My goal is to not end up where this guy works. Well, I am back to the blog. I have been feeling much better healthwise, so I have had a lot of business to take care of. It's been one thing after another- but the good thing is that I am making forward progress and I am hopeful about getting into a good training program ASAP. In my spare time I have even been gassing up my car and driving around for hours on end- I have been bitten by the Road-Bug and have come down with a serious case of the Wanders!
I bought a general purpose CDL-A study manual from a huge bookstore here in Buffalo, then I went to the local New York DMV office for an official New York Manual. New York seems different in some ways- did you know there is a seperate license certification for Steel Coils here? I didn't know that. But I do remember some really horrific accidents which happened in Buffalo when Steel Coils got loose from flatbeds. Anyway. I also got a regular driving manual to brush up on the general rules-o-the-road, and even a motorcycle book, because I want to do that someday too. I got a driver's Abstract- I am proud to say I have a SPOTLESS record! Any other background check will reveal that I am also a model citizen and a very good boy:) So I have been reading and reading. Also I have downloaded a few documents concerning the FMCSR's and other rules and regs. It is easy, on the internet, to get sidetracked,too- I have been reading a lot about current debates concerning truckers and things like the HOS rules and other items. I have really been doing a lot of research, and what an education I've been getting. I Strongly recommend all Newbies educate themselves as much as possible.
I have also tied this all in with VM's idea that I should keep my eyes open... I have learned a lot that could be discouraging, if I let it do that to me. For example, I've learned a lot about how drivers will sometimes fudge their log books so that they effectively end up giving away a lot of their time to their employers (who may wink and turn a blind eye) at the loading docks and elsewhere... Drivers really get screwed! I have a newfound respect for the drivers out there who continue to bring us the 'goods' while working under conditions that exist in NO other industry! However, I think our minds are very powerful tools, and that we can all prosper even under adverse condiitions provided we have the right attitude. (BTW- I am NOT accusing ANYONE of having a bad attitude!) So that's what I'm going for- a positive attitude and the knowledge that I am ultimately responsible for my own success or lack of it. I know, easier said than done.... I will be the first to admit I don't know sh*t about the realities of life on the road!
So how about it, pros? What are some of the biggest things to watch out for out there? How will the companies and Shippers/Receivers try to screw us newbies when we get out there? What would you do over or do better if you could start over? Let me and other newbies have it right between the eyes!
Thanks in advance- I have a feeling this will be interesting! ~R
