Comments By Meper

There are some places that can/will 'recharge' a fire extinguisher. Check with your local fire department and either they can recharge your extinguisher or will know of someplace else that cant. HTH

Meper

Excellent post Daniel B. Truly enjoying reading it. You ought to write a book. Stay safe and have a Happy New Year!

Meper

When it comes to human trafficking - they cannot 'just get out of it!'. Some of those individuals can be some of the abduction cases we read and hear about on the news. For many of them it is not a 'choice' - they are FORCED. So instead of being ****ed when one knocks on your door at night - why not call the local police? You might inadvertently succeed in returning someones missing daughter back home. I have daughters.

Meper

Brett, thank you! You always keep the 'light' shining where it needs to shine! I am one of those 'declining' middle class Americans. I have been feeling and seeing the demise for years now! America may be on her way back to the pre-1940's way of life. Corporate greed and worker abuse. As it stands now; more work and less pay. Higher prices; minimum to zero wage increases. To Fatsquatch and Attila; AMEN!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone on Trucking Truth! Stay safe!

Meper

The House and the Senate passed the Ominibus bill, removing the 34 hour restart rule now in effect and the rule that was in effect before July 1,2013 will apply. It is supposedly on President Obama's desk for signing.

Meper

This is from the article:

From FMCSA: “FMCSA announces that C.R. England, Inc. (C.R. England) has applied for an exemption from the Federal minimum training conditions in 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) that require a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holder to always be accompanied by a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder with the proper CDL class and endorsements seated in the front seat of the vehicle while the CLP holder performs behind-the-wheel training on public roads or highways. C.R. England requests an exemption to allow CLP holders who have passed the CDL skills test but not yet received the CDL document to drive a commercial motor vehicle without being accompanied by a CDL holder, provided the driver has documentation of passing the skills test. C.R. England believes that the exemption, if granted, would allow such a driver to operate more freely and in a way that benefits the driver, the carrier, and the economy as a whole.” According to the FMCSA’s Federal Register Notice, C.R. England has a partnership with and provides training for Premier Truck Driving Schools in five locations: Burns Harbor, Indiana; Dallas, Texas; Fontana, California; Richmond, Indiana and Salt Lake City, Utah. “C.R. England seeks exemption from 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) that would allow CDL holders who have successfully passed a CDL skills test, and are thus eligible to receive a CDL, to drive a truck without a CDL holder being present. This would allow a CDL holder to participate in a revenue-producing trip back to his or her domiciled state to obtain the CDL document, as the CDL can only be issued by the state of domicile.” the Federal Register states. In its request, C.R. England cited the growing need for well-trained, and well-qualified drivers to meet today’s shipping demands. “Granting the exemption would allow the CLP holder to drive as part of a team on that trip, resulting in reduced costs and increased productivity,” the Federal Register states. The Federal Register states that C.R. England believes that 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) hinders its ability to recruit, train and employ new drivers. The exemption would only apply to C.R. England drivers who have passed the CDL skills test and who hold a CLP. “The only difference between a CLP holder who has passed the CDL skills test and a CDL holder is that the latter has waited in line at the DMV and has received the hard copy CDL,” the Federal Register Notice states. The FMCSA is seeking public comment on the request for exemption. Comments must be submitted by December 29, 2014

C.R. England Applies For CDL Standards Exemption. Has anyone heard or read about this? They want an exemption to allow CDL Permit holders to run as team drivers without a trainer or their hard copy CDL license. This article is on the CDL Life Trucking News website (dated Dec 1, 2014). This to me does not sound like a company that is focused on highway safety.

Sorry for all the 'smiley faces'. I was trying to place one at the end of my last sentence.

Meper

Thanks Brett! I was hoping this was the case, but wanted clarification before assuming anything. I am married but our children are adults so being home for the family is not really an issue.

This is a wonderful site you have established for us 'newbies'. Again thanks for providing a place for people like us learn the truth!

Like many of the other posters on here; I have gone to other 'trucker' sites, YouTube, etc trying to gain some insight on the industry and after reading, watching and listening to 'drivers' complain about the various trucking companies, I was about to give up on considering truck driving as a new career choice until I found your sight. Man, you can't beat it! The straight forwardedness, no nonsense, tell it like it is, is awesome!

I too, like many others, always wondered what it would be like to drive big rigs. Thought about doing it many times in the past, but family, 'horror stories' about the trucking industry, etc. put me off abit. I am now aware that alot has changed since the 70'/80's and the trucks today look a whole lot nicer than the trucks of the past. Just like 'Old School' and some of the others, I too am in my mid 50's. I was laid off about a year ago (after 29 years) , and quickly learned that many companies aren't looking to hire someone my age. So, it seems like now would be a good time enter the 'trucking world.' As I stated previously, we are currently dealing with medical issues (our mothers) so I have to hold off on schooling for the time being. I do plan on reading the 'High Road traing' program. I have already bought and studied my states CDL manual and feel fairly comfortable with passing, but this site also explains 'hours of service' and 'weight and balancing' which is not covered in the state CDL manual.

I will try to post more often ( I have been reading the blogs for some time ( I guess that make me 'lurker')).

Meper

Thanks Heavy C! I see the major companies daily (sometimes 2 to 3x's). Dealing with family medical issues at the moment, but am definitely considering become a trucker. Just waiting for things to stabilize before committing to several weeks/months of training.

Meper