What Happened

Anyone know what happened to our old LEO? (Steve M.) Haven't heard from him on the board in a few months now.... Just curious.. wanted to see how he's been doing... There's actually a few that I haven't seen.. guess they grew up and don't need the training wheels =D

Yeah, now that you mention it, it has been quite a while since we've heard from Steve. Indeed a lot of people do move on from this site once they're out there running solo. But I know he'll be back. He's probably just really busy.

Yeah, now that you mention it, it has been quite a while since we've heard from Steve. Indeed a lot of people do move on from this site once they're out there running solo. But I know he'll be back. He's probably just really busy.

Atleast Im not the only one who noticed.. Just wanted to see how he's doing in the big world of ours...

If everything I have read about rookie drivers is true, and he's doing good, then he's probably busier than a one legged man in an a$$ kicking contest ..not a lot of time for most guys when they're new on the road..

If everything I have read about rookie drivers is true, and he's doing good, then he's probably busier than a one legged man in an a$$ kicking contest ..not a lot of time for most guys when they're new on the road..

omg i havnt heard that saying in a coons age thats hilarious my one pap used to tell me ya better get busy on that yard work bc the one legged man in an ass kickin contest has one up on ya

I talk with Steve at least once a week, and you are correct, he is very busy.

I would like to think I did a good job training him, because he does not call often with a new question, or ask how to do something.

I will mention to him the next time I talk with him to check in here once in a while at least to say hi.

Ernie

I talk with Steve at least once a week, and you are correct, he is very busy.

I would like to think I did a good job training him, because he does not call often with a new question, or ask how to do something.

I will mention to him the next time I talk with him to check in here once in a while at least to say hi.

Ernie

Ernie, I have a feeling that you're going to be getting requested a LOT as a trainer going forward...I know that if I go with Prime, I WILL!

I talk with Steve at least once a week, and you are correct, he is very busy.

I would like to think I did a good job training him, because he does not call often with a new question, or ask how to do something.

I will mention to him the next time I talk with him to check in here once in a while at least to say hi.

Ernie

Thanks for the update Ernie.. Good to hear he's doing well.

Hey everybody, yeah its been awhile like David said. I have definitely been busy and that's an understatement. I am typically out for 3 weeks then go home for 3 or 4 days and the time at home goes by so quickly I hardly have time to breathe let alone get all my honey do list done. I have learned so much being out here on my own. I set out on Jan 22 solo and so far have logged over 35,000 miles. so in 17 weeks I have averaged over 2000 per week. that includes 4 times at home too, so I have been running pretty hard. I think I have been thru every state except, N & S Dakota, Vermont & Minnesota. Prime recently took over operations in 2 Walmart Distribution centers, (shelbyville TN & Olney IL) . I have helped out in both places for 3 days each. I am currently in Shelbyville but hope to be released soon. It seems Prime took over operations without having enough dedicated drivers so they pull in the (company) OTR guys and Voluentold us to help out. I really don't care for it because the runs are much shorter 250-300 miles with multiple stops and it totally kills your 14 hrs by the time you get back. The incentive is for the dedicated guys & gals that live close by to be able to go home everyday. One thing I have learned is that you gotta watch your settlement statements very close every week. I have caught several mistakes ( short miles, missing CAT scale reimbursements, Tolls , fuel bonus or trips altogether) I realize Prime is a big company and mistakes happen, but definitely keep and eye on your pay. I still enjoy driving and the challenge of different environments daily. I removed the passenger seat in my truck and put in a fridge, microwave and 22" flat screen TV. I don't get to watch TV much, but its nice to have when I can. I typically cook dinner in the truck most every night and have found that I prefer the tranquility of Walmart P/L and rest stops over truck stops. I generally stop for fuel during the day and shower after fueling. The bonus of Walmart is if you need anything is right there. Typically I net 850-950 per week except the weeks I go home. My best week so far I netted over 1100.00 but that was a crazy week. Well, That's about all for now. I will try to update more often as time permits. Generally, If I'm not driving, I'm sleeping.....

Wow a blast from the past!!! Really great hearing from ya Steve! And I'm thrilled to hear that things seem to be rolling along nicely for ya.

As far as watching your pay closely - stealing is just how business is done by American corporations and that's exactly what it is. In the 15 years I drove I was regularly shorted by every company I ever worked for. They always call it a mistake, but in 15 years I was never once paid for anything I didn't do and yet I was consistently not paid for work I did. It's not a mistake. It's premeditated stealing - plain and simple. And it's not just in trucking. I've been "accidentally" overbilled by the likes of Verizon, my propane company, AT&T, and almost every company I've paid for services through. In fact, I just discovered that my satellite internet carrier is "accidentally" double-billing me right now. I upgraded my equipment and my plan. Now they're billing me for the old plan and the new plan at the same time. An "honest mistake" I'm sure.

So definitely track every load and every dollar you have coming. I can assure you that every major company you ever work for will consistently make mistakes in their favor. Or to put it honestly, they'll steal your hard-earned money. Life in America. Buncha pigs out there, that's for sure.

But I'm happy to hear you're rolling along nicely and it's certainly great hearing from ya!