Do you enjoy your career??

What company lets you take your girlfriend with you, driver4015? Kinda odd I see that post while I'm in Bend, OR myself, but I'd like to know of a company (flatbed) that doesn't require riders to be a spouse or kid.

 

I don't know which companaies , but I have talked to some drivers that are allowed any friend they want to ride along, provided the proper paper work has been filled out, and most require a set time of employment before it is allowed.

 

Rocks, I was curious how you've managed your diet while on the road. My husband is also vegetarian and he's just starting (dropped him off for orientation just today). A little guidance from you would be very helpful to him. Thanks.

 

I believe I am built for this lifestyle. A loner by nature that loves to drive. I enjoy the solitude and listening to my tunes or favorite radio programs on Sirius Satellite Radio. The great thing is I get PAID to do this! Of course their are annoyances from time to time such as DOT checks, scales, surly customers, hazardous motorists, construction zones, accidents, and bad weather but give me an open highway and my favorite tunes and I am a happy camper.

I even dragged my wife out here after she finished schooling. Regrettably she does not share my love of the highway but is hanging in there (for now). She knows she cannot take me from the road and if she tried I would divorce her in a heartbeat. I love my wife but the road is my LIFE. I have no desire to do anything else. This is after I have worked in factories, radio, and fast food management. This is the easiest job I have had by FAR.

 

Ronnie Milsap said it best
"Some people work to survive but Up here in this CAB that's when I am most alive."
"I could give my hands to another line of work but my heart would always be behind the wheel"

I love that song, it is so darn true.

 

I am still learning and adjusting... I carry a cooler, eventually will buy a refrigerator (and a small microwave). I carry fruits, some vegetables (baby carrots, spinach, tomatoes, etc), granola, all kinds of nuts, bread, cheese, milk, can food (beans, organic soups), protein powder (for the milk shake), tofu, and supplements, olive oil, vinegar and seasoning. Once a week or so I stop at Walmart to re-stock I also carry a steamer (not crock pot) to cook brown rice and vegetables - it's clean, fast and easy (but will need to get a 1000 watts power inverter for that). Sometimes I stop at Flying J and, for the price of a meal, I fill up 3 containers with vegetables, rice, salad, etc, and that is good for 2 (sometimes 3) meals It's a shame truck stops don't offer healthy food... It takes some time and work to prepare the food in the truck, and clean the mess afterwards, but it's worth the trouble. I've been vegetarian for 26 years and would not change it now. Good luck to you and your husband

 

I wish I did that, Rocks. I waste far too much money on the road eating fast food and such. Talking to some people in fast food, I actually spend more per week in meals than they take home as their net pay. I've got a cooler, I just need to get one of those stoves.

 

I agree about the money aspect. I keep talking to one of my coworkers about how Im thinking of going over the road...or that it would pay more...etc. He keeps reminding me that I would spend a bunch of money on food over the road. So actually in a sense, Im making more than I would if i went OTR.

 

I wouldn't go that far to say you'll make less. Invest in a 12V cooker and stock your truck before you leave. You'll save a ton of money and likely not have a heart attack within 5 years.

 

Thats what i figure get a cooler and lunch box cooker and your set...Dont see it costing more if your at a 9-5 job or OTR you still gotta pay to eat..