You Really Are Riding Shotgun Now!! Everything Happens For A Reason.

Filmed 11-24-33
Mike Pierce
P. O. Box 2443
Granby CO

[@sandrahankins8488]

So happy everything is turning around for you Mike.

[@drandisol]

I can't say how much I've missed you and videos Mike. They mean a lot to me. Thank you for taking the effort to share your life and work. You're in my prayers.

[@michaelmorgan7893]

It would appear that God "heard the conversations you did not hear" and provided a way for you. Quality lost a good driver. Their loss is someone else's blessings. God is with you, Mountain Mike. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas.

[@bobclavile5653]

Thanks for the ride Mike. Anybody who thinks driving is easy, should ride with you now. The Blue truck was comfy, but this one is Work. Stay safe, and Strong Mike. PEACE!

[@suepeterson163]

I agree

[@billm5433]

The 96 Ford with the 7.3 is a great truck. We have one on the wheat farm. It was bought new in 96 and in 2000 we had to have a long block installed, 460k miles. When it turned 1,000,000 the front & rear axles were replaced. It is still in use as a fuel truck for the farm. The 2000 Alpenlite 5th wheel is a great trailer. Just keep watch on the caulking on the roof. You might also tighten town the ac. Around The foam gasket is a source of water leaking in. I would shut off the water to the trailer when you are not there. Thanks for letting us ride shotgun with you. Appreciate your efforts. Bill

[@benvolman4976]

Hi I'm a native Alberta. We haul enormous amounts of oil by rail because we can't get a pipeline built here either. Just a word of warning, the oil industry is very sensitive to recession. Economy takes a dump, everything stops, including trucks. If you do this structure things do you don't lose your ass so close to retirement. Best of luck.

[@garykidd4468]

I never realized that we moved that much oil by truck alone. But with the terrain I can see why a pipeline isn't feasible. Stay safe out there and thanks for sharing with us all.

[@robertcolpitts4534]

All of the oil coming out of the Uintah Basin is hauled out with heated tankers. The oil is very high in paraffin and has a high pour point temperature (90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit).

[@pwmvsi]

Its actually feasible but not enough volume. Thus trucks then trains then pipelines.

[@robertcolpitts4534]

@@pwmvsi - plus it requires heated pipeline. As you said, insufficient volume to make it payout. There was a refinery up there in the Basin 100 years ago but it's been gone a long time. There is a move to build a 90-mile railroad to Helper and Wellington to haul oil. All it needs is funding.

[@carollderkacy5164]

I am so thankful to view your videos; it’s uplifting for me to hear your stories. I am taking care of an ill family member here in Arizona. I enjoy listening to people who think like me. Positive energy, setting boundaries, work hard ethics! Good for you! Keep up the good work and never change your ethics!

[@TheHOWLER45]

I've been in the drivers seat. I'm a retired truck driver. I'm so glad I got out when I did. I loved my western trips when I got them. I really disliked the northeast runs in which I seem to always had. Truck drivers move America. Prove me wrong. Be safe.

[@makronist]

What majestic landscapes! ! ! How I wish I could travel to places like that. Congratulations, Riding.

[@ecole3139]

Hi Mike... I agree with you - everything's mapped out for us! I'm just so glad you are still here sharing your stories with us.. Love hearing yr voice and enjoying the scenery of places I'll never see in my lifetime! Thnx so much - take care...x🇬🇧

[@kashkash1541]

I'm finally believing things are already mapped

[@lynnwisinski4970]

I do miss your travels around the west. And fighting the snow in the mountains but I am happy to see you back on here.

[@kimfrommn7162]

Thanks Mike for letting us all go with you today!!!Sucha Delight!!!!

[@BlueBeeMCMLXI]

Back in the saddle! Mike, thanks for all your thinking on life, you have made a big difference to how I deal with the world and with me. Best of everything to you and yours.

[@mountdesertrock]

Mike, no matter the company, no matter the truck, no matter the highway, we will be here! To sit shotgun with you as you discuss life is always enjoyable. Thank you.

[@arunphillips6977]

Fantastic to see you back in full swing! Please keep the awesome vids coming?

[@mark70913]

As always, thanks for taking us along for the ride. And good to get the updates concerning what you up to as well.

