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05-17-2005, 01:03 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Brick, NJ, USA
Posts: 668
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Rookie Report
Well I’m fast approaching 2 months as a D solo driver and loving it all. Been busy most of the time with some good quality runs along the way including an enjoyable run to Canada.
Before I started driving for O/O I read and was advised many valid points from this group and all seem to be right on the mark.
I’ve talked to dozen or so 1st year drivers who chose to be O/O and all agree they would have been better off driving for O/O for a year before taking the plunge as O/O.
Having a savings to offset those lean times when expenses are high and loads low is another golden rule.
My O/O was right I brought along way to many toys and stuff. Thank goodness he has a 24’ this way we can still take some smaller B loads lol.
Taking those early afternoon naps have saved my several times during those all night runs.
Gratitude for all the valuable information veteran drivers has been more than willing to pass on to me and others.
I carry a notepad with me and find myself forever taking notes during these conversations. Other wise I would forget have of what was said by the next day. It also sends a strong signal to those passing on the information that you are indeed interested in what is being said.
Thanks to all here and other places that have made this experience a very positive one for me.
I’ve been east of the Mississippi except for one trip to Alabama; all this traveling has reinforced my love for this beautiful country.
GOD BLESS THE USA
John
Sitting in Boston #1 on list awaiting next load.
A few highlights along the way
Tried to see Cleveland Indians opening day which was sold out. They were scalping bleacher seats for $40(face value $10)I offered $20 with no takers. Just feeling the excitement of the sold out crowd with all the hubla of opening day was really enjoyable.
Took in a Cincinnati Reds game and loved every minute I was there. What a well designed park and inexpensive compared to what I usually pay at Yankee Stadium. Excellent seats could see the entire playing field $17, 2 chili cheese hot dog and soda around $5, roar of the crowd priceless.
Went backpacking in the White Mountains this past weekend during one of those extended weekend runs to Canada.
I have a goal to visit every major and minor league ball park. I’ll need another truck just to carry all the hats. LOL
__________________
Be Well!
John
O/O Landstar Express America
OOIDA Life Member 711471
EO Forum Moderator
Baseball Opening Day March 30
SUPER BOWL XLll Winner
Giants 17 Patriots 14
GO BLUE!
CANCER SUCKS!
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05-17-2005, 01:03 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Senior Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: FL & TN, USA.
Posts: 7,873
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RE: Rookie Report
It is good to hear that you are having a enjoyable time out there.
That is what it is all about.
Keep having fun and stay profitable
Davekc
__________________
fleet owner
24 years
Panther
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05-21-2005, 05:32 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Watertown TWP, MI
Posts: 56
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RE: Rookie Report
Hey John- Congrats on sticking w/ it for 2 mos. so far ! :)
I just put in my pre qual app the other day to PantherII so I can get busy driving for an O/O from Romeo, MI w/ in the next mo or so.
You're right about this site being well informative about the ins/outs of expediting. So much to learn, yet not enough time nor synapses to absorb it all (lol)
I am a bit leary and nervous about getting into expediting, especially after reading some of the posts on this site :o. But it's not going to stop me though, especially after hearing from nub's like you who are an inspiration to the rest of us wannab's
I was kinda thinking about getting my own truck also, but after looking @ the cost's, reading posts from others, etc, I decided I would go w/ an O/O first, sounds like it would be a lot less headaches.
Well keep up the good positive attitude and keep us informed - like I said - ur an inspiration !
charles
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05-21-2005, 05:57 PM
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#4 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Minnesota, USA.
Posts: 4,122
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RE: Rookie Report
Thank you for sharing your uplifting message and congratulations on your startup successes. Wow! Just two months on the road and in addition to business profitability (I presume), you've logged a Cleveland Indians opening day event, Cincinnati Reds game, and backpacking in the White Mountains. That's simply delightful to hear. Thanks again for sharing.
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05-21-2005, 08:41 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Fort Wayne,In
Posts: 1,489
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RE: Rookie Report
Just curious...How was the parking at the ballpark?
PS. XM radio is great for keeping up with MLB. ALL the games are broadcast.
__________________
FedEx CUSTOM CRITICAL / ROBERTS EXPRESS since 1988 (Blue Glove Division)
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05-21-2005, 09:38 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 4,228
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RE: Rookie Report
XM is well worth it,the other night I was parked in White River Jct Vt,out of hours so I sat up in the cab sipping a beverage,smoked a cigar and listened to the Boston Red Sox whip up on the Oakland a's.
