Comments By Chad C.

I've been solo OTR for a month now and it seems I find one or two things everyday that I could use. You sound like you like things organized and in it's place, I'm that way also. I'd recommend all the aforementioned especially vice grips for tandem pin release handle when it's stuck and won't pull out all the way. I'd suggest a binber/organizer folder for your bills and paperwork labeled Monday thru Sunday. You'd surprised how hard it is to remember what date, location, and load went where and in what order just several days earlier when you're a rookie, so much swirling around in your head to begin with I guess. I use chalk to mark the holes I'm wanting to put the tandem pins in, a good 4 or 5lb hammer, air freshener, a gym bag or back pack, some good bungee straps, and a suction cup mount for your cell phone, oh and a BT headset. I'll have 10 more for at the end of next week lol! Good luck!!!

I just met with a Schneider rep and was pretty impressed. Just to add to what Brett offered Schneiders pay scale is as follows for new drivers:

.34/mile + .02 bonus .36/mile + .02 bonus after 3 months .38/mile + .02 bonus after 6 months .40/mile + .02 bonus at 1 year

The bonus comes with no tickets, accidents, or pionts. Hope this helps. I live about 20 minutes from their headquarters in Edwardsville IL and they're having an open house this weekend so I'm going to stop by. I'll get as much info as I can and get feel for their company. So I might have some more info for you.

I don't have anything to back this up but a failed drug test 3 years ago doesn't sound like a death sentence given that you still got the job and you'll pass the company's drug screening as well (I'm assuming you will). I would advise you to still be up front and honest, you don't want to appear you're hiding something. Good luck!!!

Daniel is right, it won't hurt you. Companies would prefer that you get started immediately but I've seen some companies that except drivers that have been inactive for 6 months. You'll have an orientation/probation period with any new company anyway. Like Daniel said they may extend yours a week or two, either way you'll still be getting paid.

Thanks for the reply and suggestions guys! That's what I hoping to hear Brett!

Thanks Andre, you're definitely a big dude and if it works for you then I can make it work.

Hello guys and gals. I'm starting my 3rd week of CDL training and I've noticed the seats in the trucks don't have very much room for adjustments. I know these trucks are probably much older than the ones I hope to eventually drive (they're between 12 and 18 years old). Having said that, do newer trucks have seats with more adjustability. If not what do you bigger guys do to get in a more comfortable driving position? I'm 6'4" 280 lbs and with these trucks the steering wheel is up on me and I feel like I'm right on top of the pedals. Any advice is much appreciated, thanks.

Ahh man, this is awesome!!! I thought I was the only one! I can't wait to do this! I better be careful though, with my luck there will be some poor 90 year lady in front of me that'll scare the life out of lol!

This is actually something I was wondering about because I'm one of those rare women with a shaved head (my hair is a curly mess and it's incredibly frustrating to maintain). Do they differ to a UA? I could try to grow my hair long enough. Just don't want to miss a job opportunity because I don't have any hair long enough to sample.

I'm a male in the same boat. I start my training next Tuesday. I'm an amateur body builder and have no hair other than my eyebrows lol. Does every company do a hair test? If yes then I'm not going to waste time and money getting my cdl. I can't afford to sit idle making no money while I wait to grow hair.

Good for you Daniel! If you have PTSD from fighting for our freedom then I cencerly thank you for you service and sacrifice. I can cope without, it was my previous job of 18 years that was the cause of most of my stress and anxiety. I started taking zoloft during the last three years of my employment. The trouble with zoloft is that it takes months to slowly get off of it. Quitting cold turkey causes horrible side effects landing most in the hospital for weeks. I don't have the time to do this, I'm currently unemployed and school is going to drain all I have left in savings so need money coming in ASAP. Thanks for the advice though, I do truly appreciate it. Good luck in your continued career and your fight against the PTSD.

Just went through this..... Dr signed off on me.....its all about not being knocked out on ur meds so u can still drive

Thank for jumping in with this. I kind of figured that was the case. Luckily it doesn't make me drousy or sluggish. I actually still have mild insomnia so it definitely doesn't make sleepy lol.