Profile For Ralph W.

Well, I made it through my first week as a solo driver, so this is the last post on this thread. I made every bonehead mistake I could make- some because of an outdated GPS. That gets updated tonight.

There's no blood or foreign paint on tractor or trailers.

So I guess i did OK.

They tell me I'll get better, and it will be easier.

God, I hope so.

Wayne

Dear Friends,

I set out a couple of months ago to start a new career at 56 yrs old. I needed the mobility of trucking because of the age of my parents and my wife's. I finished 4 weeks of school and passed my CDL test. I spent almost 3 weeks with a trainer and passed my audition last Thursday and was assigned my own truck. It is a "well used" 04 Freightliner Columbia but seems to run OK. 12.7 liters of Detroit diesel. Not a DD15, but I'll work up to that.

Sunday morning I'll set out on my first solo run to Ohio. I hope I don't make any bonehead mistakes. I am as ready as I can be to take this on.

I can't wait to be able to take my dog along. She has been giving me the cold shoulder since I started all this, since she was my traveling companion for over 4 years. She hates it when I leave without her. So do I.

Wish me well!

Wayne

Hi, guys and gals-

Just graduated Friday from SMTDS. Great school- I heartily recommend them. They get right to the point, and you will NOT be babysat- but they do provide all the help necessary for those who take a bit longer to "get it".

The biggest gripe I have was the loneliness. I was the only student on my side of the living quarters, and it got REAL QUIET at night. They were really patient with me on the alley dock, since I have an issue (a 56 yr old's eyes...) with depth perception.

Because of the quality of the education, I went out on test day CONFIDENT that I would pass with flying colors. I got the WHOLE TRUCK on the PTI, and the alley dock- and passed no sweat.

I have orientation Thursday at Gregory logistics in Poplar Bluff, MO. In 2-4 weeks, I'll be out solo.

Now, about Trucking Truth... The education I got here made it easier for me to concentrate on the "hands on". I was quite ready for the paperwork and permit test before I even got to school. THANK YOU, Brett!

I set goals, did what I had to to achieve them, and now my new career is about to start for real.

See ya around!

Wayne

Well... tomorrow I start school. I am all packed, and the GPS is set for the school location. The worst thing I can see for the immediate future is that my dog will be EXTREMELY lonely and waiting at the door every day.

CDL, here I come!!!

Wayne

I am completely aware of the emissions requirements of trucks today, and I did not mean to imply that I would try building one from scratch... although, yes, I can, and short of some heavy-duty overhead rail for lifting components and a heavier engine stand, I have the tools. Over 100K in tools, as a matter of fact.

The one most important thing I have learned as a businessman, which I see is NOT common knowledge with many businessmen I know, is the relationship/ratio between SAVING a dollar, and MAKING a dollar. That may not be a NEW idea or skill, but is IS critical to success in a low-profit-margin industry, as it is in any other.

Having said all that, I am still STRONGLY leaning toward just finding a company that pays well, has lots of miles available, and leaving the stresses out of my life. I'd rather work in my garden or reload ammo in my downtime than work on a truck, for sure. The one thing I do NOT miss about being self employed is the stress!

The biggest decision I face right now is the choice of offers. I can get decent pay to hook, haul, and drop, or better pay if I don't mind unloading my trailer, or hourly work if I want to haul a dump bed or slurry tanker locally.

I have time to consider it all, and I'm sure there will be more offers through the school's connections.

The reason I am paying for my own training is that I wanted a QUALITY education, and not just to be a number in a huge class of prospective drivers. I have tried to do my due diligence regarding EVERY aspect of my decision to change careers. Deciding whether or not to lease will not be any different, and I DO understand the pitfalls, risks, and outright traps waiting out there.

That said, I SINCERELY appreciate all the input, and I am grateful for the resources I found on this site. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Wayne

Thanks, everyone, for replying. Although my leanings right now are AWAY from leasing, I have to tell you a few things that may make me different from the average lessee. I have EXTENSIVE automotive experience, much of it diesel. My maintenance costs would be considerably less than someone paying a shop to do the same work. (I spent 35 years of my life as a high-end driveability tech- I can even program ECM chips...)

And perhaps the most important fact is that I have a brother in law, who is a lessee, going before me- same company. I am watching his successes and failures CAREFULLY!

Every vehicle I ever owned I bought as a non-running "piece of junk" and built what I wanted from that starting point.

An engine overhaul would be a parts-only cost to me. Yes, I would still have downtime- if I waited for the breakdown to actually occur... I tend to avoid that type of situation by being prepared ahead of time.

Regardless of how much more prepared I THINK I might be to lease a truck, I plan to spend AT LEAST a year driving BEFORE I even CONSIDER such a move. There are a LOT of opportunities to run hard and make the bucks without the risk- I am aware of that. In fact, the money is not as important to me as the MOBILITY- I may have to relocate at any moment to take care of family- and THAT IS the most important issue, by far! If it weren't, I would never have considered trucking in the first place. Not a bad vocation, but I can make the same money turning wrenches- I just can't pack up and go at a moment's notice.

Trucking affords me that option.

Thanks again, all!

Wayne

Hello friends.

This is my first post, though I have been here for several weeks taking advantage of the training material for my CDL- I want to be prepared ahead of time for school!

My decision to begin a new career as a truck driver was not taken lightly. I am 56 years old, and HIGHLY competitive in at least two other fields. But MOBILITY was the deciding factor. My parents, and my wife's mother, are old enough that we may need to relocate very suddenly.

A month ago, I gave notice that I was leaving my job, and employers/co-workers that I love, to begin a new career. I have one more week of training my replacement, and then I leave for school. I will be at Southern Missouri Truck Driving School for one month, then start my training time "in truck" at Gregory Logistics, out of Poplar Bluff, MO.

I have had other offers, and I'm still considering them, but Gregory will put me at home either at my property in Poplar Bluff, or at my home in TN, every weekend. In addition, they have a lease program designed to REALLY help an O/O to succeed, should I choose to take advantage of it. And YES, I have researched lease programs and the pitfalls INTENSELY, having started and run 3 successful businesses. Time will tell if that is the path I choose.

I must admit that I do not particularly enjoy driving, nor do I hate doing it. I am currently driving 5-8 hours a day in a 1/2 ton van to do service work. I have had a CDL before, when I was in my early 20's- but SO much has changed! When I got my first CDL no driving test was required! However, I am REALLY looking forward to NOT having to deal with the recipients of my labors in the service field, PARTICULARLY the prisons I have to work in.

So.... here I go! Wish me well! I have friends and relatives who are drivers, and they have been EXTREMELY helpful, but I welcome any advice and pointers you may wish to offer.

Wayne