Driver's Blog

Although owning a truck has little to do with a computer learning center and lab, but it did open my eyes to how technology has greatly affected the transportation world, for both the business and the drivers. I have written articles on GPS and mapping software through Associated Content, a people’s media. Not all articles were accepted for one reason or another, but I have covered mapping and software that work on a personal computer, while on the go, and it includes tracking the truck and trailer by the company. Both use satellite technology, and both have become quite affordable.

            There are things I should point out, such as that any map, in paper or software, are simply guidelines, and even the most accurate information of any type is not “foolproof”, and through time, things change. On the other hand, developers do not put out bad references, and any mapping tool is quite accurate (just don’t live by one form of map).  I will always carry a National Trucker’s Map”, to use against other resources. Currently, I compare travel information supplied by the company I am contracted with, and more. I use my Microsoft Streets and Maps to map out (plot) my destination and stops. The Delorme Streets USA is used to track where I am, and set towards my destination, giving me an estimated time to arrive. The software is getting older with time, but with four reference materials, I know how far I will travel each day, all my stops for the end of the day, food and fuel, and I can even search for points of interest from where to shop and get repairs, to emergency services and essential purchases such as food. At the same time, the company can find my location, see if I am moving, or off course, and they can even get information such as idling, current odometer reading, and even if the truck rolled over. A fifth resource is connecting to the internet; thanks to a wireless card, and the ever improving service providers.

            From here, I have met people using computers to keep records in spreadsheets, and even the map software along the lines that I use it for. I noticed that some users were limited to the potential of what they could use the programs for, and at various levels. For me, I saw a new market of instruction, and even How To videos. Now, all I need is to make the time and routine to build what I know, and at the same time, continue to learn myself and keep up with the new technologies and changes. And through driving, I also found issues needed to be introduced or improve upon, and I know what limitations a driver may have, especially with time. And, I even experienced the work it is to even develop a routine towards developing computer skills that enhance the whole work experience.

            My new tool to use (and even learn from) is the Driver’s Daily log program, available for downloading at http://www.driversdailylog.com. Many major corporations are approving the use of this program for those driver’s with the initiative to advance from the paper log book. It is not only a replacement for the paper logbook, but the driver can show reports on themselves, to note and improve on when it comes to the regulations that enforce the use of logbook in the commercial transportation industry. The only thing lacking is the “push” and incentive to get other drivers interested.

  I was on the way to starting computer services, repairs, and maintenance, when the idea of getting a commercial Driver’s license came into light. I know it has nothing to do with computer repairs, servies, or teaching. But it was more for personal reasons.

      My father drove for over forty years, and lived to drive. My brother was eager to follow suite, and had the love for big rigs in his blood since he was a kid. I on the other hand, liked science, technology, and writing. I never had the desire to drive anything so huge, and plan to do it everyday. But, it began after my mother passed away. My father kept his promise, and stayed off the road for two years, until his mind was right on driving again.  But, it took one telephone call (when he was feeling down) that made me concerned that if he fell apart, I would have no way of getting him to a “safe haven”, should I be able to be there with him. And, at the time, I thought it would come as easy as everything ele I had attempted. I could not be so wrong.

     Where so many would give up, I would just get angry, and take time down, and get back on that horse again. I had two things against me from the beginning though: The desire to drive trucks; and, I already invested time and money in my services at home. I was trying to live in two worlds, and trucking was tugging harder than the business I desired.

      With little incentive, I would drive five months at a time, filling the other time with working as an independent contractor, installing and maintenance in networking. I really thought I would be able to control my dual roles, but one was a career, and trucking, well, it turns out to be a lifestyle.

      With all my monies spent, I had to go one way or another. The economy took the turn for the worst, and so, I fell towards the role I least desired, since much time and money went into getting where I was in such a short time. This time, I went all out, and found a lease to purchase program. And now, with just over another 100 “E-Z” payments, I’ll own a truck (which needs to keep moving to make money), and I could get back to my modified business plan for building class environments inside trailers. It goes further than that, but, it lets you know that my goal is still in computers, its just a long way in the distance for now.