Hi my name is Chris I'm 30 years old Married And have 4 children(girls) I'm starting Truck Driving School in 3 weeks and hope to get hired on by Arrow Trucking or TMC. My Dad has been a driver for 15 yrs now and it's something I have always wanted to do.



Maybe I'll meet some of you from the board out on the open road.

Glad to be here
 

Hi! I'm Silent Runner. Called that 'cause I hardly ever initiate conversaton. Something I'm working on.

I'm married, 3 kids, hubby pulls a hopper regionally. We used to team for about 8 months with a 4 - 11 month old baby. Wouldn't suggest trying it! Now I'm home with the currently 4 year old.

We have 2 trucks, one just for harvest. Trying to change that, too. I'd love to crawl back into a cab more than 3 weeks a year, but will have to be very local due to the kid.

This is the best forum I've run across so far, and I hope I can be a part of it.

Well, of course you can be part of it!!!! Don't be shy!!!! We get a little crazy sometimes and sometimes tempers flare a little. We keep it clean and respect each other.

We do have a great community here and we welcome you!!!!

newbie is me
 

Hi, I'm not actually driving the truck, but I am the dispatcher for the owner operator of a new trucking company starting in Oct. 2003. I would appreciate any help from all of you all who are willing to give so that I may learn the pros and cons of the trucking business. Currently contacting broker companies getting ready to start. I just want to make sure that my drivers and their trucks are safe, legal, and that I can help them to make proper decisions by learning everything I can. Thanks for help that anyone can give.

Returning a Good Deed
 

Hey, Trucking Community -
While traveling across country in October a trucker...a gentleman named James Elbert Gresham did me a real favor, helped a stranded driver! He would not accept anything but my thanks. Afterwards because of his intervention I am able to offer a reward as a thanks for his kindness. Does anybody know how to look up a trucker by this name in Chicago, IL. I would like to thank him again and offer him the reward he so justly deserves. This guy gives truckers a good name.
Your help would be greatly appreciated and many blessings on your heads!!
Linjin

Lin, check your PM's. :)

Hello There
 

Kevin G.
37
6'2"
245#
luvs nice moonlit walks on the beach err...............

oops wrong forums :lol:

Originally from Colorado, live in SoCal right now.
Friendly Divorced, 2 kids (14G,13B)
14+ yrs in Uncle Sam's Yaght Club
8 yrs as a Bartender
Luv to hunt-n-fish,
GO BRONCOS, AVALANCHE.

K-Dogg :P

greetings from ms. gulfcoast
 

hello evryone we wish all a happy and prosperous new year !!! i have been driving for 14yrs. now team with my wife and baby boy. we love to hunt ,fish horses family gatherings stock car racing just normal stuff. we hope to become o/o by the end of the year,and just ride around for awhile . have a great year!!!!

Hello, my name is Dan. I live in Evansville Indiana. (GO COLTS) Graduated High School in 1993. After I graduated, I went into the Marine Corps and served 6 yrs. I was a Paramedic in the Marines and thought that when I got out I would do that in the civilian world. When I got out I could not find a Medic job so, I got into trucking in Oct of 1999. Drove for Werner for about 2.5 yrs then left to go back into the Medical world. Big Mistake! You think I would have learned my lesson the first time. So here I am back into trucking. I drive for Knight Transportation now and loving it!

otr
 

Hello jeff,my name is also jeff and I`m also from ky.(florence)just wanted to drop a line and let you know I enjoy your site also.I`m 46 divorced with 3 kids,2 live in okla. and 1 lives with me.I have 18yrs. otr driving experence with 10yrs. in flats and 8 in reefers and vans,I had to leave driving for 7 yrs. to take care of my son when my ex decited she only wanted the girls and not my son who is now old enough so I can get back into the driving game again.I`ve had a few calls from a couple of companies who sound like they might be interested in me and I thank you for that.with out this site I know it can be real hard to return.If you here of any more companies or o/o looking please let me know...again thanks...rabbit..(jeff)

about me
 

I'm a newbie to this forum, but from what I have seen it's very interesting. My name is Ed and i'm a recent gradute of a driving school. I'm 52 yrs. old been married for 34 yrs. I retired from a steel mill in Ohio with a little over 30 yrs service. Just starting to get my feet wet in the trucking industry. I have 3 children and 7 grand children. My wife and I thought that trucking would be the best way to see the country. Since all of our family is grown and have families of thier own.

