Hi, I'm Snazzy and I'm Trucker

Yep Big Duker I'm certain that I'm on several hit list, as Life Goes On.

The second week of school our class was divided in half. Yep, my half would report to the classroom at 7am and drive our desk until noon. Then after our lunch break we'd switch and have our turns behind the wheel of the trucks. The first few days an instructor would chauffeur us around the course and demonstrate proper shifting, double clutching, braking, mirror use, and other basic driving skills. Now, we weren't pulling trailers yet. Yep, this was just bobtailing around the track. The trucks had their sleepers modified and there were no beds. Nope, they'd been replaced with padded benches so we could watch as the gears got ground and listen to the cuss words fly. Yep, some of the students were ready to quit after their first real taste of driving. Now to be honest, I had a hard time breaking my old habit of floating the gears. You know, not using the clutch to shift. The track instructors were a mixed bunch. Most were nice and tried to teach us to do things properly. A couple of them tried to bully the students and you know how that doesn't help. Yep, it just upsets folks and frustrates them. So, as soon as the hard nosed instructors had their turn, me and Pony Tail would help out. Yep, for those that wanted it. Now, I did remind my fellow students that I sure wasn't an instructor. Nope, I was just a student like them, but if I could help. Well, you know what I mean.

Now, the students were a mixed bag. Yep, about half were prehired by a couple of major trucking companies. They had sold their souls for the price of the tuition. Yep, they were committed to repay the companies by having around $50.00 each week deducted from their pay. Now, that doesn't sound like a bad deal. But, as most learned later on. Well, there are a couple of things that the companies don't mention. Yep, your first year is most always your leanest. So, if your only making a couple of hundred per week and $ 50.00 of that you never see. Now, don't forget that you have to pay for your meals, laundry, and such. You know ! Living on the road is expensive. Of course, there are taxes withheld and then the company deductions. You know ! The company requires that you purchase such things as load-locks, padlocks, gloves, and such. Oh don't worry ! Yep, they'll furnish it at an inflated price and you guessed it. Yep, that too will be money that you never see. The ole company will bleed you dry and screw you over. What a deal ! Now, I guess your thinking that this is crazy and a company wouldn't do that. Wrong ! You see, that's how the system works. Their counting on the fact that you'll quit after a few weeks. Yep, you see if you do, then they have gotten pretty much free labor. Yep, it is crazy ! Just imagine being assigned to a trainer and driving several thousands of miles. Yep, your putting in at least 70 hour behind the wheel or unloading trailers. Then your first settlement check shows that you owe the company money. What a deal !

Yep, your screwed ! Now, of course the companies will lead you on. Yep, some smooth talking voice on the phone will soothe your ruffled feathers. Yep, your next check will be better and don't worry. Yep, they'll let you make those cash draws to keep you going. Well guess what ? It's just like the old song, ' Owe My Soul to the Company Store. ' Well, after a few weeks. You know, after losing your house, the wife leaving, and your kids on welfare. Yep, the ole sucker lollipop from the cartoons replaces your head. Man ! It's too late then ! You know, the game is over. You can't believe that you were so stupid. So, you quit and feel like a used ##### at a China port. Well, that's why you need to read over the Truckers Report site. Yep, you won't find many trucking sites that expose the crap that goes on. That's because most of them are paid for by the very companies that are pulling these ripoffs. Now, also remember that there are a few reputable outfits and trucking can be one of the most rewarding jobs that you could ever have. The difference is up to you ! If a hundred folks all tell the same or similar horror stories, about the same companies. Well you know, run don't be a sucker ! Well, I'll have to get rid of this soapbox and get back to the true fiction tales, as Life Goes On.

Let's break Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

Great advice. At least about trucking company ripoffs.

 

Well Snazzy, it's taken me 6 years, 27 months and 472 days... and I've finally read the WHOLE thread. Pretty good stuff! I have a couple of problems with your story however...

While sitting in this chair reading your story, I developed deep vein thrombosis which resulted in a pulmonary embolism and stroke. A life flight ambulance was called and they had to do a rectalfurniturotomy (surgically remove my ##### from the chair) before I could be transported to a hospital in Montgomery.

Anyhoo, while I was laid up in bed, I saw an ad on the TV for the Law Offices of Shark, Screwem and Bilkem... so I called.

Mr. Shark says I've got a case and you should be hearing from him shortly.

 

Let's have a big Snazzy welcome for lilillill who will fit in here perfectly. I do background checks on all Snazzers and discovered that lilillill may have worked for one of the outfits that I did. Oh, as far the chair stuck up your bo-bo, I found that standing on your head while reading this crap helps to avoid that. Duker, I know you've been there and have seen the ripoffs. #### shame that it's still going on. What a deal, as Life Goes On.

