Newbie with USA

Discussion in 'USA Truck' started by cjoe85, Jan 7, 2008.

  1. Owner's Operator

    Owner's Operator Medium Load Member

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    Joe, did it work out with the lead I gave you? If not no hard feelings.
     
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  3. cjoe85

    cjoe85 Light Load Member

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    Nov 2, 2007
    Chicago, IL
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    Sorry I didn't post this earlier, but I never even called. I went in a different direction and joined the Army. It's something I've wanted to do for the last few years and I decided that there was no time like the present. I ship out for basic in a month and a half, so wish me luck. Thanks again for all of the leads and support, I really do appreciate it.
     
  4. IrishOKelley

    IrishOKelley Bobtail Member

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    Good luck in the Army. Thanks for being willing to serve our country.

    Irish
     
  5. panhandlepat

    panhandlepat Road Train Member

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    good luck joe!! and thanks in advance for defending our country:yes2557:
     
  6. Tran Man

    Tran Man Light Load Member

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    "Rangers lead the way".... Congratulations Joe !!
     
  7. blackhawk

    blackhawk Bobtail Member

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    Baltimore, Maryland
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    Last Seen: 18 Minutes Ago 01.45 PM
    Member Since: Mar 2009
    Location: Baltimore, Maryland
    Trucker? 2 Years
    Age: 43
    Posts: 1
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    It's amazing...

    I'm new to this board and just about to go to work for USA after a hiatus from the industry for 10 years.

    From 93 to 95 I worked for Arrow Trucking out of Tulsa. And ya know something... Things haven't changed one bit. I see more complaining and whining from people in this industry than any other industry I have come in contact with.

    I left trucking because of spouse problems. She couldn't handle me being out, not even regional where I was home at least every two weeks, most of the time every weekend. Needless to say, she's now history and I got the itch to get back to what I loved doing. You might ask... Why not go back to Arrow... Well, I am a little older now and flatbedding is, IMO, for the young guys. Twelve years ago I didn't mind getting out there and tarping a load in 20 degree weather. Not sure I feel the same way now, lol.

    Anyway, what I am saying is this... I have to go back to step one, yeah, school and all because I let my CDL go. New guys, take this advice from someone who has done it before... Keep your mouth shut and your eyes and ears wide open as you go through your training period. You'll have your chance to essentially be your own driver soon enough. Act like a PROFESSIONAL. Remember you are a newbie (as I have to be now even though I do have previous experience). If you are told to take a load, take it. New York, Chicago, LA, whatever... Those cities will give you valuable driving experience that you will NOT find anywhere else in the US. Any moron can hold a wheel and guide a truck down a major interstate. It's the tight areas where you REALLY learn how to drive a truck. Get to know your dispatcher... You dont have to become chums, but it is always better to be on their good side than their bad side. You will get better trips, better miles, and get home with MUCH more ease than if you constantly whine and ##### to them... Did I mention, ACT PROFESSIONAL? Not only with your dispatchers but also with your shippers and recievers. Remember... All they have to do is pick up a phone and complain about you and you will wind up on the short end of the stick. The biggest thing is that you need to understand is that you are just starting in this, there are multitudes of people in the industry that have more experience than you do and 90% of them are happy to share their experience with you if you just ask. Last thing, believe only half of what you see and none of what you hear. Most of the whining and complaining done on these sites or on the CB (ESPECIALLY the CB) is done by people who couldn't follow these really simple guidelines to becoming successful in this industry. Sure, you are gonna have to take your lumps as a newbie, just as in any industry. Keep a good professional attitude and you will go far. Whine and cry about everything and you will find yourself sitting at a lot of truck stops waiting for loads.
     
    Highgear, jfr and Baack Thank this.
  8. Tran Man

    Tran Man Light Load Member

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    Jan 24, 2009
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    Let's see how you feel in a couple of months?
     
  9. blackhawk

    blackhawk Bobtail Member

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    I'll feel the same... It's a living and I may as well make the best of it.
     
  10. Greenacres0802

    Greenacres0802 Light Load Member

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    Mar 31, 2009
    Wysox, PA
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    Joe,
    OUCH!! I have been following your trials and tribulations for the last few days. Some of the stuff you had to go through, they should have given you a medal for not pulling someone's arm off and beating them over the head with it. Good luck and thanks again for the OTR reports.

    (the Medals will be coming your way soon enough)

    Now I guess the shoe is on the other foot. As a retiree after21 years from the Army, I can tell you it is a great life. I find it harder being a civilian (1 1/2 years into the experience) than it was in the Army. You have the right attitude to go far, and you will never find a company that takes better care of their employees (Soldiers) than the Army.

    Now as for Tran Man, Rangers are just crazy (Ft Benning Career counselor for RTB 03-07)
     
    Last edited: Apr 1, 2009
  11. cjoe85

    cjoe85 Light Load Member

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    Nov 2, 2007
    Chicago, IL
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    Thanks for the encouragement and I'm glad that you've enjoyed the posts. I'm heading to Fort Wood for basic in two weeks. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I'll try to keep you guys up to date as best I can. P.S. I agree with you that Rangers are crazy. My uncle was one in Vietnam, and he's still crazy. :biggrin_25525: Take care and be safe on the road.
     
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