Well 3 weekends down -- 7 to go.

Took our DOT physicals.
Got a visit from the schools placement officer.
Said that it was part of our Curriculum to fill out the 12 Apps (J.B. Hunt, Swift, Sneider.... you know the routine) and have them done by next week. I took him aside afterwards and said "not me-doing part-time only" another guy is still serving (long commitment) in the military and another guy that owns his own construction business, so he is just there for the CDL A "period". He backed off on the mandatory curriculum remark. It's a numbers game, and he is after the $600 per student referral fee.

He did have one interesting note. There is a new dedicated regional job for "Poland Springs" (the mineral water company) that runs from Southern Maine to PA. Guess they are looking for 35 drivers.
They being: http://www.howolding.com/Drivers/Dri...8/Default.aspx

Anyway, an Howolding recruiter is coming next week, so I will get further details.


Anyway, after the head games it was 10 hours of Hazmat (we are not done yet :shock: ). Had Sunday off.

I went to get Hazmat finger printed on Monday, took about an hour. I had to continually dip my fingers in ICE. I usually run pretty hot and it was affecting the image device :wink:

In Maine you can simply do the written tests for Endorsements, so I will get everything but Passenger. I don't even think Maine allow Triples to run in the state?

That's about it. One more weekend of books and it's off to 4 weekends (if needed) of the yard. I will take every hour of practice that I can get whether I graduate early or not.

 

Well the Maine Students all met at the DMV in Portland. I think I overheard Success stories from all in passing their writtens. The Mass and NH students get their turn next week. So I have my N,X, and T endorsements. Some of us get to start grinding gears this weekend in the yard and work on Pre-Trips. (Hmm I better bring some headsets as the NFL draft is taking place (that is another story :wink: ). After the test I took a stroll down memory lane driving the US Rt 1 heading North. I made the same trip 8 years ago whilst scouting out Maine, NH, and Vermont in a Coachman (Bus) RV. Looking for where I might retire from the Air Force with my family. It was a clear day, so it was a nice drive through Bath, Freeport (LL Bean HQ) and Camden (Where Peyton place was filmed in the late 1950's). I did not go as far as Bar Harbor this time, but I regained those images that drew us to Maine the first time. Instead I went to watch a High School Base Ball game, as my son's HS was playing Camden HS. However, first I stopped and treated myself to a Lobster meal, but held off on the Guinness 8).

Finally getting behind the wheel -- been waiting nearly 50 years!!!



PS: I said I would share more info on the H.O. Wolding recruiter visit.
Probably because H.O.W is having to pay competitors to help with their Dedicated contract to Poland Springs (mineral water company in Maine).
But they are making a mad push to get drivers for this contract. As I said, 35+ to do regional Maine to PA, Mass and occasional runs to home base (WI). I do not have the pamphlet in front of me, but they seem to be fair to the newbee driver in pay. Albeit the .36 per mile as a rookie also includes Bonus and safety miles (that are supposedly regularly achievable). Thus bringing the flat rate to the usual .27 - .29 range for starters. Other than that they appear to have some good options for rookies and experienced drivers.

http://www.h-o-w.com/

 

Just putting more notes down, so I can hopefully laugh at them later. Been behind the wheel now for the last two weekends. I am far from the Natural that I was hoping for, but at least I am not a Natural Disaster.
It is amazing how things can go North (good) and South (bad) in one day.

Example: Saturday, I was Double Clutching with Ease (Up and Down the gears) and Sunday I am forgetting to go through Neutral and rushing. Took a temporary confidence hit. I finally adjusted to the different truck and got-er rolling again. Reminded me not to get too comfortable.

Straight backing seems to be licked (in school environment and with NO-LOAD), as I am consistently getting it done right in 9 different trucks. Even in feared Truck #107. I guess there is always one lemon in most lots -- #107 is ours. Just started T-Backs and Angled alley backing (Cones). I can Jack-Knife with the best of them during a T-back.
I started doing GOAL every 20 feet and things started to make sense as far as the approach goes. I tried the Instructor's formula/advice, but it did not work out for me. Maybe I will do better next weekend. simulated alley backing (half moon) turn went well as long as I could cheat and put my head out the window. Using just the mirrors is another story. I ran out of time (had to go on the road) before I could attempt to perfect or at least make better.

