Finally Getting My Start
Topic 20003 | Page 1
After having spent the last 3 years researching this industry and trying to figure out how to become a trucker things have finally fallen into place. I will be attending CDL school in 4 weeks, with PFG (Performance Food Group)paying me to attend school, and paying my tuition as long as I stay employed with them for 1 year. It appeared this would've happened last year while I worked for Sysco in FL, but they kept dragging their feet for 9 months in which I decided to relocate to Iowa to be closer to family.
So excited to begin this new journey, although to be honest a little bummed I won't get to see the open road like most of you guys as I'll be local. Oh well, I can always transition once the kids are older. I know most people suggest starting out OTR , and that I'll be throwing cases more than driving but it doesn't bother me as I'm currently working warehouse so I know what I'm getting into as far as physicality works.
I don't recall any food service drivers here but If anyone has any advice with this kind of gig I'd love to hear it. I had spent a week previously with a sysco driver so I know some of what I will be dealing with regarding hard backing situations and cars all over.
Welcome to TruckingTruth, Rob! We are glad to have ya here on the forums. Let me give you the welcome packet as we call it. It contains useful links on here that will help your transition into this industry:
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road Training Program
USE that HIGH ROAD. It will really help you pass your permit tests the FIRST time. I am a success story when it comes to that. Also, make sure you read Brett's Book. It contains very useful info on how you can get into the industry and what to expect once you are here. Anyway welcome again and be safe out there at all times!
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.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
After having spent the last 3 years researching this industry and trying to figure out how to become a trucker things have finally fallen into place. I will be attending CDL school in 4 weeks, with PFG (Performance Food Group)paying me to attend school, and paying my tuition as long as I stay employed with them for 1 year. It appeared this would've happened last year while I worked for Sysco in FL, but they kept dragging their feet for 9 months in which I decided to relocate to Iowa to be closer to family.
So excited to begin this new journey, although to be honest a little bummed I won't get to see the open road like most of you guys as I'll be local. Oh well, I can always transition once the kids are older. I know most people suggest starting out OTR , and that I'll be throwing cases more than driving but it doesn't bother me as I'm currently working warehouse so I know what I'm getting into as far as physicality works.
I don't recall any food service drivers here but If anyone has any advice with this kind of gig I'd love to hear it. I had spent a week previously with a sysco driver so I know some of what I will be dealing with regarding hard backing situations and cars all over.
Welcome to TruckingTruth, Rob! We are glad to have ya here on the forums. Let me give you the welcome packet as we call it. It contains useful links on here that will help your transition into this industry:
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road Training Program
USE that HIGH ROAD. It will really help you pass your permit tests the FIRST time. I am a success story when it comes to that. Also, make sure you read Brett's Book. It contains very useful info on how you can get into the industry and what to expect once you are here. Anyway welcome again and be safe out there at all times!
Thanks but I've already done all that lol, I been hanging out here for like 2 years, started high road a couple times but definitely will be brushing up on it
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.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
Hey, that's great news and best of luck Rob! Check back in and let us know how things go. I've worked in a lot of restaurants and my family owned a pizzeria for a short time so I know what you'll be expected to do. Just take care of yourself physically and be safe. I would expect the company should have some sort of program to help drivers avoid developing certain types of problems because of repetitive movements or working certain muscle groups more than others. If you've never done Yoga, at least look into it and give it a try. It's impossible to overstate what a difference 10 minutes a day can make.
Best of luck!
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After having spent the last 3 years researching this industry and trying to figure out how to become a trucker things have finally fallen into place. I will be attending CDL school in 4 weeks, with PFG (Performance Food Group)paying me to attend school, and paying my tuition as long as I stay employed with them for 1 year. It appeared this would've happened last year while I worked for Sysco in FL, but they kept dragging their feet for 9 months in which I decided to relocate to Iowa to be closer to family.
So excited to begin this new journey, although to be honest a little bummed I won't get to see the open road like most of you guys as I'll be local. Oh well, I can always transition once the kids are older. I know most people suggest starting out OTR , and that I'll be throwing cases more than driving but it doesn't bother me as I'm currently working warehouse so I know what I'm getting into as far as physicality works.
I don't recall any food service drivers here but If anyone has any advice with this kind of gig I'd love to hear it. I had spent a week previously with a sysco driver so I know some of what I will be dealing with regarding hard backing situations and cars all over.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated