Comments By Slowpoke

While you'll never pass a follicle test by the end of May you should be good to go for a UA if you weren't smoking 24/7 for the weeks you were recently smoking.... 28-30 days is the pretty common time span one needs to pass a UA depending on body fat content as that's what the THC adheres to... The over the counter UA's are hit or miss but I wouldn't recommend against them before you knew you were going to be tested. Good luck to you...

I'll add...... Relax. This profession really isn't that complicated IF you pay attention. I'm not trying to be snarky at all, please don't take it that way... So many new drivers tend to over complicate this job. Take it slow where you need to and again, PAY ATTENTION. That way you'll be less likely to find yourself in the position of having to call safety and road service..... Your GPS routed you on the wrong road?? RELAX, breathe, take your time, gather your thoughts about how you're going to get yourself out of the situation. Never act before you've thought about what you're doing or what you have to do.

Remember, you've chosen a profession that has many GREAT rewards... We get to see things most will never see, we get to work by ourselves, we don't have a boss staring over our shoulder (I 'm good at ignoring the box on the dash;)) ) and we get to get paid while doing it. So just relax, learn from your mistakes and enjoy the road.

Thoughts to those involved, I hate to see these..... When will folks start paying attention and start taking their job seriously???

Don't worry bout waking your trainer up in the middle of the night, you'll more than likely be operating like a team before too long anyway so you'll have the bunk to yourself ;))) Secondly, try beta prostate, it really does help.... I can sleep 5 whole hours at a time without waking up for a nature call.

5 different partners in 6 months and Schneider's the problem?? I believe that statement says all we need to know.......

Debra, Unfortunately you will not find ANY company that has solo training. You will have to team up with a trainer for usually 6-8 weeks or more after obtaining your CDL. Then be prepared to run team after a couple of weeks as many training companies run things this way...

Good luck finding training companies that pay detention or breakdown.

I'm pretty sure training companies do not pay for your food while you're in school... I do believe they pay for you to get to their school but usually you leave out on a truck when your training is completed.

You are correct to not lie on your application...

Yes, your location should be talked about with a recruiter, that in itself will more than likely limit your options and decided who will train and hire you.

I do find it odd that if you have a DOT medical card that is still valid that you would have to get another if you change jobs, it kind of defeats the point of them having a date on them for renewal.

Yeah, the date is looked upon as more of a maximum time between physicals kinda thing. I'm not really sure why they require a new physical every time you change jobs but that's how it's been for many years.

Since self certification I believe a new DOT is not required now.... I've been running on a self certified DOT card from a previous employer at Fed Ex Ground for 6+ months now. A few companies around here also actually require a driver to have a valid DOT card prior to employment.

http://dotphysicaldoctor.com/faq/fmcsa-regulations/#transferrable

Is the DOT medical card transferrable or do I have to get a new one when I start a new job?

A DOT medical card is valid nationwide and can be used by any company so you don’t have to get a new one. However… There are companies that have a policy in place that states they want you to have the physical exam done by their own examiner. They can require you to take a new physical exam, if is company policy. They also usually will pay for the exam if they require it.

Such is the life of a truck driver... Very few segments of the industry are immune to it...

I did read however that, in the new transportation bill there is a provision stating that we should be paid at least minimum wage for our wait time... That would be a step in the right direction in my opinion, but, #1-I doubt it will stay in the bill, #2- I can see the ATA and companies fighting against this and finally, #3- If this does make it into the finalized bill, I can see companies lowering their per mile rate to make up the difference ;(( http://www.dcvelocity.com/print/article/20140430-white-house-highway-bill-proposal-would-require-driver-payments-for-down-time/

The cost should not have to be paid by the companies in my opinion, it should be the responsibility of the shippers and receivers that are holding us to have to pay us for waiting time.