Email Replies To Questions On Trucking.

Late last year someone looking into trucking (I use K in place of his name) noticed my post about getting into trucking, and since he had been laid off from an IT job as I had, he contacted me. I'm going to post a series of emails in an exchange he and I had in the hopes it will help someone here. I hope that I have them in chronological order, and that they make sense. I've tried to keep his name out of them as I didn't ask permission to post it...hopefull I was successful there. They will be in segments as there are character limits on a single post.

I hope they help folks here!

I'll begin with the next message.

-------- Original message -------- From: "K" Date: 12/02/2013 1:56 PM (GMT-08:00) To: "Tracy W." Subject: Private Message From K

Hello Tracy, I have been reading your posts and enjoyed them. I was also in the IT field for about 14 years until Nov 8th when I got my walking papers. Although I was not in management, I was a regional Systems Administrator, was in the Navy in the 80's for 7 years, then went to work for a Govt Contracted Travel agency and ended up in IT in 1999. Loved it very much but without a degree or any certificates now and being 52, It's not looking good for me to find another job that will pay what I was making. Which brings me to why I'm writing this to you. I have always been interested in trucking but due to having a good job (worked from home but traveled a lot), I kept with it until they forced me out. I'm now at a crossroads, go to school to get some certifications and hope that will help me get back into IT or go to trucking school and see if I have what it takes to drive truck. I think I would love it but really would not know until I tried it. Reading all the forums on the web gives me a lot of information and also scares me away from it as well. I see Watkins Shepard appears to be a great company to work for but the 10 day training looks like it's really intense and I'm not one that take failure very good....and in the back of my mind, I'm thinking.....what if I wash out of that...Again, because I have zero exp driving, I have no clue how well I well I will be at it. Wanted to know how you like it so far and if you have any advice for me. Also, what school did you attend? I live in Tacoma, WA and there are a couple of schools and also a Tech College that offers a class but it's booked up until spring and is a couple of months long, I would rather do a 4 week class and then go to a company. I guess I would need to call Watkins Shepard to see if the school I'm interested in is approved by them. They have a terminal about 15 minutes from my house, so that would be perfect. Anyway, didn't mean to get so long winded with this, sorry about that. Hope you are doing well out there and hope to hear back from you. Thanks, K

(Tracy’s note: It just so happened when K sent me this message I was sitting at one of our terminals about tem minutes from his home! Talk about predestined meetings! I called him and he came by my truck…we spent quite a lot of time talking about driving…now, back to the thread) From: Tracy Sent: Tuesday, December 03, 2013 9:36 AM To: K Subject: RE: Private Message From K

K...I hope you journal your journey on Trucking Truth...you're welcome to include the interaction with me in it. I know there are others like us that are seeking info. I'm heading for L.A. today with a load of furniture. Hope to see you out here one day soon.

From: K Date: 12/03/2013 9:58 AM (GMT-08:00) To: 'tracyawalters' Subject: RE: Private Message From K Hello Tracy, It was great meeting and talking to you last night. I’m still very interested in driving although your insight and information has me at a whole new level of anxiety. I’m questioning my abilities now and I’m sure a lot of that is due to recently being laid off from my job that I loved so much and pretty much has mastered. The thought of starting over from scratch is daunting to me and the amount of knowledge needed in such a short amount of time really has me stressed. Like I said last night, if I screwed up in my old job, no one got hurt, they just might not be able to log onto their computer for a short time . In trucking, if you screw up, you can hurt someone. Again, I have always had an interest in trucking from way back and maybe I just need to put my insecurities and fears away and just go for it. I will never know if I’m cut out for it unless I try right? I will keep in touch with you and if I do end up going to CDL school and starting this new career, I’ll try to journal it.

Just one thing when you have time, I’m trying to wrap my head around the whole trip planning process. You are heading to L.A., how are you planning this trip out? Are you figuring on a certain amount of drive time and then looking for a truck stop close to where you think you will be at the end of your day and then plan out tomorrow after you get to your destination tonight or have you already planned out the whole trip right up to delivery? I’m hoping a lot of this will be taught in school but I’m sure a lot of it can only be figured out by doing it. Thanks again for allowing me to come out and meet you and talk about this crazy industry.