I've seen alot of useful information in this forum. As far as things to know about hiring companys, qualifications,and general info. I'm glad we found this site to help us in our dicissions.

Keep up the good work and Thank you

Well my name is Eric and I"m the epitome of Murphy's Law...."What can happen , Will" and usually in short order.....but anyways.......not currently driving just trying to deal with a divorce and see my son....when I'm not stuck 2states away...(see other post)......anyways.....take care all...and dont let these kinds of probs happen to you :cry:

Hello my name is Dawn and Im 35 from Wv. I found this site by browsing.Got some interesting stuff in it .I have been driving for 14yrs 7 of it flatbed.Currently unemployed looking for an east coast job were I can get home wnkds. My husband is a o/o and we tried going team the last couple of months but it was to crowded for two people and Im ready to go back company driver.When your use to doing it yourself Its pretty hard to do it with somenone else. :D

hey all
i go by stickerbush,,,years of running hounds,name fit
I live in the buckeye and still running all 48.
I found this site while surfing the net,looked interesting and seems to be that,..................stay safe

I too just found this while searching the web. Actually my son asked me to look here because he heard that is father just got hired by the swift company as a driver. He has been waiting for weeks... probably months for a phone call from him. After talking to his grandparents he asked me to come to this web site and see if I could find anything about his dad. I am not going to tell you anything about me except I am the mother and the ex wife of one of your new possible drivers. I am not looking for anything for my self but I am looking for my son and 2 daughters. This man I am talking about is the type that will blow off his daughter's high school graduation, and he has another daughter graduating high school in May. And he has his olderst daughter wedding in Oct. I would like to find this person to remind him of his fatherly duties if nothing else. I also posted on the message board under anything goes as to his name, possible nick he might use and the place he moved from.

Welcome forum
 

Hello all,

I am Jason, these forums are a great source of info. I like Class A Drivers.com, its a great site.

Howdy Folks.

I'm new to the site and just thought I'd introduce myself.

My name's Gypsy to everyone except my mother, who just can't seem to let go of that damn birth name she gave me.

I'm a single daddy with custody, in school for my CDL's, and just checking out the business to see all the things involved that they don't teach you in a classroom.

I'm looking forward to a long career of getting yelled at by shipping/receiving clerks and cut off by enraged soccer moms.

Cheers! http://www.sdmfworldwide.com/BlahIma...ilies/beer.gif

just saying howdy
 

hi my name is lyndon raaum i am 37yo with a wife and son (3 cats and a dust mop we call a dog) i live in waseca minnesota.
i have been interested in trucking all my life and this last feb 18th i got my CDL after a 2 week school (sun prarie wis) and i will start with transport america may 3rd.
i am verry much looking foward to it not looking foward to being away from my wife and son but this is the life we chose right??i have been working in factorys for the last 6 years and i am going to be glad for the job change good luck to all and safe runs all arround hope to meet some of you on the road my handle is minnasnowda hillbilly :D :wink: later , lyn

Hey there, all.

My name's Eric, and I'm out of Lincoln, Nebraska.

I don't drive truck, but I'm really toying with the idea of getting into driving.

My brother drives a brand new Mack for Sampson Construction here in town, and he loves it. $16-something an hour, and home every night. He told me that he could make about $6 more an hour running equipment, but that the equipment "kicks your ass" and you go home feeling like "fido's ass."