Anyway, I having a blast. I am less nervous on the road and I seem to be taking turns, communicating, and handling risk well enough. I left on a high as far as shifting goes (in traffic)... SOOOOO much to learn!

 

More notes since 8 May. Been working on the usual yard work (Backing, Parallel, Blind Alley). I am getting used to working the mirrors. Still make the occasional error and have to GOAL -- but no show stoppers in training. Got a LOT of road time this past weekend. Compared to last weeks flooding and torrential down pour, we had decent weather this weekend. The reason we had a lot of driving time was due to the nearby (share same parking lot) horse track (Scarborough Downs) had one of their larger venues of the year. All the trucks and students were out of the yard ALL DAY on Saturday. Our crew clocked 386 miles. Got to do a ton of driving in diverse situations (Highway, Congested Portland City traffic, Coastal, Mountain, Valley, through road construction, and wide open Western Main country roads). I also got to hear a lot of trucking stories.


Our instructor mentioned how he hauled for "Pride". I guess they had the lions share (97%) of the world market for Golf Tees. They had a few locations that were in production (Iron Mountain, WI, Burnham Maine and another that escapes me). Anyway, the only location left is the Burnham location and the lions share has been reduced to 55% due to offshore competition (Chinese). Still a lot of production, but seasonal. It appears that the Burnham factory is either running flat out or laying off.. Not good!

After getting out of the mountains and hills my instructor asked me if I had driven at these locations before. I said no (wondering?). He said I did really well. All I know is I have never worked the mirrors so hard. Lots of tight corners, choppy edges, steep climbs, drops. Invigorating for a Newbe student. I remember coming out of the hills somewhere near Rumford or Bethel Maine? there were these two kids fishing on a rural bridge begging me to pull the string (Horn) with an eager youthful 12 year old look of anticipation. When I did not they showed their displeasure and iconic middle finger....lol... I saw that in the mirror too.
My comrades were wondering why I was laughing. Later on I nearly hit a flagger as new tar was being put down and the crew only left 2 to 3 inches of clearance on either side of the cones (right side only). Good practice, but it was not the yard, and after dropping of the left side once, I informed the instructor that I might be taking out some cones. He said proceed as he really did not want the drop off to the left again. No cones dropped, but I missed a flagger's head by 2 inches. Even going at 7 MPH it would have hurt. :roll:

Just 3 weekends left, and it is off to find that elusive part-time weekend job. I do have some leads. One is for a lumber yard. I know they are part of the Poland Springs Subcontractor's for Wolding's -- the gig I would like to get is running from Southern Maine (Gray) to Bucksport (Near Bar Harbor) to the international paper plant. I spoke with the HR person and they will assess my skills after I get my CDL. If accepted, I will have to do some limited training with them and go on as a casual per-diem driver.

We will see. First things first!

 

Well I have had an interesting time these last few weeks. Relocated my son to LA (Northridge) to become part of new business venture with his cousins (Saves on the old COLLEGE FUND.. not his bag anyway). Whilst I was in LA several opportunities presented themselves (business with family). I also revisited places that I have not seen since 1981 from Redondo to Oxnard beaches and inland to Ojai.

If I do go back to SO CAL, Malibu and North are the only parts where I could feel comfortable (for my wife's sake) The family business is in Bel Air (sofar), so I got to see some celebs and OH THOSE NICE CARS! LOL!

My Bro is now working of Franchising (hence opps).

Anyway, upon return I got a few more practices in and past my driving test today. Got Hazmat, Dbl/Triples and Tanker endorsement. Will be looking for the part-time (weekend) job now. Luckily I will be doing it for just fun of it (no pressure). We will see how long the muse lasts?, as I am also taking some college courses (soaking up the last of my VocRehab/GI bill money) that interest me (writing). That should keep me busy for a year. Then I will reengage in language learning. Rosetta Stone (language) Software Rocks!

