Comments By Chiefmac

There are some drivers that will not give you the time of day. Fortunately they are the minority. In fact I have had several drivers take time to answer questions. The other day while on 30 minute break with my crew from school, a driver from Beacon Transport came into the lounge just to talk to us. There are a lot of great guys and gals out there. Like anything in life though, there is going to be bad with that good. Glad to see that you have chosen to be a good and professional driver. Good luck to you!

Not for nothing but you should probably spend more time reading the posts and blogs here instead of the BS on other sites and coming here to ask the types of questions you are posting.

Use the search function and check to see if something has been asked already and remember this about those other places:

If it's too good to be true, it probably is and if it seems outrageous it's most likely BS as well.

This is the best site for truthful info; the real deal if you will. You will find that almost any question you might have has been covered or will be answered quickly and with the utmost sincerity. This is totally opposite of some of the places you must have been seeking information from.

Lastly, being in school (as am I), can be stressful, don't make it worse by overthinking, or delving into things that don't have much to do with what your main objective is......get your CDL. Researching this site will give you what you need to get going...if you let it.

Good luck to you.

We have the same type arrangement at my school except we did backing first. When 4 students successfully test out of the yard (2 of us on the 4th day and two more on the 5th), we get assigned to a truck. We've been on the road for 3 days now and each get 90 minutes time in the seat and catch different types of traffic, city, country, and interstate. I think we are supposed to get 44 hours total behind the wheel (going forwards and backwards no doubt). I feel pretty confident and don't mind the others getting a little more time if they need it. Most of my team feels that way...and we get a lot of feedback from our instructor.

Let me put it in perspective. Right now, you're a 4x4 mega cab Toyota Tundra hauling a boat. Soon you'll be 2-door Ford Ranger hauling a boat.

If you haven't noticed by now, this site and The High Road are the best training available anywhere online. I got to school well prepared (even though I had not completed every part of THR) and fairly well ahead of my classmates. Did very well on the permit and endorsements (took all but Hazmat so far) and have started back on the Log Book and Weight & Balance sections now that I have moved off the yard and onto the road. The info from here can totally prepare you for your written exams and give you a real leg up when you get into the practical portion of class as well. Even so, you must stay humble. Understand that we will never know everything (especially at this stage of the game) and we can never stop learning. I didn't come here to be a Super Trucker, I came here to get the best info on how to be a safe and efficient trucker. If you did too, then you will not be disappointed.

To Brett, all the moderators, and contributors here; I thank you for what you have given me. I can't repay it so I will make sure to pay it forward.

Trucker Path lists most of the major truck stops (with info but not fuel prices), scale houses, CAT scales, and traffic. Beware...the routing is not truck specific (the program does inform you of this upfront). The truck stop specific ones (ie: Loves, P/FJ...) will show you current fuel prices, store specials, and other things.

My understanding is that van loads and reefer loads will be sealed at some point when they have been loaded. I have two questions:
1) are you required to place a lock on the doors after that seal goes on?

2) are tank trailer outlets sealed or locked?

Once again I have to agree with Paul (a trend is developing here). This site is the best around for learning how to "do it right", and they welcome all comers.

I think it is great to have some info from different perspectives and anything you can bring to the table would be much appreciated; especially to those of us starting out.

The cornerstone of any career should always be work hard, respect others, and never stop learning. Welcome Freight N. I hope to read more from you.

So let me get this straight...you paid the shipper for chickens so you can sell them and make money. The shipper paid my company to bring it to you so you can make money. Now you want me to pay you to offload it so you can make money? Only in America!

I would have to echo what Paul said on everything related to this site. Although I am just starting school I can tell you that the advice and the educational material here is awesome. I am very comfortable in class and feel like I am way ahead of where I would be without their help. Read everything that is on here...including the older stuff (this site has been around for a number of years) and especially the blogs and chronicle posts from the veterans. You want to see inside of trucking before jumping in? Well you've come to the right place.