I've been in love with everything with a motor since I was about three, and the thought of driving for a living has always intrigued me.

I know it's not a bed of roses, and can at times be a real pain, but I'm still interested in driving.

Trouble is, I make pretty decent money working for the Nebraska Supreme Court on the computers, and a large step down in pay along with being away from home more might really cause a crimp in my marriage and my relationship with my baby.

I am one of those rare types, like most of you, who actually pays attention to what's going on on the road. I use my signals religiously, adjust and use my mirrors exactly as I should, and I anticipate my movements so that it's the safest possible environment for me and the vehicles around me.

I've been of the opinion for a long time that insurance should be higher for the soccer mom who's tailgating in her 6,000-lb SUV while doing her makeup than it is for a 16-year-old kid fresh out of driver's training, as well as the blue-haired senior who can't see over the wheel and is positive that he/she owns the road.

I thought about posting a Pro/Con post to the board to get feedback from all you drivers out there as to whether or not driving would be the thing for me. I'm interested to know the pitfalls, what to look out for, what's fair when asking for loads, and money - those sorts of things.

Anyway, I love reading this board and hope to talk to as many of you as I can through the course of reading it!

BTW, is there anywhere on the web a guy can find out how to be better on the radio? I love the convenience of a CB, but I hate sounding as "green" as I am.

Have a great one!

Hello to all,

New member and new cdl holder. I can not say that i am a truck driver yet since i did not drive one except in cdl school.

goodmorning one and all ........
 

Newbie here
 

Hello, My name is Bill or Bubba,I answer to both,I'm 40 yo,live in Springfield,Ma. and am planning on going to school in the Fall for my CAD. I'm hoping to "hang out" here to learn more about the trucking field and,hopefully,find some answers to some questions I may have as I work towards getting my CAD. Thank you,Bubba

will be here!!
 

Hello,

I am Craig. I am 43 and I go to school on the 12th of july. I am married 2 kids 1 in college and 1 freshman in high school. We live in Farmington Maine. I am a retired Navy Chief Quartermaster and currently work for the Farmington school system as the lead custodian for the Mt. Blue High School and a School Bus driver. I have driven Trucks a little in the Navy for there exabition vans but nothing currently.

I am an avid Fisherman, golfer and Hunter. I like to do yard work and just spend time at home.

We have been talking about me going into the trucking bussiness for some time now. I have researched high and low and have narrowed it down to Werner, Roehl, or Swift. The school that I am attending is the Professional Truck Driving School in Paducah KY. I have looked around as well for an acredited school. The Company to work for is the trouble that I am having now. Living in maine does not allow for a lot of choices. The school does have recruiters come in but I am not sure about the either. I was a Navy recuiter for Michigan and I now what a recruiter will say to get the sale. No there not all that way but what part are to believe, the begining, middle, or end?

I enjoy reading the Message board and am looking forward to joining the trucking bussiness.

Hello everyone,a newbie is here...
 

:arrow: Hi all, my name is Glenda and I am getting prepared to get back in the trucking industry after not being behind the wheel in seven years. I trained and worked with Burlington Motor Carriers before and went out for 6 months then had to return home due to lack of child care, as a single parent I was really hoping that a driving career was going to get my girls and I out of poverty but it did'nt work out that way. Well, here I am at 41 my kids are finally grown and I am free to make a move, I am going to have to go through training again although I did keep my CDL through the years. I was'nt able to give my girls the finer things in life but maby this time around I will be able to give my future grandkids a helping hand. Wish me luck y'all and be safe. I came across this site looking for applications and training and I just joined today, I have read alot of the forums and think this is a wonderfull site. Bye for now.... :roll:

Howdy folks
 

Hi, My name is Annie, I'm 36 yrs old and live in Virginia. I grew up in Erie, Pa and right now home is where I park my truck. I'm lovin it.

I'm seeing the country and gettin paid for it. Sort of. The money's not what I expected but, things can only get better from here.

