Trans Am Still

Shadow you are a vet and a retired one at that. There are plenty of companies that make exceptions for retired vets. You just have to ask. I was a BT for 4 years on the LaSalle and Cape Cod. Wonder if we ever crossed paths

 

Thank you htq that is a great idea. I wanna figure out something to get each girl from each state while I'm on the road. I think they most definitely would love that. Well first day of orientation. Already been talked to bout lease. I ain't fixing to do it. Anytime anyone makes something seem magical and perfect then something is wrong. Seemed kinda hard to get direct specific answers when it comes to leasing. But we shall see how they handle the questions as we proceed. But they aint got the right bait to hook me. I'm here for the experience then move onto bigger and better things. Be safe yall

 

Good to know Jaso! I spent my first 4 years running around the Med on the Nassau, after that I pretty much went west except for one shore tour at NAS Norfolk. Spent 9 years in Japan, 6 of those at sea, combat tour in Africa, now hanging out at the Pentagon for my twilight. Might not have crossed paths but definitely saw the same water. Spent 5 months in the Adriatic during Bosnia, 98-99. Never hit Gaeta (LaSalle used to be the Command ship there, not sure if you were there then) but been to Naples a few times.

 

I was on LaSalle when it was in Bahrain so yes still a command ship. Then went to Cape Cod cause they had girls on that ship, different times then but the Cape Cod was on west pact. Almost 2 full years there. Was happy to get to San Diego

 

Texas stay strong on no lease. Your classmates will be buzzing about it and it will seem really good when everyone is talking so good about it.

 

For Overdrive’s rate spotlight for this week, the DAT network of load boards reports outbound dry van demand on the spot market cooled off markedly in the Pacific Northwest states as well as Florida and elsewhere for a national van load-to-truck ratio that fell from 2.0 to 1.7. California and Arizona remain in the “hot states” column, showing local/regional ratios well above average, while Texas fell off the map.


Arkansas and Mississippi remained hot as well. In the chart, the darker the shaded color, the higher the load to truck ratio, indicating a stronger carrier negotiating position.


Meanwhile, rates fell off a little in most major markets, DAT says.


The national average rate lost 2 cents per mile. Stockton, Calif., rates bucked the trend with a 2-cent boost per mile. Consumer confidence is reportedly improving in July, however, sending a hopeful signal that could lead to higher freight volume in the fall.

 

I second that texashounddog ....Stay strong and do not lease! Your family depends on you and the lease is not family friendly. You will be moving on to a better position after TransAm.

ShadowSix, for what it is worth I have a little different take than some of the others. Not much different ....but a little. There is so much to learn when you first begin OTR and a lot of stress involved, especially in big cities. While there are many carriers that will gladly take on a veteran that doesn't meet their standard hiring requirements....they are not going to be as forgiving of a rookie driver as a training company is. Six months with a training company, learning at their expense, and you are good to go anywhere that you would like to. Just something to think about ....

 

Delivered my beer load on Monday near New Bern NC, then loaded out of Wilson, dropped in Enfield CT this morning. Reloaded Linden NJ after a 5 hour, 100 mile drive down I 95, through southern CT, and the GW Bridge in NYC. UGH!! Currently in Northeast MD. Stopped before 4pm. Wasn't dealing with Baltimore/DC traffic too!! I will take that on after midnight sometime and get down to Henderson NC in the morning. Then one more short up and back as I have the weekend off, again. Three in a row!! Night night. I think Jaso is mad at me. I will be up at 2 am. Nite all.