Hmm... now I get a call from a FedEx expedited owner looking for a co-driver. Evidently they're ok with someone in my position, as I'd have 'co-driver' status for about six months. Hey, whatever works!

The o/o is going to come through Little Rock on Sunday evening, and I'll meet him at the truckstop, see if we get along ok. Probably be a heck of a lot better idea than CRE.

Nope, didn't work out, and the pneumatic tanker outfit recently switched insurance companies, and the new outfit requires experience in the last two years.
Oyp.
The terminal manager directed me toward some residual-waste outfits in the area. I guess I'll go diggin' around there.

i had to take refresher course for two weeks you might think about doing that. that way you are just like starting over

I just talked to PAM today, and they seem to be ok with my situation. This may work out well enough. The pay ain't the greatest, but it's one of the 'starter' companies I hear the least grousing about.
Then, after a year, I can maybe to talk to the pneumo guys again, and the pay is decent, and I'd always be within a few hours of home.

Seems like everyone has to go through the "trial by fire" when getting into trucking. Most go hungry the first year in order to get the experience needed to be considered by the better paying and more reputable companies. I started out with PAM and my experience wasn't too bad I suppose. Wasn't good enough to stick around longer than required and wasn't bad enough to require extensive psychotherapy heh. I don't know how they are these days though, my last day with them was a year and a half ago.

Once you get your year in I would suggest looking into the LTL companies if you want better income and a home life. My income nearly doubled in the first year after my switch from OTR to LTL. Plus I'm home every day and off on the weekends. Can't beat that with a stick. Most truckers don't make the leap due to the fact that almost every LTL company bases itself on seniority. A new hire with thirty years of experience won't get as many miles, or as good a run, as a current employee with only two years of total trucking experience. The starting date is the only thing that matters in most cases. Though I can say from experience that life gets gradually better as time goes on, and seniority goes up. Kind of gives you something to look forward to and a reason to stick things out.

I do miss some of the adventures OTR offered, though not nearly enough to ever go back. Realizing you can make over 1,000 dollars a week while only putting in 11-12 hours a day and having two full days off every week will do that to a person.

I see yer point there, but I've been told the door's open at the pneumatic tanker outfit, as soon as I've gotten the amount of time I need. It's local, pays well, and I'll actually be home enough to fly every other week or so.
It's also what I spent my last 5 driving years doing, so it'd be a comfortable return to a familiar gig.
Just gotta get that "noob" time out of the way.... again.