[@pinkywilliams8063]

Always love riding shotgun with ya!!!! Good Luck with new job and to your future plans, they sound awesome. Love & Peace my friend

[@natas6307]

if you get your own truck just make sure you get one that will handle the off road driving. ive done oil hauling before and ive seen guys go buy a new volvo truck that was a straight highway setup and in about 1 month and it was pretty much destroyed lol and dont drive over 15 mph on dirt roads

[@sandrahankins8488]

Hey mountain man Mike we back on the shotgun ride. Loving it

[@jackball4201]

Even before all the years you drove automatics going back to manual 18 speed takes getting used to. Nope don't want to miss a gear going down. Then it really would be YEE HA. Kind of like " Wolf Creek Pass" LOL

[@profdg7945]

Congrats on your decision to become self employed! You will do well with this.

[@nancychughesredfern8604]

You must be a happy driver , you found the snow

[@happyhighway106]

#220 Good Morning, Good Morning, Mike! Glad to watch you! Back on the road again, yup! I'm retired, not doing much, just watching U-Tube Truckers and finding out how some methods of trucking is different from others. It's an education for me at 75. Happiness is The Highway!

[@TheGor54]

That manual got you a bit humbled.😂 F qualitity logistties😂Nice to see you driving safer.

[@flynnjp19]

I actually prefer riding in the center of the cab, but either way, great to have you back!

[@karetousignant7011]

Love your return!!! Heard of your bad news...than thought you should hop in your vehicle and keep it going!!! Road trips are awesome! Here's to being "on the road again"!!!🥂🍻🍷🍺 I've always respected the semi drivers...their office is the road! Love your commentary and how to drive with truckers!

[@sammybrownfox6265]

Now that's the view we are used to. Just like old times.

[@marceechristofferson6648]

I'm so happy for you, and i agree that everything happens for a reason. I wish you nothing but the best 😀

[@MrBarbuster]

if you are haulin crude oil you better think twice.. i hauled i for 9 years in kansas. gotta remember when you are broke down you are loosing twice the money. and if you are loading off road you will be broke down a lot. and i wouldnt pull no pup

[@1974kenm]

Welcome back, sir. Thank you for your videos and wishing you the absolute best in the new endeavor (especially if we still get to come along)!

[@debbiebjorklund3241]

Hi Mike, You're so down to earth. I really like knowing what "we're" carrying, the temps, and stuff. I like learning your knowledge. You have good wisdom. Love ya Mike ❤

[@elmiraflower]

Thank you for sharing, the trailer story made me smile, I completely agree that everything happens for a reason. Your videos are always a joy.

[@kennyw6932]

Glad to see ya back on the road. Best of luck with setting up your own rig and business. Looking forward to riding with you often.............Peace!

[@susanr.1963]

Thanks for the video Mike, safe travels, stay safe!!!! 👍🏻

[@thomasw.singley7541]

Ditto, really missed riding along, glad to see you’re back!

[@stevephilips1175]

Hey Mike! Glad to see you back and making Lemonade again! I think you are Right On about the new opportunity to find the best in the situation. Your idea of getting your own truck and forming your own LLC sounds really good. I like the idea of a new truck and wonder if you can still get "Gliders?" That way you could put a Fresh Rebuild, pre-DEF Engine, in it and be ahead of the game. I kind'a envy you your position of being able to make these new decisions! But to be honest, I would be scared of jumping in the deep end on this gig with less than 6 months experience in how "the game is played." Please continue to share your Truck selection process. Best of Luck and I will be following along closely.

[@newsnowmichigan4666]

Its good to see you're back on the road again.

[@tonyd9607]

Hi from Tony in South Africa. Good to see you back.

[@williamkn621]

Great to hear your plans, enjoy the ride

[@shortstroke8712]

I enjoy your videos. I drove or for 20 yrs, much of it being out west. Defiantly prefer the western states. Thanks for bringing back the good memories Driver. Stay safe out there and good luck with becoming an O/O.

[@SpikeBlighty]

That's a very zen story. I like your use of the word energy. Very enlightening. Safe truckin' dude.

[@maryl1833]

Good for you, Mike! I’ve so enjoyed traveling with you!

