Comments By Alexus L.

Thank you all for the advice ‘n. I’m so excited to be a driver !

What day of school, and how many days behind the wheel?

Shifting while double clutching does not come automatically to most folks the first few times, or even weeks.

7th day of school and 1st day of behind the wheel training off the yard. We have mostly been doing a lot of backing, parallel parking, and offsets. The double clutching is hard to catch the timing right. I either stall out or grind the gears really bad, or just not get it in gear at all.

So I’m on the road to becoming a trucker 😊 I’m in school and was learning how to shift for the first time yesterday but it’s a very hard concept for me to grasp. I know most companies have automatic now but I don’t want to have a restriction on my license. My instructor informed me that I can come back to learn manual after I get my CDL if it works better for me. I was wondering is it better to do it that way ? Also any tips and tricks to learning manual ? This is my first time driving a manual anything! Thanks

Thank you old school and everyone else for the advice 😊

Personally, I think team driving for a rookie is a huge mistake. You probably won't make more money. I know everybody thinks you will, but it is unlikely. You will be teamed up with another rookie. Therefore you have two drivers who barely know what they are doing. You will be exhausted from trying to sleep in a moving truck and your partner will probably be waking you up whenever they feel the need for help. It is a recipe for disaster in my opinion.

Being a team driver is a big commitment. It is a job designed for experienced drivers. The truck should rarely ever be stopped for a break, and that is really daunting for a newbie. I recommend you start as a solo driver. You will have a lot more opportunity to learn at your own pace, and you won't have all the nagging problems that come along with having someone else living with you in a tiny space.

Learn the basics and get yourself established as a solo driver. Teams are best for married couples. Even then, teaming has caused a lot of stress in those relationships.

Schneider had their flagship school in two states you can go to or a an approved school in your living area!

Just wondering what is working in teams like. I know you make more money but your always with someone which has its up and downs. Also I started school so I’m excited about that! :) #onestepcloser

Hi everyone it’s me again! I’m trying to Figure out if I should do company sponsored training or just do a private school or a fast track program. I’m currently working as a nurse so I still wanted to work while going to school because the companies don’t pay very much while your in school. Some advice would be very much appreciated 😊 thank you!!

Yes but it would be a Walmart route through SCI company

Sounds like store deliveries. You might want to get that clarified. It’s far more challenging than you might think...

That's exactly what I am thinking.. Store runs with potential back hauls to the DC from local vendors.Walmart uses many different 3d party carriers to move freight along with corporate drivers. Last time I checked Walmart corporate requires company drivers to have 5 years experience and clean MVR.

So it would be 99 percent no touch freight if that helps ??

I'd stay away from those dollar store type of accounts or food service if your new , waaay too much risk involved with too little experience. It's a lot of physical work as well and the days are just as long . I'd don't think I'd ever really recomend those anyway . Had a buddy who did it for some time and his back is shot . It CAN pay well though but it's definitely a tough grind everyday . I did some local training for a minute and it was no joke . I stayed safe and had no incidents but again I was fortunate but had to leave before too long . Regional would be a good way to go . It does give you a bit of a more "stable " schedule if that's important to you.

It would be a dedicated Walmart account only going to the warehouses around Texas. It’s .61 cpm with $25 every stop and short haul pay of .10-.40. It averages Around 1200-1400 miles per week. Home time daily. I was wondering if that’s a good starting point so I can get use to the truck :) thanks everyone for advice so far!

What is the regional account? If it's a dollar account, we do not recommend that for new drivers. The backing is more difficult an you have to unload and load the trailer. We always recommend starting OTR with a company, like CFI who offer Paid CDL Training Programs.

These programs are free or very inexpensive because the company is investing in you.

Hope that helps. Good luck.