004 R
Columbus OH
16:30 Hours
Lets see Lakewood NJ to Spring Valley IL 983 Miles by September 25 then Romeoville IL to Columbus OH by September 26, 2004 419 miles now it’s back to Plano IL 350 paid miles
I need to get my truck fixed it has been giving me some trouble I have had it in the AMS shop Detroit Freightliner AMS again AMS is the company shop in case you don’t know. Road service is sending me to the TA to have fuel filters changed; like that is going help, as of now I will try anything I think I need a new thermostat. My guess is as good as anybody else’s I will get fuel filters changed and see if that helps September 26, 2004 16:45 hours CDT
October 11, 2004
Oakwood GA
Well I am finally getting around to posting this it has been on my mind and yet I have not gotten around to it till now so in case you were wondering what happened to me. I am still around. I am enjoying my time solo I need to go check on loading so later.Do the VI maintain your following distance maintain your lane position observe the speed limit observe the things around you and keep good records
Safe driving to you.
Joe


Answer:

How long of a break are you taking from training, any ideas yet? At least the appearance of 'gray hairs' should slow down a little (from not training new drivers).
Hope you and your wife find time to actually stop and see some of the more beautiful areas of the country.
Good Luck and have fun!

Answer:
Hoss
My truck is in the shop and I am in a loner for now after I get my truck out of the shop (if ever) then I am going to take the wife with me. I am not sure how long I will be solo.
I am thinking about taking the winter off training so we will see. I am getting off line and going back to work now. I am almost out of hours for today, three more to go and I am done for the day. Maybe I will be back on line later.

Answer:
Hi Joe,
Good to hear from you ... Random thought popped into my head just the other day, that had not seen any activity in your thread for the past month or two, and now here you are .
Enjoy your time solo and with your better half!
______________
Mark (27307)

Answer:
Hey Joe,
Hope you got lucky enough to not be stuck at our lovely shop in NKPA, I know the nightmares about how long that place takes.......
But nice they have loaners, I've used a few myself before....are you having problems with one of the new centurys?? just wondering cause I just got my new one a month ago (11,000 miles now) and curious to see what the future may hold
good luck....I'm in love with my sweet angel Cindy !!!!!

Answer:
My last day of work was 1/31/05 I have been off since because of cataracts and poor vision my second surgery will be 2/21/05 and I will be back to work by the first of March I hope God willing. I can see better now than I have in quit awhile evidently (and that is with just one good eye at the moment)
Also I am intending to take up training new drivers again soon so I may start posting on the Trainers Tale also (some may or may not be glad to read that) Let me know either way Or weather I should start a new thread? I am open to ideas.
My time off work has made one thing clear to me I love my family but I find I like earning my living trucking, and hope to do it for a good long time yet, God willing.Do the VI maintain your following distance maintain your lane position observe the speed limit observe the things around you and keep good records
Safe driving to you.
Joe