[@knklbstr1239]

Before you make the plunge check on trailer lease, hazmat insurance, CYA insurance, Maintenance cost and all the legal cost of doing business. That 1,000.00 a load Sounds good till you deduct cost of operation. As a company employee, if a trailer slides off the road the hazmat clean-up cost you nothing but a job.

[@HamBands]

Boy! Mike tells an interesting story of his daily life! I sure could not do OTR. I did enough in driving all over central Virginia doing computer repairs back in the 60's and 70's. I was only doing 1500 to 2000 miles a week in my own car.

[@blackpagan100]

Computer repairs in the 60’s?

[@HamBands]

@@blackpagan100 Yep! Batch processing mainframes using 80 column punch cards. Pretty dog gone primitive by today's standards. It was state of the art in the late sixties.

[@deniseboudreau324]

In the 70s and early 80s too. Had to use them in a college. No fun.

[@ionecuff6323]

Thank you for another great video. I'm glad you found an accountant that has a good reputation/history with other truckers. I cringe every time I hear "accoutant". A co-worker had an accountant and discovered he had not only been ripping him off, but also really messed up on his taxes, costing him over $7000 in taxes, and the guy disappeared. Seems was doing the same to some other people also. Good luck on your new adventure! Hope you get a good deal and great truck! I always look forward to your videos. By the way, the camera in the jump seat really does make me feel like I am riding along with you. Such beautiful scenery out those windows & I am always looking for wildlife. I hope you will have continued safe travels, successful adventures, and making more memories with your family!

[@AngieThinks]

Love your videos! You helped me drive better in winter conditions!!

[@NicholasRichmond-dn8qh]

Outstanding video Mike on a very scenic piece of road while put the world to rights gently. I could listen to that all day. The sun 🌞 always shines on the guys stay. Safe regards Nick

[@redsorgum]

Noice, more trucking videos. 👏👏👏 I hope you and your family had a great thanksgiving.✌️

[@earllutz2663]

Haven't checked in for quite a while. Good to see & hear from you. I hope that your new venture of working for yourself proves to be profitable for you.

[@kenbrohere]

The extra money you think you'll make as an owner operator will not overcome the stress you will feel.

[@derekhenshaweasyputter334]

100% agree with your appreciation of what this is all about, spirit and what is most important, creating the future with intentions, everything happening for a reason. Interesting in how our lives are not the brilliant successes that others experience but I believe living in spirit requires a challenging life that affords us lots of opportunity for discernment. Great story and enjoying your channel as I have for a few years now. Keep on keeping on

[@mollyisintheclubyall7992]

Great to have you back voggin Mountain Man Mike 😊

[@jackoneil654]

Awesome Mike ! So happy for you, great work. About how "the Universe work", i'm 100% ok with you on this. God bless !

[@charleswright9024]

Its been a long time. But it is good to see you back 😮

[@ryanware2183]

I'm a rookie rocky mountain driver and your knowledge has been priceless for me. Thanks

[@nancyvickery5089]

Sorry for what happened but so glad you are back. Enjoy your videos very much.

[@edlinke2368]

interesting how life seeems to fall into place have a good day and trip and ty 4 the ride along

[@saltydog3714]

MM Mike, keep up your videos brother. There so many folks that follow you and respect your abilities. Your videos are the best!

[@elmatador8602]

Man wat a view thanks for shown and talk to you live little bit I love mountains ❤ thanks stay safe!!

[@rwnnicklas]

Mann cool to find you again. In the pandemic I watched a lot of your videos great to see a new one

[@desertlady1795]

Mike ! I’m so excited to see your new adventures ! Keep them coming !

[@walterfink9782]

Other than the other comments, it's nice to see and hear your new videos with your new job. Just waiting for the next ones. Driving a truck that is twice as long as what you drove before plus a manual transmission and hauling oil, gives you a new experience. Be careful! Thanks for the videos.

[@johnrieger2461]

👍 Thanks for the Ride and story, Beautiful.. stay safe👍👍

[@philglover2973]

Thanks for the video Mike and thanks for your time and consideration top job regards from England 🇬🇧👍🚛🚛🚛🚛🚛🇺🇲

[@3252fly]

As always Mike, following you is a ride and a half. == Buying new by lease is full of small lettering.== Costs over profit. ==Yep roll the dice Mike????

