Profile For Luther

Paul, I just finished CDL school... in my class of 16 there were 5 of us over 50 and two of them are 61. I heard a story of a 75 year-old that went through the class a while back—he went on to drive part-time.

Your knowledge and love for cars and trucks will help you and probably inspire your class mates. Community Colleges give discounts for folks over 60 and you may be able to get help with a Pell Grant, if finances are a concern.

I won't lie, it was hard work for me, but a rewarding achievement to get that CDL. I'd say go for it.

Parrot and Reformed thanks for your input. Good news! I signed up for orientation... I go to Pleasant Hills, NC on the 21st. I - Am - Psyched!!

I live in Maryland and opted for regional. The McElroy folks we're really friendly and told me there is some flexibility with Regional. I'll watch for those dedicated account opportunities. The other pay off is the good experience, right?

My plan for now is to stay focused, learn as much as I can, improve my skills, do a good job and above all stay safe. I'm gonna dig out my atlas and brush up on my trip planning. Wow, I sound like a kid—oh well.

I'll sign off with wise words from my CDL instructor, "Watch the other guy and be safe." Have a great time up in Wheat Field!

Hey Folks, I've appreciated the stories from McElroy here. I heard other positive comments out there too. Sounds like a good company—honest, keeps their promise of home time (Friday afternoon to Sunday eve.—I'm good with that), hard working/friendly folks and professional. I'm coming down the home stretch in deciding for them.

A couple hold backs but the big question is about pay/mileage. Can I pay my bills? I've heard first year you can make as much as 45K(?). That'll be ok for to start, but I'll need to get into the 55-60K range to be comfortable. Is that doable in 10 to 16 months? Probably has alot to do with the region I run and how quick I get there, unload and pick up another—space/time management. Does that sound about right?

Again thank you all for your thoughts and comments.

Hey Luther I started as a regular ole Texas driver, then I was running 90% out of Nashville Ar. Just recently I was made a driver mentor been doing that almost a month now. I recommend running your area and getting experience on the road before running dedicated local. You have potential to make good money either way, but learn your truck and trailer along with its capabilities and limitations. When you run local you are exposed to much more traffic and tight turns, don't set yourself up for failure. Samdaman there are some pretty big corn fed fellers out here, like Samuel said we hardly ever get on the load. This is some hard work and you will lose weight doing this, but ultimately this decision is based on your will and determination if you want it bad enough you will make it happen.

Thanks for the good advice, Reformed Squid. You probably saved a lot of small town curbs and my sore shoulders (constant tight turns), not to mention my left knee—LOL. Yea I'd much rather drive the road—stretch out and learn the equipment. At least the first year. It may take some getting used to being home on weekends only, but it sounds like the sacrifice will pay off moving forward.

Samdaman—go for it.

Have a great weekend!

Just joining in—great conversation. I finished school last week and I'm looking at McElroy too, your posts have been really helpful. If I decide to get on broad, orientation will be at Pleasant Hill, NC. I'm in Maryland and considering the dedicated route (Lowe's). Concerned about the pay though—not sure I can make ends meet. Love being home every night—at least to start. Reformed Squid that's how you started—right?

Just wanted to say hello and thank you guys for talking it up. You are answering many of my questions. By the way my shifting needs a ton of work—probably will be my Achilles heal in the road test.