“There is no way back.”
A dozen years ago, we carried cars to Russia from the United States. For customers and for resale. As usual, lighthouses were purchased at auctions, then they were taken to a warehouse, where they were loaded in containers. Subsequently, the containers were sent to the port for loading on vessels.
So, for the transportation of containers from the warehouse to the port, we arranged a small park of tractors. This park was owned by a man, Dima (name changed). He had four or five cars, I don’t remember exactly. One tractor he himself drove, on the other hired drives, a couple of mexes and a couple of Russian-speaking.
In general, the transportation of highway trucks is a very difficult occupation in the United States. But from the side, Dimin’s business was just a fairy tale. First, the distance is short, only 3-4 miles in one direction. He took a full container to the port, brought back to the site an empty container, put it on the loading, and time to rest. Dima himself in a day had time to do at least 4, and more often, even 5 walks. Its guides, a little smaller, 3-4 walks. Take a loaded container - $120. Bring an empty – $50.
A good schedule, apportioned plates (i.e. registration for several states) are not required, all shipping in one state. Both himself and the guides sleep at home every night, not like long-range fighters, but get almost the same amount. The big plus is that he, like the owner, every day sees his tractor in what condition it is. Even more pleasant, it is quite possible to do with old tractors, because the length and wear are minimal. Well, and in addition, every worker in sight, under the supervision of the fatherland, so to speak.
I will not say that Dima held the Lord for his beard, but he had his piece of bread, with a fat layer of oil and ivory.
I talked to him once.
- Dimich, tell me the secret, how did you fit into these transportations?
He told me:
It was funny. I didn’t even have a lightweight in the Lower, although I gave up on the right. By profession I am an engineer, but after university by specialty I did not work, could not work. In the 90s, his mother. He worked as a security guard, even traded in the market. My wife, Lenka, is a teacher. It’s not a salary, it’s tears. Tired of getting worse. They were able to go to the United States, small then just started walking. They sold everything that was. I earned, as I remember now, $13 thousand.
They arrived. The distant relatives took the first time, thank you. What to do? There is no language, no experience, no special knowledge, no licenses, but the family needs to be fed. Here a long-time friend, still from the army, painted. The female has been in America for 5-6 years. He asked me:
Do you have a grandmother?
I say, I have 10 dollars.
Come here here.
Why Why?
You will see.
I trusted him and gave him money. But, obviously, I sit, I’m all on the nerves. That’s almost all there is. And there is Lenka brainwashing.
Early in the evening he picked me up in the car.
Where are we going?
Now you will understand everything yourself.
Bring it to the square, there the truck stands. Old, he is 25 years old with a hook, but looks decent. Someone is wrong nearby.
This is what? I ask.
The woman looked at me and said loudly.
Dummy, this is your truck. You can’t get the best for 10 coats. The task – half – I’ve already given him. You have no way back. We go make papers. Remember, this is a true piece of bread. Remember, from now on, you are an entrepreneur. Everything is in your hands, if you want, you can sail.
At first I almost fainted. Then I wanted to give him a mouth. Where are you going from the submarine? I finished the course and started to turn. The rest you see yourself.
I am so grateful to the woman!