Time To Fulfill A Dream.
Topic 18758 | Page 1
Good for you Michael...welcome.
Not too late to give this a read...Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving and this too, Truck Driver's Career Guide
Good luck!
6 weeks later I have completed the training and now hold a Class A CDL! I felt ready to test about 2 weeks ago but due to the DPS being booked I had to wait till my test date, though I did manage to get in a day early. Huge weight lifted off my shoulders and I feel great! So stoked to begin my new career with Celadon.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
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I am confirmed to start training with Celadon in Laredo, TX on April 3rd. I have the CLP and DOT physical in hand. The hardest and most stressful part of that for me was passing the DOT physical due to knowing I have previously had high blood pressure. A couple of years ago I went to get a tooth pulled and was turned away for high BP. I was a bit surprised because I was pretty healthy, exercised regularly and weighed a buck 75. But I do smoke too much and was pretty stressed daily at my job. I was put on meds but stopped taking them a few months later. So knowing this might be an issue I went to the doctor and got more meds. Taking the meds and periodically drinking beet juice(it does wonders but will make you pee and poop red) gave me good readings at the DOT physical and a year certification. A bit of background on me and trucking. About 14 years ago I signed up with Schneider and went through their school. I had 3 babies at home with the wife and after a couple of weeks on the road with a trainer which included a trip from Iowa to LA through the Rockies I decided to go home and raise a family. Now the kids are teenagers I'm living in BFE Texas(pretty much Mexico) and for the last year getting up at 3am to commute 30 miles one way to go make $10hr. The timing is perfect to finally do something I think I'll love and provide a better life for the family. So as I count down the days I'm pretty dang excited to start this new chapter.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
CLP:
Commercial Learner's Permit
Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.