Profile For Hopalong Cassidy

Thanks, Errol! You're absolutely right... too much has changed to go in cold. (Glad to see you also know "Hoppy." ;) )

When I drove truck, I'd make a stop at the grocery store in my hometown every week before I got on the road. I'd get a package of ham, cheese, bread, the little pouches of tuna, a can or two of Swanson chicken, sandwich spread, stuff like that. I had a squeeze tube of mayo, mustard... and I'd get some snacky things like chips/Doritos and or peanuts (you can't fall asleep driving if you are eating something like chips --- true fact), and a couple liters of soda. I had a big Coleman cooler in the truck, and I'd get two bags of ice, dump it in, and put the cold items from the grocery store in there inside ziplock bags. I'd eat good that way for about $40 a week. Drain the water out of the cooler about Wednesday, and still have enough ice left in there to go til the weekend.

Thanks for your responses and advice. I'm glad to know I'm not alone here in returning.

I drove a big truck for 3 years OTR and dedicated... 12 years ago. I am now semi-retired from an unrelated business and thinking about climbing back into the cab again. I have maintained my CDL-A.

The first thing I've noticed is how much things have changed in the trucking industry! HOS, electronic logs, and I notice many more companies now are hiring drivers with zero experience than there were when I was a driver. Back then, it seemed every other company wanted 1-2 years experience. They've also relaxed allowances for DUIs, moving violations, etc. Seems like they're hiring younger drivers, too (21 yrs. at many places - I don't remember anything less than 25 yrs, but I may be mistaken about that.)

Okay, I would be interested in your informed opinions on companies, since I am long out of touch on all of this... and a little worse for the wear; I walk with a cane and have some mobility issues - although I can drop and hook, and drive all day long with no problems... especially if Freightliner still has those great seats with the mulitple air bladders in them (like my Century Class had). I certainly have no issues driving my personal vehicle that long, and it's not as comfortable as a big truck.

So, if possible, I would like to find a situation that is:

- 100% no-touch freight (I'm simply not able to fingerprint loads anymore). - a smaller regional carrier with not a lot of overhead. (Something like Ozark used to be - or may still be?) - autoshift transmissions (I really liked those!) - No NYC or Northeast, if possible. - willing to accept my CDL without making me start over at square one in a school (OTR with a trainer is fine.) - a company that doesn't discriminate based on things like BMI (passing a DOT medical should be enough).

I realize that might be a tall order, but at this point in my life I don't really need the work. I'm more interested in getting OUT and just doing it for fun. Pay isn't that much of a concern, either. That doesn't mean I'll be lackadasical about the work - quite the contrary. For my part, I don't care about home time and will run whatever load they give me. I'm also not opposed to relocating (Tennessee sounds nice!). I never complain about loads and I always represent the company well on the road and on the docks. I have an A-1 safe driving record with no citations or accidents.