Comments By Jopa

Finally finished the last major thing on my to do list list before heading out on on the Grey Dog this Saturday night which is get my CDL permit! I found a ton of info on this site that helped me decide that going out on the road was going to not only be a decision that I can live with but even enjoy. The High Road training program helped out a ton as well taking me from somebody who knew literally nothing about truck driving to somebody who can answer some questions on a multiple choice test! (probably downplaying what I've learned but I always value practical experience over academic knowledge).

Other than the good stuff and thank yous any advice on what I can expect at Primes orientation or advice really before I head out? I imagine I'll be learning a ton while I'm there but know what day to expect certain things would be pretty awesome so I can mentally map out the week and go in ready to handle what needs handled!

Kristopher, the week of orientation at Prime is just that: orientation ... main thing is be EARLY ("on time is late") to all of the appointments, be on your best behavior and make some new friends ... don't break the rules (even the "simple" ones) as the whole week is a job interview ... good thing to have the permit out of the way because your main chore is to get the "Pre-trip" inspection down pat ... memorize the verbiage literally, that can be a real stumbling block when you come back from the PSD training to take the license test ... other than that, HAVE FUN and be helpful to others ... this attitude (being humble and of service to others) will carry over into the job and really put you on the right plane, so to speak ... good luck ...

Jopa

Love the misogyny in the video title - not.

Def: misogyny - dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women. Every "family" show on T.V. presents the man as an imbecile who can't find his butt with both hands ... and you think a reference to "women drivers" shows dislike, contempt or prejudice ... C'mon, What ever happened to a little humor? This P.C. crap is just that, CRAP!!

Jopa

... oh, I forgot, he looks just like Putin with his shirt off (NOT!)

Jopa

... and don't forget "Lah-rah-doe" Tx ... or "Lah -rahm-mee" WY ... those crazy Russians ... at least the Kid doesn't drive with his feet on the dashboard ... don't I know if he has an Adidas sweat suit or not, though (but he DOES NOT drive a Volvo so that's a good thing!)

Jopa

hI just got off the phone with the N.Y.state dmv and was told I am disqualified from a hazmat endorsement on my cdl once I get it because I have a extensive criminal background with three felony convictions.I have to wait a few more years till enough time has passed to qualify for it.My felonies are from 2008 My question is will I be able to find employment with out the hazmat endorsement.I already know its gonna be tough with the felonies but what about no hazmat endorsement.?

Most of the companies want you to have one but I think it is more for the TWIK (sp?) card than the actual hazmat endorsement ... I got the card but never got the endorsement and I've only missed one load because of it ... you might find the felony convictions to be much more of a roadblock ... good luck ...

Jopa

I find that supporting the small of my back helps a bunch when it starts to get sore ... fold up a flat pillow and put it right at the base of your spine - it tends to keep you from "slumping" too much which is one of the causes of a sore back ...

Jopa

I love trivia like what you posted here in this thread ... to me it is sooo interesting (which is why I tend to run at the mouth when I talk about Donner & Truckee) ... isn't it cool to have those kinds of connections and that kind of history associated with a particular place? Especially one that is so beautiful ... lucky you!

Jopa

So, now that you got your year in, does that mean movin' on?? A lot of people see greener pastures - just wondering if that is the case for you ... my friend Ken C. has a couple of weeks to go to get his first year in at Prime ... do you think the deal at Prime is worth sticking around? I would be getting close to my first year but I had to take 3 months off (no income!!) according to DOT because I had a stint placed in my heart (or more accurately, one of the arteries that feed my heart) ... one friend from church calls me a "stint" driver now ... anyway, congrats on a worth while milestone ... I know it took a lot to get 'er done, right?

Jopa

So you work for the Navy?? Cool ...

Jopa

Either tomorrow or saturday i will be meeting my trainer. I cant wait. I am nervous but yet excited. I am just or praying he is not a jerk.

I'll bet he's praying the same thing so don't disappoint him ... being HUMBLE and non-confrontational is the absolute BEST thing you can do for yourself ... even a jerk who knows how to drive has superior knowledge to a newbie, so get the most you can out of every situation ... a lot of time people aren't the best at explaining something but if you remain very observant, you can get a lot out of even the worst situation ... good luck ...

Jopa