Profile For Tiki Dave

Aloha Y’All! I haven’t posted in a while, and thought I’d say hi to everyone. I’m entering my final week or orientation/mentoring with Knight, and will hopefully test out next week, then get my own truck soon afterwards.

It’s been an amazing learning experience. I’ve learned how much more goes into this job than just sitting in a seat and driving. I’ve done dry van, reefer and ports, hauled pillows, solar panels, pineapple, beef, refrigerators…well…you all know. I’ve driven through the mountains and through major city traffic at rush hour. I’ve been from California to North Carolina…and back again. And twice from Kansas to Oakland and back again. Three weeks in and I’m at about 6400 miles…learning something new each day.

I’m learning to drive, plan and execute safely, and how to really look at what is in front, behind and to the side of me. My backing still needs work…but it gets better each time. To be honest, there are days where I think I have a pretty good grasp on things, and feel confident about getting out on my own. Then there are days when I have my doubts that I’ll be able to do this once my trainer leaves the truck. But, I know he’s setting me up for success, and at some point you have to jump out on your own, right?

Anyway, we’re off the road for a little bit more, then back at it tonight. Stay safe everyone…aloha!

Well done sir...congratulations! I might be just at the start of my career in this industry, (with the same company as you I will add) but I can certainly recognize how special this achievement is. You are an inspiration for us newbies that this goal is achievable and within reach as long as you keep at it, drive safely and stay focused.

Here's to your next million miles...and beyond!

Aloha Y'All! Just waking up to my first morning home after being at the Knight Academy for the last three weeks. It was hard, it was frustrating at times, and now and then I felt like a fish out of water. But in the end, I tested out yesterday, and as we parked the truck, set the brakes and shut it down, the examiner turned to me and said those seven words, "congratulations, you've got your CDL"

Great staff at the academy, with a real gift for teaching. Five different instructors with five different approaches, but all imparting the same good information. I was on the money with my pre-trip from go, my road driving got better each time we went out and by the last few days felt really good about it. But offset? For a solid week, for some reason, I couldn't wrap my head around it. Then all of a sudden, on Friday, I got a small correction and suggestion from one of the instructors, and it all kicked in. BTW for some strange reason, my parallel was never an issue. Nailed it from jump. And if I live to be a hundred, I'll have, "lose the tire...find the tire" ringing in my ears. The last couple of days were just drilling in the steps, finding my comfort with the maneuver and repeating it and repeating it.

So I'm back home to take care of paperwork (getting my home state license updated and such) and waiting for my company to match me up with a trainer for four weeks. (I'll be running in the Ports and Rail division...which also means I can do Dry Van when needed) In my opinion, that's when the real work begins. (I don't really think I'm a trucker yet...that's going to take some time and experience) I'm really looking forward to seeing the "real world" applications of the theories that we learned...the nuts and bolts of the job, and all the things that only someone who is out there every day doing it can show me. I'm a sponge...ready to soak it up.

I know that there are a lot of opinions on here about the current state of the industry, and of companies and driving as a whole, but for me, completely new to it, I'm eager to see what there is for me to learn and experience. I have done a complete 180 professionally, and left behind a job, (musician/performer) that I have done for the better part of thirty five years. It feels good to learn some new skills and take on something different.

I appreciate all the advice, messages and opinions that I have received before this when I was still trying to figure out what to do and where to go. Stay safe y'all, and I'll be on here more and more as I learn and do, more and more.

TD

Aloha Y'All!

Well, I thought I'd do a check in since I began CDL Academy with Knight yesterday. From the get go, everyone at the Phoenix terminal/academy made us feel welcomed and part of the company...even though we're not officially hired yet. The terminal/campus is pretty darn cool, and once you get through the gates, it's like it's own little world. From the director, to the instructors, to the DDMs, everyone is on the same wavelength, and even though it's only my second day, I'm really digging it!

In the first four days, we're doing a bunch of computer based modules that cover everything from basic terminology, to what to expect at inspections, to CSA to...about a hundred other things. We're learning how to fill out paper logs, (JIC), going over the Smith System, starting to learn driving "theory", and of course, starting to tackle pre-trip. Tomorrow they will be guiding us in their methods, but have already given us some great resources and material to use for study. I'm currently taking a break from watching the pre-trip video, (my fourth time) to give my brain a rest, but will probably let it run a couple of more times tonight before I call it a night. (5:30am lobby call comes early, you know?) I'm told that we might be doing coupling and uncoupling on Thursday or Friday...so much to take in.

