CDL in hand... Now What ? Decision time, that's what...

Today seems like a blur. 3 different trailers 2 relays and a consignee delivery. Got to see the new Appleton terminal as well as the drop lot near Milwaukee. Oshkosh, Green Bay also. 2 of the trailers were curtainsides, one of which had a load of doors on pallets that needed to be secured. Curtainsides are indeed a pain. Flatbed is much preferred.

Not sure where we are headed next although it looks probable that the Bronx and Long Island in New York will be the destinations.

At this end of the third day I feel very tired as expected. A nice 6 hours of sleep should be quite restorative.

 

Taking a fuel and shower break at the Gary, IN terminal. Hooked up this morning to an already loaded and flatbed trailer with 35k pounds of palletized ceiling tile bound for Bronx and Islip on Long Island, NY. Of course we had to tighten the straps and redo a fair number of bungees to make the load more secure and keep the lumber tarps from flapping so much. Delivery appt is not until Tues morn. Everyone says NY city is a bear to drive a truck into, but my trainer says it isn't so bad. Nevertheless, a driver going in there gets an extra amount of money for going in.

This being day 4 of phase 2 training, my instructor says I am doing well. I am gaining confidence each day and he has no doubt I'll be ready to go solo later this coming week.

 

Yes that might have been us *wave*

 

At Petro near Toledo, OH, I-80 exit 71. Losing an hour from DST as well as entering eastern time zone.

All is well here and we'll be rolling again in the morning

Be safe and have fun.

Perpetual.

 

Drove east across Indiana and Ohio today. Now just off I-80 south of Wilkes-Barre, PA. We contacted our fleet manager to see if it might make more sense to drop this load at our drop lot near Philadelphia and get another assignment. Main reason being that the delivery isn't scheduled until Tuesday and we are only about 120 miles away. We have been instructed to call the FM first thing in the morning to learn our near term destiny.

Today was a good day over all. Feeling confident about driving at highway speeds (our truck is governed at about 64mph), using the engine brake, and driving up and down steeper grades in the hills of Pennsylvania. Had a chance to practice the 45-degree backing maneuver a few times when we got to the truck stop this afternoon. I am improving but still need lots more practice to get it smooth.

 

Went a whopping 41 miles to TA in NJ off I-80 to get fuel and set up for run into New York tomorrow. Planning to get up at 03:30 and into Bronx by 06:00. Have permission to park at receiver until they unload us at 9:00 (or earlier if we're lucky). Then on to Islip on Long Island for delivery to consignee. Then hopefully out of there before afternoon rush hour.