Profile For J. R. H.

• Location:
  AR

• Driving Status:
  Considering A Career

• Social Link:
  

• Joined Us:
  5 years ago

After 28 years, had enough of an office job and the last 2 years of an asshole for a boss. I'm studying to upgrade to CDL-A, hope to be a student driver for a major trucking company soon. Plan on doing OTR for a year then see what happens. I want the OTR experience so I can have more options if needed later on. Financially secure so now there are more important things than money. I have to work another 15 years at least, why not try something different.

I have had wonderful support from family and friends that matter. Some, I believe wish they were in a position to quit and do something different. I have also had my usual share of detractors. I'm seeing that this is common with other folks who decide to make the move. I understand the stereotypes but I have talked to several drivers who have been very positive, are proud of their job and their appearance. I have no issues stopping drivers at the coffee machine at Loves and asking them questions. One time it started out as always: "Don't do it. You will be a slave." and my favorite: "There ain't no money init.". I know the folks driving aren't doing it for free and more than likely, "there ain't no money" really means I'm in debt up to my eyeballs. That particular talk over coffee evolved into him proudly stating he's a 5th generation trucker, the great deal he got on his own truck and how much money he was making. It seems like some truck drivers like to talk and I understand why.

My biggest concern is maintaining my health. At 53, I can still run 3 miles in under 30 minutes. I try to eat right but those Popeye's Chicken Sandwiches are testing me. Fortunately the company I plan on working with has a driver health program. I just hope that if/when I have a Driver Trainer, they are supportive.

Update (12-27-19), I passed the written test to upgrade to CDL-A with ease (CDL Genie is amazing). Now, I'm navigating the "Clown car" of errors that came with getting a DOT physical at MedExpress, the McDonald's version of health care clinics. They provided the wrong Medical Card and our Arkansas DMV (the McDonald's of DMV's), wont process the permit.

Another update 3 hrs. later. I now have permit in hand :-)

Update 2021. I left the job. Too many personal obligations at home but I did enjoy many aspects of driving. My trainer and I, after a very difficult start are great friends today and communicate regularly. Every time he comes through town we have a visit. At first I thought Team Driving (while training) was horrible. After I got my own truck, I missed it. Team driving fit me more because I liked the company and support. After my own personal attitude adjustment, we got along so well. I have nothing but good to say about the people I met and the company I drove for. My own mental mistakes were all mine. I created my own stress and in a lot of instances didn't have to do so. Stress and mental mistakes leads to people getting hurt or killed. If circumstances change, I would do it again.