So, our third week finally arrived and our class had finished the book learning part. Yep, now half of the class drove around the track, as the other half got to terrorize the motoring public. What a deal ! We were now pulling 48' trailers that had ' STUDENT TRUCK DRIVER ' posted on all sides. The track had also been modified with squished orange cones laying all over. As a group, the class had done quite well. I mean, no one had gotten killed and most of the quitters had quit. Now, I guess besides learning how to shift properly, backing a big rig can be as, if not more challenging. I mean you can grind a few gears and still get her done. But Hey ! There ain't no cheating when it comes to backing. Either you can or you can't. There is no in between, I guess it's like being a little bit pregnant. You know, your a backer or a backslider. Yep, and the whole world will know which ! It can be one hell of a frustration or one heck of a ego booster. Now, I guess what my problem was, that I was rusty. Yep ! I had a hard time of it, but it was worth it.

Yep ! One of the instructors decided to really test me. He was one of the Hard Nosed track trainers that tried to intimidate the students. Oh, the difference between the Track Trainers and the Road Trainers was simple. The Track Trainers weren't allowed to train on the road. I'd be willing to bet that they probably had something in their past. You know, maybe too many speeding tickets or whatever. Yep, most likely an insurance thing or maybe the school knew they didn't have the right demeanor. You know ! You don't want a hothead getting folks all rattled behind the wheel of a big rig. So, I was just tooling around the track and practicing my parallel parking. You see, there were two old banged up trailers parked that simulated the need to get squeeze between. Now to be honest, I'd never found it necessary to parallel park an 18 wheeler. I mean, to me it was a bit overkill for the state to expect a student to do that. Oh, I know ! Yep ! It shows that you can really cut the rug, err..wheel. Anyway, just like backing your setup is the key to success. Anyway, I wasn't doing it quick enough to suit ole Hot Head's satisfaction. Yep, he jumped on the running board and began to set me straight.

Hot Head stuck his face in the window, " Your not even close to where you need to be ! Now pull up ! Cut your wheel ! Cut your Wheel ! Hold it ! Your not listening ! Now ! Back her up, slow, cut her, some more, a little more, thats' it ! Hold it ! Now ! You see the problem ? "

I saw the problem, " Your in my mirror and I can't see ! "

Hot Head exploded, " Don't blame me if you can't back ! Your just making up excuses ! Now listen to me ! Wait a minute ! Let this other truck have a turn, go ahead and circle the track and come back ! "

So, I circled the track and spotted Pony Tail. He was walking down the track and didn't look to happy. He had reported his crappy track truck to Hot Head, because it had been over heating. Well, Hot Head had ordered Pony Tail keep driving it. So, we decided to teach Hot Head a lesson and set our conspiracy into action. I dropped Pony Tail off at the shop and he was issued another tractor. I slowly drove back to where Hot Head was at. Yep, he was still all lathered up and frothing at the mouth. So, I drove right past him and stopped adjacent to the first trailer. Yep, he fell for it and ran like a rabid skunk and jumped right back on my running board. From where he stood, he couldn't see what I could, from my passenger side mirror. Yep, ole Pony Tail swung his bobtail between the trailers and hooked up. Yep ! He pulled that second trailer up a good 15' feet and then dropped it. I managed to stall and keep Hot Head distracted.

I gave Hot Head the look, " Say ! Are you sure that this is right ? I mean, it looks to me that there's just not enough room ! "

Hot Head exploded, " Don't tell me that ! Hell, all the other students aren't having a problem ! You just don't listen ! Now, back up and listen to me !"

I stalled some more, " Wait a minute ! Man ! My shorts are riding up my crack. Oh geez ! Oh, that's better. So, what were saying ? "

Hot Head jerked the door open, " Get in that passenger seat and watch me. You just won't listen ! "

I knew this was going to be good and had to bite my tongue to keep from losing it. Yep ! Ole Hot Head fought that wheel like a prize fighter in the last round. He swung left, he swung right, he backed up, he pulled up, he cussed, he turned red, he turned blue, he started speaking in tongue, and finally he just went totally postal. Yep ! He began ramming the second trailer and shoving it back. By now, the whole class, along with all the instructors, a group of girl scouts selling cookies, a pack of nuns, two stray dogs, the local news media, all stood in awe. I had to jump to safety as Hot Head then began ramming the front trailer. Yep ! He was determined to get her in that spot or die trying. Headlights, fiberglass, and steam filled the air, as Hot Head got her in there. I was impressed, but did feel sorry, as the white jackets netted ole Hot Head. He was still grasping the steering wheel that he'd pulled out by the roots. Yep ! That's my fondest memory of driving school, as Life Goes On.

