Comments By Jimbo

now if you Don't need to take the pain meds "DONT" ,,if you medically NEED them ,,,then dont tell the Co's ...if you can drive w/ the meds in you the that up to you ....

Ok so let me get this straight. You're saying if you need to take narcotics that are deemed illegal for commercial driving just do it and don't tell anyone, right? Well thanks for that Jon. If we're lucky that advice won't actually kill anyone, it will just land some people in jail or ruin their careers.

Buddy, this isn't the 80's anymore. You gotta get with the program. I started driving in '93 and there is a long list of things I used to do that would never fly in this day and age. Times change and you have to change with them. I know the history of this industry very well. I know how it used to be. But this is almost 2015 and you have to go by today's rules. Not to mention, you're not advising guys and gals that have driven for 25 years. These are people who are brand new to the industry, most of which haven't even started school yet. You're going to tell someone before they even know how many wheels are on an 18 wheeler to take narcotics and keep it on the down low? Yeah.....let's not ruin people's careers or lives like that. Let's come up with a better solution.

Cheyenne, speak with your doctor about getting an alternative medicine that is legal for commercial driving. Then do whatever it takes to get your career underway safely and legally. If you have to wait, you have to wait. I'm not sure what the legalities will be but I would speak with your doctor about how long it takes the current medicine to safely leave your system. Speak with different companies about their requirements. Be honest with everyone and do whatever it takes to get your career off to a great start. It might be out of your system safely within 30 days, it might take longer. I have no idea. So look into that.

Believe me, if you think you're struggling financially now wait until you see what it takes to get a job after failing a drug test or getting caught falsifying your medical paperwork. You have to think long term. Don't make risky decisions because you want to drive a few weeks sooner than you can legally. Do it right. You'll be glad you did. In this day and age it would be a miracle to find a decent paying job being offered as a "second chance" to someone who screwed up. Don't put yourself in that position.

I agree with Brett on this one. I've spent the past couple months reading, learning, studying, and asking questions about this industry. Not to mention I see at least two commercials a day from an attorney mentioning "Big Trucks" and lawsuits. The rules are in place not just to protect the public but to protect the insurance companies and the trucking companies. The penalties, like Brett said, for lying about something, or for getting involved in an accident when you're taking something you shouldn't be are not worth taking a chance. Especially when you said quitting the meds is no big deal.

Do it the right way or give some thought to another career field that might get you moving in the right direction. Its only three months...

Just wanted to take the time to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here on TT. I may not have alot to say but I'm checking in on a regular basis and have learned alot from you guys/gals. Getting closer to starting CDL school...Dec. 22nd is coming fast.

Hoping you all get to have time with your families and have a safe and spectacular Thanksgiving Day!

Welcome, Congrats, and Good luck Mark....wishing you the best!

MG...definitely have missed your posts on here. So sorry about your brother...losing family is the WORST. Keep your head up....I am positive just knowing you through your posts that you'll do great on your new venture!! Best wishes for success!

Funny...I live about 15 minutes North of Buffalo and we have 2" of snow...gotta love Lake Effect.

Congrats Jolie!

Well I'm going to be taking a 10 week program, PTDI certified school, and its going to cost me about $8k. The reason: I want the best training I can get and I want my choice of where to go when I graduate. Now $8k is alot...but the school is an approved school for just about everyone I've looked at and I've heard nothing but good things from grads and companies out there.

Its all about what you want, and what you can/or can't afford I guess.

James...without knowing what kind of shape you're in...if you have access to a treadmill or elliptical...start moving on it. Get the heart rate up and maintain it for awhile. When I haven't worked out in awhile my heart rate always runs higher. After I'm back in the gym and back at the cardio..the heart rate gradually comes down and stays at much lower levels. Give it a shot. Not just good for the job, good for you at the same time.

Perfect man for the news! Keep up the entertaining work you're doing Anchorman!

Finished up my first week today. For you guys that went thru this training I got an 8 on my final test. I've already talked to my TE for next week and he sounds like a really nice guy. He's got a 2015 cascadia evolution that's about 2 months old. And I can't wait to go trucking in that bad boy! I couldn't be happier with the choice I made by choosing them. Trainers are excellent, patient and highly personable. They want to see you be the best you can be. Any questions about Schneider feel free to ask me. Stay safe out there!

Nice Jeff....Schneider ranks ups there in the list of companies I'm looking at. I just may reach out to you in the future....thanks!