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Post by Fozzy on Jul 7, 2007 22:50:36 GMT -5
I and a few of my instructor buddies used to plan the "money is no option" trucking school of the future. We had it set up so we would have a dorm room made up of truck cabs. You wouldn't need the whole truck, just the cabs. Of course we would have a AC/heat system, but they would be required to return to the building for restrooms and showers. There would be a loudspeaker or three mounted around the outside area to have sounds of jakebrakes and train horns every once in a while and of course a staff member would occasionally rap on the side of the cab and proposition the student just to wake them up. ;D
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Post by truckertom on Jul 14, 2007 23:00:31 GMT -5
I pass my old trailer every day, the one that I used to pull training people. It now sits and collects truck tires at a Goodyear tire shop. There has to be a way to reduce the amount of money of lodging. This is one item that drives up the price, and it seems every school I ever worked for that went under leaves a huge tab at a motel that never gets paid.
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Post by Christopher on Aug 7, 2007 7:21:56 GMT -5
Hey Tom! I had actually forgotten about this site (well, not completely forgotten...just more in the back of my mind than the front ). I see there are a few familiar names from the old days ('03 was, I think, the last time I was here). I'm coming up on 5 years with the CDL - still with the same company, no real problems to speak of. I do have to admit that I've been kinda jaded on the industry as whole for a few years now (no surprise that it didn't take long ), especially the pay structure. I actually get paid pretty well as far as being hourly for things like pulling into the scales, sitting at the loading docks, etc., so I'm not sure why the issue bothers me as much as it does, but it does. I'll probably start investigating some *true* local situations in the near future, such as some of the garbage hauling companies like BFI, etc. that pay hourly all day long with standard overtime. Not only am I interested in the proper method of being paid for all work done, but not having to work 60+ hours a week is kind of exciting - I've had an interest in getting my life back outside of work for some time now. Anyway, just thought I'd pop in and say hello - it's a shame that things seem to be so quiet around here in the last long while. And no Rachelle anymore??!!
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Post by Charles on Aug 8, 2007 11:08:35 GMT -5
it seems every school I ever worked for that went under leaves a huge tab at a motel that never gets paid. Hi truckertom and all the former regulars... long time no "see". I'm still trying to find the time and money to get my old '87 International painted - remember the "What a Mess!" thread... at least I've got it sanded down. I was browsing the net just the other day for info on the West Plains trucking school and was shocked to find out that there was a "little problem" there last year. For example: www.ky3.com/news/2275071.html?autovid=Ywww.debbieschlussel.com/archives/2006/09/remember_the_mu.html The facility and at least one trailer is still there in town, but I don't see any 2007 news related to the school - maybe they're looking for a new owner and instructor... are you up for it? ;D -Charles
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Post by truckertom on Aug 18, 2007 19:56:12 GMT -5
I guess the only way I would get back into the training business is if I owned it. But alas, I find my financial situation is limited at best...I have been an instructor long enough to be broke! I did buy a lotto ticket though.
Chris, you might try some of the mail hauling jobs. Salmon and Sons might be a place to look, you haul it to a city, and haul one back. If it to far to make an 11 hour day of it, then you switch trailers half way there.
It's not bad......
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Post by truckertom on Aug 25, 2007 22:37:06 GMT -5
I was watching a show called Celebrity Bull Riding Challenge, and it takes place in Stephenville TX. They all went to dinner at the Hard 8 bbq where I have eaten lunch with my students for years.
I hope some of my students see that show...
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Post by budfan on Aug 30, 2007 9:28:20 GMT -5
Hey thought I would stop by to see what was going on here. It's been a long time. I got into trucking about 4 years ago because of the mill closing where I live. I am still driving today but I have learned one thing most all Trucking Companies are the same, they want to run you lots of miles with little pay. But I got on with Ryder about 2 years ago and it's not to bad.
One other thing I am starting to notice there is very little courtesy any more between drivers. There is lots of cowboys and fewer drivers I don't think it's going to change.
Anyway I have learned a lot from you guys when I was getting into trucking, and all I have read here has always been a big help. In 4 years I have pulled Vans Tankers and Flatbeds. I rather pull the Vans but the Flatbeds are not to bad except one thing trying to back a 45ft spread Axile with no dump valve is still a pain. Seems like that old truck says Forget It.
Anyway nice seeing ya'll are still here!!
Take Care! God Bless!!!!!
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Post by truckertom on Aug 30, 2007 11:48:12 GMT -5
Hey Bud. Yes, it is pretty dead around here at the moment. This "we are on the same side" idea is something I tried to get into my students head. Most truckers today aren't like that and that is one of the big reasons we truckers don't get paid for our sacrifice.
And sacrifice is what trucking seems to be all about these days.
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Post by truckertom on Nov 22, 2007 15:32:53 GMT -5
Silence.......
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Post by truckertom on Apr 9, 2008 16:01:42 GMT -5
Hey, someone sign in and start talking again. Y'all keep passing by like a clown at a graveyard!
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Post by truckertom on May 14, 2008 22:52:27 GMT -5
Silence.....
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Post by FATBOY on May 18, 2008 8:36:29 GMT -5
I'm outa here TruckerTom, I got tired of coming here and not seeing any new posts. This use to be a good site. Back in 2003 I was thinking about leaving commercial plumbing and going into trucking. I dont like driving my pickup or car from Ft. Worth to Arlington. I dont have a clue what I was thinking. Now the site seams to be messed up the way I got here was going to the 10 most recent posts.
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Post by truckertom on May 21, 2008 22:49:43 GMT -5
Well, I guess if you don't like that drive you wont like the Seattle to Miami much. Good luck to you what ever you do.
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Post by doubleclutch on May 26, 2008 21:24:26 GMT -5
WOW!!! Not much activity !!! Well, still here and going on 4 years pulling flatbeds. I did my part to break the silence. Who'll be next???
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Post by truckertom on Jun 25, 2008 13:41:02 GMT -5
I guess I will have to be the ice breaker....breaker 19
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