Sometimes it doesn't get much better.
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05-22-2005, 10:12 PM
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#7 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Brick, NJ, USA
Posts: 668
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RE: Rookie Report
In Cleveland I parked at United Truck Stop which is a 15 minute walk to ball park for Cincinnati I parked at TA in Florence, KY and took 10 minute cab ride to park.
John
__________________
Be Well!
John
O/O Landstar Express America
OOIDA Life Member 711471
EO Forum Moderator
Baseball Opening Day March 30
SUPER BOWL XLll Winner
Giants 17 Patriots 14
GO BLUE!
CANCER SUCKS!
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05-22-2005, 10:15 PM
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#8 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Brick, NJ, USA
Posts: 668
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RE: Rookie Report
Thanks to everyone for your positive respones.
John
__________________
Be Well!
John
O/O Landstar Express America
OOIDA Life Member 711471
EO Forum Moderator
Baseball Opening Day March 30
SUPER BOWL XLll Winner
Giants 17 Patriots 14
GO BLUE!
CANCER SUCKS!
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05-26-2005, 05:11 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Kentwood, mi.
Posts: 597
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RE: Rookie Report
Man you really know how to enjoy yourself on the downtime. I sit around feeling sorry for myself because I'm bored. Keep doing what you're doing and keep reporting. I made some notes of my own from your post and I plan to follow up. Thanks for cheering up an old grumpy chubby guy.
__________________
 Retired but still waitin for that next load.
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05-30-2005, 11:14 AM
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#10 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Lodi, Ohio
Posts: 1,537
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RE: Rookie Report
> I’ve been east of the Mississippi except for one trip to
>Alabama; all this traveling has reinforced my love for this
>beautiful country.
>GOD BLESS THE USA
>
>John
OMG,who moved alabama west of the mississippi and didn't tell me.
:7 :7 :7
__________________
D unit o/o
H/W team
7 yrs exp.
If this was easier,it wouldn't be so hard.Yogi Berra
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05-30-2005, 09:42 PM
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#11 (permalink)
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Watertown TWP, MI
Posts: 56
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RE: Rookie Report
>OMG,who moved alabama west of the mississippi and didn't
>tell me.
>
>:7 :7 :7
Didn't ya read the paper a few days ago john?
lol
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05-30-2005, 11:00 PM
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#12 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Brick, NJ, USA
Posts: 668
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RE: Rookie Report
Opps, glad my old geography teacher isn't around anymore:)
John
__________________
Be Well!
John
O/O Landstar Express America
OOIDA Life Member 711471
EO Forum Moderator
Baseball Opening Day March 30
SUPER BOWL XLll Winner
Giants 17 Patriots 14
GO BLUE!
CANCER SUCKS!
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06-05-2005, 09:59 AM
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#13 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Brick, NJ, USA
Posts: 668
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RE: Rookie Report
Glad to report, I truly crossed the Mississippi River with the Missouri happening later today.
The crossing was verified via CoPilot Truck Laptop 4, Rand McNally Large Scale Motor Carriers' Road Atlas and Arkansas highway signs.
:) :) :) :)
John
Ace Geography Student
Class of 1960
__________________
Be Well!
John
O/O Landstar Express America
OOIDA Life Member 711471
EO Forum Moderator
Baseball Opening Day March 30
SUPER BOWL XLll Winner
Giants 17 Patriots 14
GO BLUE!
CANCER SUCKS!
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06-05-2005, 10:07 AM
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#14 (permalink)
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Senior Moderator
Join Date: May 2004
Location: St. Peters, MO
Posts: 2,901
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RE: Rookie Report
John: Where are you headed?
__________________
Terry and Rene'
Cargo Van Owner/Operators.
FedEx Custom Critical 1989 - 2008
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06-05-2005, 10:54 AM
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#15 (permalink)
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Moderator
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Pearland, Texas, U.S.A.
Posts: 8,122
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RE: Rookie Report
Just don't bet your paycheck on anything CPT tells you and be sure you either know where you are going and use it only to see your progress and remind you of the turns etc. you know or have that atlas nearby.
Leo
truck 4958
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
__________________
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB
OOIDA Life Member 677319, JOIN NOW!
John O, you were the best. Rest well my friend.
TST & FedEx fleet owner
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Common sense is only "right wing" if you are too far to the left.
Some will disagree because some are always wrong.
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