Take care and drive safe, K

Hey Tracy,

Been thinking about you and wondering where you are? Hope you are doing well.

I cannot get this trucking idea out of my head but at the same time, I’m so afraid that I do not have what it takes to get through the schooling and testing prior to even getting a chance to do this as a profession.

I’ve been looking at the requirements for the State CDL Skills exam and man, that pre-trip is daunting!! I’m not good at memorizing things and it really takes me a long time to get a that much stuff memorized to where I can verbally call it all out to someone. Did you have very much trouble with being able to retain all that is needed to pass the tests or are you good at memorizing things? I really admire people with photographic memories. I for one need to do thing hands on and repetitively to have it stored for good. I know that in school, things happen fast and you got to get it quick to stand a chance. I guess my nerves and confidence in being able to complete the schooling and tests are starting to get to me before I even give it a chance. I think I would be fine with the driving\backing part of it but I have always had trouble with classroom and exams for some reason, that’s probably part of the reason why I do not have a degree or any certificates. I always learned by just doing it.

I’m very concerned that I cannot get a job in my previous career field and also not sure what I can do at my age if I’m not able to get back into IT again. I fill out job apps all day long and still have not heard from one single company and I’m in a High Tech region of the country!! Again, I think it’s the combination of age and education that is restricting me and I could go out and get some certificates but what good will that do if my age is what is really causing the employment issue?

Anyway, didn’t mean to go off on a tangent like that but for me this is a do or die scenario for me and it would really set me back emotionally if I didn’t have what it takes to be a truck driver, it’s really something I’ve wanted to do since I was very young.

Also, I’ve read horror stories of people going to these truck driving schools and the trainers are huge jerks, yelling and screaming at the students, did you encounter any of that? I guess I’m looking for advice on how to mentally prepare if I do in deed decided to head in that direction.

I have an appointment with the Employment Security Office this afternoon, they picked me randomly to come in and show them my Job-Search log. I’m going to also ask them if I would be eligible for WIA (Workforce Investment Act) funding to go to truck driving school. I’m not sure I will qualify since the industry I’m coming from is IT. I guess we will find out.

Anyway, again I apologize for the lengthy email but just need to talk this out with someone that understands what I’m going through mentally right now.

Take care and be safe,

K

From: Tracy Sent: Tuesday, December 03, 2013 11:12 PM To: K Subject: RE: Private Message From K

K, I understand completely your anxieties but remember, 3.5 million drivers get out there and do it every day...many are less capable then you.

As to trip planning...I always try to plan the trip in advance..before I even turn the key. I like to know how many miles and how much time between fuel stops, breaks and overnights. Be sure to accommodate problems such as traffic or weather. I always pick two or three truck stops within 60 miles of each other for end of day and if things are going well I go to the farthest one....provided I think there is parking. I'm always considering parking as they can be full. The GPS is a great help in trip planning and I have a book with truck stops in it that is invaluable.

I'm sure you can do it. Planning and being responsible are key factors...along with time management and I believe you have what it takes and more.

Feel free to ask any questions you like and I can talk on my headset while driving if not in heavy traffic.

Hello Tracy,

Thanks so much for the positive reinforcement!! I really needed that .

I may give you a call possibly tomorrow as I’m busy today getting my Mothers Christmas lights up and making run to Costco. How’s the weather in SoCal? It was 24 degrees here this morning.

Take care and be safe out there.

K

From: Tracy Sent: Monday, December 09, 2013 5:28 PM To: K Subject: RE: Checking in with you and have questions too :)

K,

Doing pretty well....just pulled a load of furniture out of Victorville CA with stops in Oregon Washington and Idaho. Heading back to California with a load of paper towels for fhe Safeway distibution center in Tracy.

On the subject of the Pre Trip...yes...it is a lot to remember but it is much easier to do it with the truck right in front of you. I would go out on break and after class to run through it...with somebody else to spot check if possible. We would trade off and it sunk in after a while.

I completely understand your fear of trying it and your desire to do it since you were young. It was the same for me. My driving school would have stuck with me if I failed the test...I saw them do it with others. Remember...few pass everything on the first try. I think I was just lucky. I believe you'll make it...and remember...lots of people take the tests every day and pass them...and a lot of them are not nearly as capable as you are. If you don't give this a try you'll regret it forever...and you can always drive for a year and then do something else...or get a local route.