Let's break Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

Our last week was spent entirely on the road practicing for the big road test. Yep, our road trainers knew exactly what route and what the state testers would require of us. Out the 40 students that had started only 12 had stuck with it. So, that meant that only 3 students were assigned to each rig. That gave all us plenty of wheel time each. Now to be honest I dare say, that overall the school did a good job. I mean that most of the students had improved by leaps and bounds. Of course everyone was nervous as we waited or turns at the Texas Department of Public Safety. Pony Tail went first by choice. He maxed the driving test and got us all off to a good start. I chose to go second and did well, but screwed up a couple of minor things. The testers wanted to see your head turn as you approached intersections and checked for cross traffic. I didn't swoop my neck around like a hoot owl, so I lost a couple of points. I also had five points deducted for an extra pull up made during my parallel parking. Yep, I was laughing too hard. Only two students had to retest and they passed the following day.

Now every Friday, since the start of school, recruiters would come in and hawk their companies. Of course the prehired students weren't allowed to hear their sales pitch. The school had a secretary that prepared our resumes and to honest mine looked really good. Yep, I had worked as telemarketer for the past four years and had glowing references. What a deal ! Now, I was a little concerned about using my bogus work history. I mean it looked good on paper, but it sure was a pack of lies. Anyway, my mind was set at ease on graduation day. A female recruiter was the last one to speak and I was last one that hadn't committed myself. I was still a little concerned about lying on my application. Anyway, she decided to just pull up a desk and sit next to me. I mean why stand in front of the class when I was the only one in the room ? So, she gave me the wink and blew my socks off.

She batted her eyelashes, " I'm Glenda and a friend of Nice Guys'. We use to work together here at the school. He's told me all about you. Let's see, your Barney Goose and are looking for a good company to work for. "

I was all ears, " Yep, that's me ! So, you and Nice Guy use to work here ?"

Glenda blushed, " We did more than work, he,he,he ! Nice Guy took that job he has now and I went to work for Crook Trucking. You know this is the last class the school graduates. We both did right moving on and I'm now the top recruiter for Crook. "

I had to ask, " Did Nice Guy tell you about ...

Glenda cut me off, " Look Barney, Crook Trucking only cares that you have your CDL and a three year clean driving record. That's all that you need and I can get you started tomorrow. "

I gave her the look, " What happens if they find out that I've ...."

Glenda talked over me, " They already know about those DWIs and your other problems ! Crook Trucking has been in business for over 30 years and has over 300 employees. They have over 200 trucks running all 48 and are expanding everyday. It's a great opportunity for you and they will treat you right. We hire people based on their abilities, not on their past mistakes. "

I was shocked. " Well, I need a job alright. So, what kind of wages do they pay? Is it all dry van ? What about slip seating ? Can you keep the truck on your days off ? What is the policy on home time ? It is solo ? I won't run as a team ! "

Glenda had heard enough, " Were you sitting next to Nice Guy when he called me ? "

I had to think back, " Yeah, I guess so. Your the one who just got married and ran a drivers license check on me ? "

Glenda giggled, " So you heard him ask me to get naked ? "

I blushed, " Yeah, he told me that ya'll use to fool around. He seemed a little hurt that you got married. "

Glenda grinned, " So ! What do you think ? "

I wasn't thinking, " About what ? "

Yep, I paid for an extra night at the student motel and rode them water balloons all night. What a deal ! Yep, for a newly wed that had tied the knot three times before. Well, ole Glenda knew how to recruit alright. Yep, that was night to remember, as Life Goes On.

Nightie night Snazzers, your Snazzy1.

 

So, it early was August 1994, when I graduated from the driving school. I packed my bags into the old Datsun and bid farewell to Waco. My drive back to Dallas was filled with anticipation. You know ! Had I done the right thing ? Was Crook Trucking going to work out for me ? Was that taste in my mouth Summers Eve ? Anyway, I arrived back at my apartment in Dallas and cut it up with Mike the Beard. Yep, he was still there and so were a couple of his employees. Now, Mike was the sort of guy that always wanted to help folks out that needed it. So, he'd hired a couple fellas that he'd met from the halfway house back in Lubbock. Now, that really didn't bother me. I mean these guys were all excons, drug addicts, and lowlifes. But hey ! They were trying to get their lives back together. Yep, ole Mike was a hard boss and really worked his crew to their limits. They'd head out at 6 am and work until dark, 7 days a week. Now, Mike paid them a good wage and kept a tight rein. Yep, they were all clean and sober, but they all looked like skid row bums. The only thing that did bother me was that my apartment looked like a storage warehouse. Yep, Mike had bags of cement, cans of paint, ole tools, and whatnots, scattered all over the place.

