Davey And CDL

Hey, congrats on the orientation invite from Conway Trucking! That's awesome. That's an excellent company for sure.

What are you shooting for at Conway - OTR? Regional? Do they have anything other than OTR available?

Dear Brett: I took what I could to get in the door and then figured in 6 mths or a year I can put in my req for going to Tankers if they have them. If not, I will decided whether to stay with them or move on to a company that does. However, I may like Conway so much I stay with them. OH, OTR Dry Van.

-Traffic Jam

I am sorry, I forgot to say I will put in a req right away to be on a dedicated or regional route.

-Traffic Jam

Nice! Sounds great!

Yeah, the first year is all about learning how to handle that rig and managing life on the road. Once you've been out there for a little while you'll know what you want to do. Conway is a great company. I wouldn't be surprised at all if you were perfectly happy there for years. Get that one year of safe driving under your belt and by that time you'll know exactly where you want to be.

Dear Brett: Thanks! I plan on doing just that and withhold any rush to judgment. I know I will be able to survive financially and so that will be ok. I mean, sure, I do wish to make $1,000,000.00 first year but I know I probably won't. At any rate I'll be ok in that dept., as I am retired from State of TX and have some nice benefits. So . . . Thanks! Now, this will probably be my last post until I am in orientation/month long driving/training. We are pretty busy getting ready, and doing chores around the place here in Texas. Did I ever tell you that I live in TEXAS?!?? Greatest country in the world. Well, I gotta go rope some steers, and brand some cows, and dehorn some bulls, and . . . (please don't believe that!). Much thanks to all you who have helped me: Brett, Old School, Tim L., and Roadkill. I'll be talking to you in a few days until then watch out you don't get in a . . . .

-Traffic Jam

Congratulations! I really like Conway, I think you can't go wrong there. Best of luck to ya!

OK. I spent the day at the Conway HQ here in Joplin. Wow, what a setup. The day started off with the President of the company coming to talk and share with us. I really liked that and he talked mainly about safety and Conway's commitment to safety. We were put up in the Holiday Inn the night before. This afternoon we were transported to Neosho, MO to attend a week of training ("honing our driving skills"). It's probably more like they want to scope us out and our abilities out before they put us in a truck with a trainer for a month or so. Man, I don't blame them and I'd do the same thing especially if I am concerned about safety. We are put up for the week in a real nice motel here in Neosho and all meals are provided and they even gave us $100 bucks for today's "training" at the HQ. I was kind of nervous and wanted to get the morning physical with the Doc over with so I could move on to the agility test. I knew pretty much what the agility test consisted of and knew I would be ok there. On my physical I was worried about my medical history and BP. All was OK though and this went smoothly. The rest of the day was routine paperwork one would expect when being hired into a new job. After our week here in Neosho we will go back to Conway HQ on Mon (received $300 bucks) and there I will find out if I am actually hired. Exciting day to look forward to! I went to Church on Sunday at Northside Assembly of God here in Joplin, MO and it was wonderful. Great worship and ministry and worthy of your visit if you are looking for a Church. Take care and if you are going out driving be sure you don't get into a . . .

-Traffic Jam

Hey, sounds like things are rolling along nicely! Conway is making a good impression so far it sounds like. The president came out to say hello, they're keeping you at a Holiday Inn - not too bad.

The week you'll spend in Neosho should help quite a bit. It's always a big help to hear different perspectives when learning something. Everyone has a little bit different teaching style, way of saying things, and ways of doing things. Sometimes you'll hear something described just a certain way and it really clicks for you. Should be very helpful.

By the way, I checked out your website - very nice! I subscribed to your blog so I'll be watching for new articles.

Thanks Brett! Well, it is now 8/6/13 and I have returned home. I was out on the road for my 10,000 miles of training in truck with a trainer. CTL calls them a "Finisher" and my finisher was a very fine fellow named, Rick. After a week with Rick I told him I was not cut out for this and wished to return to Joplin and eventually sign out and go home. He was disappointed but very good about it all. Conway was also real supportive and just great, to tell you the truth. I found that while in heavy traffic going 60 MPH I could not overcome my fears about navigating this big truck safely. So . . . better to beat a strategic retreat at this time I felt. However, I still have the CDL with all endorsements and will continue to seek some type of driving job. Tomorrow, right here in my own town I have an interview to be a Hot Shot Driver. I live in an area that is very big on gas and oil right now and has been for many years. So there seems to be opportunity here I may be able to tap into. As far as Conway I had a good experience with them even though my time was short. The training was very good and they offer so much support for their drivers. Plus they make it as easy as possible out on the road with the electronic Qualcomm and PrePass, Pike Pass, and etc., etc. The equipment was excellent and I regret the separation but sometimes that's the way it goes. I will tell you after this experience I sure do hold combination truck drivers in a different light! Wow! So all in all it was a great time and I have no regrets. Now, I'll forge ahead and see what life offers. Watch out now in your driving and stay out of any,

-Traffic Jam

Well at least you can say you know what trucking is all about and you had some time behind the wheel. Maybe down the road you'll work your way up to the big rigs again or maybe you'll settle comfortably into something a bit smaller. There's no doubt about it - navigating an 80,000 pound building on wheels safely is a huge responsibility and obviously no easy task. I'm glad you decided you knew where to draw the line for yourself and you walked away when it didn't feel right. You have to trust your instincts. It's good that you did.

Well, we're still here anytime you need us and you're always a welcome part of our community. I hope you'll keep us informed and let us know what you decide to do. I have no doubt you'll find something you enjoy out there.