Comments By Jim W.

Thursday we started the day in the classroom with demonstration and discussion of backing techniques and hazards. Finished up the computer questionnaire that's supposed to match us up with our OTR trainer. Then out to the range for pre-trip, brake test practice and coupling practice. After lunch backing practice with trailer, going around the outside of the range. Our trainer took us on a familiarization ride around town so we know how to find the Kwik Trip

Friday came and there was more pre-trip and brake checks. Then we hit the road. I was the first one up and ended up driving around town for about an hour and a half. I also backed into a parking spot at the Kwik Trip. It was definitely a blast. Really nerve wracking at first but got a little smoother as time went on. It’s going to take a few more miles to coordinate the setup and approach of turns and yields with the downshifting, but I signed up for the manual transmission training for a reason and I’m going to get there. After lunch it was one of my fellow trainee’s turn to take us for a spin. In the afternoon we were able to practice offset backing and 90 alley dock. Although a trainer talked us through the exercises, I think we did pretty good for a couple of noobs. At the hotel I was able to finish all of my computer based training, so I can concentrate on studying to test out.

Saturday we had a half day in the classroom with videos and PowerPoints going over operations and keeping logs etc. And just like that, week one was over and a third of the way through the program.

I had heard, and they stated on the first day of class, that those without experience driving a manual transmission car can have an easier time learning the tractor manual trans. Boy ain't that the truth. Going against the muscle memory of that car rhythm, is taking some time, but I'm getting better each time I get behind the wheel. Also I finally figured out that I've been using way too much of the clutch pedal to shift.

Here's to improving every day.

I took the knowledge test in NJ a few weeks ago and I was able to skip a question. It did not show up again because as soon as you have enough correct answers to pass, you're done.

So it is the end of day 3 and they've been keeping us busy.

I took Amtrak to Tomah, about an hour South of Marshfield WI, and got in Saturday evening. After the long trip, I didn't feel much like eating and just went to bed in my room at the Econo-Lodge. There's a Denney's next to the motel and that's where I had lunch the next day. I met a couple of drivers there, one of whom works for Roehl, so I had some company for my meal. Right afterward, the shuttle showed up to bring me and one other newbie up to Marshfield. Turned out he was to be my roommate at the Hotel Marshfield.

The next morning we carpooled with some other trainees over to Roehl, about two miles away, to begin our new careers. Day one was mostly administrative stuff, company history, and some other basic stuff in the morning. In the afternoon we started safety information and introduction to equipment and the industry. The morning of the second day was about situational awareness, road safety, stopping distance, etc. In the afternoon we started practicing our pre-trip inspections on the range and started driving bobtail around the yard to practice shifting/clutch control. There are three trainees per truck and seat time is pretty much evenly divided. On day three we continued with our pre-trip practice after punching in, then into the classroom to go over proper turning setup and execution. There was also a demonstration of the workings of the fifth wheel. Back out to the range for some more bobtailing before lunch. After lunch, we coupled up to a trailer, went over trailer pre-trip, and drove around the practice field for a few hours.

There is a bunch of computer-based training that needs to be done and I've been knocking it out a little at a time in the evenings. Hopefully, by the end of this weekend, I will be able to knock it all out. So far so good. The instructors are all great and at nine trainees, we all seem to be getting enough attention.

Random thoughts so far: If you're coming to Marshfield, bring your own car if you can. There are plenty of restaurants and fast food as well as Walmart, Target, and Menards but they are a couple of miles away. There's a taxi service in town though if you need it.

The Hotel Marshfield has a free laundry room. If I had realized that, I would have packed a little lighter.

The practice field here is a dirt/red clay mix. If it rains for more than three minutes, it turns to sludge. Bring your booties. My recruiter told me to bring steel-toed boots. My roommate says his recruiter told him boots were optional. Guess who got his sneakers muddied?

There is a fair amount of computer-based training. You can do it on your phone, but it's much easier on a laptop.

