Profile For Robert N.

Matt, I am a newby looking at schools. Uncertain about things and reading your post was very encouraging. Your 1st week was phenomenal. I'm sure you gotta be proud and your family too. Thank you for taking the time to let all of us behind you read a victory story. I pray that every week is as good and even better. You were very detailed in your post. Felt like we were riding with you. I wish you much success, $$$, and above all a flawless safety record. Be safe my friend. God's Speed... Robert N.

Well, other than a short hop to get me some home time after training, I've just completed my first official week of solo driving: I had two loads, totalling 3,286 miles (northern Illinois to Cheyenne; deadhead to Kansas; Kansas to Rhode Island). That last load was so tight in terms of timeline that, even days out, I knew I had only a couple hours' margin. I would drive for 10-11 hours, take precisely a 10 hour break (no more), and roll again. In the end, I made it with an hour to spare... Whew! I hope to have not quite as tight a timeline in the future.

Here are my random thoughts and observations after this week:

-It is SO NICE having the whole truck to myself--the privacy, the space for my stuff, the ability to keep it clean to my standards. Sure, I miss my trainer's experience, but man is this nice! Not to mention sleeping in a non-moving truck EVERY NIGHT!

-I proved to myself (and perhaps a little to my dispatcher) that I can trip plan and manage my time, even over a tight, multi-day trip. This both reassured me and taught me how I can better trip plan in the future.

-I'm learning what schedule I like best: approximately 4am until 4pm or so. I like getting a jump on things, and then parking is never a problem when I'm shutting down that early. I get some night driving in, but also get to see the daylight (both driving and on my break). Last, rest areas are actually options for a quick break during the late morning or early afternoon, unlike when driving at night. Of course, my schedule has to adjust based on the load (and this time it crept earlier and earlier by a few hours each day, since I had to drive/break/drive).

-I was surprised to learn I needed to plan my stop (at least every other night) around where I have shower credits. I hadn't thought of that. Maybe in time, I will accumulate a little surplus of credits and/or shower on my 30, when I don't have as tight of a load.

-This doesn't pertain to just driving solo, but: I have been pleasantly surprised by the shipping and receiving clerks. I know I will eventually, but I've yet to encounter a truly rude clerk. Some are indifferent or seem to not like their jobs (I don't blame them), but many are friendly, helpful, and I enjoy chatting them up a little as we do our thing. For some reason, I didn't expect this.

-There is so much to buy when you start out!! I've bought my road atlas, a tire gauge (I was getting a weird dashboard reading), other tools, bedding, supplies, etc. But I can't yet afford a GPS (though we have one built into our Qualcomm), so I've been using various apps, none of which I love. Even those Blue Parrot headsets are really expensive. I'd like to get a CB for when they're needed, but that's yet another expense. The start-up costs, even as a company driver, can be a lot.

-Safety and caution: I realize that there is no one looking over my shoulder now, so I have to take double-measures to make sure I'm always safe. Can I make that corner as I turn? How is my set-up for my back? Did I remember to check the settings on the reefer? etc. etc.

In short, I'm exhausted (I worked 66 hours off my 70 in the last 7 days... I'm on a reset now), but I'm loving it! This is why I pushed through the grind of the last months.

Real Diehl, thanks. I guess I'm paranoid. Kinda common when your first looking into trucking. Appreciate the cander. Robert N.

I've been driving and backing trucks for over 4 years. Honestly, I still $uck when it comes to knowing how close I am to the truck parked behind me when I'm backing into a truck stop parking spot. I just get out and look, back up a couple feet, and repeat. Nothing wrong with getting out to double check. In fact it's encouraged.

Delco Dave, thank you. I feel like this was an excellent answer toy question. Very useful and practical. I am hopeful a few driver's that have been on the road awhile will chime in and add to your suggestion as well. I hope you will have a very fruitful career. Sounds like you will be a great driver. Robert N.

Hey Robert, I am in training right now. The depth perception backing up takes some getting used to. Using your trailer wheels helps you get an idea of where you are. You know your wheels are approximately X amount of feet from your back ICC bar/bumper. When you get out an look(GOAL) try to find a mark, crack, concrete expansion line, etc… to help you judge where you are. As far as changing lanes, if your mirrors are adjusted properly you will see the back corner of the trailer and can tell if a car is next to you.

Laura, I do not have depth perception issues as far as I know. Just a little intimidated by the length of the trailers and limited view from the driver's seat. Thanks. Helps to know it takes awhile. Robert N.

Do you currently have depth perception problems that you know of?

If you don't then you should be fine. Even with my distance issues and close up issues where I wear two different pair of glasses, I still can back a trailer and know when I'm going to be touching the dock.

Just realized that backing is not an ordinary movement and it will take you probably upwards of a year or a bit more to get it down pat. Don't expect to be able to back like an experience driver in just a couple months, because it just won't happen that quickly.

Laura

I am looking for a school or Company that trains. One of my biggest concerns is if my depth perception is good enough to back a trailer, change lanes, etc. Is there a method of testing this in a practical way? Probably sounds stupid it I wanna be safe and great at it. Thanks.

Anne A, Thank you. SW Missouri is my home. I will start researching what you sent. One thing I learned in college was to not reinvent the wheel. There is usually someone that can point you in the right direction. You guys and gals really seem to be pretty knowledgeable and helpful. Much appreciated! Thanks, Robert N.

Hello, Robert; welcome to Trucking Truth!

First of all, you've come to the right place to start; and congratulations on all you've overcome.

Here's some links for you to read, for starters:

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

And here's the NEXT step: Apply For Paid CDL Training.

As Bruce stated above, your location (even just your state of residence) will be a huge help, for us to better assist you.

Best wishes on this new journey!

~ Anne ~

Bruce, thank you for the encouragement. I'm in SW Missouri. I Spoke with one recruiter who said they would have to ask management if they could make exceptions for 30 to 40 year old DUIs. I replied to her that my DUIs are probably older than her manager. She laughed. I know some company's will work with me and some won't. I just believe you guys probably already know which companies I would have the best luck with. Robert N.

Hello Robert. It’s obvious that you are a problem solver in your life. Very much admiration and respect for what you have accomplished.

Where are you located? This is important to know for proper advice to be given. From what you say, your best, perhaps only, choice is to get on with a company with a paid training program. Then you know if your distant past mistakes will be overlooked before you even start. Plus, they house you, pay you while training and provide one or two meals a day. Schneider might be a good place to start, but there are many others. Start calling recruiters and filling out applications. We have a resident research librarian on this site, Anne, and I’m sure she will be along shortly to provide links to the information that would be helpful to you. Good luck!

Urgently and prayerfully needing direction. Been disabled for 3 years. Ready to re-enter workforce. 61 Years old, 30 yr sober, 6 DUIs 30 to 40 years back so yes to felonies obviously. Minister for 20 years. H.S. dropout went back to school now have B.S. in Business and became Business owner for 20 years. Help with the following please: 1. Where can I go to school? 2. Free CDL Training needed to get licensed. 3. Training company lenient given my very troubled past.

I really want to work and I through God have been able to overcome some crushing obstacles. Please, only answers that will get me where I want to go. If you wanna tell me it's impossible, don't waste your time. Alcoholism to 30 yrs sober, disabled to working and dropout to having a degree tells me anything is possible with God. May God bless you and keep you all safe. Thanks, Robert N.