Hello From Ariel, Washington

Hello everyone I'm a new subscriber on this site and thought I'd introduce myself as the site recommends.

OK I'm a girl....lol woman actually have been trucking for 5 years now as a solo driver but have been off the truck for the last year and a half for health reasons. (diesel fume poisoning from a Swift truck 5yrs ago which btw is where I trained)

Am getting healthy with the love and support of my better half, whose a handsome diesel mechanic for Ryder Transportation in Portland, (yes I said mechanic not Technician, there are still a few out there) and just about ready to start truckin again in spring so I'm getting caught up on industry news, new laws and FMCSA regs so I'm ready to roll in Feb or Mar.

Haven't decided which company to work for yet, idk if I should go back to Crete or work for Hartley Trans which is a small (100 truck) operation. I have worked for them both and actually have good things to say about them both but a lot can change in a year and a half. So if anyone has Current information/experience on Crete I would appreciate ya letting me know.

I'm a fairly recent driver, as I said 5years experience but have old time trucker ideals. For example I still flash my lights when someone passes me, I pull over and help older folks that are broke down on the side of the road (when it is safe to do so....lol) I don't get into all the trash talkin on the radio and I say what I mean and mean what I say, my word is my promise and I live up to it. And even though I didn't truck 'back in the day' I miss the industry of those time and the fun the guys used to have in a simpler day, albeit the conditions were much worse for the drivers then, but that's one of the challenges that made a trucker a very special person, an Angel of the Highways.

Additionally, I don't get involved in the whining and the nay saying garbage and have a very realistic view on truckin, the job And the lifestyle and know that our jobs aren't easy or even fun a lot of the time but regardless its the only job I've ever had that made me happy, gave me a sense of satisfaction and that I have been missing since I left the road 1 1/2 years ago.

Well that's about it. I welcome any feedback on the industry, good companies that I should look at, new regs that are getting under your skin that you'd like to share etc....Thanks and Take Care out there!

 

I agree with ya they busted thru on unproven routes much of it dirt roads, they slept in a sweat box and don't even get me started on missin a gear...lol We have it so easy compared to the men and gals of the old days, thats why I can't see whining about todays challenges.

 

Why don't you go back to Swift? (kidding).

roflmao oh yah your right Swift just moved up the list

BTW thanks for the kind words, appreciate the come back. You're right about human nature but you've probably guessed I've never been a lamb that follows the norm...so why start now...lol