Profile For Hiram E.

Yes indeed Guy! After doing team driving for 15 months or so, I wanted to go solo and see if that was going to pay the bills any better. There are definite pros and cons to both ways. I'm a bit of a loner and have pretty eclectic tastes in music. Solo affords me the opportunity to listen to whatever as loud as I want. I find myself doing a little seat dancing much to the amusement of the vehicles passing me by...lol. If I can ever talk my bride of 28 years into hitting the road, she would be my ideal team driving partner.

I have built up $100 worth of points at TA/Petro and want to get a Bluetooth headset to be able to legally talk to whoever during my shift. Can anybody give me an idea if there are any worth purchasing at TA/Petro?

Just completed my 7th full week with my new company. My slowest week was 2495 and my busiest is 2710. At 40 cpm , I ( my wife even more) am very happy with the consistent miles and pay. It's out there, just have to find it. This place is aggressively seeking more drivers....fyi.

Congrats and welcome to the CDL holders club...let the real education begin. Enjoy the adventure!

I learned double clutching from the beginning. I still use the method and it is completely second nature to me now. When I joined my current company, I went out with a veteran driver for one night just to get the details and practices (paperwork, where the trailers are found, where the backhauls go when we get back, etc..), he was a gear floater. I watched him and it looks effortless and easy. I tried it a few times the next night in my own truck and it felt so foreign to me, I just went back to what felt right, double -clutching. Every driver will use the method that suits them best.

On a side note, with the increased city driving I now do, I am walking lop-sided because my left (clutch) leg is so much bigger and stronger than the other...lol.

There we go Anchorman!!! That is awesome! Thanks for the pic.

Hey Josh...eyeglasses and contacts are not an issue. Been wearing glasses my whole life and I use them when doing the DOT physical. As long as your vision is correctable to the minimums with the eyewear you will be fine. (The minimums are pretty darn easy)

forgot to add the pic...captured this beauty at the Flying J in Houston last autumn!

My dream truck is a NASCAR Hauler. My realistic dream truck though is right at the top of the page here at TruckingTruth. International LoneStar...I love the design and looks of that model. Wow!

I agree with Chief...Hazmat first! I have both and have used my Hazmat a lot. It opens you up to more loads which usually means more miles. There is almost always a premium for hazmat miles. I have been carrying a TWIC card from the beginning but haven't needed it yet. Check with your dispatcher/company as some will pay for your fingerprints for your Hazmat endorsement.