From rags to riches. The testimony of a modern day 1st generation driver.

I apologize in advance for the long post, but the idea of this is to give everyone an idea of how hard it is for a 1st generation driver to establish a good foothold in the industry.

To give y'all a little info about myself; I'm a city slicker, born and raised in Detroit. My dad was an engineer and my mom was a stay at home house wife. From the clothes I wear, to the music I listen too to my attitude and appearance, nothing about me says that I'm a driver. You would have a very hard time believing I was a driver if you met me outside of work. Needless to say, I was met with a lot of skepticism from day one both from friends and family.

I started driving 7 years ago with a mega, CR England. Nobody expected I would make it, so I had a lot to prove not only for myself but to put the naysayers in their place. I went through the training facility in Burns Harbor, IN. After 3 weeks, I had a CDL and was riding with a trainer. Couldn't back a truck to save my life, but I stuck with it. I had a goal, and never lost sight of it. "One day", I was going to put those naysayers in their place. I stayed with England for 3 years as a company driver.

After England, I landed a local job. I drove a spotter for 2 years, and I also drove a Mack with a triplex for two more years. I also took a mechanic apprenticeship program to learn as much as I could about these trucks. After 4 years, I could practically back blindfolded, and float gears like a pro, sometimes being able to keep up with 4-wheelers. I also learned dispatch.

During this his time I also became a Freemason. Freemasonry teaches you what it's like to be in a brotherhood, and also teaches you the meaning of community service, which are valuable lessons to take back out on the road.

After 4 years, I was ready to get back on the road. 7 years isn't enough time to call myself an expert, or even a veteran, but guess what? That "One day" came. I got a job at a small mom and pop shop driving a wide open W900L, with no ELOGs. I can run the truck how I want to run it, with little intervention from my employer. After 7 years, I am finally able to drive the truck of my dreams, and make a handsome living driving it. It was a long hard road to get where I'm at, but it was well worth it. If I had to start all over again, I would in a heartbeat and not change anything. Every morning when I fire up this KW, I grin ear to ear saying to myself: "I made it. This is what it's all about"

If you're a new driver or an inspiring driver reading this, here's a few pieces of advice from one nOOb to another:

Having a CDL in your pocket and that little green book in your hand doesn't make you an expert, so don't act like one. There is so much more to this industry that you don't know. No two jobs are alike simply because they both involve driving.

Listen to your instructors and trainers. Accept advice from veteran drivers when advice is offered. That instruction and advice will one day save your life.

Even if it's hate talk (if you drive for a mega), take that with a grain of salt and don't get defensive. While you may think the hate talk is jibber jabber, it actually isn't. Also, the hate talk isn't personal. Veterans are actually trying to tell you something. It took me 7 years to figure that out.

Respect the brotherhood. If you aren't a Freemason already, I recommend you become one. It'll teach you about brotherhood and what it takes to look out for one another.

If you want to drive a blinged out KW or Pete without ever having to buy one, it is possible to do this but it takes time.

Set eat your goals high and never lose sight of them. If I made it, so can you.

Be realistic. If you want to remain solo, leasing a truck isn't an option for you. Stay as a company driver.

Bring your "A game" every time you get behind the wheel. This job requires your complete attention.

Learn the Smith system, and use it every time you drive.

That CDL in your pocket is your bread maker. Protect it. Once it's gone, so is your career.

This is a cut throat industry that requires you to have a strong work ethic. If you're lazy and expect the world to be handed to you on a platter, you won't last long. In my orientation group there were roughly 60 people. I'm the only one left still driving a truck today.

Never forget where you came from.

 

You can freely join. It fact that's a requirement, and why you'll never see a mason come to you and say: "Come join us"