truckingOrientatio went as expected and other than a little suspense (they tried to put me back in the same fleet and under the same manager that I quit last year), all went smoothly. I'm in the National Fleet running out of the Marietta, GA terminal and after 3 days of tests and reveiws of company and DOT policies, rented a car, drove to Greensboro, NC, and got into what appears to be a temportary ride - it must have been a team truck as its only 3 years old but has 510,000 miles on it - it should be up for trade in the next 6 months or so.
In the trade, we have what are called 'hot loads' (short period from pickup to delivery), but this appears to be more of a driver with a hot motor!
Some drivers LOVE their trucks. They are like members of the family, or maybe more aptly, treated like a family pet : hugged, bathed, played with . . . LOOK! This guy taught his wittle bitty rig to roll over !
Here is a view of the Marietta terminal from the drivers lot in the rear. Entrance and fuel islands are out of sight to the right, offices are downstairs on the far (front) side of the building, drivers stuff (laundry, lounge, kitchen, bunks, showers) are upstairs at the far side of the building, and there are 4 pull though bays for trailer inspections/repairs, 4 for tractors, 2 for body work, and 1 wash bay. The opposite side of the building is the truck and trailer parking area.
Orientation over, the trip to NC in the rental was, um, uh, just, eh, PEACHY (sorry).
And finally, my new ride #29863. Surprisingly clean and well maintained (must have been a husband and wife team!) except for that they were smokers. New bedding though for every driver, so a can or ten of febreeze and all should be fine, LOL! toot-toot!
