Comments By Chiefmac

I am commenting on this not because I am better than anyone else, or feel the need to put you down...I say this as a person watching your back as I would hope (and have seen from the people on this site) that you would say the same to me if things weren't quite right.

Yes its difficult being a good driver especially if you like to experiment and take minor risks like i do to see the outcome. I learn the best when i actually make the mistake, but there is barely any room for it in this industry because it can put you in an accident. I wish someone would have told me how serious they take minor accidents because i wouldnt have attempted the things i have and used more caution. Thats what im really bitter about.

Brother you need to change your attitude or you will hurt someone. It may be that you hurt your career with too many accidents or you hurt someone in one of those accidents. You need to learn to identify risks and manage them accordingly, not take them without regard to the consequences; "just to see what happens". It is true that humans learn from making mistakes; however, the smart way is to learn from others mistakes. In my years in the fire department we took risks, but those risks had to be have reason. You don't charge into a burning building if there is not a life to be saved. You don't kill firefighters to save property. That career and driving are very similar; one mistake could be the last one you make...so don't go making them on purpose. And lastly, the only person you can truly control is you. When you have the wheel in your hands there is no one that has any influence whatsoever on what you do...maximize your sense of personal responsibility.

Now...chin up, belt up, and get out there and be the safe, professional driver you can be!

If you go GA Technical School you can qualify for the Hope Grant and other programs that will drastically reduce your costs. I am at Chattahoochee Tech now and so far my outlay is:
Admission Fee: $20.00
Physical and Drug Screen: $70.00
Driving Record: $8.00
Books: $123
Tuition: $61 (course cost is $1646; Hope Grant and GA Strategic Industries Grant paid the rest)

Other fees to come are for permit and testing, and background check for Hazmat, but that should be it.

Good Luck!

I think I found my answer in an older post by Old School ; however, if anyone with GA experience wishes to chime in that would be beneficial and to have updated info.

Thanks!!

Can you take your endorsement test for Hazmat at the time you take your other permit tests or do you have to wait until you have completed your background process?

I understand that an H endorsement will not be added to your "license" until you fully test out, complete your background and fingerprinting. I am just wondering if there is any benefit or restriction from taking "all" the endorsements at the same time.

When I was a kid and it snowed we used to grab bumpers of cars and trucks and slide along the city streets. Doing it in a van takes it to a whole different level. Seriously though, thank God no one was hurt...or worse.

Mirrors, mirrors, mirrors!

My wife and I were headed for Atlanta Dragway last year and we were on the flyover from 285E to 85N (aka Spaghetti Junction) when I had to make a radical move to avoid being rear ended by a semi. Traffic was slowing at the bottom of the hill and I could tell this big guy would not have all the room he needed to get slowed before possibly hitting us. I took the shoulder and hit the gas and passed the vehicles in front of us; I can only imagine the look on their faces...then again it's Atlanta, they're probably used to this sort of driving. Anyway, as I cleared that obstacle I saw that the rig had been able to move a little to the right and had enough room to avoid a bang. Other drivers must have seen the same thing because there was no wreck.

Lessons reinforced: -- 1) constantly check your mirrors, 2) understand what's around you, 3) anticipate, and 4) leave yourself an "out".

Some things need to be taken with a "grain of salt"...others may take a block...or more.

Daniel, your honesty and that of this site is what makes me feel more comfortable in my decision to enter trucking. You tell it like it is! Even when you had to make a decision that is not "PC" or in line with the letter of the law. I think your thought process was one of Risk Management and not Risk Avoidance (which is all the rage with the CYA crowd that runs things these days...mini-rant over). Sometimes you have to consider all the factors...as crappy as they can be...and make the best out of a bad situation. Like you said...you had some knowledge about the terrain, you knew that you had major traffic obstacles, and you weren't extremely screwed on weight. Yes you could have gotten fined for weight and bridge formula violations; however, you used your planning skills and worked out a scenario that got you out of a mess.

Thanks for your "Trucking Truth".

Dude, when I read the post the first thing that popped into my mind was: going into the middle of the lane (after finally getting in the hole) and taking a huge, very demonstrative, bow. Thus saluting all the onlookers and acknowledging that I am well above their level by being able to laugh at myself...and that I succeeded without any of there "ass"istance.

My time is coming and I am going to keep this well in mind.

Stay safe and don't let anyone get to you.

My dad used to say, "it's none of my business what people think of me."

Why buy the cow if you can get the milk for free?