AJ's Truck Driving Journey

That was a great stress test and many lessons were learned about the industry and myself.

Great Job Man!

I loved what you said above. That is the way to look at it. You will find that this job is very challenging. Everyday there is a new situation that you will encounter, you will always be learning and adjusting to the circumstances at hand. The dedicated folks who are prepared mentally for what ever they may face are the ones who come out on top. So far you've proven yourself with the right approach. Congratulations!

First step accomplished - many more to come, but there is light at the end of the tunnel and it's getting brighter!

Thanks, Old School, for all the help and advice. :)

Congrats AJ!

I am shocked to hear some failed. Oh well, you didn't! You are on your way now to real deal. You will do great wherever you go man.

Thanks, buddy. :)

Yes. I would say by the time I left, the passing rate % had dipped below 50% for the first attempt.

My class was 20%. Me...

I'll be talking to you

CONGRATS AJ! we had your back all the way thru. Super job on the posts

Thank you, my friend :)

I have my job offers down to three. Roehl , Schneider and Averitt. We shall see. I will decide by tomorrow.

All my other classmates have graduated on the second attempt at the driving test, so the class has ended up with a 100% graduation rate. The nerves are a killer on the first try. I was a bit lucky, I think.

I'm busy getting the farm winterized and preparing to be away.

The adventure continues.

Phase two is set. The lot is cast.

Roehl it is. The home time options are just the ticket for a horse rancher that needs more days off in a row to get chores done than the average Joe.

The pay and training are above average to superior and I feel comfortable with the outfit and training location.

I start Monday.

The adventure continues.

Phase two is set. The lot is cast.

Roehl it is. The home time options are just the ticket for a horse rancher that needs more days off in a row to get chores done than the average Joe.

The pay and training are above average to superior and I feel comfortable with the outfit and training location.

I start Monday.

The adventure continues.

Congrats AJ! I look forward to seeing you on the road!

Phase two is set. The lot is cast.

Roehl it is. The home time options are just the ticket for a horse rancher that needs more days off in a row to get chores done than the average Joe.

The pay and training are above average to superior and I feel comfortable with the outfit and training location.

I start Monday.

The adventure continues.

Congrats AJ! I look forward to seeing you on the road!

When I see you, I'll purchase you a high quality coffee ! ( depending on location ;) )

Time is flying!... I'll be in Ellenwood before I know it... Then solo... in a truck of my own !

Amazingly quick process...

My Career Plan is starting to take form as I learn more about the industry.

I went with Roehl because of the 14 / 7 plan that will be coming at the completion of the Nashville terminal. I am going OTR my first six months, mainly because there is not much to do on the farm in the winter and like I said the 14 / 7 isn't in place yet. This will give me the most down time to practice things and stay fairly well rested. I will not be in a hurry during my rookie year keeping safety and rest forefront. The more I think about OTR the more excited I get!

I have always wanted to see the country and learning to drive a big rig seems to be the perfect opportunity to knock off a bucket list slot. Roehl is requesting a passport, so I will get to explore Canada as well, it seems. The fear of NYC is even subsiding being replaced with a sense of adventure. I plan on truly enjoying this first year. Every day will be something completely new !! Awesome !

LTL line haul is my ultimate career destination, but I didn't want to jump into that fast paced gig just yet. I will get 1 year under my belt and choose the company I want.

Excuse me while I finish compiling my playlist of trucker / road tunes....

I just finished putting up the GT Mustang in the garage for an extended rest.... The moth ball gag seems to be keeping the mice away nicely this year... See you in a month, old friend ;)

The wife's truck is all waxed up for winter and all fluids topped off. I put extra air in tires since I won't be home until near Thanksgiving and am expecting an Arctic blast by then.

I'm trying to take as much of a load off of the wife as possible. Just jump in that 4x4 and drive !

Big changes for both of us....

Have you tried dryer sheets? We use them in my daughters 85 impala over the winter, under the seats, in the glove box, trunk and inside the air cleaner. They don't like the smell and its easy. Good Luck with Roehl!!