Comments By Robert H.

It doesn't show your email in your profile also are you on facebook if so i am Robert Hodgins there Philadelphia, MS email roberth64@hotmail.com

I live 40 miles north west of Meridian in Philadelphia MS..also hope to be at CFI in Sept

Left the Pilot in Meridian , MS at 0100 with a fresh 70 and stopped here at a Pilot on I-10 West of Houston. I got 567 miles today. There were two accidents today. I on I-10 close to the Pilot, so I turned onto a road near a Loves. Well, what did we find but a flat bed with the tractor in the ditch and the trailer blocking almost the entire road. We sat for 45 minutes and I was getting close to my 11, so my finisher took over to get us to the Pilot. We hustled today, but I ran all highway. Didn't get any Cajun food while going through SW Louisiana. Bummer.Will start our clock around 2230 tonight, so another all nighter to finish in Laredo. Off to sleep (hopefully, but doubt it) now.

We hope to see you there. I am happy to answer any questions you may have. I was trained by and drive for CFI. I have been with them for just over one year. My email is in my profile.

GI bill paying for the school, and yes I have thought about doing there sponsored program, and havent planned on using GI Bill for anything else as I have college degree already so. and thanks for providing email.

Why not have CFI train you for free? Save your money.

I have planned to start TDI cdl school on Aug 27 then hopefully be over to CFI after that/

We are busy. I told you the miles are here. They are getting ready to give us a pay raise and keep adding new business. I know you have enough knowledge and sense in your head to not do stupid stuff. One thing with CFI, you will be able to run as hard as you want. Enjoy the trip to Laredo. I'm on my way to Waverly. I know you will get good miles coming out of there.

If at all possible do not let your trainer drive as you do not get credit for his miles. Keep up the good work.

I live 40 miles north west of Meridian in Philadelphia MS..also hope to be at CFI in Sept

Left the Pilot in Meridian , MS at 0100 with a fresh 70 and stopped here at a Pilot on I-10 West of Houston. I got 567 miles today. There were two accidents today. I on I-10 close to the Pilot, so I turned onto a road near a Loves. Well, what did we find but a flat bed with the tractor in the ditch and the trailer blocking almost the entire road. We sat for 45 minutes and I was getting close to my 11, so my finisher took over to get us to the Pilot. We hustled today, but I ran all highway. Didn't get any Cajun food while going through SW Louisiana. Bummer.Will start our clock around 2230 tonight, so another all nighter to finish in Laredo. Off to sleep (hopefully, but doubt it) now.

What year is your truck and you liking the KW t680

I have easily completed my one year commitment with CFI. I feel they are a great company that truly cares about the driver's. They take safety seriously. I have never felt pushed to drive when I feel it's unsafe to do so. In fact, I'm supported in my decision. I have not been to Canada. CFI has a YouTube page with many short vids from drivers who go to Canada. Like Errol said, the one year commitment goes by so fast. I do not know what their military deal is. However, I love the new decal they made to honor all military vets. They just announced that they are working on a pay raise for all drivers. They have yet to finalize and release the details. As long as I am OTR I will be driving for CFI.

Yes I know CFI will pay for your schooling with there partner school and nothing wrong with the 1 yr contract I would just rather get my CDL here in MS first, and its my choice to use GI Bill to pay for schooling I have no other plans to use it anywhere else but I understand what you are saying and thank you for the advice. I also understand about staying with a company for a year as I have planned to do that anyway and I really hope to stay there longer than that.

One of the constant pieces of advice we offer at Trucking Truth is that new drivers should stay with their first company for at least a year. Your possible next company may not like to see that you hop from one job to the next.

And if CFI will pay or finance your tuition in return for a year's driving what's wrong with that? You can save your GI Bill benefits for something better/different later on. Do not be afraid of commitment.

As for the 14 hour rule, don't try to game the system by doing you're pre-trip "on your own time". (This is general advice, you didn't say you might do this.) For legal and CYA reasons you need to log the time for your pre-trip.

The 14 hour day is connected to your 11 hour driving time. Once you "punch in", as Big Scott says, you have 14 hours to get in your 11 hours driving. You could legally stay On Duty Not Driving longer, but the next 10 hour break can't start till you do "clock out" off duty.

thanks yes I have watched the CFI videos on youtube. yes the VA makes monthly payments up to $1,035 tax free for one year. and thanks for the info

I have easily completed my one year commitment with CFI. I feel they are a great company that truly cares about the driver's. They take safety seriously. I have never felt pushed to drive when I feel it's unsafe to do so. In fact, I'm supported in my decision. I have not been to Canada. CFI has a YouTube page with many short vids from drivers who go to Canada. Like Errol said, the one year commitment goes by so fast. I do not know what their military deal is. However, I love the new decal they made to honor all military vets. They just announced that they are working on a pay raise for all drivers. They have yet to finalize and release the details. As long as I am OTR I will be driving for CFI.

was told I would not be reimbursed if I use my GI Bill to pay for schooling since I wouldn't be paying out of pocket. Yes I do know about the payments from the VA

You will still be reimbursed even after having used your gi bill for school, so no money out of your pocket, only in your pocket. Tuition reimbursement will most likely not be paid in one lump sum but more likely over a year or even two.

VA apprenticeship will pay you BAH for whatever terminal the company lists as its home terminal. My company has listed a smaller terminal as its headquarters which in turn pays more in BAH because of the cost of living for the area. Your BAH will decrease by 20% every 6 months.

I dont drive for cfi so I'm sure somebody who does can answer more specifically.

I didn't mention gonna use my Post 911 GI Bill to pay for the schooling and do the military apprenticeship program at CFI

Your 14 hour clock starts when you "punch in" by going on duty for the first time after your 10 hour break. This is usually to do your pretrip. Once you start your 14 hour clock it doesn't stop. This is much easier to understand once you start driving. If you are going to CFI, did you know they will train you for free? Good luck.

HI Thanks for the info. and yes I do know about CFI sponsored training program but I would just rather get my CDL here in MS first that way no contract to sign plus I would already have my CDL in MS. I have spoken with Cortney she is my recruiter and she has sent me a pre-hire letter that I have sent to TDI just not sure when I am gonna start, may wait till August

So would like to know your thoughts about CFI and also do you do any runs into Canada?

Your 14 hour clock starts when you "punch in" by going on duty for the first time after your 10 hour break. This is usually to do your pretrip. Once you start your 14 hour clock it doesn't stop. This is much easier to understand once you start driving. If you are going to CFI, did you know they will train you for free? Good luck.