Comments By Special K, aka Kathy

Good for you, keep us posted on your progress and good luck!!!!!

Lol...I don't think theres alot of MIL's that will root for their SIL....go figure..they raised the silly girl that picked em !!! Truckers have such a bad rep, its hard to find anyone who thinks we are anywhere above sub human on the DNA scale. but you would be suprised what "type" and educational background are out on the hiways in a truck. So don't let it get to you. Opinions are like fecal orifices...everyone has one. And given time, maybe she will come around.......BUT....no guarantees, as that would fly in the face of history.

This needs a like button Star!!!!!!

Well my training week is over, I met my cousin in Wythville VA. from there we went to WVA, IN, IL, MI and back and forth for drops at different receivers, one pick up too. I learned so much. He let me drive in a large parking lot the first day, just going round in circles and changing gears. After a bit he let me hit the WVA Turn Pike for a little bit, had to stop at two toll booths! The double clutching was tough at first. We headed on for IN. He let me drive more the next day, then I really got the hang of it! I ended up driving over 1100 miles over the week! Down Shifting a little tuff and backing is a beast of its own! But he used to teach at a Driving School at a community college and he said that he thought that I was ready to go out with a trainer! He thinks with a little backing practice that I could get my CDL's!!!! It was a blast! I drove on interstates, two lane raods, parking lots, through Dayton, Grand Rapids, and Indianapolis, and also got some after dark driving in and going down a 5% mt grade (not huge, but it was over 5 miles long) to get practice using engine braking effect! I have learned soooo much! His truck is a 99 Pete (big sucker too). I feel so much more confidient about driving now, but I know that I still have so much to learn. My only thing is I am second guessin my company choice, I just don't know what to do. I really would like to drive for KNIGHT, but I can't get hold of them. I will be a good driver, it will be a huge learning curve and I know that I will be good for the company that best suits me. I had chosen Central, but I don't want to be punished because I don't want to lease (no desire what so ever) Suggestions please, I am prepared to go to Central on May 19th...so it is crunch time! As of now I will be going to central, but I really want miles! I know that the most important thing is getting that first years experience, and I am really interested in driving the west coast, and long distances, but will do what ever it takes with a smile! Just second guessing I guess!

oh I almost forgot, I took my phone with me (of course) to take pics and it crashed! I didn't ge any, but my cousin took a few with his camera and is going to send me hard copies and I will post them asap!

Well my training week is over, I met my cousin in Wythville VA. from there we went to WVA, IN, IL, MI and back and forth for drops at different receivers, one pick up too. I learned so much. He let me drive in a large parking lot the first day, just going round in circles and changing gears. After a bit he let me hit the WVA Turn Pike for a little bit, had to stop at two toll booths! The double clutching was tough at first. We headed on for IN. He let me drive more the next day, then I really got the hang of it! I ended up driving over 1100 miles over the week! Down Shifting a little tuff and backing is a beast of its own! But he used to teach at a Driving School at a community college and he said that he thought that I was ready to go out with a trainer! He thinks with a little backing practice that I could get my CDL's!!!! It was a blast! I drove on interstates, two lane raods, parking lots, through Dayton, Grand Rapids, and Indianapolis, and also got some after dark driving in and going down a 5% mt grade (not huge, but it was over 5 miles long) to get practice using engine braking effect! I have learned soooo much! His truck is a 99 Pete (big sucker too). I feel so much more confidient about driving now, but I know that I still have so much to learn. My only thing is I am second guessin my company choice, I just don't know what to do. I really would like to drive for KNIGHT, but I can't get hold of them. I will be a good driver, it will be a huge learning curve and I know that I will be good for the company that best suits me. I had chosen Central, but I don't want to be punished because I don't want to lease (no desire what so ever) Suggestions please, I am prepared to go to Central on May 19th...so it is crunch time! As of now I will be going to central, but I really want miles! I know that the most important thing is getting that first years experience, and I am really interested in driving the west coast, and long distances, but will do what ever it takes with a smile! Just second guessing I guess!

How To Choose A School

Trucking Companies

Truck Driving Schools

Trucker's Career Guide

Company-Sponsored Training

I will be starting with Central Refrigerated and I live in Kentucky...I will have to train in Salt Lake City, and then dispatch out of Conley GA. but I can still live here. I can bring the tractor home if I choose on my days off. I don't know how it would work for you though. Use the links on this site to help you and call and talk with companies to see what options you have....Good Luck and read read read on here, nothing but helpful...

I'll try my best...I know pics will be on my facebook!!!!!!

Your welcome. I know one of the ladies was asking about it. They wanted to read about school and first days otr.

What is the thread called about school (with Central, I assume. and thanks for getting the link on here!

Special K, you just get out there and enjoy the adventure !!! Its rare that a rookie ever gets to experience trucking prior to actually getting into driving school. SO go have some fun, watch a professional driver do what they do best, and ask all the questions you want....your cousin can cuss me out for it later.. Stay safe...and be sure and pack just the bare essentials..ya don't wanna take up all the sleeper space .

Thanks Star....I am very excited about this little trip! I will ask all kinds of questions, and he used to train drivers too, so it should be a really good experience for me! (and i'll pack light, maybe only 3 large suit cases instead of my normal 6) ha ha ha just kidding!!!! I am known for packing clothes in a plastic grocery bag that can last me a week!

Hmmmm Star...give them a call and get the details! Some may know the company by the side tracker cameras. I don't know and I don't even know what that is, lol I bet most are like me! Especially the rookies!

Looks like I will get to go with my cousin this coming Friday on a run wDith him! I will get to get some pre trip practice, truck stop experience, fueling, trip planning, log books, and oh yes can I say some DRIVE TIME!!!!!! We will be traveling from North Carolina up through IL and back can't wait! This along with using High Road will have me prepared for my upcoming school with Central!