Comments By Steve B.

temporary and once it's over it will make for a great story - as long as you don't hit anything.

Each day is temporary, yet each day has its ISSUES - I seem to feel ok in the mornings after a good nights rest but near the end of the day when things haven't gone so smoothly - that's when I get discouraged.

HOWEVER - it was said here (i think) if you make it through the day and you've done you're best and haven't hit anything IT IS A GOOD DAY! This is something I keep reminding myself. Then I brush my teeth turn out the light and get some needed rest.

So I stayed out for some extra days so I could attend an family event. As the days wound down and I was looking forward to "hometime" I was running out of hrs and couldn't make it home. SO I dropped my truck off at a different terminal and my family picked me up. I've had the chance to be with extended family this weekend and share my experiences as a rookie truck driver. This trip had me going to MA, southern LA, Dallas, back out to the East coast and across the I80 toll road too many times to count. Over-all it was good but ended the time tired. I'm supposed to be back in the truck tomorrow night to head out again on MON morning, but we've encountered an issue w/ our personal vehicle so we're waiting on a diagnoses from a shop. I might need to call my Fleet Manager and show up 24hrs late - don't want to do that, but I might not have a choice. My favorite state to go across has been UP state NY along I86

I may add more later but, here's the situation, would like input, don't want a ticket, or other problems- advice much welcomed: will be coming from I66; I494 N (any issues I should know getting around DC?); then I'm supposed to take I95 N & make the 1st drop in MD, 2nd drop in DE. What about rear tandem settings in that area? Restricted routes? It's going to be a wild ride!

I'm heading out in the AM for my 3rd trip out solo. I finished a few days ago doing the "midnight run" - product just had to be at a customer's at 7AM and with the relay I was 'asked' to do it - well more to it than that- but I agreed. Because I agreed it put me running overnights for the last few days out on my 2nd solo trip. The plus side is finding parking during the middle of the afternoon is easier. The downside is falling asleep around 4-6pm during the 10hr reset. Traffic is much less in the early morning hrs, but a person can get sleepy if not prepared. I really thought Chicago was a breeze at 0430. Heading out for my 3rd time I'm really feeling the challenge of leaving - I didn't know leaving was going to be so hard on me. But I've already completed my 1st month as a solo driver, a person can do anything for a season - I'm going to keep the attitude in check, be safe and I really am looking forward to hearing that turbo kicking in!

. I currently have a Class B CDL for my job right now of driving school Bus.

I also went from driving school bus to a class A & now driving OTR. Your experience will give you a great foundation on passing your tests. Something I did was create my own flash cards that I found here on this site and carried them with me while driving bus. Also it was great to leave the bus company on good terms so when there was a gap between CDL school & orientation I picked up shifts driving bus.

Go for your dream!

My first trip out I had a total of 4805 miles for 11days of driving. I was out 12 which one day was a 34reset. I got home Saturday afternoon and I leave out again in the AM(wed).

I've been able to RECONNECT with my awesome wife and each of my children. Was able to get some chores done and RECHARGE with some napping and extra sleep. I'm now RESUPPLIED with some healthy snacks and a little plug in cooler and I do mean little it might hold six cans of coke. I have a friend who has a larger one for me so before I spend the money I'll just get by with what I have.

One of the highlights of the my first trip was making a drop at the train yards on the s. side of Chicago, that was an experience that you won't get with most customers. After making the drop I had about 40mins left on the clock. I was able to make it over to Cabela's there on I80 for the night. Even though there are signs that say you can't park from 11pm-7am, I talked to the manager and that "rule" is not enforced, there only problem is there is no facilities.

Great update. The unexpected & that damn 14hr clock - those "just barely" days sure allow you to sleep well!

The time will seem long but it will go fast - enjoy the time. One day at a time, my time with the trainer was invaluable. I'll look forward to your updates!

What great experience you are gaining! Isn't it nice to have ur own "walk in closet" to live in? Keep up the good work & be safe!

In the school I went to there were several guys from other countries. To get your CDL class A I don't think is the issue. A person needs to read and write English enough to pass the exam and you can get the license. It is the getting hired by a company that might be a problem. However, wouldn't that just takes the usual process as anyone from another country having the proper documentations to work.