Comments By Mark O. ~MiNi-Me~

When I spot a perspective empty, here's what I do (in order):

1. Not sealed and actually an empty.

2. Jump inside and ensure it's clean and no water leaks or mystery smells/stains.

3. Good tires and passable mudflaps.

4. Visual on all the lights prior to coupling. You can hook up the electrical cord prior to backing under it.

If it passes all the above, then I'll hook up and perform a normal trailer inspection.

Thanks for the clear list Packrat! If only my trainer were crystal clear to this complete noob!

exactly what he says. Foreshadowing - "check the back and make sure it's clean" when picking up an empty does NOT mean that the doors are clean......

A little pro tip Mark, always, always, always make sure to check an empty to see that it is indeed empty before pulling it. Even better if you can check it before you hook it.

No matter who tells you it is empty because you are responsible for it if it isn't empty. People make mistakes, especially if they have a lot of trailers. better to pop the door open and confirm rather than get down the road and find out it has something in it.

Yeah... Guard shack let me waltz out witha HDV load.... Johnson reefer... Vac?

Felt like such an a$$. But that'll never happen to me again.

If you don't mind my asking Anne, if you aren't in hospitality anymore what made you get out? I'm thinking of getting out for a number of reasons which I can tell of you'd like but I'm curious about your decisions?

I know you were asking Anne, but after 35 years in almost every aspect of the restaurant from owner/chef down I am pretty much done with John Q. Public myself. Spent months lurking and reading all the diaries, blogs and sage advice to make sure this is something I could/would/should do. It is not an easy lifestyle. But I have faith in myself, am learning everyday (mostly from mistakes) and know that I am committed. First 1k miles under my belt and ready for more.

Best of luck and be sure to use all the resources here that the "Welcome Mom" has posted!

Thanks Kerry. I will be doing a diary. No time right now but I'm taking notes and will post it all at once when I can. I was trying to see where you were at in another post but guess you didn't see it. Are you back in the states yet??

Anne your turn coming soon. 2022 right?!! I will be following for sure.

Mark O man you ain't the only one. I did a bone head move also today smh. You started with Knight too? If you did what terminal?

I am outta Phoenix. I made sure that my trainer needed to have a TON of patience....and he said no problem! He is rethinking just how much a TON is today, yesterday and probably looking ahead. My mistakes are really stupid stuff, but this is all brand spanking new to me. After the lack of common sense yesterday he's agreed to be crystal clear, and I have agreed to do exactly what he says. Foreshadowing - "check the back and make sure it's clean" when picking up an empty does NOT mean that the doors are clean......

Davy...thanks for always putting yourself out there so that those with less experience have somewhat of a "heads-up" on what to look out for. I just wanted to make sure that you know it is appreciated!

That's great TwoSides11! I also just went out with mine right about the same time. I'm keeping notes to post, even though I pulled a bonehead rookie mistake today, I'll post all... Even the embarrassing stuff.

Well, thanks to all the months lurking around here, a great experience with the Squire Knight school (albeit challenging), and dedication to learning, I got my CDL-A license.

Now I wait for the call from a trainer. I already know that I have to make sure they have the patience for a slow learner. My instructor told me I was one of the most improved from day 1 to graduation...ever.. LOL. It took me awhile to have my AHA moment with backing. I pulled it outta my a$$ and did it perfectly on testing day....but I am going to need to work on those skills and plan to be honest with the trainer right from the get-go. My driving is good, with problem areas when it comes to spatial awareness on turns...going wide on left and just kissing the curb every once in awhile on rights. I am better every time behind the wheel. I am good with mirrors, traffic checks, aim high in steering, big picture etc and always improving. Aced my PTI, even though I have never been mechanically inclined.

So other than asking about their expectations and vocalizing my own, what are some of the things that you wish you had asked your trainer on that first phone conversation but never did?

I can't answer your last question/sentence, but I sure am HELLA HAPPY FOR YOU, MAN!

Major kudos, Mike. Aced the pretrip. NICE. Way to GO, you. (Now, you can LEAVE that 'self doubt' on a shelf somewhere, in an old gym locker or something!)

Following.

Best always & CONGRATS!

~ Anne ~

Thanks "welcome Mom"! Not long now and you'll take the leap!!

Well, thanks to all the months lurking around here, a great experience with the Squire Knight school (albeit challenging), and dedication to learning, I got my CDL-A license.

Now I wait for the call from a trainer. I already know that I have to make sure they have the patience for a slow learner. My instructor told me I was one of the most improved from day 1 to graduation...ever.. LOL. It took me awhile to have my AHA moment with backing. I pulled it outta my a$$ and did it perfectly on testing day....but I am going to need to work on those skills and plan to be honest with the trainer right from the get-go. My driving is good, with problem areas when it comes to spatial awareness on turns...going wide on left and just kissing the curb every once in awhile on rights. I am better every time behind the wheel. I am good with mirrors, traffic checks, aim high in steering, big picture etc and always improving. Aced my PTI, even though I have never been mechanically inclined.

So other than asking about their expectations and vocalizing my own, what are some of the things that you wish you had asked your trainer on that first phone conversation but never did?

Great news Matt!! Change is always intimidating, but I have done the same. Lurking around TT, reading, reading and researching, for months on end. I was making sure that it was something I could/would/should do. After 35 years in the restaurant biz, it was a big change. I also got that "you're gonna do what?!?" from many co-workers and family. I think part of that was my stature, I am a pretty short guy. But you know what? I can reach the brake pedal!

Next week is final week of school at Knight Squire. The deluge of information was palatable, with all the great prep here on TT and with the High Road training.

Congratulations, with a great attitude and knowing just what you're getting into, you'll be great!

Something that you might want to factor into that timeline are the new FMCSA regulations for schools and the required curriculum going into effect in February. The hours of classroom time and drive time just for school are going to increase significantly, therefore the cost will as well.

Just something to consider.