Bolt Goat, the TNI Come Back Kid.

I should start a gratitude list. Starting with number 1.
1. The way everyone from management thru shop down to fellow drivers treat each other. Everyone is happy. A-hats don't last long around here.
2. Lots of free choice. Fuel at any of the big 3 whenever you choose. Choose your route, just don't be an idiot. Go home when you want for as long as you want. Nobody ever asks why you aren't rolling or why are you stopping.
3. Comfortable Volvo trucks with plenty of power and excellent driver seat. Only 2 bells/whistles, the lane finder and the too close buzzer. I guess it would auto brake if you ever really got in a near death experience, but I've never had it happen. All trucks are spec'd the same so when you move from one to the other you know where your stuff goes. Good inner spring mattress not thin cheap. Good size fridge. Inverter handles microwave, coffee pot, etc.
4. Idle all you want for heat and a/c.
5. Forward facing camera that minds its own business. No safety guys coaching. Company is self-insured so no desk jockey with a slide ruler telling them what they have to buy next.
6. Easy lanes with long miles. Mostly up and down midwest south texas to ohio or michigan, never PA, only went to Denver once for a big Polaris push, although I think there are some drivers that run that dedicated. Or southern, alabama,, Tennessee, Georgia, Carolinas. Short loads handled by local drivers. Probably 60% drop and hook. Preplans on you before you get to delivery and yes.. you can say no.
7. Strategically placed terminals so parking is rarely an issue. Drivers rooms with tv and microwave, some with full kitchens. Most terminals have washers and dryers.
8. Maintenance is great. Shop teams get stuff done in a hurry, but if it's a long repair, you can always grab another truck. Repairs on the road are a simple phone call. Use loves or ta if you must. They never question if driver thinks something needs fixing. Phones always answered by dispatch 24 7.

Downside is pay is low at 50 a mile + 2 cent monthly milage/safety bonus. On upside $69 a day per diem lowers taxes, miles are good average 3k and, at least for me, my new manager is adamant about getting detention pay for every little delay.

I can probably think of more but

 

Oh yeah... and 70mph is 70mph, cruise or pedal, no weird split limiter.

 

Omg.. it's really real. Fort Worth terminal and home for our 34.

 

Yes. Only a 34 and my manager loves me.