Comments By Mark M.

Aww man everyones forgotten about me :( haha

Ok so took general studies test, passed at 90%, but they said I need to take the "Combo" test as well.

Sure tried my hand at it, got a 46%. SO. I need to study for that now.

Ok so been studying like crazy, get 85 to 95% on every practice test.

When I go do I need to have my medical and drug screen first? Or can I just got get my permit?

Will it just be a general knowledge exam? Im doing like 50 question tests right now.

Thanks all!

High Road CDL Training Program

• CDL Practice Tests
• High Road Practice Questions
• Android App: CDL Practice Tests

• Pre-Trip Inspection Study Guide
• Daniel's Pre-Trip Inspection
• Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist
• Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Questions

Awesome yep, knew it before I hit the send button! haha

Am looking over it now.

Ok so started process with Prime Inc.

Of course gotta do medical and drug test before orientation, should be no problem.

Now the CDL permit, are there places to study for it here? Should I look at getting add ons this first time or wait?

UPDATE : Well looks like Knight is "Experiencing high attendance in there CDL schools, leave a message and we will get back to you when availability opens up"

Ugh. Well onto 2nd choice then, I really want to get started.

Sorry, just saw this now. Do you have a recruiter at Knight that you have been talking with, If you do, and are not getting anywhere, Id recommend calling the main terminal number. They usually will assign you a recruiter based on your area. Im out of Denver, While they may be having high attendance, If its who you want to go for, Id be banging down their doors. A closed mouth doesnt get fed. I pestered the snot out of my recruiter lol.

Yeah been texting, calling and emailing and no response.

UPDATE : Well looks like Knight is "Experiencing high attendance in there CDL schools, leave a message and we will get back to you when availability opens up"

Ugh. Well onto 2nd choice then, I really want to get started.

After reading Davy's journal for Knight I really wanted to go to them, but I call and email and they are not responding to me.

I think my second choice is Prime. Then third would be Wilson.

TMC is right out, since I really, really dont want to start on flatbed. Thanks Anne for that heads up.

So tomorrow going to do some more talking with Prime and see what they have to offer.

Luckily I have 120 hours of vacation at my current job, and they say they pay out 15 days!

This was the best diary Ive read so far, and really got me looking at Knight.

I applied for them, and will definitely ask about Top Gun.

The only thing that is holding me back is the maps and directions and planning. Im not good at that. I will have to learn to be much, much better at preplanning.

But this diary, Davy my guy you killed it, thanks so much for taking the time to do it!

Mark

Both offer training, paid, and then from what Im gathering I dont have to team drive. I dont mind obviously driving with a trainer for the first few times, but would really rather not team drive.

Mark, I just want to make sure you understand about truck driver training. You will be with a trainer for at least four or five weeks while at TMC, and probably several months at Wilson Logistics. It will be a stressful time, but vitally important for your development as a professional driver. The way you said, "I don't mind obviously driving with a trainer for the first few times" makes me think you don't really understand the duration of time you will be spending with a trainer.

There is so much to learn during your time with a trainer. You will have to learn about how you communicate with your dispatcher, how to get your fuel locations and how to use the companies fueling procedures. There is also the proper use of the ELD (Electronic Logging Device) You will be learning how to balance your freight's weight on your trailer and how to calculate sliding your tandem axles. How to find empty trailers, and a host of other things that I don't want to bore you with. Plus there is a lot to learn about driving an 80,000 pound vehicle that bends in the middle.

Most training programs involve some team driving. Don't sweat the small stuff right now. You don't want to be a team driver. I get that. I didn't either, but my entire time of training was spent team driving. It was a small price to pay to get my own truck and be a solo driver. Your trainer is in charge of your training. If he wants the two of you to be doing some team driving, it is his call. I just don't want you to draw some line in the sand where you refuse to train in a team situation. During training you will be living in a truck with another person. That will be for at least a month or more. I never went home during my training. It is unusual to go home during training. The company will want you to be laser focused on what you are learning. When the training is complete they will send you home with your assigned truck so you can move in with your own supplies and personal gear.

Have you spent any time reading our CDL Training Diaries? That would be time well spent for you. It may help you understand the whole training process better so that you won't be going in with false expectations.

Oh Im sorry if I misspoke there. All Ive read I figure Ill be with a trainer for at LEAST a month if not more. I have no issue with that whatsoever.

Alls I was trying to get across is that there are companies like CR England that your a team driver or nothing. Im all in on the training and learning.

I have read the diaries and continuing to read as I look at different companies.

I just wish there was a magic button where its like I pick Prime Inc or TMC or Wilson or whoever and its the right choice lol!

Its stressful enough starting a new career, add to that you have no idea what your getting into with a company.

So I think I need to decide between Wilson Logistics, here in Missouri close to me.

Or TMC, in Ohio.

Both offer training, paid, and then from what Im gathering I dont have to team drive. I dont mind obviously driving with a trainer for the first few times, but would really rather not team drive.

Anyone here with experience with either TMC or Wilson Logistics?

Thanks for any info, Mark