Profile For Dave S (formerly known as KnowItAll)

"Your lack of poor planning doesn't constitute an emergency on my part."

Seen these two at an adult beverage DC in Golden Colorado.

Just went through Birmingham this morning! It was dark still.

Holy cow, I-65 between I-20 and I-459 is stupid rough!!

Pilot TS in Birmingham, AL

Back on January 12th. I-90 somewhere near Saltese Montana (between rest area and weigh station).

Both Springfield and Missoula have certified CDL test examiners now for onsite testing. Trust me, I know these folks and they are tougher the the state examiners...

How does the CDL road test go? Is it through a local DMV office or is it given directly by the company?

Great part, you see it first hand. And, you get to pick your own sound track!!

This is so cool to read how each of you feels this "call to the road" thing ..... for me, this taps into some great YouTube videos of OTR scenic road footage set to music. I'm not out there yet; I know that is one tiny piece in a big trucking picture but apparently it's powerful, persuasive by these little testimonies of y'all ... love it!

When I got sidelined with AFib in Dec, I was anxious about getting back to work quickly. ..... Then I got worse, had my heart shocked and for some strange reason got scared about going back on the road....... Getting ready to head out to get my load in the morning :-D

Laura

Laura, wishing you the best as you continue easing back into routines. Confidence will surely build with activation of all your considerable strengths and resources once again.

If I'm setting at home more than a few days I get board and antsy!! Gotta scratch that itch and feed the monkey on my back!

Things to remember, independent of who you drive for, drive safe, be courteous, don't hit anything, be on time and don't be a butthead.

That was classic! It encourages me greatly. I love seeing people who "get it."

Thank you for the compliment Old School! Means a lot!

Sorry about not replying sooner Cowboy. Things have changed since my training in Missoula. All advanced fleet training is taking place in Springfield. Only regional (western 10) train in Missoula now. The main difference between being on the Jim Palmer side versus the Wil-Trans side is truck numbering. JP drivers will run west mainly and Wil-Trans will run east. However, that doesn't mean you won't see a Wil-Trans drive in Cali and a Palmer drive in Florida. Also, 2020 and newer trucks have Wilson Logistics branding.

The main difference I've observed is, what appears to be, family atmosphere. Prime is a huge company and Wilson Logistics is smaller. At any point you could find yourself having a chat with one of the Wilsons. Another thing is you get all the benefits of a MEGA carrier without the extra hassle.

If you make the decision to come train and drive with Wilson Logistics I don't feel that you'll regret it. Things to remember, independent of who you drive for, drive safe, be courteous, don't hit anything, be on time and don't be a butthead.

Really enjoy your thread Dave S. I am strongly considering JP (Advanced Prime Fleet). I want to run reefer OTR. Do you have anymore info on how things are different running the Prime loads with JP? Also, I live just over 90 miles from Springfield, does JP allow you to take their truck home with you for your hometime or do you have to park it on their yard?

True story...

The day before testing, I completed all 3 backing maneuvers in an amazingly short period of time. On test day, got 3 points because of pull ups.

There are still days where I can't hit the broad side of a barn. While there are days where I can make the hardest of backs look easy. Some time ya got the mojo and others ya don't.