Comments By TxsGent

Pretty open question. You have one in mind?

I got a pit on the truck with me. I couldn't imagine a better temperament. I really don't care for the yap dogs. He snoozes most of the time. I take him out for a bathroom break about half as often as I go. The cooler weather makes him goofy outside. It makes him act like a puppy.

The shedding is terrible though. Getting the short hair out of the upholstery is a chore.

Jonun, You will need written authorization from the company you are driving for. Without that, there is a very large fine.

Will it still be a written test for Texas starting July 8, 2015, ....aren't there changes coming that will be effective on this date or will Texas still be taken a written test for pre-trip.

Yes. That is correct. Written test only (static/applied air brakes test if equipped).

Pre-trip / Air brakes written tests are super simple and easy.

Just don't forget there is only one pre-trip test. Questions for a school bus caught me off guard until I looked at the picture. Oh, I had already answered a couple of questions before I realized each question had a picture beside it.

Thanks Anchorman. Good info.

I will second Old School. If there is any way your company can give you some practice time in a combination, go for the Class A! Even if you never use it, better to have it.

I go to PTL orientation starting on May 20th.Is there anyone out there that has worked or is working for PTL at the moment that can give me an inside scoop?

Metalhead,

Welcome to Trucking Truth and PTL. You are going the same route that I did. I got my CDL at a community college. It wasn't TCC, but I have taken classes there.

The motel ain't no Motel 6, but you won't have to worry about getting bounced out of bed while sleeping. There are waffles, bagels and cereal for breakfast. There will be a plate lunch provided at PTL. Evening meal is a voucher for the buffet at Sirloin Stockade about a block away from the hotel.

There will be a driving test, but I think is more of a test to see if you have ever been inside a truck than a test of driving. I was there around Thanksgiving. All of the trainers were on their way home. The trainers pick the trainees, so don't be afraid to talk to someone you think might be a trainer.

Have fun with it. PTL is the only place that I applied and I am pleased with my choice. If you have more questions, shoot me a message.

I got my CDL through a local college using the G. I. Bill. Having your CDL in advance might give you more options.

The company I drive for does not train to get the CDL. There are two phases to training. First phase is with a trainer for 5,000 miles. The second phase is teaming with another trainee for 40,000 miles. You are paid by the mile during training.

During my second phase of training, I had to team. The planner pushed us pretty hard. I am not sure if that was because we were trainees or because they didn't understand HOS. More than once we received a pre-plan telling us to run as a team. Even with two drivers, the truck can't run 24 hours a day without doing a reset.

Team money really comes in to play when both team members are part of the same household, husband and wife.

Jeff. I went to orientation with PTL the week before Thanksgiving. I believe that I made a good choice.

PTL operates primarily east of the Mississippi. There are two phases of training. The first phase is with a trainer and you are supposed to do five thousand miles. The second phase is with another trainee. As a phase two trainee, you will run as a team and you will see lots of California. Phase two lasts for forty thousand miles.

If you have specific questions, I will try to get you the answers.