I have an 11 year old son who is very proud of Mom driving a big truck. I've never been married, and am terrified of that word. I am looking for a dog though. If anyone knows where I can find an English Bulldog or a Boxer pup that's not outrageously priced---I'm your girl.

As far as interests, I'm an artist, I like to work out in my truck whenever possible and I love country music. I am a great fisherman and carry my fishing gear everywhere I go. Hey, you never know. I am a Steelers fan and as far as Nascar goes, I run with little E.

Anyway, I better shutup before this sounds like a personals ad. Here I am, hope to talk to some of ya soon!

HI!!! I'm not a truck driver but my hubbie is. I stumbled across this site one evening looking for other families who have loved onef out "on the road." My husband and I live in Atlanta and have 3 beautiful children. He's been a trucker for almost a year now and is hoping to run locallly after he has 2 years under his belt. I really don't post much. I guess you can say I'm a lurker. Anyway, I have been enjoying this site. :D

Greetings from a lady driver in Iowa... :)
 

Nice to find this bunch of forums, looks like a good thing you have going here. I'm a thirty something female driver in Des Moines, IA, been driving what seems like forever. (translated, about a decade) I'm wanting to be home more often these days, have served a lotta time OTR and am just a bit burnt on being gone. I have a local job right now and it kinda sucks but what do you do..? Anyway, thanks for reading this.

My handle is chacha and if you've run I-80 much over the years, maybe we've talked somewhere along the way. It never ceases to amaze me just what a small world this can actually be. Anyway, safe truckin' to all of you, keep on keepin' on!

Just thought I'd hop in the thread and introduce myself.

I'm 24 (well will be in Augus) and am just starting truck driving school this comming week (6/14/2004) with IITR here in Oregon (Albany) looking to go OTR, or regional.

Judging by all I've read about OTR, I think it will be right up my alley, I enjoy being on the road driving.

I've enjoyed this forum so far, it's been great to read up on past topics of companies, etc, helps me get an idea of what it will be like on the road, and which companies of the "regular" recruiters of students from my school I would like to lean twoards.

Look forward to getting through school, and on the road with the rest of the nations truckers ;)

Hello...
 

My name is Traci, and I am not a driver. I am married to a former OTR driver and I started joining sites a few years ago to keep up with news and events in the industry.

I used to work in HR and accounting, but my time off didn't work with my husband's down time...so we opened an online store to make family time for him. We sell portable electronics and games for those 10 hour breaks or other various down times. (My husband had a rolling palace with his electronics!)

He has now been promoted to Fleet Manager at his company, and is home every night...(never thought I would see the day!) although with the after hours phone and laptop he works 24/7 now, but at least I can pass by on the way to my desk and drop him a kiss.

So, I enjoy posting and reading the latest news and chats, I have 3 children, (my husband is their stepfather), no pets, lots of plants!

And I say thank you to all of you drivers, I wish the companies appreciated you the way they should.

Traci

[b

introduction
 

Hello Everyone,

names Tony 37 male, made a few mistakes, made some good choises now moving on to bigger and better things. I live in northern Cali. Out'a work becouse my Doc made me. Looking to start a new carrier, Driving is it. My Pop's has been in trucking for twenty-eight years of my 37. Owner opp./ Driver. I been into fixing his trucks(remove/replace) PM service that kind of stuff. Went blind in his left eye, can't drive anymore.(won't take a restricted lic.) So I get to go to school, 'course that might not be nearly as bad as the whomp up side my scull for missing or grinding a gear! LOL. Finding it tough since 9/11 to get it to this industry but fully understand. Going to try anyway. Living in small town N. Cali. our main industries have taken a big hit from Enviromentlist, so no work around that pays enough to survive in this inflated state. Well hope to see ya on the "Big Road" soon.

Hi!
 