The people at my driving school were great (Sage Technical Services). I would imagine there are bad ones out there...do a web search on the one you choose and see what others say. I spent a lot of time studying while in school at Sage and at Watkins Orientation....the more time you spend the easier it will be. I hope WIA works for you...that would be great. As I mentioned I had to sell a car to get the money and I had gone two years without works as an IT guy so I really laid it on the line. I really had few options and it worked for me.

I believe you will do well...believe in yourself!

Please ask any questions you like...I will do my best to answer them.

Tracy,

You have been up and down the west coast, better than being on the East coast now with the weather they have been dealing with. Have you had to chain up yet? When do you think you will get home next?

I had a mandatory “Job Search Log review” yesterday at the Unemployment office. It’s really depressing going into that office and seeing how many people are out of work at all levels. I sure hope the economy picks up for everyone affected. I was advised that on Wednesday’s they have a WorkSource Orientation where I can look into funding truck driving school with various grants that may be available to include WIA. I’m not sure I will qualify for any of them since the IT field I was in is not considered a declining industry. I’ll even pay for the school myself if they would allow me to just go to it while on unemployment, if not then I may have to go off unemployment just to get trained in a new career. I know if I just enrolled and started the school, somehow they would find out and I would be in trouble so I need to keep on the up and up on everything. Hopefully they will work with me on this since I’m making an effort to get gainfully employed even if it’s changing career fields and really, a one month school is pretty short compared to other schooling. We will see.

Regarding the Pre-Trip, when you took the test, did they make you do the complete pre-trip inspection or did they pick a portion of it for you to complete? I was checking Oregon’s requirements (just because it popped up in a Google Search) and they allow you to use a certain type of check list, it lists out what needs to be checked for the inspection buy you need to explain what the part is for and what needs to be checked on it and why. Still, that would be a big help, The Washington State DMV does not allow that, you just need to know your stuff.

I like discussing this with you because of our similar backgrounds and age plus what it took for you to get the school paid for, you really did lay it on the line. I’m just wondering and I know it’s not any of my business, but since you have been out on the road pretty much non-stop for quite a few months, has your paychecks been pretty good? I’m guessing you are not at .29 CPM any longer? It’s funny how in any other industry, wages are a big secret and no one discusses what they make but reading forums on the internet, truckers are not like that, they seem to be happy to tell you have much or little they make. I didn’t make a ton on money in my past job as I was not in management ($51,000) and I know I will not make that in trucking anytime soon but it would be more than I’m making now that’s for sure.

Thanks again for the support, It really helps me to try to believe in myself again. No one in my family or friends really understands what I’m going through right now with my desire to get into Trucking, My wife is very supportive of whatever I decide to do and we are very secure in our relationship, kids are all grown and gone so it would be ok for at least a year to be gone almost full time and then hopefully be able to get a local job if being on the road is not for me.

Also, I was going to call you but forgot that our landline does not have long distance and my cell phone does not get a signal at my house, so I may call you at some point but I’ll have to drive up to where I can get a signal a few blocks away, crazy huh?

Take care,

K

From: Tracy Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 4:38 PM To: K Subject: RE: Checking in with you and have questions too :)

K

Yes...at the moment I wouldn't want to be in the NorthEast because those folks clearly can't drive in the snow and ice. I was on it this morning for 100 miles and have been off and on for past several days. You just have to be prepared and not panic if you start to slide. I haven't had to chain up yet...not looking forward to it

I am still at 29 cents per mile...it goes up to 31 (I think) at 6 months. As to how much I get...its not consistent. Last week I only $25 net because I took advances and sat a lot over Thanksgiving. Some weeks I get $1000. It just depends on the trips, freight I carry and my bonuses. WKSH pays me $100 a month paying back my CDL school.

On the pre-trip in Montana you can get one of three sections. ..under the hood...driver's door to 5th wheel or 5th wheel to back. The examiner handed me a card that had a picture and section of the truck that helped.

Again...don't sell yourself short..I'm betting you will do fine. Glad your wife supports you. I actually think my wife has more respect for me since I became a driver, both because I did what it takes to get work and because she really didnt understand my IT work...especially the classified stuff.

