Hey broncrider1, reduce the size of your avatar Please!

 

Does anyone know how to resize an image? I posted a large pic and need to resize it too. Definitley makes the post hard to foillow.

Any Ideas???

 

Day Two of OTR Training 07/13/07
Today was “Friday the 13th.” Although many people are superstitious about that day/date, I am not and today was an easy and uneventful day as we continue to make our way towards Langeloth, PA.

I can’t remember if I mentioned this before or not, but after 22 years in the Navy, I have probably seen more countries than I have states, and so it has been nice to see my (our) beautiful home and today was a perfect day for driving. I ended up putting in just a little over 500 miles today before shutting down.

My shifting has improved a 100% from yesterday. It still need some work, but at least I am improving. By the way, George is teaching me to “float” the gears vice the double clutching that we learned in school and I like the floating MUCH better!!!!

 

Day Three of OTR Training 07/14/07
Today was yet another great day for driving although I did not drive any today. My trainer wanted me to just observe as we went through WV and into PA to make our drop in Langeloth. You see, there are some pretty decent curves and hills and although none that are really a big deal to an experienced driver, they can be a little intimidating to a rookie like me. Well he was right. As I sat in the jump seat, I could see what he meant. However, now that I know what to expect, I get to drive them as we head out.

We made our delivery and bounced about 20 miles or so to Washington, PA where we picked up 40,000 lbs of sheet steel. This will have 2 drops, first some place in IA (can’t remember the name off the top of my head) and the final will be in Provo, UT. This was my first securement and tarp job. It took 2 of us only about an hour (would have been sooner had I known what I was doing and my training not having to tell me every move). We loaded inside a warehouse and it was HOT! I hate to admit this, but to be honest, I was exhausted after that. Again, guess I need to build my stamina.

We are currently at a TA truck stop in Valley Grove, WV and hooked up to “IdleAir” (Davis is nice enough to flip the bill for it for their drivers). I have read where a lot of drivers hate it, but I think it’s pretty cool. We have TV, A/C and who knows what else is on that gadget. The best part is it is so quite. I took a loooong hot shower and it felt so good. After I ate some dinner, I decided to take advantage of the early hour and do a load of laundry. So I am now clean and feeling fresh and have a restocked duffle bag with clean clothes.

Tomorrow we will be up at 3am sharp and by 4 be rolling out on our way to Iowa for a Monday drop.

 

I can't wait.

I will ask him when he gets back to the truck, but knowing him, I doubt it.

thanks, i believe so too! Oh and btw, I did not, and WILL NOT forget about those cookies

 

thanks danske.....the 10 bags were loaded 5 in front and 5 on back. It had a "top' tarp covering the entire load. No blocking. it was "X" and one over the center of each, total of 5 straps for each set.

 

to be honest, I am still trying to learn all the names or nicknames of various places out here. But I did enjoy the beautiful scenery and believe it or not, after the "terror" of it and it was all done and said with, I had a good time.

i'll ask him about it.

 

yeah....they said I was PM'ing people promoting this site....I said it was BS and go check my logg on history and what not. So I can't even read your thread anymore.

i might take you up on that some time.

I'll do that. Starting on this load I will be making the "daily' calls so I'll ask to be passed to that person and get your number.

thanks, I appreciate that.

it's not that bad, I am getting used to it and I like the fact that there is light to no traffic at that hour.

Yeah, one of the most beautiful places I have ever visisited :roll: :lol:

 

Day Four & Five of OTR Training 07/15-16/07
2 more days of training are behind me. The last couple of days were rather uneventful. Both days were absolutely gorgeous days for driving especially since a good portion of it was through secondary roads. It’s amazing how beautiful some of these out of the way places are.

We made it to our customer on Sunday evening and were able to park the truck right outside the property and wait for their morning arrival. Right after arriving, we unhooked all our bungee’s but did not remove the tarp. This way we are ready to rock and roll in the morning and by leaving the tarp on we were still in compliance. At 6am people started to show and by 7am the crane was pulling off the 1st of 5 steel plates we had for them. Shortly before 9am we were re-chained & tarped and on our way to our second drop in Utah.

Between the 2 days I have driven a little over 850 miles. As training progresses, I will drive more and more. Although I am only on day 5, things are coming together nicely. My shifting is almost flawless. There have been only one or two times that I have ground or missed a gear.

Tonight we are shut down at a TA truck stop off I-80 in Nebraska. Tomorrow will be another early rise day as we continue toward Utah for a Wednesday delivery.

 

Glad to see you are moving along! The first day is usually the hardest. That is until you miss your stop or get bad directions or have major construction slow you down and/or something go wrong with the truck.

But it is nice when things like that happen with your trainer vs being alone.

Glad you are getting your shifting down! I know it is a good feeling!

Goin Fer It's Wife