Question:
Well Ill call at 4:45 for my first dispatch.
Yea, Im nervous, a bit apprehensive. Not sure where exactly Ill be going, But im sure it will be Northeast.
May have to leave Sunday afternoon. Mabe not till Monday.
No trainer to rely on, Its all me.
Went and got the key to my truck, cleaned it up, Tomarrow the wife will go try to give it a home touch.
Talked to another driver. His advice? Take your time, Know where your going, stop when you get tired, keep your paperwork organized, Dont panic if you get lost. The company is a bit lienient on Newbies during there first few months.
Im still a bit nervous. Wish me luck. Ill post my destination when I find out.
Ike
"The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."
Albert Einstein

Answer:
Good Luck! Use the advice the other driver gave you. You'll do OK.
*******************************
"Got the bird dog on...
Dodgin' the scales...
80 miles an hour and a step outta jail..." From "Rollin' Home, Pirates of the Mississippi)
*******************************
"I've always been different with one foot over the line.
Winding up somewhere, one step ahead or behind.
It ain't been so easy, but I guess I shouldn't complain.
I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane." (from Waylon Jennings)
**************************
Member: Happy Dweller Society
Owner Operator Division


Answer:
You'll do just fine. Seems I heard that from a driver(yes another DRIVER) where I am going to work, yesterday told me that. Your going to do just fine. Do I hear and echo???!!! DO you?..LOL
Like you told me yesterday morning you will be just fine. And you have me you can call.. for all the help I may be right now..
I know you going to do great!

Answer:
Thanks to Hoss and Bearbell for the encouragement, Stand by for Dispatch........
Ike
"The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."
Albert Einstein

Answer:
Hey if Sundays nerves or monday..get to be too much call me. I am just starting a 4 day weekend.. Hell call if they dont become too much!

Answer:
OK, I called. Dispatch told me to call back at 2:00 monday. So Here goes the waiting game, Thanks bearbell, Ill let ya know where im headin'
I need to get movin though, cant sit around another week.
Ike
"The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."
Albert Einstein

Answer:
Damn 200 on monday..wow....Ike dont think thats a real good thing. But hopefully it is not a sign of things to come for us..

Answer:
I dont mind bein home but, I need to get movin. I need to make some money
Ike
"The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."
Albert Einstein

Answer:
If it gets late in the day don't pass up a good parking place --- you may not see another good one again. You may want to keep in mind that truckstops and rest areas fill up fast after about 6pm. The parking lot behind a weight station is a good alternative.
.
Keep your logbook neat and current to the last change of status. If you get stopped by an inspector(dot or otherwise) and your logbook is a mess, they will take a closer look at every.
.
Ask questions but don't necessarily believe everything that you hear. Some guys lie more than
a dead dog.

Answer:
Thanks Xcis, I plan on keeping all paperwork in order and current. Checked out the permit book on the truck, all are good through December).
Ike
"The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."
Albert Einstein

Answer:
OK, Here I go.
10 Stops. Keyser, WV. to Havlin, Oh. leaving in about an hour. Will post when I get back.
Ike
"The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."
Albert Einstein

Answer:
WOWOOOooo.. I forgot to call you today and check if you got a load. Am glad you posted. Hope all goes well and will be waiting to hear from you when you get back!

Answer:
Ok, Im back.
Im not gonna post a long detailed account of this trip, but I will say, it was interesting, I drove a total of 1974 miles, used 306 gallons of fuel, had 1 flat tire and went out of route approx 250 miles. (that includes the back haul which the company does not route for you).
I didn't really get lost at all, My out of route was my own doing. instead of using some of the secondary roads that was on my route sheet, I stuck to the main highways, But from now on I will try and stick to the route sheet, unless its over a restricted route or low bridge of course.
The back haul was from columbus, Oh to Chesapeake (the yard) I chose the Interstate again, over a secondary, (bad choice) 628 miles vice 589.
Got home at 7:30 this morning.
I didn't plan my hours of service as well as I could have. I drove 2.5 hours to load yesterday, did 2 hours of sleeper. Drove for 6.5 then I stopped for 6 hours so I could finish the drive home.
I need to work on that.
Anyway, I feel it was a good trip. Ill call on Monday for another load. I just wish I had more time to plan my trip.
Bearbell, If you wanna know the details, gimmie a call. I dont wanna bore everyone with it. Same Rookie mistakes, only the name has changed.
Oh, Ill tell ya about the Ohio State Trooper also.
55 In Ohio. Remember that it may come in Handy.
Thanks for letting me post.
Ike
"The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."
Albert Einstein

Answer:
Oh, Ill tell ya about the Ohio State Trooper also.
55 In Ohio. Remember that it may come in Handy.
Sounds like somebody earned himself a Fast Driving Award.
(bad choice) 628 miles vice 589.
Why was that a bad choice? Because you didn't get paid for the miles? Most times, you can save some "actual" travel time by taking the big road.
*******************************
"Got the bird dog on...
Dodgin' the scales...
80 miles an hour and a step outta jail..." From "Rollin' Home, Pirates of the Mississippi)
*******************************
"I've always been different with one foot over the line.
Winding up somewhere, one step ahead or behind.
It ain't been so easy, but I guess I shouldn't complain.
I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane." (from Waylon Jennings)
**************************
Member: Happy Dweller Society
Owner Operator Division

Answer:
Actually Hoss, I got off with a warning. (I know I couldn't believe it either, I never get warnings) I guess he felt sorry for me, that and the permits, log book and BOL were all in order and I didn't have to look around for them, (at least thats what Id like to think).
The out of route coming home, just added to my total out of route for the trip.
Im just waiting to see what they say Monday.
My excuse?, Im the new guy, it was my first trip. (and yes I did learn a lot)

ike
"The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."
Albert Einstein