Being married to Mexican lady and living in the Barrio in my younger years and living in Germany for 6 years -- plus taking 2 years (college courses) each in both languages, I have a head start. Albeit rusty.

Not too much more to add. Just seeing where the next life twist takes me.

 

Just keeping the uneventful journal going. Well I did have an event actually. I got my first truck driving gig. Local job in Western Maine.
Hauling eggs from production farm to the distributor. I will try not to make a mess of it :lol: .

Anyway, it does involve driving a reefer, so this is where I start. That and it is a 53' and not just "straight truck" driving. The company is ma and pop and extremely down to earth (like most Mainer's). Just driving on Sunday's and Saturday's if I want them. I am a happy camper to have found this P/T gig coming out of the gates!

 

CONGRATS! Nomad

Glad you got P/T work so quickly. Tell us more about the gig. Are you paid by the mile or hourly? If miles, how many do you get per day, and what rate? Curious because someday I may want to come to Maine and work locally. Always wanted to try out that "experience."

I think there's a forum on Reefers here. Should give you some good info. Been meaning to check it out myself. One thing I've found is that companies often do very little PM on reefer units. Look inside the door and steal a book on them. Learn the codes, etc., as you don't have much time to act when they fail.

And disregard all instructions on using a pulp thermometer! :lol:

Hobo

 

Hey hobo,

This is an extremely part time gig. I only work on Sundays. Saturdays if I want it, but I am also taking on-line college courses and holding a full time job, so I have to leave some time for the family.

The pay is hourly. It is a shuttle job. I just bounce back and forth between different farm sites. Furthest is approx 30 miles. Which if I remember correctly, I will not need to keep a log book? (under 100 miles and not interstate). All back roads except a few miles here and there. Very little drop and hook, if any. I just leave full and drop off. There is a little lumping on both ends (in air conditioned bays), but not much. The Farms are part of a network (combined contracts). However, there is also regional work. Meaning there are several runs throughout New England to the End Customers (Shaws, Hannafords "supers grocery stores", etc...). I don't see any of that action (yet).

I feel very fortunate to have found this job, but I did not leave too many stones unturned. First impression, the people are terrific, and the docking is dead easy. I will post as I learn more. I am taking a day off work this weds to learn more about the routes, reefer units and other operational bits. I will then work the next 2 weekends with a trainer and go solo after that. In comparison to most experiences that I have read on this and other boards --- this is a YAWN for newbe drivers! But I am still excited.

Cheers,
Nomad

 

Well the first 3 days of training and working (ACTUALLY DRIVING) went well. I can say one thing, I will get enough practice backing up (6-10 times a day) -- and some are pretty challenging (even moreso in the winter). It's good to get behind the wheel again. I have not been in a truck since 26 June. It showed :roll:

Lot's of rolling hills with heavy loads, tight bridges, tight back ups.
Everything a rookie could ask for ....lol.

 

Seems like I have delivered over a million eggs and it's only been about three weekends of doing this job. I do about 60% lumping (power jacks) and 40% driving. I have lost about 15 pounds so far. I have a lot of desk jocky fat, so it is easy. The days average between 9 and 12 hours.
I am learning a lot . Going solo this weekend. I have always had respect for Truck Drivers, now I know a little more why. This small glimpse/exposure confirms how hard it REALLY must be do trucking full-time, or moreso, OTR. I am still loving it. I think I need to work on my Spanish a little more. The Mexican workers can make you or brake you in setting up the loads. If I can only rememeber all of those Spanish Cuss words that my X-wife told me. Just kidding. Actually we enjoy the banter, and I am starting to pick up on my old Spanish vocabulary. Actually I am getting some "Rosetta Stone" Spanish Language software. I heard it is top notch. The Military Defense Language School (in Monterey Calif) supposedly uses it (Rosetta Stone Software) to teach the troops (several language choices). I never expected to be reintoducing myself to the Spanish language in rural western Maine.