Profile For Deb R.

"Harmless fun" - no. It seems that many folks on here are willing to give the guy a pass because they agree with the dude's political stance. Writing FJB on someone's trailer is just childish.

Awesome!

The general consensus in this forum is to go with Mega-carrier training, but I don't hold to that - because everyone's situation is different. Your rational for CDL school makes sense, it sounds like you have put a lot of thought into this. I went with a 10 week Technical College, 5 days a week, that allowed me to continue working nights and weekends. After getting my CDL, I was able to "shop around" for an employer that fit for me. One caveat: that was 9 years ago, when the job market for drivers was pretty hot, I don't know what it's like now.

As for winter driving, since you live in northern Nevada, you have no doubt driven in snow. All the things you do in a car to be safe are multiplied in a truck; take it easy, maintain a generous following distance, don't slam on the brakes, no fast moves, etc. I went out with a trainer in the dead of winter (January in Wisconsin), it was intimidating, but it was good to get it over with, dealing with the bad weather while I had that experienced person with me worked out well.

If you go with a company training program, be darn sure that is a company you want to drive for, you will be locked in until your obligation is fulfilled.

I went with a 10-week technical college program, 5 days a week, along with a part time job nights & weekends. After getting my CDL, I could "shop around" to find a company that was a good fit for me. I had recruiters calling and emailing me; the biggest issue was narrowing down the choices until I made a decision. The company I chose had tuition reimbursement, paid back over time so I was committed to them. Keep in mind, that was 9 years ago when all the talk was about the big "driver shortage", and companies were falling all over themselves to hire drivers; that may be different now, I don't know.

Bottom line - I went with tech school training, got an excellent education, and landed a good job. It worked out great for my situation; you have to figure out what your needs are, and go for it.

That sounds like a great arrangement to me, though what are the odds that there would be drivers wanting to do it? Maybe if companies kept a list of folks who would be interested, and then match them up, but why would they go to that effort if they don't need to? Maybe when drivers are in short supply again.

Winter, indeed! Let this be a reminder to everyone to load up the winter gear and supplies if you have not already done so!

I got several rejection emails very quickly for the same reason so gave up.

Good that you got in with a company for training!

Now, just a helpful comment - there will be plenty of bumps in the road ahead, both literal and figurative. Sometimes you will just have to be stubborn and determined, and DON'T GIVE UP. You will get tired and frustrated and scared, but stick with it.

I90 WB in Minnesota - car coming EB lost control and into the median coming straight for me. I was passing at the time, another vehicle was on my right side, so I had no options but to brace for impact. At the very last moment, the car snapped back and got back onto the EB side.

Weirdly enough, this happened a second time a few weeks later, in basically the same location.

What surprised me afterward, is how I took it in stride. Freakishly calm. No adrenaline rush. Nothing. I just said "well, that was close", thanked my angels for always doing a great job, and kept going.

Fresh outta school, I might have panicked over a nail. After 9 years out in the real world, I would shrug it off, go get loaded, and deal with it later.

Hiya, Deb: It's no big deal, but it was not me who said this. I do agree with Pianoman though...touching someone else's equipment without their permission is a no-no.

Oops. My apologies!