Profile For Fire-Man

PayPal or Cash App if you have a smartphone. Then use Apple Pay or Wallet till you get a new card.

To pile on with Old School...

besides the costs I would be surprised if you could rent a rig with a learners permit.

Good luck and as always 'Be Safe'!

Thank you. That is all very comforting. Do you think Planet Fitness is trucker friendly? I already have a membership there lol.

'Most' Planet Fitness gyms I've run into are in old grocery stores and have more than adequate parking. Before hauling OS/OW I could find a way to get into one without too much, if any hassle. The workout time was great and the shower wait time was 'zero'! Both plusses in my book.

Once when I was down there I was heading back out of the state with an empty flat-bed trailer. I got pulled into one of those Ag inspection stations and pulled up to the window and the highly intelligent person whose salary is paid from yours and my taxes, asked me "What are you hauling?" Astonished, I stuck my head out the window and looked back at my trailer, just to make sure before I told him I was empty.

Had this exact same thing happen to me a couple years back just outside Jacksonville. I'm just glad the guy never looked up at me for the answer. Elsewise, I'd probably still be picking up my teeth. 😁

I did good on the step. But I also had previous experience hauling equipment. I don't have my logs with me but I made, at least, my monthly minimum.

Though the freight can be just about anything the steps normally haul farm tractors, 1-3 per trip depending on size, and smaller heavy equipment. Some loads on the step are over-size or weight. I wouldn't get too worried about it though because even after you are done with your trainer we, the other drivers, are willing to answer questions and assist any way we can. Just bring a great attitude...you shouldn't be disappointed.

They are my third company and will be my last OTR company unless they just turn to hell in a hand basket. I'm on the open deck side and cannot speak for the van drivers but I can't see their experience being to much different. Two reasons - first on the open deck side (steps or RGN) the drivers to a person are willing to help anytime. Many of us talk with each other daily. The second reason given but the most important one to me is the respect given by my fleet manager and maintenance manager. It doesn't hurt that the office staff is not only friendly but supportive as well.

It's hot and dirty in the summer, cold and wet in the winter and always windy when tarping or untarping. You go through clothes and gloves like there is no tomorrow and are either freezing or sweating your @$$ off while while securing/un securing your load. If none of that dissuades you just remember then you have to drive.

Why anyone would pull a box or tank I don't know. Open deck, whether flat, step, RGN, etc., is where it's at.

Use your post 9/11 GI Bill, if you have any left, and go to a private school whether it's a Tech school or CDL only. Then find a company that will take you without prior experience. They are out there. After a year move on to someone who pays better unless you lucked out to begin with and really like your first. Pay isn't everything!

Good luck!

Essayons 82-05

I don't know of any company that won't hire you just because you use a CPAP machine. Further I didn't know there were occasional CPAP users either. 🤔 😉😋

I'm normally out two weeks @ a time. I take my machine, hose, and mask to the house on home time and clean it all there.

Hi PJ,

I too am on a second career...though I drove in my first career it wasn't my first responsibility. But it has influenced my 'driving career' in that I had to work my way back to step-deck and rgn. Through the process I hauled pneumatic tanks (lots of physical work dragging, connecting, disconnecting, and putting away 20 ' sections of 4" and 6" hose. It also involved a fair amount of climbing. I move from that to flatbed throwing nothing but straps and tarps over bags of concrete. Of course what was thrown had to be folded/rolled up and put away. Finally I ended up with my current employer throwing chains, binders, and straps....thankfully no tarps! BTW I'm slightly over 50, slightly under 6', and mostly over 270lbs. Saying all of that I had to find the work that satisfied me. The rest was/is mind over matter. What you don't mind - doesn't matter. If you want to b home more and it is what you want most out of trucking then go for it. But if the road is your calling - stay put!