Comments By Sami

Hi all!

I'm aware that trucking is a 24 hour job, and I work shift work already so won't have a problem with days or nights. But, I think I would prefer, when possible, to get up early and drive during the day because I think it'd be much more interesting--there's so much if this country I've never seen!

I'm leaning towards reefers but I wouldn't rule out dry vans. Scheduling/trip planning wise, is one more apt than the other to accommodate more daytime driving? Do any of you experienced drivers manage to drive (mostly) during the day? If so, how much of the time would you estimate? Just curious. Any input and advice is appreciated, thanks!

Wow. That gives "forced NYC" some perspective :)

Thanks for the link!

Thanks everyone. Since the consensus seems to be that it won't matter too much, I think I'll attempt to get started as soon as I can get all my ducks in a row. I'll probably catch some weather even in October and November in parts of the country that aren't Vegas :)

Thanks again everyone for l of your input! Going to see about a DOT physical and make an eye appointment. So excited (and kind of scared)!

~Sami, up to about 96% sure, and counting . . .

Well, I'm leaning strongly towards Prime, so even starting in September I'll likely still be with a trainer through the holidays. I won't need home time, but my trainer might. You're right though, probably of no concern, just kind of curious.

Now that I think about it, I might luck out and be somewhere with snow for Christmas, which I haven't seen since highschool! #brightside

Good point, Realist, I hadn't thought too much about heat and humidity, but you're right, it can cause some grumpiness. Seems every day there's yet another thing to consider when making this huge decision. Best of luck to you out there!

And Brandon, I agree, I can't imagine I'd be forced to get into a truck with a man, or with any specific person for that matter. Just saying I'm more than willing to have a male trainer. I grew up surrounded by boys, and have spent 20 years in a segment of my industry that I deal with mostly men most of the time, anywhere from 75-90%, I'd say. Very 'blue collar' men, at that.

Thanks, Brett. I'm glad you're another voice that feels it will work out either way, since financially and logistically I really can't start until the Fall, and I'm not sure I want to wait until Spring. Good to know, makes me feel better.

Can I assume, since no one's mentioned any concerns regarding holidays, that's not something I'll need to worry about?

Thanks again, all, for your replies and help, I really appreciate you all! ~Sami

Thanks Daniel. In that case, I guess I need to weigh the pros and cons of starting sooner and training in the weather or putting it off for months.

I'm very careful by nature, some may say to a fault, but I don't think so. Once I'm on my own I'll have no issue shutting down if I don't feel safe. As I always say, better safe than pregnant . . . or something like that :)

Thanks for all you post here. I read your "month in the life" diary and learned so much. I love the tips about start times and hours of service. That's one part of the job I'll really enjoy. I've always been a bit of a nerd, and trip planning seems like a really intricate puzzle, complete with trapdoors. Just another thing that's so much more challenging (read that: interesting) than my current career. Thanks again!

Congrats!

And how did you make that map? I would love to do something like that when I get going, I've always been fascinated by maps :)

Yes, I thought that might be the case too--I'll be learning SOOO much as it is, do I really want to add ice and snow? And I agree with maybe learning dry van or reefer first. This will be challenging enough without tarping or sloshing. But that's why I asked, I figured someone might have some insight I may not of thought of yet.

Good luck with your training! Hopefully I'll be following in your footsteps soon!

Sami (now about 91% there)

Hello all, and thanks for all of the great information. I've been reading this site for a few weeks and am 90% ready to take the plunge.

One pretty intimidating aspect to me is winter driving. Because of that, I feel it might be a good idea to train in the winter, so that I have a trainer with me when I first hit snow and ice. Logical? Or does it matter?

My lease is up in September, and if I go ahead and do this I will be giving up my apartment and storing my belongings with family. I can, however, go month to month after the end of the lease, so I have the option of beginning training (assuming the school is agreeable) anytime after September. I plan to do Company Sponsored School, but I'm still weighing pros and cons as to which one. Should I try to train during the winter? Or wait until Spring? I'm working now and can keep my job until it's time to go, but I do think I'd rather get started sooner rather than later.

I also read somewhere on TT, although I don't remember where, a female (if I remember correctly) student having a hard time getting assigned a trainer right before the holidays because so many were taking home time for Christmas. Is this another thing I should take into consideration? I'm female, but would be fine with a male or female trainer. I'm not sure if her situation was isolated or if I should consider waiting until after Christmas.

What do you guys and gals think? Does it matter or am I just over-thinking it?

Thanks again, this site is great!

Sami