Comments By Rico

Here is the question I asked:

Just to confirm, I do not have to go thru the full school, even though I only have 2 weeks OTR training, correct?

Here is her response:

"Correct, you do not have any further schooling, just 4 weeks out with a trainer".

Is that enough, or should I push for specifics?

Since you already have your CDL, there's no need for you to go through school again.

You may have already tried this, but I will ask anyway. Have you asked your dispatcher how he/she became a dispatcher? That's be the first place I'd check.

I just want to get some fishing in before I leave!!!!

I hear ya! Yeah, the next 6 months are pretty much going to stay like that. You'll have information overload, sleep deprivation, stress, home sickness, and challenges galore! Of course it's also super exciting getting out there in a big rig travelling the highway of America - what could be cooler than that???

In spite of my belly aching, every time I think about being out on the road I can't help but grin from ear to ear. I know it's going to be tough, but I'm gonna like being a truck driver. Even if it is gonna be at 60 mph, I wanna see these United States of America. I want to be alone with my thoughts and God. I want to meet new people. I want to experience new kinds of food. I want to prove to myself that I can do this and be good at it. I'm excited. Just can't help it!

In our youth we viewed trucks with amazement. Remember the first time you've ever seen a long nose Pete or an awesome KW?

I know for a fact that whenever I saw a truck down the road I always stared at how awesome and badass it was.

Now we're having trucks that look like a disfigured Audi with a giant, white beanbag on the top of it. Hideous.

Say goodbye to the days of having that feeling of driving a vehicle that is pure badass. Now we'll be putting up with vehicles that look like they were built for teenage girls.

Don't you drive an almost pink truck? LOL Sorry, I couldn't resist! Don't hurt me too bad.

I got a call from Southern Refrigerated. I guess they got my information from the application I submitted here at TT. Anyway, the recruiter told me that they're interested and to call them back the last week of school. Even though pulling a reefer wasn't on my radar, I'd like to get some information from y'all on what it's like. I'm guessing the trailer stays with me most if not all the time. Any insights would be appreciated.

That truck is a hybrid. I can only imagine how huge the battery bank must be and how much it would cost to replace them.

I can just imagine having to secure that load in below zero weather during a snow storm with the wind blowing like there's no tomorrow! Top that off with having to haul my heftiness onto and off that trailer repeatedly. It wouldn't be much better in 100 degree heat with humidity either. This is a big reason why going the flatbed route will probly have to wait until I get into better shape. My friend ran flatbed loads for years and still has his truck. He's a big boy too and said after he got his own trailer the first thing he had done was to have a ladder made that he hooked onto the side of the trailer to make it easier for him.

........but man, I didn't think it would be this much! As you may or may not know, I am scheduled to be in MO for CDL training on the 28th of this month. I have to get things in order before I go. I have to get my car ready for the trip, upgrade to a smart phone, get a duffle bag, buy a little bit of clothes, get all the bill paying stuff arranged, set my youngest daughters up with their own cell phones, etc., etc. Jeebers! I feel like I am running around like a chicken with its head cut off! The car's already been to one mechanic and is now at the transmission shop. I've been getting packages every day from Fed Ex or UPS and still have more stuff to order. The wife's car needed an oil change and a minor exhaust leak fixed. I still need to buy the clothes. The phones haven't arrived yet. I ordered my oldest daughter a Wal-Mart card in her name. I have to teach her and my wife how to pay all the bills online. I'm arguing with the local hospital over a shot of hydromorphone I got back in January they claim I never got because the nurse didn't sign off on it. The list goes on and on! I just want to get some fishing in before I leave!!!!

Hello All!

Been enjoying this forum and thought I'd ask the Experts here if this is doable. To begin, I already have a good paying job that gives me lots of time off in the summer. I would like to get a CDL and do local/regional work during part of my vacation. Is that possible? From what I've been reading, it seems that most companies want a solid year of OTR work before they will hire you. Any way to get around that? Was thinking it may give some some full-timers' some much needed rest while I take the wheel for a few weeks. Ultimately, I would like to do it full-time myself when I take an early retirement in 5 years. I can pay for my own schooling.

Thoughts?

Thanks, Friends!

So, how long have you been teaching? :D My mother just retired after 40 years. I'm with Brett. Try talking to some farmers in your area, the Co-op, places like that.

Well I'm now doing the part of this trainee program I absolutely cannot stand. I am currently inside the medieval torture device known as a greyhound bus headed in the wrong direction to some place I can drag my heavy bags around a crowded station until I get an opportunity to board a different torture device going in the right direction. Hopefully the next bus won't be equipped with rap music played so loudly into headphones that I can still hear it, and hear it well, on the other end of the bus.

The good news is that I took my upgrade test today and am now classified as a phase 2 trainee. It's amazing how much better I am at backing in the daylight compared to the dark.

I feel for you. I cannot stand riding in a bus either! You could accidentally bump into the offending noise pollutioner and make sure you mess up the headphones in the process! Ok, ok, ok. Just kidding. Grit your teeth and try to think about what's waiting for you when you get off that bus!