Every milestone has its purpose, whether it is a reflection to a beginning timeline, or a proposed second starting point or second wind. My true milestone will be 33 days from now, and the completion of a contract. Ownership of the truck is what a Professional Driver strives for, but my claim remains the timeline to completion. The truck is a welcomed opportunity. My sights still remain on running a business that involves computing, but due to an economic fight to remain financially operational, it was the unintended move to possess a Commercial Driver’s License that kept me going…or should I say rolling.

It hasn’t been easy. I was sometimes my own worst enemy. Although, since 2006, and with a “track record” of five month, six month, and eight month employment periods, I have gained a little understanding in Over The Road (OTR), Dedicated, Commuter Transportation, Refrigerated Transportation, Intermodal (shy of actually committing to a rail dedicated), rolling with Double Trailers, and even Canadian Crossing, with commercial loads. All that in just the first three years. I express that  because a couple weeks before the completed contract, I will have been in possession of a CDL for six years. I still reflect on my experiences, and will actually admit that although I have been in this Profession for that long, I am far short of those more senior in experience. I will say that the lack of confidence is almost “nil”, but some challenges and much needed habits still make me realize that I am in need of more time to actually call myself experienced. My folly to this is that, “the most experienced professional driver never makes it a point to boast about his experience….there are others around them that do the talking for him/her.”

But I am approaching a new crossroad of lessons. I have actually “pulled back the reigns” on attempting to be fully independent; mostly due to the lack of routine (rather than level of responsibility), when it comes to the financial aspect of running a Commercial Vehicle. I do know enough to go ahead with that next step, but the lack of discipline, well, I truly cannot ignore.

Then, there is still that main vision of this “Business Plan” to continue to incorporate and promote computers in the trucking environment. I already stated that I am my own worst enemy. With only six years experience, even I know, the main focus needs to be on Transportation, the federal regulations, and finance. This doesn’t mean I am a risk. It does mean that to everyone else, I have created more work for myself. Typically, those promoting products relating to the computing and technology field gather information or at least a basic understanding, and improve on their “mousetraps” over time. The work and concentration in becoming fluent in two different and diverse professions /trades can be daunting, and never to be attempted in so many other opinions. Even I need to point out that your main focus should be always in one profession or another…never both. And like falling short of being that “true professional”, I still fall short of totally immersing myself in my real love, and invest in certification (for which I know I can easily qualify for, or have the incentive to achieve).

So, why do it? Well, the truck will always be a focus towards Interstate Commerce, but it also will have the proving grounds for future technological challenges…and opportunities. I have always tried to be the first to own a new toy in technology and become proficient with it. Sticking with this “Field of Transportation” holds a fantasy of seeing the next big opportunity, and still assist others in understanding and getting the fullest potential (and understanding) of the current “toys” on the market. Why do I express technology as toys? Two reasons: First, I have too much fun learning new ways, and constantly challenge myself to get better with what I even currently own; the second has been first addressed in this blog….”the roll as a Professional Driver is to dedicate one’s self in to always improving themselves in becoming the safest, and most proficient experienced driver on the road, and under many extraordinary circumstances“. No exceptions. If this cannot be achieved, then something (either the love for computers, or the CDL)has to be given up.

Like I said… I am my own worst enemy.