The terminal has a couple of computers and a laundry room. Since you are an employee from day one, you are allowed to use them.

According to my trainer this morning: Turn left into the inside lane, and once your tractor and trailer are straight, signal and move to the right lane when you can.

Good job Dave. Congratulations on going solo!!

Gratz!!!!

From the beginning to orientation.

After doing some research and experiencing some crappy events, I decided to take the plunge and train for an OTR job and lifestyle. My first decision was that I wanted to move fast and get training in the winter. I wanted to be able to see as many varied road situations as possible while I’m with a trainer. After that, I started researching companies. I started at 22 companies and eliminated the ones that didn’t train, or didn’t hire from my area. After that, it was a matter of weighing the pros and cons of each. And yes, I made a spreadsheet. While I am interested in flatbed, I wanted a company that had multiple divisions, preferably with a lot/terminal close to home. It got down to Roehl, Prime, or Veriha. While Veriha looks like a good choice, they only run dry vans. The choice between Roehl and Prime came down to the training setup. I liked that Roehl did the CDL skills prep fully out of the training facility and the TNT phase runs as a solo truck.

During this phase, I was also studying a ton. I went and got my physical done. It was company paid, but the prices around here run the gamut from $50 to $140. If you're planning on going for company-paid training, check to see if your choice pays for the physical. It sounds to me that even if you have your physical done, they might send you to the one they provide anyway, so save yourself the hassle.

So I passed my physical and went to the MVC the next day. I got my permit processed for $125. In NJ, because of Covid restrictions, they are only doing knowledge testing by appointment. You have to schedule your test online and the earliest I could get was 4 weeks later. Went back for the test and passed everything on the first shot (Thanks Trucking Truth!). I just told the woman at the testing center which endorsements I wanted to test for and they popped up on the computer screen one after the other.

I told my recruiter I had passed and things really kicked into gear. I sent him whatever forms or paperwork he needed either through email or through the Driver Pulse app. We agreed on a start date of March 22. With Roehl, you have to provide your own transportation to training, but if you take mass transit, they will send a shuttle to pick you up at the nearest station. I’ve gotten a phone call or email from my recruiter every couple of days so far, and he has been great about explaining everything.

Timeline so far: Feb 8, DOT physical - Feb 9, Scheduled knowledge test - Mar 9, passed knowledge test and got CLP - Mar 22, first day of orientation

As I write this I am T minus 22 hours to get on a train in Trenton NJ and head to Wisconsin.

Clare, There is a ton of information on this site that I used extensively to research the type of training and company I wanted to go with. Also, It's probably one of the best resources to study for your permit and endorsements. There are plenty of companies that train in the Midwest, and many provide transportation. I'm heading out myself in a few days to orientation and training with Roehl in Wisconsin and will be doing my best to keep updating my journey in the CDL Training Diaries section of the forum.

While I'm only starting my career as a driver, I do have several years experience as a massage therapist. As Old School mentioned, take your wallet out of you pocket. Sitting on that brick is probably the number one preventable cause of sciatica. Not only can that cause pain in the glutes and shooting down the affected leg, it can also cause lower back pain. The wallet can also cause your pelvis to be mis-aligned, giving you lower back and hip pain. Also take Errol's advice about lumbar support. If you don't have proper lumbar support, you put too much pressure on your tailbone. I tell clients who drive a lot to at least put a small pillow between their lower back and the seat back. You just want to maintain the natural curvature of you lumbar spine, so you don't have to overdo it. If you try to work with the natural posture of the body and reduce the pressure/pinch points you'll be well on your way.

The ticket is paid for and Friday morning I'll be on the train headed for Wisconsin. Orientation starts March 22 in Marshfield. I could have gone to Appleton on the 29th but they train on manuals in Marshfield. I know manuals are becoming less common each year but I figured if I can my CDL without the restriction, what the hell, just gives me more options.