Fly ash?

Ahh I found it tucked in there lol. You're spot on though. My grandpa was an O/O and drove a nice 359 all decked out, as well as all of his buddies. They all drove KW's or Pete's so I grew up around it and knew I wanted to drive a truck like that. I got my chance right after cdl school and it was fun for sure, running a long nose with big 7 inch stacks screamin down the highway. I never went out of my way to polish said truck, but I would rinse it off on the weekends when I parked at home and I'd run it through the truck wash and let someone else do the detailing once a month, on the boss's dime.

I'd still be there had he not sold his trucks. It was just about my "ideal job" in terms of the way I like to run, equipment and freedom, and the freight I prefer. I've also driven your run of the mill freight liners (cascadias and columbias and I strongly dislike them), a few FLD's a classic XL, one W9 etc. He mostly ran petes, but would pick up a random truck here and there which is how I was able to drive a variety. I'm a pete fan, I just like the way they ride, the cab design and of course, the way they look. I'm not picky when it comes to driving a company truck however, as it's not mine. Would it be nice to drive old school trucks that are well maintained? Sure. Do I think I'm cool when I do? Absolutely not, I let the egotists who have a chip on their shoulder do that. Am I willing to risk my license in order to run a hood and line the owners pockets while I get paid peanuts? Hell no. I don't care how decked out a truck is.

I decided long before I obtained my CDL that in order to drive the kind of truck I PERSONALLY prefer and enjoy, I'll just have to buy one. If that day ever comes, then I'll do just that, after I've complied the necessary funds and planned accordingly, THEN I'll be as picky as my heart desires, and do what I want to it. But for now, I'll driver whatever is available that is in proper working condition. One thing I have noticed though, is any company I've come across that runs old school trucks, usually demands you run above and beyond the law at all times. It's almost too cliche for my liking and I find it comical, but that's just the way it is....at least around here.

 

Yes sir I hear ya. They're fun to drive but I'm not putting my license on the line to drive em. I find it comical when I get told by such a company that, "you'll need to run hot, you'll need to speed blah blah blah" and look don't get me wrong, if you drive any length of time, especially before the whole ELD mandate it happens, you have to make changes. But come on, if you've got a clean record, it's just not worth it. I will never tell another man how to run his business, but the only way said companies will continue to be around, is by hiring drivers with less than stellar records, who more than likely can't get on at reputable companies. There's just too many rules and regs anymore to be running like that. That clean record will have blemishes real quick in such a scenario, it's not a matter of if, but when.