Off the road - considering a comeback - sort of!

Hello all,

Well, I've been off the road (in 18 wheeler terms anyway) for nearly 30 years. From 18 (intrastate) to 26 (interstate), I drove something for pay. Whether it was an old 10 wheel dump, Jimmy pulling a lowboy, or Freightliner pulling a reefer, I had a chance to see the states and parts of Canada. Then, at about 25, I got this wild bug to join the Marine Corps. After 6 great years of that, I somehow never came back to driving. Probably never will as my regular day job, but I have considered buying a couple of tractors and putting some drivers to work. So, this looked like a good place to re-engage and decide how viable that plan is. I'd like the occasional run and yes, I have a CLASS A CDL, so I could fill in if need be for a sick driver or one that is on vacation. I'll be looking for things like top carriers to lease with, compensation plans for drivers, prices on new or late model equipment. I know that when I was driving, the better the truck the happier I was. So, I'm thinking that if I make the move, I'd want to provide my drivers with new or like new equipment; good for them, good for me.

I got the driving bug again recently when I had a 53' Kentucky drop trailer delivered to me for some storage. The gentlemen I found on USHIP was great, and reminded me of the good aspects of the trucking community. He has this great 1992 Freightliner cabover that was reminiscent of the 1978 model I drove many years ago. We became friends and he helped me get my CDL again after all these years.

Anyway, that's my story and I hope to get to know some people on this board. As far as I can see, there's a bit more regulation now, and the cork board with load postings has been replaced by the internet. From what I have read here so far, there are still a large group of dedicated men and women who get us what we need, when we need it. More than we can say for Congress these days!

 

Thanks for the comment. I'm in the Phoenix area, but I suppose a carrier based in the SW is not necessary. I would like to see my trucks and drivers on a regular basis however, so they would all be based out of here.
Saw the OOIDA as I surfed around. Lots of interesting stuff there.