New Career ... From the beginning.

Mark
post a pic of your (real) truck when you get it! (sans the number!)

Good for you!!!!

 

Markus, just wanted to drop ya a note and say CONGRADULATIONS. You've done it! Please don't stop posting, take us along on your journey, your writing has been most interesting and inspiring as well. God Bless you and BE SAFE. Now, post that big Orange Rig for us to all see! Go get em,

Your friend,

La Pine Ron

 

congratulations Mark. I've gotten my physical and CDL 'learner's permit' and start with Millis on Feb. 6th. I am so glad to be out of the corporate world.....

 

Fixed it for ya.

 

Well maybe driving an automatic will be helpful to you for a week or so until you get used to the rest of the truck and backing and such. Just try not to get stuck in one permanently. If you switch jobs it will bite you in the ###. Automatics are great when you are stuck in traffic but scary as hell going through the mountains. Something about putting your life in the hands of a computer I just can't get used too!

Nonetheless congrats man! Thats awesome you are finally on your journey! Keep in mind things are going to go wrong and get stressful and your world is going to feel upside down for awhile. Usually about the three month mark you will be comfortable with your day to day happenings out there and be used to the lifestyle, backing, directions and preplanning etc.... So until then relax and don't get down on yourself if things aren't going right.

Also now is the time to start building a good relationship with your dispatcher. Never say "NO", never be late, always butter them up and smile no matter what is going on. Dispatchers will love you if you have a good attitude and are easy to get along with. They love drivers that aren't a pain in the butt to them! Just keep "brown nosing" and you will find your pay checks will get better and better.

Always keep safety in mind Markus! Never let your guard down out there! Its good to remind yourself daily of this. Sometimes safety goes by the wayside to newbies once they get going out there and start to get used to the truck. Take everything slow (within reason) and drive that truck like a dinosaur. Take the time to teach yourself to refine your driving and maybe even float some gears.

Good luck Markus, keep us all updated!

Drive safe man!

 

Hey Marcus! I just found this thread. I'm leaving a 15 year career in Electronic Security Sales and Sales Management and going to Swift Training on the 30th. It is something that I have wanted to do since I was a kid so when my great paying job downsized me last Month, I decided it was time. My kids are grown and the Road is calling me big time.

Thanks for creating this thread. I now feel less crazy about the choice I have made. My recruiter told me that alot of older professional types are calling in lately. I'll be turning 46 on the road with a trainer in Feb.

Please keep this thread going so we can read about your experiences.

 

Hey!! Congrats Markus!!!! Sorry , I havent posted much here , I've been busy!!! Ok, here we are a week in, I've been able to log almost 1200 miles this with another trainee in the truck too splitting driving. HAven't had rushed loads , so we were able to take our time and really learn things.


We are currently in N Ga stopped for the night. Headed back toward home. At least towards SQT!!!!!!!!!!!! TE believes he can safely cut me loose. Indy or Gary bound. Depends on where a spot is open for me to do this.


Off to dinner , then to bed. Have an early start tomorrow am.