Hi everyone,

 I have a rare couple of hours to kill waiting for a live load this afternoon, so I thought I’d check my mail and say hi to y’all.  In my mailbox was a comment from Larry that I thought I’d share… Larry wrote:

“I have really been enjoying your thread here. You seem a little frustrated at this point so I wish you well. I have a question…as you go chasing all over looking for empty trailers are you paid for the miles? Hang in there, Larry”

Here is my response:

Hey Larry,

Thanks for your comment. Yes, I have been frustrated often out here. And as I’ve said before, I try to write about each load as it happens (or soon after) so I’m sure what I’m feeling at the time shows through.

In all fairness though, while there is frustration there is also a good measure of enjoyment and gratification. I suppose I should write more about the good times, like driving down an uncrowded piece of Interstate highway early in the morning when the weather’s fine, or having my STL make a special effort to contact me to say thanks for making “On Time Delivery” for a critical load. But being human I tend to complain more than I should.

And to answer your question, yes I am paid for any miles assigned to be driven, including going on trailer searches.

Bill

While out here on the road I spend a lot of time by myself (a scary thought in itself) and I’ve found that I miss regular interaction with others.  The brief encounters with shippers and consignees is sometimes nice, but is often tense and hurried.

It has surprised me to learn that comments like Larry’s and many others fill in for that need for contact somewhat, and also help me be more fair with my often opinionated view of life as a solo over-the-road truck driver.  I am grateful to each and every one of you for taking time out of your lives to send me questions and words of encouragement.  I only hope I can someday relay how much they all are appreciated.

Here’s wishing you all a wonderful Memorial Day holiday, along with a reminder to say thanks to someone you know who has served our country.  They gave of themselves for us, whether the politics were ‘correct’ or not.

Bill