What to expect at Orientation with KLLM

Well kiddies, we're putting the miles on. I'm getting my cycle for sleep and driving and my endurance is getting better. Driving around 600-650 miles a day right now. I like this Cascadia I'm in. Rides pretty good, handles well, and is quieter than most of the other trucks I've been in. XM/Sirius Radio and CD player help pass the time better than the CB.

We left the Fontana yard and headed North on I-5 above Bakersfield to pick up a load of lettuce. Got to drive the "Grapevine" which was an experience in itself. The "Pucker Factor" is high for new drivers. We got a washout, loaded with lettuce and headed south again to add on 2 pallets of grapes, all going back to Illinois. We took I-15 to I-40 out of California, across Arizona, New Mexico, I-44 up through Oklahoma, then to I-55 in Missouri and into Illinois. We drop and hook there, get another trailer washout, a good nap for several hours and head into Chicago, for a load of Tootsie Roll stuff, heading to Pennsyvania.

I found out that I hate St. Louis. Especially I-44 getting onto I-55 in rush hour St. Louis. The 15 MPH turn onto the entrance to 55 and everybody wanting to get ahead of you St. Louis. People there don't drive crazy. They drive STUPID! Just plain STUPID! Sorry, I don't know any other way to explain it. I'll take Chicago or L.A. anyday.

As we are heading out, it's time for a refuel, a shower, and a sit down meal for a treat. My trainer is a great guy and he's teaching me not only to drive and be safe, maintain my logs and use the Qualcomm, but he's showing me how to make money and get miles. I'll keep everybody posted on my training adventure, and as I said, I'm in Truck 31074. Please PM and advise me of your names and truck #'s. I'll be watching for you.

 

Well folks, training on the road is still fun and interesting. Driving my butt off to far away places. My Trainer is a great guy, fun and teaching me alot. We get along great since we both have a good since of humor and like the same music.

We dropped our Tootsie Roll load off in Pennsylvania. Picked up a HazMat load in Allentown, heading for Detroit. Dropped it there and off to north of Detroit to get a wash out and pick up a load of frozen peaches, going to Dallas. We just finished unloading and sit here at the TA south of Dallas to get some sleep. We're picking up another haz mat load in the morning, going to the area around San Fransisco. So it's back to California.

Now as for the 62 MPH trucks. I've heard alot of negatives from some folks, but not too much here in the company. As for me, 62 MPH is fast enough for what I do. They don't pay me to drive fast, they pay me to pick up freight and deliver it safely from point A to point B and on time. So far every load has been early, with no real stress to get it there. The real go fast truckers pass me up three or four times. They just can't keep that left door shut. They stop at every truck stop and casino on the road. My trainer and I, just keep it in the road. We stop, eat, rest, refuel and go. We also rest when we get to the receiver early. The 62 MPH doesn't bother me, and as a Newbie, it's fast enough. No worry about speeding tickets either. I see the go fast guys on the roadside with a Trooper. I just change lanes and go around. The cops just wave and yawn as we pass by. Not interested.

I really like this company so far. One thing I will note, is that I have been told the truth about everything since before I was hired. My recruiter was Thomas Carter, and he was not only a nice guy, but was totally straight up with me about everything from before my hiring, until the end of orientation. That is a breath of fresh air when it comes to recruiters. Everyone in the office tells you the truth. No fairy tales or lies, just the truth. This makes things alot easier on a new guy, because there are no smoke and mirrors. My paycheck was just exactly what they said it would be, plus my expenses I submitted. Who could ask for more. I'll say it again, I believe I made the right decision by going with KLLM.

 

Man, I appreciate your comments. I have tried to maintain a positive attitude for my first year. Everyone says that will be the toughest. Even the folks who are totally loyal to this company will tell you everything isn't perfect, nor will you always be happy with every decision, but I've also been told that attitude is 90% of your happiness in trucking. That's where I hope to keep my mindset. Thanks.

 

Well folks, still driven my butt off. Still about 600 to 650 miles per day. The thing is, my trainer is putting me to the test to make sure I can handle the stress and be safe. I did the Donner on I-80 from Sacramento into Reno twice in about a week. I've done the Grapevine on I-5 above L.A. 3 times over the top at Salt Lake City the Summit at California, New Mexico on I-40 going to Texas. Hwy 93 from Idaho all the way through Nevada to Vegas, without the shortcuts and cut throughs to avoid alot of mountain driving. I did thr Donner during the day, but the second time, I did it at night. It was a #^^&***^%$ and a no good Mother *&%^#$ and worthless peice of &&$###%^*(*&^^ with sugar on top. OK, I'm alright now. The first few times, I was so tense and focused, that my arms, shoulders, neck, jaw and hands hurt afterward, from the tension and stress. I wasn't scared, just stressed over the awesome responsibility of taking a loaded 80,000 pound big truck over such harsh terrain. The ups, downs, twists and turns are one thing, but the road itself is in such bad shape, it will rattle your teeth and make your eyeballs pop out. I have now learned to relax and be attentive. Loosen up, lighten the muscles and just focus on what's going on. Tightening up will get you nowhere. (except maybe the nut house). We did a reset and a well deserved relaxing time. Showers, laundry, catching up on email, etc. Now we're leaving California again and heading back to Illinois, dang!!! I wouldn't mind seeing the south a little bit. Hoping to see some forum friends before long. Met lots of nice guys and girls that are KLLM company drivers and made new friends.
Also wouldn't mind meeting my wife on the way through the south, soon. Haven't seen her in a month, and we celebrated our 25th anniversary while I was on the road. I should be ready to do my upgrade and get my truck in a couple a weeks at Jackson, then some home time. Later, Newb