Holy hell! You're still here?

Ok, I know I haven't updated in a long time... again. But I've been BUSY!! By shutdown time, I've been too exhausted to even think about putting together coherent sentences.

Anyway, I was going through my comments and came across one from "anonymous" back in August asking for a retrospective since I've been doing this for over a year now. Here goes:

It's been a LOT of learning, a LOT of mistakes, and a LOT of growing. Not so much my body. I think I've gained a little weight, but I'm not needing new clothes yet so I think I'm ok for now.

The biggest thing to understand is that when you're getting started, the money isn't there. It is very discouraging at time. VERY discouraging. It takes time, patience, stubbornness, and an OPEN MIND to get this job. An open mind is the most important thing because if you're not willing to change anything, you're going to keep screwing up and keep flushing the dollars down the toilet. The day we stop learning is the day that we die.

Advice to newbies: watch everything. Watch how truckers conduct themselves in all situations. Listen to the CB chatter. Listen to them talk. Watch how they back in to docks or parking spaces. You will learn much by doing this.

For the talk, you have to understand that 99% of everything that truckers say is pure BULLSHIT. The important thing is to learn to not only recognize the bullshit, but to understand WHY it is bullshit. They brag and boast but the reality is that they're not doing any better than you are, and quite likely worse.

For general conduct, you will learn what to do and what not do to. Don't piss and moan at your shippers and receivers. I don't care what they tell you to do. Just smile, say "ok", go back to your truck and scream there. I have plenty of shippers and receivers that I despise, but THEY will never know that. Also watch for general etiquette and PLEASE remember to avoid getting in people's way whenever possible. Fuel islands, parking lots, docks, etc. Don't block stuff unecessarily.

For parking and driving, watching the veterans and beginners is a very good habit to get into. You'll learn little tricks to try (and some to NOT try!). Even watching newbs back in is good because you can watch them make the same mistakes that you make and see why they're mistakes.

Anyway, that's enough posting for one night. Hope everyone had a good Turkey Day!