Abilene Motor Express....A New Place To Call Home

Absolutely. I think it's just the nature of the industry itself. The logistics of moving everything, everywhere, isn't easy and bound to be full of loop holes. In my short 2 years I've found it's mostly on the shipping / receiving end of things. Having been a self employed builder my whole life (before trucking), I always found good communication with everyone involved tends to smooth out at least some of the bumps anyway. But, nothing's perfect.

When I ran with WS as soon as I was dispatched out I was on the horn with the destination dispatcher to let em know I was on my way and would "likely" get there ahead of time. Then I call the receiver to see if they could accommodate an early arrival. Many times yes, sometimes no. All we can do is try.

 

I don't think you will have a hard time going west, or East or anywhere else. A few of us seem to get a lot of East coast loads but I think a lot of that has to do with your DM.

 

First, welcome.

Second, sounds like a shortened training program is in your future. Most of the training is getting new drivers use to different aspects of Driving. If you have experience then it more like a refresher and verify you are a safe driver, etc.

 

Do you think it's more the DM or home time requests? I know if folks at WS wanted to be home every few weeks or less, dispatch tried to keep them closer to home to make it easier. When I told them to get me out west and keep me there they where like ... What?? .... LOL

 

Possibly. They seem like they try to keep you happy! So I think your good to go.

 

Thank you sir! Music to my old ears. I'll be the first to admit I'll welcome a touch of refresher time. Ran a Tri-axle dump for a few months last summer but that's like backing a 4 wheeler ... lol

 

I had a 16 year gap and back then I only drove a straight truck and they hired me. 4 weeks with a trainer then on my own.

I haven't been home since i got here April 13 and no-one has said anything to me yet.

 

Sounds good. WS had a 10 day pass or fail orientation at their Conover, NC terminal. As a greenhorn fresh outta CDL school I finished it in 7 days. On day 8 they shipped me out with another driver to their Myrtle, MS terminal to get my truck. I was told I was the only one to ever finish it that fast right outta school. A 2005 Volvo. Spent the first week getting it fixed to run ... lol

 

Furthest west ive been since solo was Wisconsin but usually its no further than Ohio. I wouldn't mind going west more if only to avoid I 95 and Florida.

 

I just saw you at hp!. I was leaving with a trailer as you were drifting your tractor round that right hander.