Posted: 9 years, 5 months ago
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Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall ?
Whether you get any actual benefit from driving with a trainer in winter is going to depend almost entirely on your trainer. I was exposed to some winter driving on my trainer's truck, but I can't say it was much help. My trainer was one of those guys who thinks it's okay to do 50+ mph on snow-covered roads, and in my mind that's just plain stupid.
The main thing to remember about driving in winter weather is take it slow and easy. Leave lots of extra space between yourself and whoever is in front of you, don't make any sudden movements with the wheel, be gentle with the brakes, and if you don't feel safe to continue driving, don't. Park the truck and send a message to your fleet manager that the driving conditions are unsafe and you'll proceed when they've cleared. Trust me, no matter what company you drive for, they'd much rather the truck go nowhere than have it go sideways or off the road.
OMG! See that is what I am afraid of! . Not only for me but my husband! You don't know if it is black ice up under that snow. I really don't want to go in the winter time because I don't want to get anyone like that but then I want to have the trainer to teach me things while I am with him/her then doing it bymyself. Idk! I guess I have some thinking to do.
Posted: 9 years, 5 months ago
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I want to get into truck driving. Ive never had an accident or a dui but ive had my license suspended for minor stuff. I just got it back. I would like to know where I can go and who take me and put me through their druck driving school as I dont have the money to pay for one. Thank u. U can email me at murdorf82@gmail.com
Hey Brian, When I talked to Swift they told me as long as my husband has had his license for a year within his lifetime then he was straight. It depends on what it is too. When I talked to Knight they said 6months -1yr.
Posted: 9 years, 5 months ago
View Topic:
Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall ?
Hello everyone !! 48 year old navy vet here. I have been watching and reading the post here (trolling) for a few months now. Great site BTW. Been thinking about trucking for awhile now and I haven't seen any questions on training and the time of year. Would it be a good idea to start CDL training in the winter months or wait till spring? My thinking is that if I start in the winter I could get some good on the road training with the hazards of snow and ice with the trainer, instead of being left to find things out on my own after a spring or summer class. What do you guys think?
Hey Mike, I've been thinking the same way too but on the flip side I also think about if that driver is safe and that he won't try anything risky just for some $$$. I will be team driving with my husband so I am also worried if his driver will be safe as well. I know Knight do not operate as a team during training so that would put me at ease if I go with them. Well good luck to you and let us know what you choose. Oh and this is a great site! I love it! Thank you Bret!
Posted: 9 years, 5 months ago
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Overweight but extremely mobile
Hey how is it going Bam Bam? How is Swift treating you? I plan on going there in a month or so.
Just like Cheryl, I too would love to hear some updates, and love the name BamBam. I am considering Swift or KLLM being that I am from Jackson, Ms. I'm 44 and weigh about 230 at 5'7" but my blood pressure been getting high lately. I have to cut back on all those high fat snacks. I plan on going in about 4 months because I need to wait for my tax refund to be able to not work for the 3 weeks at school
Hi Charlie's Angels, I heard that Knight will pay you during training (those 3 weeks).
Posted: 9 years, 5 months ago
View Topic:
Overweight but extremely mobile
Hey how is it going Bam Bam? How is Swift treating you? I plan on going there in a month or so.
Posted: 9 years, 5 months ago
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The truck stop internet can get slow, but mcdonalds, etc have free wifi, as do terminals. But like I said internet is tough regardless. As far as eating, I buy one meal a day. It adds up very fast, 10 to 15 dollars to eat. I am bringing a portable grill with me and a single burner butane stove. Yup cook out at rest areas. Have a decent cooler so will see how it goes. Inverters are not permitted, but I see lots of drivers with them. I have a small 400 watt that uses the cig outlets. Keeps pc and stuff charged. But as far as fridge, microwaves only owner operators. If you need one for health reasons they will install it. Starting pay at swift is now 33 to 35 cents per mile
I think I will look into getting mifi so I don't have to worry about only getting it at the rest stops etc....Cookouts sounds good! better than eating out and spending all that money on unhealthy food! I will definitely invest in portable grill and some 12 volt appliances that I have been looking at..Is the 400 watt inverter the highest we can go as far as pluggin it in the cig. outlets? I am so glad that the pay has increased! Do you have any info on teams? Me and my fiance' are wanting to team drive. What kind of cooler do you have? I've been looking at the 12 volt coolers and the 12 volt fridge/freezers. Keep me updated with your journey if you don't mind. I always come back and check to see if you have written anything. Thank you
Posted: 9 years, 5 months ago
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Internet is difficult out west, there is no signal. Truck stops have decent wi fi but 100 dollars a year, times 3 for loves, pilot, ta. I have a new driver leader and she is awesome. I get loads back to back now. I researched lots of transporters and so far Swift has met my expectations. There are just so many things out of your control, you have to be PATIENT. What is totally under your control is that CMV. Overall my experience has been tremendous. What a truly huge and beautiful country God has given us.
So you use the trucking stops internet? I've heard of the mifi.....do you any info on that? That's good that you have a new driver leader that's good and that Swift is meeting your expectations. Do you drive Dry van and where do you mostly run? I can't wait to experience this country! I do have to say that you are now making my decision hard between Swift and Knight! Thank you for sharing your experience though. What do you do for meals and entertainment since Swift doesn't allow any inverters installed to their batteries? What challenges have you faced so far? Sorry for asking a lot of questions.
Posted: 9 years, 5 months ago
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Knight Transportation (Indianapolis Indiana)
Hey how is it going with Knight? I'm torn between Swift and Knight but leaning more towards Knight. Any more stories, advice, suggestions etc...will be very helpful. Thank you!
Posted: 9 years, 5 months ago
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Hey...What do you mean by actually getting loads that get you driving hrs.? How much is the internet at the truckstops and can you get a hotspot so you can use the internet wherever you're at? It's good to hear that your experience is good..I'm torn between going with Swift and Knight transportation. Do you have any advise on anything with Swift since you are getting more familiar with them? Thank you for the info
Posted: 9 years, 5 months ago
View Topic:
Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall ?
Wow.... See those are the little things that would better if I have a trainer with me..How did you handle it? and you are a solo driver!? Last winter was really bad too! Was it scary and did you have any bad experiences? Sorry for all the questions but I am trying to get any and all info before I make this move and the snow scares me. Well the black ice do.. What company are you with Rolling Thunder?