"Moving" to Kingman AZ

[USExplorer]

I am planning to officially move from North Carolina to Kingman Arizona this October, after I leave the Grand Tetons. Anyone know any business or private individuals in Kingman or the vicinity (Bullhead City, Golden Valley) who would be interested in renting me mailbox space for a yearly fee? I believe $200/year is typical market rate, but I am open to any fair price. I also have driveway space rental and temporary room rentals in mind, possibly while I get my commercial driver's license. References available, and there will be a face-to-face meeting in October to finalize details, if all goes according to plan. Everything is still tentative.

Both public posts and PMs will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[highdesertranger]

I am in the process at the moment of moving my shop to Mohave Valley which is a couple of miles south of Bull Head City. although I really can't help you at the moment as I am going to use my buddies address for residency. I am going to use a mail forwarder maybe the one out of Quartzsite I think it's 60 bucks a year. once I am there for a few years maybe I could help. my advice is to get an address for residency and then get a mail forwarder. anyhow since we are going to be neighbors keep in touch. highdesertranger

 

[cyndi]

I lived in Dolan springs for 5 years and have friends with vacant houses and lots. Is that too far out?

 

[USExplorer]

I lived in Dolan springs for 5 years and have friends with vacant houses and lots. Is that too far out?

Dolan Springs is perfect, right off Route 93. I will be driving down past there in mid October to check out the Big Sandy Shoot. 

I've been looking into the AZDOT requirements, it seems Arizona is very lax about proof of address, so the agreement can be an informal understanding rather than a formal contract. I only plan to have official mail delivered to my AZ address, so storing packages won't be necessary.

Now about the other rentals: If I decide to backpack in Mexico this winter, I will need a place to park my SUV for a few months. This may be in AZ or in NC.
Alternatively, I may take a 4 week CDL training course in Kingman, October 10 through November 3. I will then need basic lodging, as well as a place to park when I am on the road professionally.
Yet another option is to continue wandering the country in my truck, in which case only the mailbox rental will be necessary.

@highdesertranger: I'll be back in the area in October for an unknown period of time. I'll drop you a PM when I get down there.

 

[cyndi]

I'll make some inquiries and get back to you.

 

[Lafnbug]

I have family in Kingman, I have sent out an inquiry. Will respond with good news, hopefully!

 

[paradiceau]

I know some people who used to live in Dolan Springs. One older couple whose house was broken into and vandalized several times. I think the tweekers stripped the copper out of the building. Another prospector friend of mine refers to Dolan Springs as Stolen Springs, he also had bad experiences with the local low lifes...
The only good thing about DS I know about is they have beer and ice if you need it and it is on the way to Gold Basin and some other nice areas.... I would not be inclined to invest there. Good Luck with your CDL plans, it ain't a bad way to go!

 

[cyndi]

Dolan springs has cleaned up some. Some vigilantes burned down all the abandoned trailers so there is no place for the tweekers to hide. SVdP closed so there are no longer free emergency services or free food.

That said, it's a rough crowd that lives in any off the map desert town. Golden Valley and Kingman aren't much better

A typical day in Mohave County
http://www.citizensactionteam.com/news-and-arrests.html

 

[USExplorer]

@cyndi, Lafnbug: Thanks a lot for your kindness and helpfulness. There is no hurry; I won't be moving for another three months.

@paradiceau: I've lived in far worse places, Detroit for instance. I probably won't be leaving my SUV unattended in the settlement now for weeks at a time, but mailbox and room rental won't be a problem. I don't plan to actually purchase a house, doubt my meagre funds after shelling out for CDL school will acquire even the most decrepit singlewide.

 

[highdesertranger]

dang Cyndi that was scary. a lot of manson looking type there. highdesertranger

 

[wayne49]

@cyndi, Lafnbug: Thanks a lot for your kindness and helpfulness. There is no hurry; I won't be moving for another three months.

@paradiceau: I've lived in far worse places, Detroit for instance. I probably won't be leaving my SUV unattended in the settlement now for weeks at a time, but mailbox and room rental won't be a problem. I don't plan to actually purchase a house, doubt my meagre funds after shelling out for CDL school will acquire even the most decrepit singlewide.

I am contemplating, as a test, getting a one time roadable travel trailer for as cheap as possible, then drop it on my property in Eureka county. Leave it there and see what happens to it over time.

The other option would be a shipping container I would use for storage anyway. Leave it empty for a while. If okay then load it on dark moonless nights.

Basically, it is just to own a physical presence in state.

I own a house four streets north from Eight Mile Rd. When I bought in 1995, it was a mix of blue collar and white collar families. Hazel Park aka "Hazel-tucky". Now Section 8 (hmm, same as military designation for mentally unfit for duty) and drugs. Long ago could leave it for two weeks at a time while working out of state with no problems.

How much have you researched professional truck driving?

 

[USExplorer]

I lived in the Brightmoor neighborhood two blocks from Five Mile Rd. It is still quite rough but has been settled by a loose colony of hippie organic farmers and gardeners looking for cheap houses and free abandoned lots.

I looked into the cost of truck driving school, which for a reputable trainer in Kingman is four grand, with plenty of recruiters to choose from upon graduation. A community college in North Carolina offers training for 1500, why it is less I don't know. I haven't done much research into the actual work, but if I pay upfront, I can quit my carrier if I don't like it and find another. However, being a single guy accustomed to driving safely over long distances and sleeping in a vehicle in strange cities, I believe I will enjoy it. With my frugal lifestyle, in a few months I could save up enough money to travel the world for a year.

 

[Ken in Anaheim]

I remember at one time that North American Vanlines would train you at their own school for free and also finance your rig for you if desired.  Also, I just googled " do any truck lines offer training", and got loads of results....FYI
KinA

 

[USExplorer]

Carriers that offer free training require graduates to sign a contract for two or three years, giving you no choice in who you work for. Lower pay may result in losing thousands over the course of the contract, plus no freedom to take time off for life. From what I read, it is strongly advised (by everyone but those offering contract training) to pay for your own training and have the freedom to choose where and when to work.

 

[Dennis]

dang Cyndi that was scary.  a lot of manson looking type there.  highdesertranger

No kidding....

 

[Dennis]

Carriers that offer free training require graduates to sign a contract for two or three years, giving you no choice in who you work for. Lower pay may result in losing thousands over the course of the contract, plus no freedom to take time off for life. From what I read, it is strongly advised (by everyone but those offering contract training) to pay for your own training and have the freedom to choose where and when to work.

Paying for your own CDL training or getting a grant through a community college is THE way to do it.  If you haven't done so some time spent at a site like The Truckers Report doing some reading about trucking companies, life for OTR drivers, etc. is time well spent.   Good luck with the training and work!