Profile For Richard T.

Thanks Brett,

I'm about 35% through the High Road Training Program for the second time, and it is even better than the first time I did it over a year ago. I strongly recommend this program for all wannabe drivers!

My home life currently does not permit the OTR job, as much as I'd prefer that. I'm open to class B work if that would make any sense.

Any thoughts or comments on that from you or anyone else on the forum would be greatly appreciated!!

Been home from the magic kingdom of Saudi Arabia for about a year now. I've decided to go to CDL school for my newest career, but I've been traveling for most of my 64 years, so I'm looking for a gig here in the ATL where I can sleep in my own bed most nights.

Any suggestions on what type of driving, or maybe even recommendations on good companies in this area?

Thanks!

Whats gonna happen not if but when a drone goes through the windshield of a 787 or an A380 landing or taking off somewhere in the USA?

Indeed I see your point. You're right. It will never happen. We'll just stick with trucks because everyone knows they're safer......

You have a point too. Chain reaction highway crashes get far more publicity than 400+ people dying in a plane crash. Hell, an airplane makes the headlines when it lands safely with a flat tire.

When the truck can start "autonomously" delivering the boxes at each stop then I'll start to worry.

Drones.

I think self-driving trucks might someday work in dedicated lanes on the Interstate or in some limited capacity. But as far as making the delivery that last mile to the customer I think drones are going to play a large roll in that. Obviously that's going to affect UPS, FedEx, and possibly even LTL carriers before it affects the truckload carriers but one never knows what the future may hold.

Drones have issues too. In the most tightly controlled airspace in the world, Afghanistan 6 years ago, late one night a contractor flown airplane was returning from a mission when it had a midair collision with an unlighted drone. Three of my friends were delivered to their families in bags. Whats gonna happen not if but when a drone goes through the windshield of a 787 or an A380 landing or taking off somewhere in the USA? I'm with Heavy C all the way on this one.

I heard that report too, they were concerned about roadside bombs (made from 155mm howitzer ammo abandoned after the first gulf war).

I've had about enough of the sandbox part of the world. I thought Saudi Arabia would be different but its really not. I hate to spout statistics, but a few things I've found out here include the fact that 30% of all hospital beds here are occupied by automobile crash victims. Saudi Arabia has the 5th highest highway death rate per 100,000 people, in the world. I drive about 1000 miles a week to/from work in an SUV, and I've lost track of the number of dead bodies I've seen lying on the roadside next to crashed cars. 40% of automobile drivers have no license or training. Most of the big rig crashes I've seen here are single vehicle. Most truck tires are recaps, and most trucks appear to be well overweight. A few are jacknifed due to traffic, but most guys just run off the road and end up on their side. None of them wear seatbelts, so many die. There are no enforced speed limits, weight limits, HOS, and looking at the rigs I'd have to say that safety is exclusively a first world concept. Despite all the oil money, Saudi Arabia is not a first world country. Nope, I'm going to do my driving in North America.

I can't tell you anything about trucking itself as I'm not yet a driver, but I've spent some time overseas as a civilian contractor. I've seen KBR around, they are HUGE, but I've never worked for them. What I can tell you is to get everything in writing and do not assume anything. This is even more important overseas than in the USA because US laws don't always apply to your contract. Get details on your travel and insist that they pay for all travel expenses including overweight baggage, and find out how often they'll allow you to return home on their nickel. You should have a current passport, and they should pay for all visas and work permits etc. Get details on health and disability insurance, they should pay for it. Vaccinations too if needed. Get lots of details on housing and local transportation, you could end up sharing a bedroom with 4-5 guys who don't speak your language, and who don't have much concern for personal hygeine. Try to get single housing where they pay for rent, utilities and maintenance, hopefully in a secure, walled and guarded compound. What I'm trying to say I guess is that not only should everything be in the contract but everything should be discussed and negotiated. I promise you they'll never offer you more than you ask for, so ask for the moon, you might be surprised how much they'll move. I've contracted in Iraq, Afghanistan, Uganda, and I've been in Saudi Arabia for the past 14 months. Find out if and how DOT regs and maintenance apply where you're going. Hope this helps, and I welcome any questions!

Go for it!!!

The man who loves what he's getting paid to do never has to go to "work!" Those who can do so are few, but happy.

My first question would be did you get the no male trainer thing in writing? If not there may be an issue. The one thing I've seen on this forum more than anything else is "if it ain't in writing, it ain't happening". No doubt you could get a lawyer and make it happen that way, but that will be a story you have to tell every time you start a new job.

Best of luck!

Caution: you are about to enter the School of Hard Knocks!!

Congrats and good luck!!

Print out those comments and put them on the back of your bathroom door so you can review them while you're sitting there contemplating life.

What, he's got a "bathroom" in his truck?? How cool is that??

Jopa

It's right down the hall from the den, across from the bar!! What kinda ratty old truck you driving? :) :) :)