New to Driving but Excited about the Opportunity

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by oldman1973, Aug 6, 2010.

  1. oldman1973

    oldman1973 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 6, 2010
    Macon,GA
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    Back in 2007 I was looking for something with a future. I had just left a job after 28 years due to plant closure and being over 50 found that almost no one would even interview me for a job. I worked briefly for Lowes which was ok but at 7.28 an hour was quite a change from my old job. I then thought I would check on the Trucking Industry where money was better and being 50 meant nothing, thank you Trucking! It was this site that I came to looking for the best Trucking Company to go with. I choose Roehl which I never regretted. I left briefly for a local transportation job which I left after a year due to safety issues, I liked being home with my wife of 33 years but even she didn't like the odds of me being alive due to the equipment I had to drive. I am now back at Roehl being retrained and I am thinking possitive about the future with them, they are after all one of the Safest Companies on the road and I like my chances of getting back home alive! I also like their Home Time Plus Program. Hopefully over time I will be able to learn from the many experienced Drivers out there and share my experiences and help others.:biggrin_255:
     
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  3. Mastertech

    Mastertech Staff Leader / Admin Staff Member Administrator

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    3rd Rock From The Sun.
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    Hi, oldman1973, Welcome to our Truckers Forum! We hope you enjoy your stay and please read our RULES. We hope to help you and get to know you soon! Thanks, oldman1973!

    oldman1973, do you have a question about how to do something? Try our FAQ section or you can Private Message any Trucker Forum Staff Member (50 posts not required to PM a Moderator) to ask a question! Also, you can read through our Truckers Forum Information Center!
     
  4. simplyred1962

    simplyred1962 Betty Boop, One Bodacious Babe!!!

    Heya, Hiya, and Hello there, oldman!!

    Welcome!!!

    Look forward to your posts, and getting to know ya!!

    Judi Kay
     
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  5. TREE

    TREE Heavy Load Member

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    May 11, 2010
    OHIO
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    Welcome to the board:biggrin_25515:
     
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  6. JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    Troutman NC
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    Welcome to the board Oldman! There are several of us around here that started this adventure at age 50+. I just completed my 6 weeks (or 240 hrs OTR with Swift) and by the end of next week, after final "testing out", I will be assigned a truck and begin as a solo company driver. I have yet to find anything that my "advanced years" couldn't handle....trucking-wise, that is. Of course, having done my training in the prime time of the year, i.e., no snow and/or ice on the roads, I still have much to learn about handling/operating a large commercial vehicle. Well, I guess it would be better to say that I have much to learn about handling/operating a large commercial vehicle even without the snow/ice, but the winter driving will definitely be a test.

    Good luck and stay in touch!
     
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  7. WindHawk

    WindHawk Bobtail Member

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    Aug 13, 2010
    Durant, Oklahoma
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    Hey Oldman1973:

    Does your situation ever sound familiar... Think I'm living it!! Thanks for the post... Misery loves company!! LOL
     
  8. oldman1973

    oldman1973 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 6, 2010
    Macon,GA
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    I tried replaying a few days ago. I hope this gets to you. My first experience in 2007 was in the snow in Wisconsin. Wasn't bad until I drove at night on a two lane road, snow coming down, brief moments of seeing the marks of the road, and praying for another car approaching just so I knew the road was up ahead. That night at the Truck Stop I almost kissed the ground when I got out! I hope I see more of the sun this go around in the winter.HaHa
     
  9. oldman1973

    oldman1973 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 6, 2010
    Macon,GA
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    You too, hope to see you out there.
     
  10. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    NASA HQ
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    That happens more than you think. A lot of small local jobs talk a good talk, then you make the mistake of going to them. I came off the road for one and was back out. Junk equipment. Some co's need to be put out of business, not just out of service.
     
  11. bumperz

    bumperz Bobtail Member

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    Oct 13, 2010
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    A few more paper work hurdles and I am off to one of the school companies. Ive been thinking of doing this for years, excited it is becoming a reality.
    my story not so different than yours oldman, so see ya out there one day i hope.
    best of luck
     
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