Monthly Archives: May 2009

The Best Trip for a Truck Driver – Home.

After being away from home for about 10 weeks, I finally got home. What I did while I was there wasn’t as important as who I did it with…. Continue reading

Posted in On The Road In Training, Stories of the Road | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Surviving a Company Trainer

Wow, it’s been two months since I hit the road with my trainer. I can’t believe it’s already been that long. Time is really flying out here. As I stated in one of my earlier posts, my training period is much longer than most companies, so I probably won’t be done for at least another 6 weeks or so. But since I’ve put in quite a bit of time with a trainer already, I thought I’d share a few of my thoughts on how to survive your company trainer.
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Posted in Advice and Opinions, Becoming A Truck Driver, Career Help, Tips, Advice, On The Road In Training, Safe Driving Tips, Stories of the Road | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Now Where Did I Put My Red Shoes?

In the movie classic “Wizard of Oz” the good witch Glenda tells Dorothy to click the heels of her red shoes together three times and say “There’s no place like home”. The movie ends with Dorothy waking up in her bed surrounded by worried family members…well, my training time is over, and I’m going home. Continue reading

Posted in Advice and Opinions, Becoming A Truck Driver, Career Help, Tips, Advice, Current State of the Trucking Industry, On The Road In Training, Stories of the Road | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Trailer Behind The Truck

The trailer behind the truck is something that you may never think about in great detail, and it looks simple enough, but there’s a lot more to it than you may think. Continue reading

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Trucking Company Orientation: Not Much Fun

Basically, when going to orientation, prepared to be bombarded with videos, tested on your skills, and grilled about your past. I’m looking foreword to getting the heck out of this hotel, and getting on the open road. Hopefully, my trainer will show up in the next day or two. If not, it looks like I’m just going to have to wait….. Continue reading

Posted in Advice and Opinions, On The Road In Training, Trucking Company Orientation | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

In This Economy, The Cream Is Rising To The Top

Unemployement offices may be encouraging people to look outside of trucking. Why? Truck driving jobs are available, but many trucking companies have been able to be more selective in this slower economy than they have in the past. Continue reading

Posted in Advice and Opinions, Becoming A Truck Driver, Career Help, Tips, Advice, Current State of the Trucking Industry | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Preparing for Truck Driver Company Training – Things to Pack!

What should I pack? This has to be the number one question amongst newbies. First of all, pack as little as possible. Only the necessities…. Continue reading

Posted in Advice and Opinions, Career Help, Tips, Advice, On The Road In Training | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The Time Has Come: I’m Heading To Orientation

It’s finally here! Time for me to hit the open road, see the country, and see how many people I know are shocked when they see me hauling ass in an eighteen wheeler. Continue reading

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Week 3, Day 1: Double the Trouble, Double the Fun.

We had some interesting things today, including pulling doubles, 45 degree sight-side backing, and a new instructor for the road trip. Continue reading

Posted in Becoming A Truck Driver, Week 3 | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Love or Infidelity? It’s Your Responsibility!

There’s a comfort in knowing that all is ok while being in the same room with the one you love in total silence. Never forget how lucky you are. Stay true, always. Continue reading

Posted in Advice and Opinions, Great Stories, Letters From A Trucker's Wife, Women In Trucking | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Truck Driving School – Week 2, day 4 – The Truck demands a sacrifice!

Day four (4/30) of my journey towards becoming an Over the Road driver was rather exciting.  As with the rest of the week, we started out in the yard today.  We had a different yard instructor, so things were slightly different…. Continue reading

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Stormy Weather In Trucking

Spring is something that everyone looks foward to after driving in the winter. The snow and ice and cold just wear a person out. Dealing with coats and boots and frozen brakes has worn out its welcome. Driving in the … Continue reading

Posted in Advice and Opinions, Safe Driving Tips | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

On The Road Again: Week 2, Day 3 of CDL Training

Today there was a variety of activities, including speaking to a few recruiters, pre-trip inspections, two types of backing, and a short trip on the highway. Continue reading

Posted in Advice and Opinions, Becoming A Truck Driver, Week 2 | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment