Rookie Report

**JohnO** · 05-17-2005, 01:03 PM

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

**davekc** · 05-17-2005, 01:03 PM

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

**mirangerman** · 05-21-2005, 05:32 PM

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

**ATeam** · 05-21-2005, 05:57 PM

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.

**redytrk** · 05-21-2005, 08:41 PM

Just curious...How was the parking at the ballpark?

PS. XM radio is great for keeping up with MLB. ALL the games are broadcast.

**RichM** · 05-21-2005, 09:38 PM

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.

**JohnO** · 05-22-2005, 10:12 PM

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

**JohnO** · 05-22-2005, 10:15 PM

Thanks to everyone for your positive respones.
John

**TJ959** · 05-26-2005, 05:11 PM

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.

**Doggie Daddy** · 05-30-2005, 11:14 AM

> 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

**mirangerman** · 05-30-2005, 09:42 PM

>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

**JohnO** · 05-30-2005, 11:00 PM

Opps, glad my old geography teacher isn't around anymore:)
John

**JohnO** · 06-05-2005, 09:59 AM

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

**terryandrene** · 06-05-2005, 10:07 AM

John: Where are you headed?

**LDB** · 06-05-2005, 10:54 AM

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.