Hi Everyone!!!
My name is Branden. I am just about to apply with Schneider for training and a job after over 8 months of being unemployed. My goal is to one day be an OTR tanker driver. I spent the last 14 years in the oil industry, but became displaced by the big company merger trend which led to the company that I worked for to liquidate.

I got my nickname "Johnny Cash" from the girls worked in the restaurant in the building where I used to work, because I wear all black. I'm a Southern boy, birthed and bred. I have travelled the country on motorcycle and love the open road, so becoming unemployed and finding that my optimism of a finding a job quickly, with no problem was over-optimistic, I have decided to turn my love of the open road into a career.

I'm not married, but not for lack of wanting to be, just lack of good choices on my part. No bitter feelings. I've gotten used to being alone and since I love being on the road, Trucking seems a natural choice. Plus my cousin, who is a heavy equipment hauler, has been telling me for years that "I should REALLY consider it, because I'd love it." So here I am making a mid-life change without it being a mid-life crisis. 8)

I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone that has taken the time to introduce themselves. You are welcome here at our forums as long as you all respect each other.

With that being said, post away and I look forward to chatting with each of you.

Hello
 

Lets try this again :oops:

Hello everyone, My name is Tammy, in my late 30's, married 19 years this halloween, 1 daughter 18 at the end of the month, 1 spoiled dog (schnauzer), 1 fat cat (22 lbs), 1 extremely large guinea PIG.

I am not a driver yet, but hope to be real soon. Hubby wants to retire from the Automotive Industry, and our daughter is getting ready for college. We love to travel, love being together, and are ready for a much needed change. Truck driving seems to fit our needs and wants. Where else can you see the country and get paid?

My Husbands name is Larry and we will be out there driving team as soon as we can.

Thanks for such a great site funny, informative , and clean.

Hi, my name is Bill and my handle is "Sundance".. I'm retired after 28 years OTR. My wife passed away from breast cancer almost 3 years ago and I miss her very much.. We were married for 33 years...

I came across this site so I thought I'd get on it to try and keep up with whats going on in trucking.. I still have that "white-line-fever"...

To all you new drivers, good luck and be careful... I have over 2,500,000 accident free miles.. There is a time to "hammer down" and a time not too... Just make sure you know the difference....

Hello to all. My name is Dawna and I used to drive OTR untill my oldest daughter was born. I have to say I miss the road terribly. and look forward to one day returning. I stumbled on this site and thought this is a good way to talk to people and keep up with all that goes on, and make some new aquaintences.

I'm 44 and I've been driving for 6 years, o/o for 4 of those. I was in telecommunications and computers before driving. I'm the Professional Nomad type. No home, no family. My current girlfriend is going through school right now to join me and I'm looking forward to that.

Teaming will be a completely different adventure. I have promised her that we are going to explore more than just truck stops!

I've started with a school then puppy mill company. Survived pulling a reefer, grocery warehouses, meat plants and produce in CA and AZ. Now I handle 'pad wrap' freight and love the work. I've always enjoyed driving and put up with warehouses. Now it's completely different. Customers are better, but they expect (and get) more then just bumping a dock.

Hi all
 

My name is Dave and i found this site just recently. I have been driving T/T for a little over a year and half started driving cement mixers a year before that. this is the best board I have found out there so far. I am married with children. Been married for 13 years and 3 beautiful daughters.

My name is Mitch and I'm a graphic designer and photographer by trade. I have two wonder kids, a girl, Kara who is 5 and Caden, he is 1.
I enjoy my family, the outdoors and playin' music (christian) on my guitar.

My question for some senior drivers. I have 6 weeks left of driving school. I'm excited about driving. I'm not happy about leaving my family,yes this is a decision my wife and I have discussed and here in spudville(Idaho) there isn't a lot of work in my field. Anyway, around the bush we go! How safe are the trucks? I know the obvious answer, it depends on the driver. But the trucks, how safe are they in an accident? I watched a load of safety flicks today and to be honest, it make me a bit nervous :shock:
Thanks for having me on the sight and God Bless!