I do understand where you are coming from...it is a major uproot to all you have done and know in the past. Thats hard to deal with for most. But you have made complete career changes in the past.

It is horribly sad all the people that are out of work. Frustrating and painful for families and those responsible for providing a living. Although congress seems to have arrived at a budget deal today it seems that mostly all they can do is fight. My two Senators (both Democrats) beat around the bush...never directly answer my questions and always blame the Tea Party because things aren't getting done. Sad.

If you want...give me a call on your landline when you want to talk and I will call you right back as I don't get long distance charges.

Tracy

From: K Date: 12/11/2013 8:18 AM (GMT-08:00) To: 'tracyawalters' Subject: RE: Checking in with you and have questions too :)

Hello Tracy,

I really appreciate that you are taking the time to discuss what you have gone through to get to where you are now. I value your opinion and insight greatly. I do tend to sell myself short and again that all comes back to the need to regain my confidence and believe I can do whatever I want if I just take the initiative and do it!!

I have been taking the High Road CDL Training Program and I have to tell you, I cannot remember in my past with the exception of Navy Boot Camp where there was so much information that needed to be learned in such an extremely short timeframe (well if you are already in school that is). I’m going to try to learn as much as I can before I enroll in school so hopefully that will give me a fighting chance.

I do not think the general public realizes how much it takes to drive a truck and the responsibility involved!! It’s really mind boggling to me.

Hope you have a great day and will talk to you soon.

K

From: Tracy Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2013 1:25 AM To: K Subject: RE: Checking in with you and have questions too :)

K, No problem. With the High Road CDL program...if you use it and follow the program you WILL pass the written CDL exam...guaranteed. Its a great program. I also took the Montana manual and read each section three times then answered the questions in each section...typing out the question and then answering it. I looked up each answer and reread the section. The written tests were very easy after that (there are several tests if you do all the certifications). I think I aced most of the tests...got 1 or 2 wrong on a couple tests. I took the computerized tests and finished them all in about an hour.

You'll do fine!

Tracy

Tracy,

You were either up late or up early!!

So check this out, I get a call from a company I applied for a couple of weeks ago, they want to interview me for a position they call “IT Generalist”, It appears to basically be a Systems Admin job and like my previous company, they change the title so as to not have to pay typical Systems Admin wages. My previous company had me titled as a Systems Admin for a few years and then changed it to Technical Analyst which is a very broad job title. The company interested in me is called Precision Castparts Corp, but they own a bunch of smaller companies and the one they want to interview me for is Klune Industries, which is an aerospace sheet metal forming company which I think is contracted to Boeing.

I’ll interview with the IT manager on Monday, this guy is 16 years younger than me (looked him up on LinkedIn, should be interesting. This will also be the first time I have had to interview for a job in over 22 years so I’m totally unprepared for what’s to come, to be honest I’m not too worried because I was almost resigned to the fact that I was not going to be considered for any IT job and was almost 100% onboard with going to trucking school and hopefully being able to get into the trucking industry, I’m still on the fence, if this company offers me a job at the salary I want, it will be hard to pass up but then that will nix any chance of switching careers and going trucking. I probably should not get too excited yet, it’s just my first interview and after they see I’m old enough to be there dad, I’ll probably not get a call back. I’m sure I will take the job if offered and at the salary I agree on. I’ll keep you posted.

Hope all is well with you, will be able to be home for Christmas or maybe even before?

K

From: Tracy Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2013 6:13 PM To: K Subject: RE: Checking in with you and have questions too :)

K...I really hope the interview goes well... believe in yourself! We have faith in you.

Yes...I will be home for Christmas. I'm really looking forward to it...I haven't been home for a long time.

Tracy

Tracy,

I’m looking at this interview as a learning experience, I have not interviewed for a job in many years so I have no clue what to expect. I’m not totally sure I even want to work for this company but the Interview will be good to go through.

Glad to hear you will be home with your family at Christmas, that is very important.

When I met with you at the Lakewood Terminal , I asked you how you liked driving and being over the road and you hesitated a bit, besides the obvious issue of being away from home for so long, are you happy with this new career or would you rather be doing what you used to do if had the chance again?