[@justbe4481]

Back in the shotgun set up again good to see mountain man Mike 👍🥶

[@benjaminacosta2582]

Happy Thanksgiving to you Mike! God bless! Stay safe! ✌️

[@olu8516]

I actually just sit and listen to this man and still enjoy watching the video may God bless you millions more miles

[@bergydermeister5616]

Good to see ya still out there old man my favorite driver 😊

[@shaunsawyer5127]

Glad to see you came out ok in the end of all that! Keep on keeping on my friend! I feel your entrepreneur instincts and experience will take you far, totally get not wanting to try and keep on top of all that paperwork. Hope everything blooms well! You have sewn a great field of opportunities! Ride safe brotha.

[@nofider1]

Hey Mike. Thanks for the explanation and the upload, Seems like you got a sound plan. Hope it all works out. As you say... Peace. :-)

[@weremodel]

Thank you for the video. I put it on full screen and sit back. So enjoyable.

[@nebraskaknowssomestuff2659]

One thing you need to understand when you own the company YOU WILL PAY TO MUCH IN TAXES...and that's the way it is...don't cheat but learn to use the power of the company Mike should not pay for a meal again...a drop of gas for the car...anything clothing...you will learn...somewhere arround 10-12% of your gross will go to "selling and promotion"...and don't feel bad about that 'cause you are gonna pay to much taxes but if you are making $$ be happy you can pay...but that's a terrible big number if you have never done that part B4...find out for sure how much pain is comming.....'cause taxes get paid first...like it or not...the Goverment WILL get their money I am 70 Y/O and started driving at 21 I can't count the # of O/O's I have seen go down because the didn't do their taxes right...

[@bazdeakin8446]

I enjoy watching you in the beautiful countryside.i a truck in the UK myself

[@missinde0723]

You always give us beautiful views!!! It sure sounds like you have a good plan for your near future. Good Luck! Just be careful out there . . .

[@erikvanhoek]

Hi Mike missed you too thanks for being back grtz from Holland

[@garycutshaw5246]

Good to see you back my friend 👍

[@jetblack5115]

Great views great company thanks for posting

[@joycemcfee1829]

It's good to be riding with Mike again, although I do get a little nervous on those curves, like the ones on here today.

[@bettytsosie3876]

Hello Mike, its nice to see back. Thank you for the nice ride, while you driving talking away i ate all your snacks and looking for Bigfoot. Be sate and take care. see you next time :)

[@thomasmaughan4798]

It has been on my bucket list to drive this route and behold, here it is!

[@david9192]

You are right Mike everything happens for a reason. ❤

[@ethanfrank9059]

So good to be riding shotgun again with you Mike. God bless and be safe out there.

[@chrislafollette6176]

Hey MM, that's a bold business plan with the accountant. You can crunch some basic numbers that he cannot however. With your experiance trucking, you should be able to factor worse case limits to those daily p&d's. Also keep in mind the volatility of the fossle fuel market domestic and international. Have a plan B for the new truck!

[@peterheywood7453]

Another great video mike. Rooting for you all the way. Pete uk.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@olemansailor6519]

I did a spreadsheet for a year tracking every ex-expense the truck I was driving incurred including my pay. My truck, fuel, maintenance, insurance, etc ate up a little over 60%. I still had to put back money for breakdowns. first 3 years were really tight. Fuel went up to $5.25 A GALLON and I had to throw in the towel. It was possible to keep going if the work stayed steady, but nothing stays steady in the trucking business.

[@rayrussell6258]

