My journey with Jim Palmer Trucking

Seems I can't go back to edit after a period of time. But I wanted to add an update on the C-Seat portion.

Payday came and rather than the $600 min gtd, I grossed over $800 @ .12cpm c rate. Almost 7k miles. Better yet, my lease op trainer made his biggest check ever and tossed me a very nice bonus. Makes a huge difference when you haven't seen a wage in 7 weeks.

We did a 34 hr reset, and since then we haven't run as hard. But I'm going to be B-seat by the time we drop Sunday I believe. My trainer and I ran 8/2 for a cpl loads to make deadlines and kept our breaks super short. Turning two nearly impossible loads in on time. Now we're on a slower pace for a cpl days.

I'm taking more responsibility planning and learning gps, communications with dispatch as well. Everything about this gig is a large learning curve. New things daily to try not to forget. It isn't just driving down the highway. That's easy.

Less than 4 weeks to go before I can go solo!

 

I wasn't required to be tested for sleep apnea. As I understand it, excessive weight is a factor in being tested. I'm only maybe 25lbs overweight.

I actually sleep better in the top bunk. We haven't had many occasions where we were both on break in the truck. Just a few. Obviously living with a stranger for a extended period isn't easy. Especially when it's his truck and you really have no say. I try to get away every moment I can. Not that he's an issue. He isn't really. But I think those times even if only 10 mins away make it better.

That being said, I look forward to the small space being mine to do with as I wish. Gotta pay your dues though.

 

So here's a bit of an update:

I'm over 20k miles into the 30k the website shows as paid training. We just took 2 days off.

I'm probably going to do an extra week with the trainer before going back to Missoula and doing my solo week. My backing needs improvement. Sometimes it's ok and then I screw the pooch. Today wasn't bad imho. I had to back in a double "S" fashion about 250 yards to get to the dock. Handled the S parts well, but had to do a couple pullups to get into the dock. Took a bit longer than experienced guys, but I didn't hit anything and got it.

But I do need to improve.

Training mgr will update me and I'll do what's needed.

All for now!

 

I'm doing dry van regional. Paper for print, beer, soda, furniture, recycling paper, flour,etc.

LA to WASHINGTON, Great Falls to SoCal, Denver, Bay Area, etc.

Lots of drop and hook. Sometimes lost time waiting, but not bad really.

 

That's correct. Jim Palmer trucking is part of Wilson Logistics.

Jim Palmer has Express, as you noted.