Tony
12-04-2009, 08:44 AM
thanks for stopping in and checking things out. I'll do my best to make this a comfy place to hang out and share information and experiences.
Lets start this off...
My name is Tony (obviously) :D
My previous-to-this-life experience has been computer programming and resolution management for tech companies. Which has been a long and stressful life that almost killed me. Which turned me to my current profession of driving. Most will ask 'how the hell did that happen?!?!?!'
Well, lets just say that driving has been in my blood for a long time. Nearly all of my family drives. And our history is that of long distance driving even in cars. I have several cousins that are drivers as well as a few uncles(deceased or divorced), and an uncle that is soon to be a driver. But in our past, it wasn't uncommon for one of us to just jump in the car and head 1,500 miles out 'just for something to do'. We've all taken at least on straight-thru cross country trip and got upset when it was over. I made my first Chicago to San Fransisco run at 16.
Anyway... compared to my previous career, the stress in this profession isn't even 25% of that. So here I am.
I started with a 2005 Dodge 3500 and a 40ft PJ flatbed running freight. Which if anyone knows me will remember a major end to that truck life. I was caught in a major storm on the last leg of my first trip. Only the truck cab was visible above the water level of a flash flood.
But I had already decided that this was the career path I wanted to pursue, so as soon as insurance totaled out that truck, I bought another and within a week had it setup, plated and ready to roll.
After a few months of hauling freight, almost non-stop since it was somewhat abundant when I started. I came across a contact that put me into the Ford Plant. Which I ended up getting hooked into the idea of transporting cars from the Ford Yard to dealers all over the neighboring state. That just coupled my love for cars into my new career. So went to researching options for hauling them.
After doing my research while still moving LTL freight, i went to pickup my (still have it) 2008 Take3 53TH. I've not looked back ever since. The PJ still gets worked, but primarily for those tall or oversize vehicles that might stress the Take3.
Since then, I have gotten out of the 3500 and moved up to a 2008 Dodge 5500 Long Wheelbase and customized it to make me feel as much as home as you can on the road in a truck that size. I added a 42in sleeper and now have plans for a 60in which will still fit and allow me to turn corners. :)
I also have picked up a 2009 enclosed trailer that is capable of transporting 3 cars. At the time of that addition, enclosed transports were paying 2x of the open transports of which their rates were still respectable.
So far I have not had any major incidents, have enjoyed my travels, and love the work.
So you somewhat know me.... where's your intro topic?
Lets start this off...
My name is Tony (obviously) :D
My previous-to-this-life experience has been computer programming and resolution management for tech companies. Which has been a long and stressful life that almost killed me. Which turned me to my current profession of driving. Most will ask 'how the hell did that happen?!?!?!'
Well, lets just say that driving has been in my blood for a long time. Nearly all of my family drives. And our history is that of long distance driving even in cars. I have several cousins that are drivers as well as a few uncles(deceased or divorced), and an uncle that is soon to be a driver. But in our past, it wasn't uncommon for one of us to just jump in the car and head 1,500 miles out 'just for something to do'. We've all taken at least on straight-thru cross country trip and got upset when it was over. I made my first Chicago to San Fransisco run at 16.
Anyway... compared to my previous career, the stress in this profession isn't even 25% of that. So here I am.
I started with a 2005 Dodge 3500 and a 40ft PJ flatbed running freight. Which if anyone knows me will remember a major end to that truck life. I was caught in a major storm on the last leg of my first trip. Only the truck cab was visible above the water level of a flash flood.
But I had already decided that this was the career path I wanted to pursue, so as soon as insurance totaled out that truck, I bought another and within a week had it setup, plated and ready to roll.
After a few months of hauling freight, almost non-stop since it was somewhat abundant when I started. I came across a contact that put me into the Ford Plant. Which I ended up getting hooked into the idea of transporting cars from the Ford Yard to dealers all over the neighboring state. That just coupled my love for cars into my new career. So went to researching options for hauling them.
After doing my research while still moving LTL freight, i went to pickup my (still have it) 2008 Take3 53TH. I've not looked back ever since. The PJ still gets worked, but primarily for those tall or oversize vehicles that might stress the Take3.
Since then, I have gotten out of the 3500 and moved up to a 2008 Dodge 5500 Long Wheelbase and customized it to make me feel as much as home as you can on the road in a truck that size. I added a 42in sleeper and now have plans for a 60in which will still fit and allow me to turn corners. :)
I also have picked up a 2009 enclosed trailer that is capable of transporting 3 cars. At the time of that addition, enclosed transports were paying 2x of the open transports of which their rates were still respectable.
So far I have not had any major incidents, have enjoyed my travels, and love the work.
So you somewhat know me.... where's your intro topic?