As someone who has taught in the past, I recognize some of the methods that they use, and I'm glad to see it. It's not scattershot at all, and it's pretty methodical as one thing leads into another in a good flow. There's a lot coming at us, but if you take notes, pay attention and take your time to digest it, it goes down pretty nicely.

Anyway, thanks again to everyone who has been so encouraging with this new journey I'm on. I'll try to check in periodically...I'll see if I can work in the phrase Properly Mounted and Secured once or twice, as it is now burned into my brain! Stay safe y'all!

TD

Thanks for all the positivity so far! To answer a few points:

-I already have my CLP and DOT...although Knight wants me to go again, (today) to get one that is closer to my start date, as well as the urine and hair test...no worries.

-As mentioned by Errol, trucking is not a "regular" lifestyle, and I think that this is one of the things about it that appeals to me. I've never wanted to do a 9-5 and wear a suit/tie and sit at a desk with an unchanging view, and I've been successful at that so far. I like the idea of waking up in a new place each day.

-Having worked on cruise ships for the better part of the last twenty years, I am very used to living and working in confined small spaces, so the living/sleeping/working in the truck poses no problems to me. I have slept like a baby through twenty foot swells and having an anchor being dropped into the water thirty feet from where I am.

-BK mentioned the likelihood of the a "no tolerance" alcohol policy. One of the benefits of being my age and starting this, is that I got ALL of that out of my system years ago. I'm now that "glass of wine with dinner" guy at home, so going out with the guys just isn't an issue. Looking at the schedule, it looks like 6:00am start times each day at school...so that means 5:00am wakeup for me and the LAST thing that will make that doable is a couple of drinks.

-Davy mentioned Top Gun...I know I'm going to have a ton on my plate, but I'll look into it. Heck, if it cuts down the time with a trainer by two weeks...I'm all for it.

Again, thanks for the responses, please keep them, and your advice coming. Stay safe y'all!

Aloha Y'All!

I'm very excited as I am now scheduled to start at Knight next Monday, May 6th in Phoenix for their CDL program, and hopefully, for hiring afterwards. While I got my CLP back in February, I had to finish up some work commitments before actually applying. There were a few companies that appealed to me, but Knight seemed to be the best fit for me at this time. (Having a terminal in my home city of Las Vegas wasn't the sole determining factor...but it didn't hurt either)

I'm coming from a non-trucking background, (I've mostly been a musician/entertainer on cruise ships and working the road back in the day) but feel that this is going to be a great fit for me. I'm just about to turn 57, and I know that this is not especially old, so now is the right time to start on this journey. New skills, new industry, new life.

I'll do my best to post over on the CDL Diaries side, and look forward to being an active participant on this side...when I have something to say. In the meantime, thank you to those who initially lent me their ears from my first post, (including some who emailed me or who I actually spoke with on the phone) and gave me some really good advice on choosing a path forward.

Any advice going forward is always appreciated and welcomed. In the meantime, I plan on keeping my eyes and ears open, and taking things slowly. Stay safe y'all!

TD

Good Afternoon All! As the subject states, I just passed my CLP today, and now I begin the process of finding a company to apply to for CDL training and employment.

I have been in touch with a few companies, looked at a lot of websites and information, and I think I have it down to Knight and Prime. I am looking for any thoughts/suggestions and/or real world experiences comparing one to the other. I am based in Las Vegas, and am looking to eventually go either Regional or OTR.

I appreciate your time and assistance!

Dave

Aloha! I'm about to begin my CLP/CDL journey and wanted to to turn to experienced drivers, newbies, and anyone who might have some thoughts/insight.

I am in the process of making a decision about where to get my CDL...school or one of the companies that offers the programs to obtain CDLs in exchange for a work commitment. For the companies, I have narrowed it down to Knight and Prime, with Knight a frontrunner, partially die to location. (I live in Las Vegas)

If anyone has experience with either of these companies, please feel free to pass it on...the good and the not so good. From my research, I'm reading many of the same things regarding each company, but I want to hear real world experience and knowledge.

I understand that if I go the company route, I won't necessarily be making the top dollars, but I am well experienced in paying dues and I understand that you have to crawl before you can walk. I would also appreciate thoughts on the CDL programs themselves...I want to go where I have the best chance to become a good, thoughtful, safe driver.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Dave