Comments By kayakngal

That CRST guy was not me, I swear! I get by, by robbing banks in my spare time. (Just kidding)

One problem with CRST is sometimes the new guys end up sitting waiting on a trainer, and are eligible for advances and use those. Then they end up with a zero paycheck when they do get on the road. I have more resources than some of the people I saw come through CRST. Even with that, it is tight sometimes. Thats why I buy a few groceries and try not to eat at the truck stop. I can stay alive on pb&j if I have too.

What a good point Troubador. Some of those poor truckers are just trying to start a living with nothing and nobody while starting a living on the road. I imagine it's really tough, and scary, for some of them for a long time. Kudos to Daniel for giving what he could. A little is better then nothing. I'll be eating like a bird for awhile too. I guess it has it's advantages and disadvantages like most things.

Daniel - that's funny about the ding dong backing into someone.

I had talked with Central today and have everything lined out for a start date of April 8th, I told my daughter and she feel apart on me because I will be missing my grandson's third birthday. I am so upset now, I guess in all the planning and excitement I let that slip my mind. I feel so bad, but I need to start making money. What to do? She was cool with everything until this, we have always been a close family. I raised her alone,(of course she had my mom and sister helping too) but since she was 5 it was just me and her. She is married now, and when she gets a grip she will be ok. Is it normal feeling scared to death and have cold feet?

Sorry to read you'll be missing your grandsons birthday. I don't have any but if I did I think I would have a little "special party" for him before you leave. Kids are so easy to please when they're that young and a cupcake or small cake would make him happy.

As far as being scared to death - more than I care to say. I will tell you that once you are in school and realize you are going to get a job the pressure eases a little. And, like today when I got my start date the pressure eased even more.

One thing I'd do different is getting prehire letters from companies BEFORE I started school because once you start you're so focused on the curriculum there isn't time for much else. Seriously. I don't know if all states require the same type of training but in Illinois it was more extensive then I realized regarding the mechanics of the tractor/trailer.

If you get prehire letters and choose a company before graduation then maybe you can avoid waiting for a female trainer - like I've had to for about a month after graduation. Just a thought.

Great so happy for you! Glad you got to go where you wanted! I can't wait to get started also...one minute cold feet next minute on cloud nine! Keep us updated!

Thank you!! Yes, the cold feet will not go away until you're sitting in a truck and driving it with confidence. At least that's how it was for me. Actually, driving isn't difficult as long as you're not forgetful about details. Maintain your cloud nine feeling as long as possible when it comes because it's a bit of a roller caoster for a while. I'm still on the ride and yes, I'll keep you updated :)

Thats Great Kayakngal !!! Good Luck !!

Thank you Starcar!! I pick up a rental next Sunday for the long drive then start the 18th. Very cool to have a game plan now...very cool.

I was wondering about showers when your on the road. Do you get free showers by using the company credit card for fuel or is it different for each company? What's the standard day to day deal?

Yes Guy I see that happening eventually. And thanks for the support - I took a breather and a few things developed in the last few hours. My original choice of companies called me and gave me a definitive starting date with a non smoking woman - literally as I was leaving to drug test for another company.

Divine intervention?? Hmmm, I'll take what I'm given. So, I have a start date and driving there soon. Very happy and excited. It's been a whirlwind day. And, yes everyone is nice and very open here. Love it.

Good questions. The company I was going with were mandating employees to buy boots at a discounted rate and they weren't a flatbed company so, I think boots depend on company policy?

The room in some of the trucks I trained in was unbelievable - we had 9 people in a truck one day and everyone was comfortable. We could have fit a few more but that would have been tight.

I start with a trainer soon and will keep you posted on the experience as much as possible once I'm driving. I'm with you regarding the preference of my own space and not wanting to be in such close quarters for such a long period of time but, I tell myself that part of the experience will soon be another memory - and hopefully a good one.

Just thought I'd share this. I fingerprinted/applied for TWIC last Wednesday and, fingerprinted/applied for HazMat last Thursday. They were both approved almost one week from the day I applied so, it's a very quick process. I had discontinued studying HazMat info because on the web site it said it could take up to a month and wanted my studying to be fresh. So, I wish I would have continued studying so I'd be ready for the HazMat endorsement test. Now I need to study all weekend so I can take it asap.

Anyway, in case anyone else is going through this process I thought I'd share. Oh, and it is a bit pricey yet tax deductible and some companies will reimburse for the cost.

Yeah I figured I should keep it up. Just wanted to know if it would be rude, or weird, or anything, for a truck driver to spend 20 minutes at a truck stop shaving. But I guess in the end it is my time so I can do what I want with it.

That's right. It's a little ironic since I've had this concern as well and figured it was because I was female. Good to know there are like minded men. I've already made the decision to figure out appropriate shower times that'll allow me time to take care of myself the way I prefer. They say it takes a minimum of 3 months to adjust to a change so I'm thinking I'll have my routine figured out within that time. Hopefully.

Does anyone know if the showers are uni sex or not? I guess some are and some aren't?

Just a random thought this morning as I was shaving. I am a traditional wet shaver. My facial hair grows like a weed and is very coarse. Was wondering if anyone else carries their Badger Brush, Shaving Soap, Razor, and Blades in their truck.

I cannot shave with the "goop in a can" and 1001-blade plastic razors, they wreak havoc on my face. Plus I enjoy spending 15-20 minutes on my shaving routine... call me a weirdo.

Now I don't have the same issue as you however, if you have a personal hygiene routine which you enjoy then keep it up. I believe it would be a mistake to stop doing those little things for yourself - in my humble opinion. Plus, wreaking havoc on your face is never a good idea :)

I too had to wait for a female trainer. My company doesn't allow mixed training. However my company put me in a hotel and trained me with local guys until by female trainer came back and I could do 3 weeks with her. I too got very frustrated but I didn't give up and am very happy with my company. Good luck on your company. I almost went with Schneider too but didn't for 2 reasons. 1. They wouldn't let me go OTR only regional and 2. They wanted me to share a truck so every 6 days Id have to take my stuff out for another driver, um no thank you:) I don't know if they still don't but they weren't allowing idling while parked unless it was above 90 degress or below 30, and they don't have apu's so that would have been a definate can't do it for me. They are a really good company though. Good luck:)

Ugh that's not good because I'm supposed to be OTR too. I wish the company I've been waiting for would train me at their terminal, office location like your company did. That would really ease my mind and make me feel much more secure about my decision. There are a couple of pros about Schneider - one is that I live about 20 minutes from a terminal and the other is the training time and, the fact that one is only OTR for one week, opposed to 8 wks, with a trainer. There is still training at the terminals, on the road with a trainer, etc while you stay at a hotel.

Truthfully, I don't want to give up on the company I originally chose but, I'm afraid they will not be able to get a non smoking female trainer for another month. So, it's like a gamble. If I had a spouse pulling in some money it would be much easier to wait but, that's not the case so I'm crazy anxious about this. Crazy anxious ... like I cant even explain.