Whoa!

Sorry... Didn't mean to jump all over your post... You just hit the right nerve with travel plans to places with white sandy beaches.

Yeah well I live in Pensacola FL. Whitest sand beaches in the country! I've been to Guam before too. Too many sea cucumbers for me. 😁 I know a guy that called the police there chaMORONS (like chamorros) and got beat up. 😂😂😂

Neek, the problem may be that you don’t post enough! Always enjoy what you have to say.

My only caution is that rich Americans like you run the risk of getting kidnapped in Cancun. So be careful and stay in your hotel room as much as possible.

Thanks man and I hope you are able to get back to work soon. Sounds like a tough situation.

Congratulations NeeklODN!

I appreciate the things you post here. It's rewarding to see your excitement. What you're experiencing is what makes this whole career so rewarding. I think we can never talk enough about this career being performance based. We reap what we sow, and that can sometimes bother us (kind of like when you asked for advice on turning more miles), and at other times it can motivate us (kind of like the excitement you show here when you see the fruit of your labor).

Just seeing a few good paychecks makes you realize the potential that's out here for people who figure out how to make things happen out here. Keep it up. Your paychecks will fluctuate with each pay period, but you'll eventually get a good rythm established with your dispatcher so that you are each contributing to a solid approach at being productive. It's great to see you catching on and progressing toward your goals.

Old school,

You're a pretty cool dude. (For an old guy) and I won't forget how you tried to help me a while back.

I'm sorry, I know I post a lot but y'all are the only ones who understand what we go through out here! I don't have any trucker friends. Everyone is clueless. It's nice to be able to come here to discuss things and brag a lil bit. 😁

So here it is:

When I park at my house tomorrow around 12 noon I will have driven 3,100 miles for the week in 5 1/2 days! That's from 4 loads which I had to secure. One was tarped. Who says you can't make money doing regional runs? Folks, this is crazy good money for me. $1,532 gross! These are the checks I've been trying to work towards. I have had many troubles getting a job in the first place (due to some criminal mistakes I've made in my past). It's all falling into place. Thank you all for the great advice and I know I don't always respond but I read them all and contemplate everything. I'm going to try to start giving back when I can here on the forum. Best part about all of this? I get to spend about 40 hours at home with my lovely lady and my beautiful pigbull.

One more cool thing is last week I booked our honeymoon to Cancun for a week in October. All inclusive meaning free drinks and food from 8 different restaurants. Not cheap, but now the money is coming right back!

I don't think people understand how much one can learn by asking questions, being observative, and most importantly paying attention!

Neek, That is an awesome story. You didn't let your past hold you back. You owned it and took responsibility for it. Your journey is truly inspirational. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. It appears your new Wife has picked a winner. You on the other hand have clearly overachieved in the Wife department!!

I'm sorry, I know I post a lot but y'all are the only ones who understand what we go through out here! I don't have any trucker friends. Everyone is clueless. It's nice to be able to come here to discuss things and brag a lil bit. 😁

So here it is:

When I park at my house tomorrow around 12 noon I will have driven 3,100 miles for the week in 5 1/2 days! That's from 4 loads which I had to secure. One was tarped. Who says you can't make money doing regional runs? Folks, this is crazy good money for me. $1,532 gross! These are the checks I've been trying to work towards. I have had many troubles getting a job in the first place (due to some criminal mistakes I've made in my past). It's all falling into place. Thank you all for the great advice and I know I don't always respond but I read them all and contemplate everything. I'm going to try to start giving back when I can here on the forum. Best part about all of this? I get to spend about 40 hours at home with my lovely lady and my beautiful pigbull.

One more cool thing is last week I booked our honeymoon to Cancun for a week in October. All inclusive meaning free drinks and food from 8 different restaurants. Not cheap, but now the money is coming right back!

I don't think people understand how much one can learn by asking questions, being observative, and most importantly paying attention!

Neek, That is an awesome story. You didn't let your past hold you back. You owned it and took responsibility for it. Your journey is truly inspirational. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. It appears your new Wife has picked a winner. You on the other hand have clearly overachieved in the Wife department!!

What's wrong with my face? I for one, like my face. My dog seems to think it tastes good too.

FYI

A "pigbull" is a rare breed. It's a cross between a 🐖 and a pitbull.

FYI

A "pigbull" is a rare breed. It's a cross between a 🐖 and a pitbull.

Ok, what do you get when you cross a watermelon with Lassie?

Meloncollie puppies.

I might as well go out with a bang.

What's wrong with my face? I for one, like my face. My dog seems to think it tastes good too.

Thanks for not accusing me of attacking you and hurting your feelings. Otherwise I would have to go all "Brett" on you and say "Toughen up, Buttercup"

Well done Neel. You are doing great.

CWC, I'm jealous. There is no better place then relaxing underwater. Thanks for that great pic.

Awesome job NeeklODN!

I don't think people understand how much one can learn by asking questions, being observative, and most importantly paying attention!

Knowing "how to learn" applies to learning anything in life. It starts with being humble, accepting the fact that you know nothing, and being open to someone teaching you. If you're training in a group or you're around others with experience you can learn a ton just by observing others. I hear people complain all the time that they don't get enough time in the trucks practicing at school. They're missing out on one of the most valuable learning tools - observation. It's highly effective to be able to take a step back, relax, and watch someone else try something. You will learn a lot about what works, what doesn't, and why.

I'm new to alpine climbing and I ask tons and tons of questions all the time. I recently took a trip where I climbed with a new climbing guide. One of the first things I told him is that I want to learn all I can and I'm going to ask a lot of questions. I told him please do not ever think that I'm questioning his methods or his judgments as if I think he's doing something wrong. I'm simply looking for deeper insights into why something is being done a certain way.

People who love to teach always love an enthusiastic student who is eager to learn. You don't want to waste your time on a know-it-all who isn't going to learn anything. You want someone who is ready to soak up everything you have to teach like a sponge. That's the type of student I am when I'm learning anything.

Always ask a ton of questions when you're learning something.

Who says you can't make money doing regional runs?

Not me! I've always said that a regional driver can make nearly as much money as an OTR driver, and sometimes every bit as much. I think regional is the perfect mix of the travelling lifestyle during the week with time at home on the weekends and a great paycheck. You have to prove that you're a reliable driver so that dispatch will keep you pre-planned on loads and you have to manage your clock very efficiently. If you can manage that you can make fantastic money in a regional division.

Congratulations Neek... and keep right on boasting about your successes! It provides an excellent example(s) of how well hard and smart work pays off in this industry. Great job! And while you’re on the Yucatán Peninsula, follow CWC’s advice and spend a day or half-day scuba diving. The sights underwater around the reef are amazing!

Way to go Neek!

Congratulations!