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I’m A Commercial Class A Driver

About me: I’m a current CDL holder; I’ve got all my endorsements (HAZMAT, doubles/triples, tanks). I ran a 48′ spread axle flatbed ragged across the Arizona desert for years.

My 1999 Freightliner Century was a champion on the road, but she tentatively decided when she would allow me the grace of climate-controlled air from the vents.

More often than not, the air would be burning hot, and the A/C remained off. You could open her windows, and be blasted by the scorching heat that radiated off the asphalt or opt to leave the windows closed, and sweat profusely the entire time.

My 1999 Freightliner Century – “The Oppressor”

The massive Eaton 10-speed would radiate so much heat into the cab, my gallon of water next to my feet would be damn-near boiling after sitting next to me for an hour of driving. I loved every minute of my life on the road, but I affectionately named my Freightliner “The Oppressor” for good reason.

My adventures took me to the most remote drilling sites, down 45-mile “trails” with insanely steep grades – ones that required a first-gear crawl, and a very steady left foot.

I’ve had loads shift dangerously on me en-route, engine trouble in the middle of nowhere, more tire blowouts than I care to remember, lost a front wheel bearing through a mountain pass. I’ve even had a cab fire in my sleeper – while driving! The road is not a gentle place – for drivers or their equipment.

Any driver worth his weight in salt, with enough miles under his belt, could tell you a book-full of unbelievable stories that only us road-wranglers would truly appreciate.