My First Day

Hey all. Thanks everyone for your well wishes! Saturday was my 1st day out. I met my driver trainer Friday. I got a text from my recruiter and he wanted me to go back to orientation to get the fuel card and fill out some paperwork. While there, I met my driver trainer; Robert. He's been trucking since '93. Extremely knowledgeable; not just about operating a truck, but also the business as well. He's an LP driver (I think that means Lease to Purchase).

Our first day was a little messed up. We had to trade and empty trailer for a loaded on at a Target distribution center in Suffolk, VA. Right at the gate, they refused the empty trailer and said there were too many holes in it. What I didn't know or really understand is that there is another Target; I'm assuming distribution center; maybe 1 to 1 1/2 miles away. Anyway, Robert said that the other one never even checks the condition of the trailers and the one we went to seems to want to turn everyone down. We went to the other center and they said that we couldn't trade our trailer for another one there. Ugh! So, we went to a Pilot station in between the 2 centers and Robert called his agent and explained the situation. He said he'd get back to him when he found another trailer. About 2 1/2 hours passed by and there was no call. I could see Robert was getting frustrated and he went up to another Western Express truck that was right in front of us. He found out that they were going to Target as well, but the one that never checks the trailers. He asked nicely if we could switch trailers and the driver agreed. Problem solved. We both just wished it didn't take 2 1/2 hours to find someone to switch with.

We're now near Savanah, GA and we're set up for tomorrow. Some tile manufacturer right down the street from us. We're at a Pilot now. Just got a shower 🚿 and feel human again. Getting up at 6am for a 7am appointment.

Everyone drive safely and TTYL 👋