Also, I’ve read so many posts on forum’s of new drivers going out with trainers and saying they would not have been able to handle it without that initial month with the trainer, so much more to learn once you get on the road, was that very difficult for you to get used to at first and do you think the company prepared you enough in the beginning to go out there on your own?

As you can see, I’m still very interested in trucking even though I’m still on the outside looking in. I’m just not sure I want to go back to an IT job again. A total change may make me feel better about myself but I really do not know until I do it.

K

From: Tracy Sent: Friday, December 13, 2013 10:24 PM To: K Subject: RE: Checking in with you and have questions too :)

K I understand about the interview. Just go in positive ...research the company...ask questions that show you know about it. Show that you want to workbthere. Get a job offer from them...you can then decide whether or not to take it. Much better than the alternative.

Yes..I hesitated on my response about liking trucking. Being away is tough. The money isn't great when starting...and unless you drive in the oilfields its never really good. There are tough days out here and you are mostly on your own to solve problems although WKSH is really good about helping if asked. They don't hesitate to fix probs on the equipment and that's really good. Much simpler than a lot of other companies I hear about.

I could go back to doing what I did I would for two reasons...being home and money. I enjoy trucking...some days get boring but Fox news, music and audio books help. Some days are stressful...and you have to learn to cope.

The learning curve is steep on the road. One of reasons I chose WKSH is because I wouldn't have to be with a trainer. Trainers are helpful for taking you through some things like weight and balance...scales...fueling...loading and loading...working with shippers and receivers. But you know...I figured it out by doing it and wasnt stuck with a trainer for 90 days. I've heard trainers don't recommend you move on when you are ready...keeping you as long as they can to keep getting training pay.

I much prefer doing it alone...but that's a personality thing.

Anyway..good luck on the interview and let me know what happens.

I am down in L.A. again...I pick up a load for Conover NC in the morning with stops in FT Worth and Mississippi along the way. Good miles!

Tracy

Tracy,

I’m going to be positive for this interview, again looking at it as a learning exp since I have not had an interview in many decades. We will see how it goes.

I understand the steep learning curve especially when you go out on your own without a trainer, but I think I would not like living in that small space with a stranger for a month or so either but on the other hand, I’d be nervous going out without any exp at all. Did they prepare you at all for things like, paperwork, arriving at the receiver or shipper and what the protocol is? How about trip planning, does the company provide you with a route with fuel stops or are you on your own? I do not think I would have a problem planning out a trip with the exception of locating places to stop at night and if the fuel stops are not provided, figuring that out as well. You mention weight and balance, were you provided any training on that or did you have to figure it out on your own and do you always scale your load or only if you think it’s close to 80,000lbs?

I guess my thing is, I’m always afraid of making mistakes although I know I will, I hate making mistakes and hope the company is helpful and understanding of a new driver’s lack of knowledge for the first few months or so.

I’m always nervous of the unknown and then after I’ve done it for a while I look back and say…well that wasn’t that big of a deal, not so sure that would be the case with trucking, just so much to know and too many things that you can screw up on . Don’t get me wrong, I’m still leaning towards doing this as it would be good to have 2 skills and after a year of driving, it appears a lot of doors open up to do other things and having the CDL A license is a good thing to have so again, we will see how it goes, after Christmas or shortly after the New Year, I will get more serious about this and start talking to a couple of schools here locally. I’m hoping I can get assistance via WIA but not sure they will do that since I’m coming from the IT industry which apparently is not considered a declining industry.

Maybe sometime this week, you and I can talk. I just need to reassure myself that after making this bit investment both financially and emotionally that I have what it takes to do the job.

Hope you are doing well and the weather is good.

K

From: Tracy Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2013 5:26 PM To: K Subject: RE: Checking in with you and have questions too :)

K...yes to all the things you asked if you are taught. They are covered both in CDL school and company orientation. Some more in depth than others. On fuel routing you are provided that along with the trip assignment and load routing. WKSH really just wants us to stay "in network" meaning one of the companies they have agreements with. They even give you a book with nationwide truck stops and the GPS lists possible stops along your route. Fuel stops are easy, really..one of the easiest things. You are given a fuel card to pay for it too.

Tracy

Thanks Tracy, That makes me feel a bit more at ease. Where are you tonight?

