Rookie Season

[JohnO]

March 24 my career as a truck driver began with O/O picking me and my ton of stuff. I was ready for every possible condition minus the dog sled. We headed to Bordentown and shortly after got dispatched to pick-up in MD for delivery near Mobile, AL. Had a great time grinding gears all the way to AL. Eaton Super 10 are soooooo forgiving. Went through a torrential rainstorm with tornados most of the trip to AL. Arrived safe and sound and had a well deserved nights sleep. Delivery was Monday so we had Easter Sunday to relax and try and review all the notes I took while listening to O/O.

Monday we delivered the load and headed to Montgomery and got a load heading to Ocala and Orlando. I got some sun on Sunday and Monday as the weather was WARM and SUNNY. A point I made over and over to all the family and friends I spoke to.

Headed up to SC to drop off O/O and as we were waiting for his ride home I got my first solo dispatched run, picking up in Durham and delivering near Syracuse. I reprogrammed my phone to call O/O using “HELP” instead of his name in anticipation of many calls the first several runs. All in all the run went quite well and I really enjoyed myself. Going from WARM & SUNNY FL to partially frozen ponds, lakes and snow was quite a change. I felt like a snowbird who returned a tad to early.

Glad I took all those notes as it helped answer some of my questions and fill in some of the blanks. Mind you I made numerous “HELP” calls during this solo run.

I had a previous engagement so after delivery I deadheaded back to home and enjoyed my time off. So now I’m back in service awaiting my second solo load.

Not trying to shine any apples but I’m fortunate to have an understanding and patient O/O who endured a million rookie questions and grinding of gears for several days. Now all he has to do is answer his phone with “This Is John O’s Help Line”. As I review the notes today they seem to make so much more sense than when I first wrote them. When we talk I still jot down notes so I can better remember what was said. It sure saves numerous repeat phone calls on the same subject. Still glad “HELP LINE” is still in service.

I picked up CoPilot- Truck Laptop 4 before I started and found it to be a tremendous asset, still trying to figure where to mount it. I forget who on the list suggested securing laptop to passenger seat using seat belt as it works like a charm. Still have a lot to learn about this program.

This time out I brought considerably less stuff and I’m sure as time goes on the amount will decrease even more. All in all I’m really enjoying myself and look forward to more time in Truck D6401.

O/O made the suggestion of painting my bumper yellow to alert all others a rookie is in the area.

Okay now how many times do you shake the Qualcomm to get dispatched…LOL

JohnO

[whitewolf53]

Don't worry about shaking the qualcom JohnO,it will be shaking you awake and on the road with its constant buzzing,wondering where you are and why you are running 3 minutes behind.GOOD LUCK TOO YOU!!!!!!!!
Whitewolf53:) :) :) :) :) :)

[Glen Rice]

It sounds like you are living the dream. Good luck and keep it positive.

[RichM]

Stay safe out there John I will be on the lookout for you.Just look for a 53 FL 70 doing 55mph (maybe)..

[Lawrence]

Hey - I've seen that FL 70 - Southbound hammerdown -at 53 MPH! LOL!

Lawrence,
Expediters Online.com


Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.

If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.

A billion Chinese can't be wrong, eat rice.

Talk sense to a fool and he calls you foolish.



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[ACE]

Good Luck and be safe. Enjoy the experience sounds like you will be succesfull.

[TJ959]

Good luck and wave when you go by. I'll be the one in the FL70 that's going 56.5mph. Hang on were moving now.

[davekc]

I'll be the one in the FL70 that's going 56.5mph

You mean there is more than one?
Davekc

[LaPurr]

I think I found something for you regarding the laptop stand thing. Its kinda pricey, but so is a laptop sliding off your seat and breaking...

http://www.iowa80.com/iowa80/shop?me...t&prodid=92027

[JohnO]

Thanks, I appreciate your positive comments.