Location:
North Aurora, IL
Driving Status:
Experienced Driver
Social Link:
25 year veteran out there. Feel free to write if you have any questions about the industry.
John
JohnGarrison77@Gmail.com
Posted: 9 years, 2 months ago
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Speaking as an atheist, I'll drop my two cents here.
First, understand there is a difference between atheist and antitheist. Many people get the terms confused. One is a person who just doesn't believe in a god or higher power. The other is a person actively working to abolish religion. I'm definitely not the latter. I am married to an extremely devout Christian and I respect his beliefs and he respects mine. I see how, when practiced peacefully, religion can really help people and bring fulfillment to their lives. I support that 100%, and as long as it's not forced onto me, I'm ok with religion in general.
As for support groups or meetings and such, one of the great things about being an atheist is that you don't need any of that. I mean, what are we going to discuss? Anger at established or sought-after theocracies? What atheism means to us? How to unite quantum mechanics and general relativity into one unified scientific theory? Seems a bit silly, really. Generally, atheists are comfortable with themselves and do not need a specific meeting of like-minded people to reinforce their ideas.
As for "no atheists in foxholes", let me explain something. If you don't believe in a god, when the proverbial crap hits the fan, you don't suddenly start praying. I've been in a several near-death experiences, one concerning an emergency plane landing. I didn't suddenly start asking something I can't see for help. I just trusted what I knew of weather and their effects on airplanes, physics, and the pilots' training and collective experience. That's it. And for all the atheists I know personally, this is the same across the board. Granted, agnostics might entertain the idea of prayer during a bad time, or someone having a change of heart about their beliefs (or lack thereof). But someone who actually believes there is no god will not suddenly start praying to one. It's an absurd prospect to posit that just because you believe a certain way that someone else will automatically respond in an identical way in a similar situation.
I don't mean to turn this into a theological debate, but it's highly unfair to make a blanket statement about the belief structure of the general population. While I'm sure people with a religious belief will far outnumber those of us who don't have one, there will be at least ONE atheist in a truck driver's seat: me.
Well said Miss Miyoshi
Posted: 9 years, 2 months ago
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It's official, got my CDL-A today
Now I'm headed to Earl Henderson Trucking
Congrats Manuel. Keep the rubber side down.
Posted: 9 years, 2 months ago
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Moving December 15th and looking for a good company to work for the 1st of the year If anyone has any suggestions. I sure would be grateful.
Thanks,
John
Posted: 9 years, 2 months ago
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From Company truck driver to owner operator questions
I'm a new driver few month and consider moving to become owner operator. I will gladly appreciate some comments advice help, thank you.
Sure
1. I realize owner op might have a better cash flow but after considering paying more in health insurance taxe at year end lost of paid vacation school reimbursement company life insurance financially for the short run it does not look so much better. But the advantages are I can get a dog and a friend with me when I choose. I can choose my own route.
Why do you think you will have better cash flow as an O/O? Everything you make as a business owner is taxed 35% Every expense that goes in to that truck comes out of your wallet. Plenty of companies allow pets, people, and route preferences.
And my long term plan is to lease a truck from the company after 3 years to buy the truck they will finance so in 5 years it will be paid off and it will be my truck.
It will be your truck with 600K miles on it and endless repairs.
Then working with the truck for another 3-5 years payment free So I will be able to save for my retirement. Maybe.
Payment free, but let's consider Broker's Cut, taxes, maintenance, tolls, insurance, tags, plates, fuel, administration fees. etc etc etc. Speaking of retirement, you better hoped you put money in to social security during your O/O experience or your not going to have a retirement.
I'm 59 and broke now with nothing set aside.
How you going to buy your first tank of fuel?
I heard that owner op are getting more miles than company drivers.
You heard wrong. O/O's are forced to drive more many times because of infinite variables they didn't research before choosing to be O/O's
I'm single so I need home time to see my daughter once every 3-4 month.
Sounds about right
I figured out that there is very little risk
You figured wrong. Look up statistics of O/O's bankruptcy rates. Nothing you've said so far indicates you have any business background, financial stability, or transportation experience. You think you are going to be that lottery winner that beats the odds?
First you can any time walk away from the lease it's like a month to month lease actually second if you don't get enough miles from them you can go with the truck to other companies and as long as you make the payments they have no problem with that.
Do other company take owner op if the truck is not leased through them?
My other question is what the best truck to buy Peterbilt? Freight liner? Ken worth?
Other?
I like the idea of the automatic freight liner, does any one had an experience with it?
Is it makes much of a difference if I plan to keep the truck for many years to choose Cummins vs. Detroit Diesel engine?
Thanks again for your help.
The rest of these questions will be answered by your time on the road, so we'll just leave it at that. Get your experience, save your money, do extensive research before getting involved in any business venture.
Posted: 9 years, 2 months ago
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Multiple felonies do I have a chance at becoming a truck driver
I am writing in hopes of getting some options from people who know the industry as far as my chances of a career in trucking.I dont have a cdl yet and want to know how to go about this.I have a extensive criminal background with three felony convictions.The first felony conviction is from 2006 for attempted robbery in the third degree even though I never robbed the complaintent.The other two felonies are from 2008 for possession of stolen property and for burglary on a garage.I also have some misdemeanor convictions mostly for petty theft.My driving record is clean.I have been clean and sober since and have had no legal issues since sobriety.I really want to persue this do I have a chance?
I found this article for you guys with the records. You might want to try these companies first. Good Luck:
http://rjshvacblog.com/5-trucking-companies-that-hire-felons/
Posted: 9 years, 2 months ago
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Youch.. a trailer disconnect? That's one of my biggest fears and I will absolutely be checking that kingpin EVERY time I return to the truck.
Your second biggest trailer fear might be forgetting to d/c the hoses. (I have that experience.)
Is d/c disconnect? I'm still working on this trucking lingo thing lol.
Yep, D/C is disconnect. Here is some other lingo you'll probably hear out there: http://www.truckercountry.com/trucker-resources/cb-terminology/
Posted: 9 years, 2 months ago
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San Antonio/San Marcos, Texas
Sure did. Looking for anyone that might work for those companies so I know it's not the usual bait and switch they are famous for.