Well I am finished with my training with Frank. I got out of his truck last Thursday, and went home for the weekend. I drove my own car to Tunnel Hill, GA on Sunday so I could be at the terminal first thing Monday. Got there and found the person that could give me my upgrade tests. I had to take a short road test, a written test, a backing test, then spend about 2 hours in their simulator (I want one at home to play games on!) It has 3 good size flat panels that show you the view out the front and sides of the truck. It is pretty close to being in a real truck. I passed all the test and they promoted me to a 1st seat driver, which means I am on my own now!!!

I should be going to Albany, GA to pick up a truck that some left over there then they quit. I will post a few pictures of it when I get it. I need to buy a few things to make it mine like a inverter to run the fridge and microwave, and my laptop (got to be connected on the road!)

I have been on Frank’s truck for a little over 2 weeks, have about a week and a half left. It is a 07′ Volvo with a 10 speed auto shift transmission (WOW I don’t ever want to go back to a manual for most driving) I have been doing all the driving, and have almost 5000 miles under my belt The driving is pretty easy, but I still need practice on backing into tight spots, which there will be plenty of on this account. We have electronic logs so there is no cheating on the hours, but it also means the dispatchers can’t push us to run longer than legal. We will be doing a couple hours of backing practice today before heading to Tampa for a delivery tomorrow morning. I will get to sleep in my own bed tonight. The truck has a Truck PC in it that does most of the paperwork. We have to scan our bill of lading at the truck stops to get paid, but the rest of it is done on the truck computer.

The truck at a store at night.

Sitting in the truck at the truck stop in Marianna, FL waiting for my trainer to get back. He lives in Marianna and gets to go home about every 2 days, I hope to be able to do the same once I get my own truck, but for now I sleep in the truck and drive home on the weekends (5 hour drive)

Here is the view from my new rolling office. We were on our way to Miami. The weather started out great, but then it rained so hard you could barely see the road. I am enjoying the view, but people in cars need to watch out for trucks!

Well after being in the computer / network field for the last 15 years and getting laid off I could not find work done here in sunny FL. So I decided to go to truck driving school and get my CDL license. Got it last Friday, and by Wednesday this week I had a new job. I have to drive to TN for orientation, and then it is off to a truck with a trainer for 3-4 weeks, then I get my own truck!!! Woo Hoo. I will try to update the blog while on the road with pictures and progress of the training.

Washington lawmakers are drafting a large economic stimulus package to help create jobs and rebuild infrastructure. They want to include a nationwide scrappage program which would give U.S. tax dollars to consumers who turn-in older cars to have them crushed, as a misguided attempt to spur new car sales. The lawmakers need to scrap this idea.

The stimulus package is being drafted right now. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) wants to introduce the bill on January 6 and have it approved by Congress by January 20, so that President Obama can sign it into law after he is inaugurated.

Contact House Speaker Nancy Pelosi IMMEDIATELY To Oppose Cash for Clunkers!

Call: 202/225-0100
Click here to send an electronic message: http://speaker.house.gov/contact/

What can you do, write you state representatives and congress members. Here is a letter you can use..

Talking Points
Oppose the Use of U.S. Taxpayer Dollars for Cash for Clunkers

• I am [calling/writing] to urge lawmakers not to include a “Cash for Clunkers” provision in the economic stimulus bill. Owners who turn in vehicles for crushing would receive a “minimal” payment to purchase a new car. This is a misguided attempt to spur car sales and claim that the country’s air quality or fleet fuel mileage is being improved.
• “Cash for Clunkers” programs threaten enthusiasts nationwide with the loss of valuable parts and parts-cars for repair, restoration, and customization projects. The programs also risk destroying classic, historic and special-interest vehicles, our American heritage.
• Cars turned in for scrappage often barely run, or are rarely-driven second or third vehicles that have a minimal impact on overall fuel economy or emissions.
• “Cash for Clunkers” programs will reduce the availability of affordable transportation and repair parts used by low-income drivers. It will also compete with the Salvation Army, the Purple Heart and other charities that rely on vehicle donations to raise money.
• “Cash for Clunkers” ignores better policy options. If Congress wants to act, support for repair and upgrade is a better choice and a win-win for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and repair shops. Significant emissions and fuel economy improvements can be achieved in older vehicles through relatively simple and inexpensive means: repaired/replaced exhaust systems, tune-ups, etc.

We hope we can count on you to reject “Cash for Clunkers.” Thank you for your consideration on this very important matter.

Please send a quick note and/or a copy of your message to Speaker Pelosi to:

E-mail: briand@sema.org
Fax: 202/783-6024

Be sure to check out the photo album by clicking Gallery

Ian

Well I turned 40 today. I guess it is not too bad. I have a son that will be a teenager this year, and my daughter is 10. My wife and I have been married 16 years in May. I have a nice house, cool cars, great friends, and a good job. The back hurts when I spend too much time working on the car, but all and all I am doing good. Heres to another 40!

I have added a page and some pictures. I will be adding more as time goes on.

Fuel Injection Project

Here is a quick picture of my car.