Millis a year and change in review and pointers for new drivers

Been thinking about my time here at Millis more and more lately. Sometimes it helps to just get the thoughts out and see how everything plays together.

I went through Millis's training at a time in which allot of people weren't Hiring. Millis meet me with open doors and a paycheck. For that alone my family is thankful. All be it sometimes not what I would think just my time away from home is worth. Maybe we could chalk that up to learning the ropes.

I stayed over the road for a few months till a Ga regional route opened up. I truly enjoyed OTR, other than N.E. After you've been up that way a few times you realize that those yield signs are stop signs for big trucks.

The primary goal / reason to go regional was home time. Having visitation with my little guys every two weeks. Seemed like it would get me home on a more consistent basis. That and be with in ear shot should something arise that needs my attention. Anyone contemplating a regional position bring plenty of trip envelopes and be ready for some solid 14 hour days. That is if you want to make money. However much the regional seemed to fit into my goals. Still seemed like a fight to get home every other Friday to facilitate picking up my little guys. (needed to be in cville by 5ish)

So now here I sit a year + later now running Ga dedicated. I'm making a consistent paycheck with predictable home time. You would think all is well on the Lewie home front. Now I'm having a different issue of sorts. That being that the miles have been so low with the dedicated that idling the truck has become somewhat of an issue. For those not familiar with dedicated it really is designed for you to go home every day. However I live a little to far to drive back and forth every day.

Millis has been a great place to get my foot in the door. So far I have not went hungry or had bills go unpaid. Guess maybe I have come full circle. Starting to think about OTR again. If I had a decent dispatcher and could be home every other weekend and actually run when I was out. I could make more change and actually have some living space.

Sidebar-Things I wish I knew day one in my own truck plus some bonuses.

1.Don't move the truck until your routing is 100% even if you have to wait for macro 35 to come back. (don't ask)
2. BRIDGE LAWS ARE NIGHTMARES, know your states individual laws if you have to go into a rest area to move tandems or weigh twice at the pilot do it.
3. Speaking of rest area's try not to bank on them for safe haven for 10+. I can't count how many times they have been closed for remodeling etc.
4.Hand and hand with #2 Scale that load Millis enjoys the tax write off.
5.WASH THEM MIRRORS. You would be surprised how much more you can see especially at night .
6. Tied in with #1 Gps isn't always right but sometimes is. So either way err on the side of caution.
7.If it's your first time to a location call them and get specifics like landmarks,dock location, and can you take your break there or is there parking near by.
8.When you go home be home try your best not to worry about the truck.
9.Legal is the only way. If for some reason you get terminated do it with your CDL in hand.
10. Keep your head on a swivel these 4 wheelers are some crazy fools. The fact that they have no re-guard for my life I understand. But the mini van full of kids is another story. Look out for'em

That is all