I'm going to do something different this time so that this Thread can come to an end (as far as my travels are concerned). Basically what has happened since Christmas, I have told already in the prior postings. Miles were good, I achieved the 1st Quarter Mileage Bonus, and went all over the country. The only big difference was I had a lot of "34 hour restarts" which was normal this time of year (Jan 1 - Feb 15). After that time period, didn't have as many and that's why I was still able to get the Bonus.

What I'm going to say now holds true with any Company and Industry you work in but really is true in the Trucking Industry. Always, Always tell the Truth. Your Company will back you up if you tell the truth. If you lie, you will get caught at some point and it will not be pretty. I have seen it happen. Enough said.

If a person wants to make it as a Driver you have to discipline yourself to be on-time (or early) for pick-ups and deliveries, have a good attitude, be courteous with your Customers, the driving public and other Drivers, and most importantly; get to know your Dispatcher and others where you work. The last one is key. You're out here to make money and the only way to do it is follow the above and you'll get the money. Your Dispatcher will see that you are a good worker and will let the Loadplanner know it and get you better miles. If you don't do the above, you won't get the miles and you'll leave for another company, maybe.

Now as far as getting those miles there is one drawback for some people. In order to get them you have to be willing to stay out away from home longer than you might want to. At some Companies doing OTR 48 states, the minimum is 3 weeks out. They will say 2 weeks out but actually it is 3 weeks. You can be out 2 weeks and they will honor that but they will keep you close to your home (which means shorter hauls). If you can stay out a minimum of 3 weeks, you'll get better miles and more money, simple as that.

One other piece of advice is definitely get a Cell Phone with Nationwide Coverage. I have called Customers to ask all sorts of things from verifying directions to coming in early for pick-up or delivery. They are more than willing to help and most of the questions I ask can be simply answered by either a Yes or a No. Also I ask if they have overnight parking, some do and some don't. You just have to ask. And lastly on the Cell Phone, the calls you make or receive dealing with your job is tax deductible (if you itemize). If it is for personal use, it's not. So ask your provider for an itemized bill so you can go through it and mark what was job related and what wasn't.

I hope this Thread has helped you see at least with one Company what to expect. I have to say that I have been fortunate. I have found what works for me. Plus I must admit, I think I was at the right place at the right time to get all those miles I got. When I reached my 1 year date, I looked back at my notes and tabulated total miles on the Truck. It came out to be 134,850 miles in one year. Subtract 8% for miles not paid and the paid miles was 124,062 roughly.

Tah Tah and Happy Truckin'

I was in Clarksville, TN EARLY this morning. Had been raining like there was no tomorrow. Was taking my dog to Petsmart for grooming and there was a KLLM truck parked in the parking lot. The truck was white. Was that you, Led?

i have applied to KLLM and have spoken to a recruiter about a month ago but have been unable to talk to any drivers while on the road (with waking them)..would anyone talk to me about your experience with KLLM?...if you Google my name (omit the "b") you will find my blog and you can contact me thru there....thanx

I drove for KLLM in 1997, it was the first trucking job that I had and they treated me very well. They sent me letters for several years to come after I left and told me I always had a job with them if I wanted it. From what I've been reading they haven't changed a whole lot over the years. If I can be of any assistance don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks for the updates Ledbetter, I'm looking forward to getting my feet wet soon; will probably go with KLLM after I get out of school.