Profile For Phantom 850

On a lighter note. You’ve heard of Elf on the Shelf? My trainer invented Suck on the truck.

Making miles in bunches. Home to Pittsburg, then upstate New York, down to Jacksonville, up to the ATL, then back to PA. They’re keeping us loaded and moving. That’s good because we’re kinda racing the clock. My trainer has a wedding to go to in Vegas the second week in November. I’ve actually been invited, but that’s a week down and I can’t afford the loss. It’s a coin flip if I’ll make my solo week by then.

Phantom, I appreciate the reply and after reading your thread, I'm more sure than ever that I've made the right choice. As for my nerves... Let me let you in on a secret... First responders (Fire, EMS, and LEO's) all can appear rock steady in the face of insurmountable odds, but inside they are nervous as F***!!! We literally train ourselves to not show any emotion. It's something that drives my wife mad sometimes, like when I didn't cry the day my daughter was born. (Proudest day of my life by the way.) As for the instructors, I'm sure I'll be able to figure it out. I respect that you don't name names. (Also something drilled into us in the academy. haha) I'm honestly not too worried about it. I think the hardest thing for me will be the down shifting. But I guess we will see next week!

Fun fact, I’m a retired LEO and a veteran. I had all the training too. (And I cried when both of my girls were born.) There’s just not that much to worry about. Hell, they even let me have a license. You’ll do just fine. As for downshifting, I’ve never even had a chance to drive a manual transmission. There just aren’t that many in the fleet. My trainer has an automated and I didn’t get very much pad time due to trouble getting my medical card. I’m not happy about it, but that’s the way the industry is going. You’ll be fine.

Good luck brother. I think you’ll like the company. Given you background, nerves shouldn’t be an issue. That being said, you’re about to meet a colorful cast of characters. The instructors are great, and they don’t bite. Well... not often. If you’ve been reading my thread you’ll see that I didn’t care for one of them much. I just chalked it up to our personalities not meshing, and now that I’m out on the road I don’t have to see him. As always, I won’t name names, but I’ve got a dollar that says you’ll figure out who it is when you get there.

So, I’ve talked a lot about the good of this job. Yes, I’ve had some setbacks, but as a whole it’s been a great ride. But for this to be a completely true story I also have to mention the bad. Those of you that are long time Phantom Phollowers know that about a week ago I got home for the first time in two months. Everything was great until the second day. That’s when I was served divorce papers. Before it all starts, I’m not seeking pity or sympathy. We all know where to look to find that. I’m making this post because this is supposed to be a chronicle of the start of my life as a driver. This happened in my life, so it goes in. The next part is I don’t think the job played a major part in it. I’m sure it didn’t help, but there were issues before. Most of which were my fault. I know, I know. Thoughts and prayers, positive vibes, keep your head up and all that. Thank you all in advance. Thankfully I’m back on the road. It’s gives me the three things I need right now. Time, space, and purpose. It’s in hands more capable than mine, and right now I’m trying to worry about the big three. Getting the load in on time, finding parking, and where the nearest steakhouse is.

Cool posts. Keep em up! I'm going into my C-seat with Wilson Log. 👍

If you got your license in Springfield I’ve got a dollar that says we’ve met.

1983 Manatee Hurricanes alum here... ;) (auuuuugh...old.) Spent 26 years in Bradenton, Florida...almost went with Lester Coggins Tranport, now defunct, in Opahumka. Then I got married, and moved to Ohio, LoL~!

Anyway..... Best of luck to y'all, for sure~!

My momma is Niceville class of ‘82 and I’m class of ‘01.

Half the drivers on here weren't born before '88!

Hell, I was at the game. I’d just turned 6.

Heading to Springfield to start with Wilson soon. (bus leaves NM next Saturday) Enjoyed reading about your experience. Guess policy changed recently to where you have to get your CDL Permit in your home state. Where in FL you from? I spent nearly 20 years of my life growing up in Manatee County off 75.

I’m from a little town in the panhandle called Niceville. We actually beat Bradenton Manatee HS for the 4A state football championship in 1988.

It's good to hear you're still at it. Those miles will add up quickly once you've off hometime.

Maybe you'll catch me in SPRIMO some time. Look for #11492.

Good luck and stay safe.

I’ll do that. We can sit around and kick the bobo over a cup of Tom’s west coast turnaround coffee.