Comments By Bob H.

I realize that this is a big step for you and that you are naturally nervous. But I agree that you need to relax and make this an enjoyable challenge rather than a chore. You would be amazed at how many people enroll in CDL schools and have never researched anything resembling a driver's manual or online study materials. A lot of them have just the first couple of days of classes to study for the written tests. You have the advantage of having found THE BEST FORUM that is full of people that sincerely want to help you and answer your concerns. On top of that, it also has the best online prep tool (High Road) that I have ever seen, BAR NONE.

I would read into that message that this particular dispatcher and/or company has experienced problems with drivers utilizing random 34's as a mini vacation (as Brett stated), or as an excuse to refuse loads. Also, the message didn't imply that the driver was expected to run illegally. I do, however, think that the message could have been worded a little more tactfully. Such as:

"If you have hours available and/or coming back on recap, you are expected to be available for loads. Otherwise, please call me to discuss the need for a reset."

Great start and advise right out of the box!

GPS keeps trying to take me to route 15. Grrrrrr

15 is about your only feasible option from up there. Just one slight variation. When you get to Williamsport , stay on 180 East instead of continuing on 15. Turns into 147 at route 80. Continue on 147 to Northumberland. Your GPS should re-route you from there and take you back to 15. Only snag is 2 miles of red lights through Shamokin Dam.

Even if someone is spotting me, I still GOAL because I need to understand what is going on with the trailer, and ultimately, if I hit something, it would be my responsibility.

Great "Best Practice". I do the same. I need to get a clear picture in my head of where I want to go and what's back there.

Agree with CT. Soft inquiries for employment purposes will cause no harm. However, my employer runs my DMV report every year and under the Fair Credit Reporting Act the state is required to notify you of these inquiries. So you can expect to get a letter from the state every time somebody runs your driving record. No cause for alarm, just an FYI.

Great idea/solution! Just remember to have copy of vet records along with you. These places are fussy.

In Pennsylvania, the "P" endorsement is a simple 15 or 20 question test at the DMV. However, the "S" endorsement requires a written test, attending a school bus class with minimum number of hours classroom training( like 2 or 3 evenings for around 12 hours total), and the complete pretrip/skills/road test done in a school bus. School bus even has it's own manual. Classroom portion essentially deals with how to properly pick up/discharge students, RR crossings, special needs students, and behavioral issues. Not really difficult and school bus companies usually (around here) provide the training for free. Suspect other states are similar.

There is a short section of bridge on I-84 in Waterbury CT like that.

Just started shopping for a new unit, so I'd be interested as well.