1998 to 2020

GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS,

Started the Trucking career in late 1998 through a school using Burlington Motor Express (Indiana).
Didn't work work very well due to the Owner Op somehow believing I was supposed to be available to drive 24/7.
After a few weeks, he dropped me at the T/A (Rt 80/I-65) in Montgomery Alabama and I took Snailways back to N.C.

Started with a Local "Hot Shot" company running 6-speed Straight Trucks in the Triad, NC., then after about 6 months, went to Bulldog Hiway Express in South Carolina. I wasn't with Bulldog too long and it wasn't the Company itself, just the Restrictions on the Trucks, shifting at 1600 MAX which wasn't very good for Climbing hills with a Suicide loaded 40k Coil. I DID ENJOY Skateboarding especially with 53' Spread Axles.
Trainer went home just after we "teamed up" at S.C. Base. What an experience.
I spent a weekend in the truck in Baltimore, MD., at T/A exit 57/I-95.

WE then took a trip to Pocatello, ID. and spent a few days.
After returning to Base, I received a Truck.
He wanted me OUT of his truck but not for any negative reason(s).

When I began Driving Class 8 Vehicles Local/O.T.R., there were very few Auto-shift Trucks, mainly 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 18, 21 speed Manual Transmissions. We only had Paper Logs (Comic Books), NO G.P.S., Phone Banks at Truckstops in and out of Restaurants as well less than $5.00 Showers.
Fuel Receipts over 50 Gallons, gave a Free Shower. We Truckers usually had more Shower Credits than we could use, so "sharing" was just another part of the Brotherhood.
What Went Around, Came Back.

I've been all over this Country with a few exceptions: NO Washington, Oregon, North and South Dakota.

I joined TheTruckersReport.com because I want to "stay in touch" with Truckers even though the Industry has radically changed since I started.

Thanks for reading.
For Thee May The Blessings Be!!

 

bad-luck,
The weekend wasn't as bad as spending weekends at other less wonderful locations, say Jessup (before the Fence enclosure cutting off a couple exits) for 1 or Bonnie View Rd. for 2 (Hook and T/A) south side Dallas, TX. (as to the Hook: since it merged with Peelot, I've called it Flying P)
Once all the Lizards (male & female) and other Lunatics understood to LEAVE ME ALONE, it became much more tolerable.
I spent quite many times at that truck stop (no more weekends) since Bulldog had a contract at Sparrow's Point.
Last "visit" was maybe 2014 or '15.
CHEERS!!

 

Deere hunter,

Thanks Mate and The Best To Thee and Thy Loved Ones!!