And We're Off!

Were you no duty from five?

How bad does it look that I refused my very first load?

That's not really considered refusing a load. If they offer you an option and ask you if you're able to do it you can turn it down. Refusing a load is when they assign you a load and there is no Earthly reason why you can't take it but you refuse to do it for your own reasons. That doesn't cut it. But she asked and you answered honestly. That's fine. That's why they have you on a board with a special dispatcher who understands how to ease new drivers into this career. You're really lucky that they have a setup like that. If you had gotten on the board of some hardcore dispatcher who believes you should be running like a veteran straight out of the gate it would really make your life tough.

And you're brand new so it's very wise to be cautious and conservative right now. You have the entire rest of your life to turn all the miles you'd like to turn. In the beginning all that matters is to learn all you can, make your appointments on time, and be safe. Later on when you have more experience you'll know your capabilities quite well and you'll know exactly what you can do safely. Right now if you're unsure it's always best to play it safe.

I think your experience and this thread is becomming a must read for any new truck driver or student driver.

All done! Got the keys to my new baby! Just waiting on service to figure out why my check engine light is on so I can get moving. I met my FM and she is super cool. She will be my dispatcher for 10 weeks while I get my feet under me. She has a much smaller fleet than the regular dispatchers so she can be more available to help.

She wanted me to take a load to Indianapolis tonight but I would have to run all night to get to the relay spot on time. (They are trying to get me home so I can take care of the dmv.) she asked if I felt like I could do that safely. I told her that I have been up since 5 this morning and I didn't think it was a good idea for me to try and run all night having been up that long. She was ok with that and is still working on trying to get another load. Did I screw up here? Should I have taken the load? How bad does it look that I refused my very first load? Granted she did call to ask how I felt about it before sending the info over the Treq unit. I dunno... Any thoughts?

Otherwise I am doing some laundry and going to take pictures as soon as service is done with my new baby!

Chickie: I have been reading most of your threads on here and I must say: for a new driver, you are such an inspiration for everyone on here. You have stood in the face of adversity and have overcame it. Hopefully you and your hubby can team drive together, that way you can be with him all the time. He is such a lucky man to have such a sweet, wonderful, inspiring young lady like you. How is everything going for you out there now? Keep us posted please. Your blogs really brighten up my day. :)