arnold orientation

Side note- hometime was great! Although it took a few extra days, they made up for it and I have been told it won't happen again. They seemed real concerned with how it happened and I got good miles the extra days. I am only staying out 7 days this time to see how that goes. I am hoping to alternate out 1 week then out 2 weeks. We'll see. I am hoping that will work good and still make the $. Stay tuned.

 

I was out for a week and made about 1600 miles. Lucky it was tuition reimbursement week and was still a decent check. Spent Sun. @ the beach. Mon, I got a load to AL. Then a Conway load going to Louisiana. Spent last night across the street from a paper mill. Smell was so bad it woke me up, twice. Taking paper rolls to IN. I bought a set of window screens at a Petro yesterday. When it gets cool enough( and I'm at a terminal or secure place) I'll have some natural AC. No complaints. I will be out two weeks this time and since they can give me loads going farther out, checks should be good. I already have more miles in 3 days as I did all last week. But, like I said, that's my choice. Home 3 weekends a month is worth it. Bad enough I'm missing watching my kids in surf camp this week.

 

Words rarely heard/seen from a driver. Good attitude! I'm enjoying your updates...

 

GearJammer very interesting thread, also probobly the most positive one I've Read. I gradated Trucking School today and just put in my app. for Arnold. Any sugestions would be much appreciated.

 

Just remember, "It's trucking!". Things don't always go as planned. Had a load planned today. Deadheaded 50 miles and told by shipper the load was cancelled. So, deadhead to nearest truckstop(35 miles). Then get a load 15 miles from where I unloaded this afternoon, going to TX. Nice!
So I'm back in the same truckstop I woke up in. Going to knock out over 600 miles tomorrow. Deliver on Sun early and get a 34 so I will have enough hours to get home. My kids are surfing in their first kids competition next Sat.. Should have over 2500 miles this week and probably closer to 3000 but I will turn my last run in after Wed. so it will go on the next weeks check to make up for hometime.
My advice to anyone starting out would be: Be patient, set realistic expectations, ask questions and pay attention. Life(and trucking) is about perception and attitude. Take your time and don't get in a rush. That's when you make mistakes. And - Just keep breathin'.

 

GearJammer,
Thanks for the info. I'm sure Murphey's Law strikes every job. I'll keep it in mind, and let you know who I choose.

 

Delivered appliances to TX, sodas to another part of TX and water to LA. Tomorrow I got a load straight to FL. Found a TS 2 miles from shippers and parked. Oh, I meant to mention I got a Blueparrott plus off eBay(brand-new $78) and it works great! I don't wear it all the time. I hang it on my GPS and put it on when I get a call. Nice to be able to have conversations at normal volume and clarity is great. Highly recommend this product.

 

Had the blueparrott too and it was ok. Was to bulky for me as I am in and out of the truck a lot during the day. If your ever lets you down check this out http://www.plantronics.com/us/product/voyager-pro-hd I got mine at radio shack on sale for $85.

 

630 miles today! Whew. Taking my 10 in the Jax yard. Drop and hook tomorrow. Might even try to drop by my school and say hi.

 

Hey Gearjammer,
Just got of the phone with Arnold. I'm comming to Arnold. Just got my Orientation set up.