KH's place

When I came home from Swift, my goal was obtain employment. I did not care where, what it paid, what it was doing. I just wanted to put food on my table and be with my family. I initially saw the ad on CL advertising for a part-time driver and shop worker. Four days after I left Swift in TN, I went in and filled out an application. I got a call one week asking for an interview. I had told them I wanted to apprentice.

What appeals to me about an apprenticeship is learning a trade. In this case, it is making dry-ice, filling CO2 tanks, Siphon tanks, beer mix, cleaning the shop, operating a CMV on deliveries and learning the business. I used dry ice and love to be hands on.

Anyways I told we will give you a shot for a couple of days and go from there. If I made it, my hours would vary and it would be part time. I started today and heres my journey:

I went in and filled 300lbs in six boxes for a tissue center. I loaded 20lb CO2 canister's and my ice. My trainer Todd was cool. I was introduced to the truck I'll be driving, a F350 diesel dually and a 91' Sterling 26ft open box truck. We took the dually and dropped off ice at the hospital and tissue center. He then handed the truck over to me. I got the shifting down after the first two stops and stalled twice. I felt bad but turned the situation into a funny joke. I mentioned "wheres my student driver signs when I need them??" Todd laughed and said "Well there around here somewhere." When we got back, I apologized for stalling twice but was cut off with him mentioning I drove safe and made him comfortable.

We off loaded the 350 and loaded the Sterling with the load per the manifest. We stopped at 12 bars and restaurants. Time flew and I told Todd I was a little nervous but it is very fun. We got back and off loaded our 20lb CO2 tanks. I filled them up and as I did, it began to dawn on me: This job has the best of both worlds: outside work and inside work, that is if you count driving with the windows rolled down. Got told by my partner, good job and we'll be heading S. on Thursday. I have the day off tomorrow. For once my hazmat is being put to use.

KH
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I have yet to drive it. My partner pretriped her. All I drive is the F350. If we take it tomorrow, then I will probably drive her.

KH

 

Honestly,

I could not find a fleet owner.

Well day three is in the books. Reported in for work and was shown how to open and close the shop. Mowed the lawn and cleaned the bathrooms. In addition, I learned how dry ice was made and made 300lbs of it. When I asked if I could go to lunch, I was offered BBQ instead and man was it good. Overall good day and was told welcome to the team. I like my boss as he is a very good teacher and is flexible with me. Off for the weekend. Overall, I am happy I made the right decision to stay local. God bless and have a good weekend.

KH

 

My job has a couple of perks: I learn something new every day. I do not know anything besides driving that truck out there. This job has a lot of numbers and I love numbers. I get to loose weight! Finally, I get to know the restaurants around town and know who possesses the best food.

KH