New Career ... From the beginning.

Thanks..I am fine. You know there's no teacher like experience. I appreciate your friendship

 

My wife was not real happy that I wrote about my mishaps on lone. But...I've discovered that a lot of you reading this are just like me...thi king...wondering if driving a truck is an option. So, I wanted to share my experience with you...warts and all. I've been a professional driver for all of 3 days...day one was horrible.....2 and 3 were each better. But, I have to agree with Chompi...it takes everyday practice...until your brain functions automatically.
I delivered a load to a drop lot in Newark NJ today....whew! The adrenalin was pouring thru my body at 100 proof . The GPS. Normally is great...but today it really let me down. Can't trust her.
So at least one of you is netting that SNI will terminate me. I asked them if I was fired..NO they said. But we want you to come back to Carlisle for some additional training. I'll take them at their word. I suppose they might have told me that...just to be sure that I brought their truck back. I think those people are more ethical than that...we'll just have to wait and see. In the mean time I'm in my bunk...in my truck....in Carlisle...doing my restart.

 

Here's the thing....good decisions....judgement..based on experience. The thing is...driving a 70 foot long monster is so different than a pick up...your former driving experience has to be either thrown out the window....or at least tempered. The accident was just that. It was snowing...yes..but it wasn't a blizzard. It was like one of those snow balls that you shake or turn upside down...my wife would have said it was pretty. So..it didn't seem dangerous to me. Besides it was my first day...I think they would have really thought I was a wouse if i called in....and and begged out of work for that. Now, I know better.
But here's the point I wanted to make....once you are committed down a path you have to live with that decision. In a 4 wheeler....you can turn around...in an 18 wheeler you CAN NOT. Once you've made that turn....That's it. Twice on this trip I've gotten into a dead end street.....the darn GPS on my company navigation was confused. God sent 2 angels ( I'm serious) to help me out....both came at a critical time to help. The events were serious enough for me to really learn (hopefully) a few things about trucking. I will use my atlas to really plan the trip...especially in cities...and ,believe it or not, the other extreme..in rural areas. KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING! Once you've turned that wheel the decision is made....and you have to live with it. I'm going to make a little sign to hang in my cab...ALWAYS KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING....ALWAYS!