Also, for your log books and daily work, what time zone do you work from? Does that get confusing somewhat when you change time zones as far as trip planning goes? I guess you just need to add or subtract however many time zones you are going through to be able to accurately plan your trip?

Sorry to keep bugging you, just let me know if I’m becoming irritating and I’ll back off. For me, you are the best resource I have right now and I just want to try to gather as much info as I can short of actually doing it and then hopefully I’ll have a better clue of what’s in store for me as I get to it.

Thanks again,

K

From: Tracy Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2013 7:40 PM To: K Subject: RE: Checking in with you and have questions too :)

K, You aren't bugging me at all. Glad to help...really wish I had someone to ask questions of when I was starting.

Good question about time zones. You use your home terminal time for all logging. Just have to remember delivery times are in local time and make sure you don't get them wrong because you are using home terminal time. I leave all my clocks in truck on home terminal time and let my cell phone adjust to local time. That way I have consistent references for time.

I'm in Sweetwater TX tonight. Delivery in Ft. Worth on Tuesday so taking a 34 hour reset. This is an LTL load with deliveries in Myrtle MS and Conover NC. I have hopes of making it home for Christmas. Trusting the Lord to help me get there.

Tracy

From: K Date: 12/15/2013 9:47 PM (GMT-06:00) To: 'tracyawalters' Subject: RE: Checking in with you and have questions too :)

Very good idea on keeping track of time zones and using your cell phone as the “local time zone” device. I’ll have to remember that. On the LTL loads, do you get the $25.00 pay for each stop like the guys out of Conover get? I was reading a blog from a kid out of the Conover terminal and he said he loved the LTL’s because he could make sometimes $250.00 a day on top of his mileage for all the furniture stops. I guess that could get tiring after the 10th drop?

I really do appreciate you listening to my constant questions. It is really helping me and some days I’m ready to go now and others, I’m really apprehensive, I just know I’ve wanted to try it since I drove that small International Loadstar with the 30’ trailer back when I was 16 so I really think I should just go for it. If I get a job locally, I may never get this opportunity again.

I sure hope you get home for Christmas, you and your wife truly deserver some time together, you have been going going for so long but I’m thinking I would probably be doing the same thing, just no major holidays would be in my immediate future.

Take care my friend,

K

From: Tracy Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 7:11 AM To: K Subject: RE: Checking in with you and have questions too :)

K...I didnt know the Conover guys get $25 a drop...I only get $20. I've had as many as 22 stops over a four day period. 10 stops a day is a lot because there is drive time between them. Most furniture places have limited delivery times...usually 9-5 M-F or less...unless the stops are very near each other I would ten exception rather than the rule. I feel pretty good if I have done 5 or 6 in a day.

Tracy,

My apologies, I rechecked the forum where I read that and it is $20.00 a drop.

Well, I have my first interview for that IT job today so I’ll see how I feel about that and go from there. Just not sure I want a desk job again and it will never be as good as it was for me as I worked from home for 14 years and pretty much was left alone as long as I did my job, I loved it. Again, we will see how it goes. I originally was going to see how it went as far as obtaining a job until Jan and then look into trucking school and getting that started but again, I really think I want to try trucking out and as long as I could pass the tests and obtain that CDL , it would be very nice to have it even if I decided to stop trucking later on down the road.

K

From: Tracy Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 9:10 AM To: K Subject: RE: Checking in with you and have questions too :)

K...no problem. Definitely use the CDL study materials on Trucking Truth ... if you can pass those consistently you will pass the CDL written exam. Brett has done an amazing job with those. I expect him to start selling it soon.

Sounds like you really want to do this...you probably should just make the decision and get positive force behind it.

Tracy

Thanks Tracy, I have been working through the High Road CDL Training program and man, I cannot believe he still has this out there for free!! It is excellent, now if I can get my brain to memorize this stuff, I’d be good .

I’m off to my first real job interview in over 21 years, wish me luck.