Mike, you know this yourself, but I'll say it anyway ..... trucking companies are failing all over. Guys are scrounging for work, to make payments. You won't be making $9K a week if you are an owner operator, you won't have an exclusive contract, so you'll be sitting on the roadside half the week, as new competitors keep absorbing some of the business. That "boom" will attract a lot of other trucks. Companies will play you against the other guys, and your rates will fall. Everybody loses ...... except the guys who just continue to drive for other companies. The grass is far from greener on the owner-operator side. My family was 3rd generation truckers, we had to shut down in 2011 after 73 years. Three turbos blew in rapid succession, at the time $15K just for the parts, labor was much extra to get us back on the road, and your truck is stuck in the garage for a week or more earning nothing. (I have no idea how much turbos are now, but I'd guess twice what they were in 2010.) You blow out tires, it's on YOU. And running off-road over rocks at the weight you're carrying, like I've already seen you do around hair-pin turns, flat tires will be a frequent expense. Your truck insurance cost will be astronomical in that oil business. As owner-operator, you'll be paying twice the FICA you've been having taken out of your paycheck as a driver. Quarterly diesel fuel excise taxes on the fuel you use will cut into your smaller and smaller margins as more competitors quickly arrive. (don't overlook the likelihood that excise taxes will increase significantly if electric vehicles are reducing taxes collected for road repairs --- governments will go after low hanging fruit like truckers) Etc etc etc. You say you only want to work another 7-8 years. Save yourself the headache of owning a truck. I have no reason to advise you this way other than I've been there, done that, and profits were impossible for 5 years in a row, and we weren't paying someone to do all or even much of our paperwork. We tried numerous different types of trucking business, like just providing power and pulling other companies' trailers, and even increasing the fleet to 10 trucks didn't help. One of those jobs was pulling a gasoline trailer for a distributor and delivering fuel to stations. None of it made much, and then someone hungrier would come along and offer to take the route for a lower rate than we got and you lose the work to them. De-regulation has been evil for owner-operators. You will be much better off just taking that paycheck, driving someone else's truck and never having to worry about how to pay back the bank loan (or lease) on your equipment.

[@dennisjohnstone4739]

In all the years I was driving trucks before retirement I reckoned the fun part was driving them, not owning them! I looked at a few jobs using my own truck and when I did the sums, I was better off driving someone else's without the hassle. However plenty of guys have made good money owning a truck, so good luck Mike with your new venture, hope it works out well for you. 👍 Seeya.

[@DanielPerez-ee3wp]

Shotgun, I always watch your videos every time you post one.

[@rickardee8539]

You're a smart guy so I'm sure you'll look into your overall direct and indirect cost of owning. Fuel, tires, insurance, permits, taxes, repairs, own authority, licensing, accounting etc. all eat into your gross profits. In addition, the headaches of ownership, the gamble of continued good health, contingencies for time off for unexpected health issues, etc. Gambling on the good freight market etc. Good way to get ulcers too....my2cents

[@ladyb1777]

Glad to see you back MMM! And in a Kenworth 😎

[@paconrail1238]

Good to see another Mountain Man Mike video!

[@vitorzaupa]

Hey I'm writing this from very far aways - I'm from Brazil and I enjoy listening to the engine humming and seeing the sights from the roads over there. I put on your videos when I'm working by myself and it feels like company. I enjoy the talk and the stories. I just felt like writing this because I felt like I should know I appreciate the stuff you upload here. I like to think that life is just like the lights alongside a road: there are some brighter spots and there are some darker spots but it all lines up when you look at from a distance. Keep thinking about the good thinks you want and you find it along the way. It just pops up when you least expect it. Just like the bad things that happen but that's why you gotta keep thinking positive, looking out for these windfals that there are out there. I don't know you but it's good to hear that thins are looking up after all these hits you took. Keep on keeping on, man. Peace

[@jeepgirl6814]

Hey Mike! Glad u are back n taking us on a ride with u. U remember me? Did u give up on Trash Service? Hope u cross over into our side of Colorado. I love seeing those trips since I can no longer drive them.

[@tasmlmbell1126]

When a Human Mind is In Neutral you're Human body not in motion for Your Destiny in Your Life!!! Love the Shotgun Ride in the SNOW mountain 🌬🏔🗻🏔❄ Our SETUP and Setback!!! Is Our Comeback in Life🤗 Life is like a Book 📖 Make Each Chapter a Bestseller in Your Life 🙏

[@ejr5480]

In any event, good luck with everything!!!

[@kathleenogrady8459]

I like listening to you. I like being along for the ride. Idea: As a side hustle; charge people $1k to ride along with you for a real ridin shotgun experience. I bet it would work.

[@mariavasquez8280]

Glad things r going good for you God is good Blessings to you Stay safe on the road 🙏

[@colinmyers8841]

Hi Mike and Gday from sunny Queensland , Australia , top vid this one , thank you , cheers

[@martinmills8458]

Your biggest expenses will be insurance tires and fuel. My brother hauled oil for 34 years, I hauled grain and silage. Both of us are retired now. Good luck going on your own, we will be looking for your next video. 👍