SAIA Question

You hit the nail on the head near the end of that paragraph. Call me paranoid, and that might be the case, but my previous gig was driving for an O/O and when I drove part-time under the table from 18-24, I drove for an O/O. There's nothing unsafe about the way I drive, but I've always had the ability, and freedom to drive how I want. If I wanted to flip through the radio stations, I would. If I wanted to take a swig of water, I would. If I wanted to call my wife just to chat to make a long day go by a bit easier, I would. I chose how fast to take a corner, how close to follow, when to pass etc, without needing an alarm to go off stating that I'm "doing it wrong" only to be followed by a "coaching."

That is also one of the reasons I was hesitant. Not for lack of confidence in my abilities as a driver, but more so that I've gotten used to having the freedom to do the job how I want, and at places like Saia, that won't fly. But I'm like you, I couldn't stand the constant paranoia of something unforeseen and out of my control happening, causing me to make an abrupt maneuver, only to be fired becasue 3 seconds earlier I took a drink or whatever. That new house, or truck/car payment would hurt real quick, when they sent you on your way and put a nice mark in your safety file. I'd feel like a droid all day with the way their pushing those policies up there.

I'll just ride my time out a bit longer and wait for my buddy to get me on up at ODFL when a spot opens up, IF that ever happens (their driver retention is really good at the terminal my buddy works at.) I'm currently in the process of going out to the patch to haul frac sand (I'm not excited about it) and I'll be homesick and probably kicking myself a week in, knowing I've got 2 more weeks to go until I see my wife and son, but you've got to do, what you've got to do. Being home daily and off weekends sure would have been nice, but I'm not sure the bs that came with it would of been bearable to me.

My main goal from the beginning was to get my own truck and run how I want, when I want. I can follow rules when they're logical, but even as a kid I had a problem with school. I was smart and could excel at whatever I tried, but man having some moron telling me when I could stand up, when I could take a piss, when I could eat, when I was allowed to go outside etc, really rubbed me the wrong way. As an adult, it's no different with jobs. I get along fine with just about anyone, and I'll do my part and bust my ###, but there's just something about someone sitting behind a desk telling me when, and what I can do at all points of the day as if I'm their person whipping boy. I've always had an entrepreneurial mindset, and I desire freedom, and the ability to make my own decisions day to day. So ultimately I'll probably get a truck, when the time is right, my ducks are all in a row and my finances are in line. Until then, I'll just do the best I can as father and husband wherever I end up. That's life though, and she can be a real ##### at times.

Dave