K

From: Tracy Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 3:05 PM To: K Subject: RE: Checking in with you and have questions too :)

Good luck

From: K Date: 12/16/2013 6:18 PM (GMT-06:00) To: 'tracyawalters' Subject: RE: Checking in with you and have questions too :)

Interview when good, I felt really comfortable although I stumbled over some terminology and applications I should not have had any issues with. It’s funny, the manager interviewing me told me I was his first interview in over 8 years so I told him this was my first interview in a bit longer timeframe that. The company was a small one that has recently been acquired by a larger company that seems to be on a roll of buying up small aerospace manufacturing companies so there network\domain is in transition and it’s a mess apparently. I’ve got some exp with migrating to new networks and I told him that. This company also has military contracts and I think my Navy background helped me with getting this interview.

Honestly though, I have a feeling this was all a formality and he probably has someone in mind for the position and in the past he would have just hired that person when they were a small mom and pop organization but now they are under a larger corporation, he needs to play by there rules. I could be wrong but that’s the feeling I got.

I’m guessing you are finishing up your 34 and getting ready to shoot into Dallas tonight or tomorrow morning?

From: Tracy Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 7:22 PM To: K Subject: RE: Checking in with you and have questions too :)

K

Make sure you send a letter to the interviewer right away. Tell him how you enjoyed speaking with him, that you like the company and you feel you would be a good fit.

On Truckers Report...you are right. So many of the people on there just want to create disruption instead of constructive comments to people seeking answers.

On the old Usenet there used to be special groups for those type of comments called flame groups. Other mediated groups didnt allow it.

Tracy

Tracy,

I got a call from Columbia Bank today, I applied for a Systems Administrator position about a month ago and unfortunately I was not home when the manager called me but I called back and ended up leaving a voice mail with him to call me back to schedule an Interview, if this one worked out, it would be nice as it’s only about 15 minutes from my house. But again, this is starting to kill my truck driving dream….I was really pretty much set on switching careers but we will see how it goes with this one as well as the job I applied for yesterday, that one was in Kent, WA about 25 miles from my house, not too bad. I’m still going to a meeting tomorrow with worksource regarding retraining benefits, I’m keeping all my options open just in case.

I will send a letter to him thanking him for the interview and that’s I like the company and think I would be a good fit with them. They are going through growing pains and I know all too well what that is like being acquired by a much larger company, it’s hard.

I remember the term “Flame Groups” wow, we are dating ourselves now…hahaha.

Be safe out there!!

K

From: Tracy Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 5:02 PM To: K Subject: RE: Checking in with you and have questions too :)

K...good! I'm glad it went well. You never know what the Lord has in mind for you...you may be the perfect choice. Whatever happens...I know you did your best and give yourself credit for just getting out there and doing it.

Yep...sitting here still. I called the company I am delivering to tomorrow and they can't take me until 12:30 CST. Its 200 miles so I will pull out of here about 8AM CST. That should put me there about 11:30 and if they unload me fast I can get at least another 400 miles in. My goal is to get to NC a day early and have a better shot at getting home for Christmas.

When do you hear about the job?

Tracy

Hi Tracy,

He did not tell me when he would make a decision, I neglected to ask as well, towards the end, it seemed more like just 2 guys talking shop then an interview and he does not do very many interviews so maybe he overlooked that as well as I did, if anything, it was a good starting point for me so I have a clue what the interview process is somewhat like.

Hope your trip into Dallas went well, I’m reading some posts on the TruckersReport site, what a mess those people are, if I believed 1/10 of what was discussed there, I would run as far away from the trucking industry as possible.

K

From: K Date: 12/21/2013 2:46 PM (GMT-06:00) To: 'tracyawalters' Subject: Hope you are well

Hello Tracy, Just wanted to check in with you to see if you are hopefully west bound towards MT? I sure hope so as you have really been running hard these past few months. I have an interview for a Systems Admin position at Columbia Bank on Monday but it appears to be for an entry level Help Desk position, funny that the positions title is “Systems Admin 1”, I guess by putting the 1 there, it changes the whole responsibility of that title. Oh well, I’m still going to interview for it and find out what the salary range is. Question of the day for you and your day to day routine, when trip planning and you have multiple stops, does your Dispatch manager take into account how much time you have left on your HOS before assigning you the loads? I guess I’m wondering if they know before they give you the load what your HOS balance is at for your 70 or do you advise them of that when you send a message stating your are ready for another load so you can make sure and have enough time to make the delivery? Kind of an out of left field question huh? Again, I sure hope you are on your way home or will be home by Christmas, you my friend deserve a break!! Take care,

K