Anyway, I agreed to allow Mike to stay, as long as the apartment manager didn't raise a stink. You know ! I wanted to help him out and he was doing really good. Yep, he'd subcontracted a large job doing a cement pond for the city of Dallas. It was right in front of the city hall and it was quite a large project. He'd gotten a cash advance and bought himself a used work van. Yep, ole Mike was a good businessman and knew how to make a buck. Anyway, what did I care ? Yep, the system had given me that apartment rent free for three years. It was in the contract, that no matter what my income was, I was exempt from paying any rent. What a deal ! Yep, your taxes at work, keeping guys like me off the streets. Anyway, Mike agreed to tidy the place up and wished me luck. I was only home for two days, before reporting to my new job.

Crook Trucking was hidden off of IH 45, just a few miles South of Dallas. There were no signs and without having directions, or following one of their trucks, you'd never find the place. Anyway, I took the exit, went under the overpass, circled back on the access road, hung a right, and parked in the gravel parking lot. There were at least 40 big rigs parked in the lot and a good 100, dusty four wheelers. Yep, I guessed they belonged to the long haul drivers. Anyway, I sashayed in carrying my paperwork and was rushed into a small room. I began to fill out my official employment application, but Glenda snatched it from me. Yep, all she wanted was the top filed out and she'd handle the rest. What a deal ! So, I was stuffed into a van with several other lost souls and dropped off at the medical clinic. They gave us our company physicals, took a wee-wee sample, and filed out our DOT medical cards. We were herded back to the terminal and watched a one hour video tape. Yep, that was our orientation and while the video played we took our required written test. You know, that 30 question test that the companies had to give. What was strange, was that the multiple choice answers were already filled in. Another thing that struck me odd, was that the orientation wasn't about Crook Trucking. Nope, it was about some outfit named PST.

Anyway, I was issued my Crook Trucking fuel card and bum rushed out to meet my trainer. Yep, in less than three ours time, I was on the road and headed out. I was shell shocked and my head was spinning. I mean this outfit was something else. They had just hired in a half a dozen folks and done what takes most companies three days to do. But hey ! That was alright with me. Yep, the sooner that I finished my training the better. I couldn't wait to get it over with. I was looking forward to running solo and making the big bucks. Yep, Snazzers we're on the big road again, as Life Goes On.

Lets break, your Snazzy1.

 

PST??? You have got to be blowin' fecal matter at me! That's the outfit where I got my start in 1991 and I probably been to the yard you're talking about.

Got my orientation in the Hammond, IN yard and yep, it was about the same process. I had a CDL but absolutely ZERO experience... didn't go through school--just passed the written and skills test ( day-cab Brigadier with an automatic and a 40ft flatbed).

Anyhow, not gonna steal the thread... my PST story is a novel all in itself.

 

snazzy

first off.....yer a great story teller and you need to get one scarecrow and ducks about gettin this thing in print

that said i just read this entire thread....i started at 130pm mt and just finished at 455am mt

i had popped in from time to time before....but wow man....i really should have started readin the whole thing along time ago

 

Alright, Super Trucker hits the road again!

 

Snazzers we are privileged to have the honor of a real Truckers Report legend. Yep, broncrider is one of the few that shares his true daily adventures with us. I recommend his post to all that want to hear about becoming an owner operator. I found his threads as being honest, open, and very entertaining. So, after you read my crap here, be sure to visit his thread. Truly broncrider, a very warm Snazzy welcome to you. Now lil, I hope you don't mind me calling you that. I just can't see well enough to spell out your whole name. Before I use any real names that might offend anyone, or cause my true identity to be discovered. Well, like Idiot City, for example. I did work for a city, but you can understand why I didn't print it's true name. Now, with PST I researched it before using that name. The outfit that I was with only pulled dry vans and didn't have a flatbed division. I discovered that there are several PST trucking companies still doing business today. The PST that I was with, went bankrupt over 10 years ago. When I noticed that you had worked for PST, I felt that there was a good chance that it was the same one. I guess we're both lucky that they're different outfits. I mean, now we can't squeal on each other, or make things up. Of course we wouldn't do that. Would we ? Again, welcome aboard lil and I bet there are still a bunch of outlaw companies out there today. So, don't be a stranger and stay with us, as Life Goes On. Oh, I need to reboot and get a cold one before boring ya'll. So, as the man says, I'll be back, the Snazzy1.