Tapeworm is starting at Swift on Monday!

Discussion in 'Swift' started by Tapeworm, Jan 8, 2011.

  1. Tapeworm

    Tapeworm Medium Load Member

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    Nov 18, 2010
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    Utah was very cool! When we got up this morning, we were facing east and got to see the sunrise over the mts. The mtn peaks all had snow on them - that was a nice way to start the day.
    The drive through WY was interesting again today because winds were blowing 30-60 mph. Fortunately we dropped our empty trailer at a shipper and picked up a heavy load. The trailer is an old one, so we had some good times trying to get the landing gear to cooperate. The trailer does have good tires on it though!
    Time for some sleep....
     
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  3. TheSquid

    TheSquid Bobtail Member

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    Glad to hear that you liked it. Give me a call whenever you have a chance. I'll be busy tomorrow (Saturday) AM, but otherwise you may be able to get ahold of me.
     
  4. zincman

    zincman Light Load Member

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    Congrats on your start in trucking Tapeworm!

    The best experience I think you can get in driving is dealing with the bad weather. When I started in January 1993, my trainer gave me exposure to cold weather, snow, what to do with ice (we didn't drive on it), fog, rain and the whole shebang.

    The time will come when you will be on your own and no mentor to be there. Now is the time to ask questions and lots of them! If he has any degree of knowledge and confidence, he'll be more than happy to answer them, or at least he should be willing.

    I think that the best approach is a 3-pronged stool: he explains what he's doing, models it for you, then allows you to do it. This is what I sought to do for my trainees when I was OTR. It was amazing how well they did if they just listened and applied!

    Additionally, keep us posted here on this board with how it's coming. That's why we're here!

    Again, all the best in your training!
     
  5. Tapeworm

    Tapeworm Medium Load Member

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    Thank you for the advice Mike. I am fairly comfortable driving in nasty weather. My mentor was following company policy regarding newbies driving in slippery conditions. I definitely learned a lot during the last couple of days in the mountains, both from watching/listening to mentor and from my own driving.
    Today was a pretty uneventful day. I drove from Laramie WY to Iowa. Nebraska is such a dull state to drive across! I am happy to be done with that state for now. Tomorrow we are headed east through IA and IL.
     
  6. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    Tennessee
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    It's good to hear a happy story. You sound like you have a good attitude and you'll do fine.

    Good ol' Nebraska. You think that's exciting. Wait until you drive across Kansas. :)

    I remember one spot, I didn't even see a bird for a hundred miles. That's pretty bad.
     
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  7. Tapeworm

    Tapeworm Medium Load Member

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    Nov 18, 2010
    Upper Midwest
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    Today was good. I drove across IA, IL, and into Indiana. I ran up to my 11, and my mentor took over. We made a brief stop at the Gary terminal to scan logs and replenish the winshield washer fluid. I believe we are going to stop in Ohio for the night, and push to reach our final destination in PA tomorrow. I am hoping that our next run will take us somewhere warm!
     
  8. Tapeworm

    Tapeworm Medium Load Member

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    Nov 18, 2010
    Upper Midwest
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    For you gearheads out there - we are in a Freightshaker Columbia with a Detroit 60 series motor and an Eaton Fuller 9 spd. I believe it is an '09. It is a good rig that pulls well even with a heavy load in the wagon...
     
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  9. TheSquid

    TheSquid Bobtail Member

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    Jan 20, 2011
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    Giddy up!!!
     
  10. Tapeworm

    Tapeworm Medium Load Member

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    Today I drove from a travel plaza near Toledo OH to our drop location near Harrisburg PA. I enjoyed the drive today, as there were lots of hills to navigate. The jake brake and 7th gear both got a workout today.
    We are out of hours, so we are taking a 34 hour reset. I am looking forward to chilling out tomorrow!
     
  11. Longshot64

    Longshot64 Light Load Member

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    Oct 27, 2010
    Las Vegas, Nv
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    I can't wait to see that part of the west, I'm jealous! Not a whole lot of majesty in Il, Ks, Tn, or Oh <sighs>

    You missed me your too far north, I have been in Columbus since 14:30 saturday mentor went home I went to the hotel. Our truck is in the shop with a PTA of 1/24 23:59 so we'll see if we get it back today.

    Good luck to you tapeworm have a good day 0.5 off.

    :yes2557:
     
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