My first run started and ended bad. First thing after I hooked up to the trailer is my trailer brakes where froze up after getting them free my truck gelled in the lot and had to change the filters.After getting to the dock to load (after 2 hrs) I was ready to roll. Got to my destination with no problems and and hr and a half before my dock time. Got to the dock 2 hrs after my dock time then it took 7 hrs after paying high lumper fee's to get unloaded.This was on a friday. So now dispatch had told me I had a back haul which didn't happen until monday.I spent the weekend in a motel. In the mean time I found an anti freeze leak and had it fixed early monday morning. Got that fixed and now I have my load assignement over the qual com. After telling dispatch I had pallets on I needed to get rid of I was told to take them to a place that works with them. Now I got an hr or so drive to get my load. I should say I had already told dispatch I would not make the dock time on my next load. it was an impossible situation I thought. I got loaded at 4 pm and my dock time was 6 am I was in Brownsville tn and had to get to Omaha ne the next moring . Talking to the dispatch I again said I would not make the dock time that was there and I only had 8 hrs of drive time left. He kept bugging me about what time I might be there and I told him mid tues afternoon. Then I got if thats the best you can do from him (kinda pissed me off) So now I arrive at the place I needed to be after driving through a snowstorm in kansas city. My first time driving in snow solo.The consignee said he would unload me and it didn't sound like a problem but dispatch told him I wouldn't be there until midnight and I was there at 4:15. Now I have to take full credit for what happened next. I screwed up and got the truck high centered and had to call a tow truck. No damage done and another driver was there to help out and I thank god he was there.So anyway I got unloaded and went to the truckstop and met a friend of mine there and had coffee. he said I looked tired and I told him about what happened and I only had 8 hrs of driving time. I did get home to clear my head and think things through and I decided to keep going with it. Like one driver said . Sounds like the worst of it has happened it can only get better. I ;leave this sat on my next run so we will see.petesout
My first run ( not sure if trucking is for me)
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by petesout, Jan 31, 2008.
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LilTruck here!
By golly Petesout, when it rains it pours. Just pack a big ##* Umbrella!!!!
I read your profile.
A survivor of the Vietnam War, married to your lovely bride of 33 years, and you like to FLY AIRPLANES!
I am trying to relate to your issue's. Bottom line , is it the dealing with the Employer at the other end of the phone line?
Independance can be used in a good way. You the man, your calling the shots, your behind the wheel, just like you were in those Boots in Vietnam and wearing some mighty big shoes to keep a 33 yrs of marriage to your lovely bride, and getting in a Flying Engine for heavens sakes.
Be Square and FAIR to yourself out there OTR, it is a honorable profession and you will meet the best people out there , that have been and our now feeling what you are going thru RIGHT NOW!
So care to share why are you OTR?
You get high centered , thats what tow trucks are for.
I may make a suggestion, if you've got that feeling in your hands (I think you do , you fly a plane) handle that truck like your wife on the dance floor !!!__!!!
Your Big Rig ain't a baby anymore, it has feelings to and it will do what ask of it, common sense has gotten you thus far.
and may I also say and I am sure you have heard this :
If things get testy , imagine a comfort zone and take a deep breath!
Please keep us posted!! Sincerely LilTruck!
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Sounds like a nightmare I experienced on my very first over the road trip.. It was unreal..My first real experience with snow and ice..My first trip ever. lol Like the previous guy said.. Itll get better..That trip lead to owning 3 trucks and almost 19 years.. Youll never know what ahead of you for tomorrow...But what a ride its been..
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AMEN!
itll get better, well cant really get any worse than that but, keep your head up high
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I'm not a driver yet, so my opinion is based on non-trucking experience. All I can say is that I've noticed over the years that whenever I start a new job that on the first day I almost always hate it and want to quit. For this reason, I have adopted the policy that I never make a decision on Day One.
As some of the other guys have said, the chances are that it HAS to get better as time goes on for you. With experience, you will get more and more comfortable with everything and you will know what to expect.
My advice is to hang in there and just don't let the challenges get you down. Take everything as it comes, and know that you are doing your best, which is all anyone can do. It sounds like you did great on your first run when you consider all the obstacles you had to face.
Best of luck. You CAN do it!
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