I'm assigned truck number 8515. A white Freightliner Columbia.

I decided to drive the Southeast region for Millis. They had openings and offered one to me. Because of my location it is perfect for me and Millis. The reasons for going regional are I will be home most weekends but can drive most any weekend I want. Also, if I want to go long from time to time, I can let them know and they will send me out.

I have only driven this truck about 80 miles. I tested in Cartersville and then was shown my new (300,000+ mile) truck. It has some minor exterior bumps and bruises but is clean and seems to have been cared for. It sure drives different from the KW T600 that I've been in. The Mercedes engine is very different. The ride is much smoother and quieter. Visibility is much better with a bigger windshield and shorter hood.

My first backing with it makes me think it has a better radius for steering. The cab is roomier than the T600.There are only two negatives so far. The big one is that it only has one fuel tank. Also, the sleeper is small. I never liked the sleeper in the T600 so it is no worse to me.

It seemed like a long road to get here but now that it's done, looking back, it hasn't been that long. I know I'm a green rookie still so the plan going forward is to take it slow and use more caution than is probably required. I will get my first load early Monday.