Got My First Load Assignment

I got my first load assignment last night, I left out of my home OC in west Memphis heading 844 miles away near the Mexico border. I knocked out 488 miles today, pretty happy.

Then I found a truck stop with very few trucks.

How's it feel "to be on your own, like a rolling stone?"

To find a truck stop with spots to park you feel blessed. All depends on where you are. You are going to be so frustrated trying to find somewhere to park for the night. Rest areas when available are awesome... if you have a refrigerator you don't mind rest areas or anywhere else you can park where food isn't available. Always have food in the truck in case you get stuck parking where there is no where to eat. I'm a rookie been on the road for about 3 months and I can't tell you how many times the fact I have food with me got me through the night. Otherwise you get so depressed. Good luck to you brother it was you could still be

Congrats! Thats an awesome way to start!!

Congrats Jamie in all the progress so far. If you haven’t already, download the truckerpath app to help you find truck stops & rest areas along your route. It’s a must for trip planning.Be safe out here & keep up the positive attitude!

Congrats Jamie in all the progress so far. If you haven’t already, download the truckerpath app to help you find truck stops & rest areas along your route. It’s a must for trip planning.Be safe out here & keep up the positive attitude!

Yeah I have that app,very handy!

How's it feel "to be on your own, like a rolling stone?"

Feels good! After I completed that trip, I got assigned another one from Laredo Texas to Louisville Kentucky. I drove 524 miles today, only because I had to drive almost two hours to different places before found parking.

I drove 524 miles today, only because I had to drive almost two hours to different places before found parking.

Jamie, finding parking is a huge challenge for new drivers. Eventually your backing confidence will build and it will get easier. Another thing that helps is being more familiar with places after you've been on the road awhile. Also you'll learn how to pace yourself better and plan your trips so you're shutting down at better times of the day when parking is more readily available. It's all part of that steep learning curve you're in. Hang in there, the stress levels get better with more exposure to all the ins and outs of this career.

You're doing great!

I would also recommend finding a paper truck stop guide, truckerpath can be missing up to half the truck stops in any given area, and it doesn't normally list places like wal-mart stores that have dedicated truck parking. (That I've seen, anyways, but I'm sure it's always being updated)