Hey There, Hi There, Ho There

Hello all,

Here's a little background to a first generation driver stemming from a family of mechanics.

Im currently approaching 22yo. Got my CDL a year ago. Originally had planned to be an automotive technician. Gradually my mind went to working in a high performance shop as I went through high school, being that drag racing was large in the family as well. After my short experience in that field, I wanted out before I got stuck. My dad had been telling me to avoid doing what he did for a reason I guess.

First year I spent most of my time at Lowe's. Very local flatbed work. Typically ran a straight truck, occasionally a Cascadia with a shorty trailer. Both Moffett trucks. Good work, just inconsistent and wasn't always fulfilling. I think the one month me and the rotation driver only did maybe 800 miles for the month. Really enjoyed my "long" runs out to the store in Fort Wayne and such for ICB loads. Not so much the old lady getting 5 sheets of plywood two streets over.

Going into my second year I am now a company driver with Midwest Logistics Systems. Started January of 2023. Volvo daycab, 53ft, much better than where I was. Wish I had a standard like in school sometimes, but can't have it all!

I run from 2am-2pm typically. I make 2 runs from OH to MI. 500 mile day. Drop and hook. Things do shift and change; but overall much, much better. No longer have to load, unload, print paperwork, all by myself. And then go mess about on some busy state route while the customer tells me it'd be easier to pull in his 5ft driveway.

If I hold anyone up on i75, my condolences, I try to keep the doors closed and be out of yalls way in that right lane.

I do have a real cheap CB, working to maybe upgrade (REAL cheap). Haven't talked yet, just listening in mostly. But my handle probably will be what my username is: Money Shift. Got that from racing, as I'm mainly known among my buddies and fellow track go-ers for sending my Camaro to over 10k rpm by going from 3rd to 2nd at about 100mph. Engine was only able to do maybe 7200 max.

Haven't decided how I'll approach the next few years. Who knows, maybe I'll own a truck someday, but for now, just gonna settle in, see what new EPA and government stuff comes out, and try and learn the flow of the industry better.

I've done a lot of reading on here in the past year, especially as growing up in a busy suburb, diesels are not as common to own or work on. Before my CDL, I maybe had driven 3 light duty disels in my lifetime. I am lucky to have numerous buddies as heavy duty diesel techs now, whom of which have been helping me learn. If anyone has any advice, willing to listen!

Thanks for the long read. Drive safe yall

 

To add: mainly decided to go this route as during my time at UNOH in Lima OH, I spent a lot of weekends traveling. Whether it be to races, or to a friend's in a another state. The one race weekend I spent nearly 30 hours driving, excluding my race time as well. Only 2 hours of sleep the first night. All to go racing the next sunrise until sunset.

Always appreciated drivers at night as thats when I did most of my traveling after work/class. I understand how peaceful yet daunting the low visibility yet low traffic can be. Always would find some good looking rigs to keep me entertained through the night too.

 

Definitely one of the reasons I chose this. Knew there would always be work. Normally we run Mon-Fri, and today I picked up 3 more loads. Should make for a good $$$ week!

Not sure if you've gone but the Joe Stop 99 down there is real nice if you need to fill or grab a quick bite. Even went there for our break during my CDL training last year at UNOH. Real quick fill up, large yard, and the lady working the pump is real kind too. Always a good experience.