Old Dominion--A Newbie's Experience

We run from the Indianapolis terminal to Nashville and back. So far I love it. The only thing that's getting to me right now are the hours. I think I worked a full 70 hours this week. But, that's trucking, right?

So far, I've been working with my trainer on steering techniques, and he's been showing me the finer points of shifting, including how to "float" the gears. I'm getting better at hooking up doubles.

Just got home from work, and now I'm going to bed.

 

My (trainer's) run basically requires that we leave Indy by 3 pm to arrive in NVL by 8-ish, depending on traffic. After our 30 min break, we turn around and head back, and are usually back in Indy by 2 AM. Usually. And yes, the minute I get home I hit the shower then go to bed. I don't play when it comes to getting proper sleep. There's too much on the line to not get your rest.

I'm not sure what run I will get after training. My trainer says that most of the new guys get the Chicago runs (apparently, OD's Chi terminal SUCKS). But if I need to ever run to NVL, I now that area really well! And yes, the scenery on the way down in beautiful. My wife and I are horse people, so driving through Kentucky is always a treat. It's even more of a treat for me, since I'm a big bourbon fan. In fact, I'm relaxing with a bourbon right now as I right this! Life is pretty awesome!

As far as what I'm getting as far as training, most of it involves a lot of OD-specific paperwork and computer training. I just graduated from CDL school, so my instructor is also showing me how to float gears. The steering training that I was talking about is mainly about how to steer when driving doubles.

 

It basically all has to do with what they need at the moment. I was told when I applied for my job that I would be applying for a "combo" driving position which involves city driving, line-haul, and dock all at one (hourly) pay rate. When I interviewed, my interviewer started throwing around line-haul mileage rates. I said, "Wait, I thought I was applying for the combo position?" to which he said, "Yes you did, but we need you more in line-haul," which is fine by me!

Teams at OD have an AWESOME gig, as far as money is concerned. I believe the mileage rate for team drivers is $.65/mile, each. That's right, EACH, not split. There are teams at this company where the drivers are both grossing $120,000/yr. But yeah Flightline, you work hard for that money. I don't know if I would do it, just because I enjoy sleeping in a bed in my house at night. Sounds like you have a good thing going at Mercer! I hear they treat their O/Os well.

 

So yeah, after having been to the Chicago terminal, I can definitely say it SUCKS.

Sorry updates have been few around here, but I've been busy as all get out! Even when freight is slow, they find ways of keeping us line-haul guys busy! Yesterday, after going to Chicago puke, we bobtailed to the Wabash plant in Lafayette, IN to pick up a new 53'. Today we bobtailed all the way back from Nashville. Hopefully this is the last of the bobtailing for a little while.