Profile For Cory B.

Operations Specialist Petty Officer Second Class

USS Valley Forge (CG-50) 1999-2004. San Diego, CA

Former Navy here. About to start my career driving. I served onboard USS Valley Forge CG-50.

Awesome info! Thanks guys :)

How difficult is it while on the road, to stop at Walmart and restock on food and supplies? Is it something that could be done about once a week, or more often? Just curious. I'm sure I will find out during my training soon. I will be heading to Indianapolis in a few weeks for orientation with Transport America. I can't wait!

I would imagine a h/w o/o driving team wouldn't be as bad, since they could both pool their money into the same account. But maybe driving the truck that much just costs even more in maintaining it. I never read anything good about becoming an o/o (mostly from this site, and the owner of the school I'm going to), except on company sites selling the idea, or on YouTube from guys trying to defend their decision to do it.

I just started my second week of school today! Good luck to you!

Some folks make more their rookie year, but there are so many variables that will affect you. Remember, your main goal that first year should be "Don't Hit Anything." Take care of that goal, and worry about making that "big money" next year.

Thanks for the advice :) Not just interested in making big bucks, however that would be nice doing something I loved! I've always had a passion for driving so to me the money isn't much of an issue. I would have kept that straight truck job if it was only driving and not the labor lol

One of the most important and main factors that is going to effect this would be your family. Are you married?...Does your spouse work?...Do you have kids???...How many???...$40,000 for a single person living rent free would be worth alot more than a family with kids paying for a house.

No kids, No house, separated from the wife. Nothing going for me at home lol. looking to get out on the road as it's something I've always wanted to do.

I've been scouring YouTube for information, along with this site. It seems most people go to YouTube to complain, I've noticed. But it has been helpful in a lot of ways, when you look for the right thing.

A lot of guys complain about not making much money in their first year. They say, "only expect like 40, grand your first year" Are you kidding me? I just quit my last job of 5 years (to go to CDL school) delivering truck tires in a straight truck. Delivering virgins and caps, picking up casings for capping and a lot (a lot!!) of junk, doing all of the labor myself by hand, stacking these things up (I could fit about 100-120 in one load) and I was only bringing home about 30 grand every year. I loved the driving part of my job, but the back breaking labor was getting too much for me. 40 grand a year, and soon to be rent free to me sounds fantastic. Is there a down side here that I am missing?

Hey! What's wrong with Secret Spot? My dog has one of those - gets his back leg moving like a sewing machine!

Secret Spot sounds like a winner.

Dave

Secret Spot is in the lead but it isn't a lock! Still looking for more ideas.

"The T•T• Spots"

Trucking truth parking spots

TTP Trucking Truth Parking

HTTP Helpful Trucking Truth Parking

Name options:

AllPark

ParkMaster

Sir Park-A-Lot

Parks-N-Wreck (just kidding)

reNeducation. My advice? Let the hooks do their work.

Awesome reference!!!!

The heat comes from what is commonly called a "bunk heater." This is a very effective heater which sips diesel from your tractor's fuel tanks for it's fuel. It will run you out of the truck if you're not careful.

Don't get all concerned about idling. All these companies have a stated policy about it, but they all want their drivers comfortably rested - I noticed in another post you mentioned using a CPAP - you will need to be idling for the power source for that anyway. Everyone idles when necessary - the companies understand you have got to be comfortable so you can rest properly.

Since you knocked out 2-n-1 on that reply, what's your take on Schneiders 3 week training vs others that seem to utilize approximately 6 weeks....?

I've been wondering about this as well. Where does Schneider train out of? Would be nice if they did it close to home for me.

I passed all of my permit tests. Apparently there's a new rule that you need a birth certificate or a passport to get your permit? I applied to get my birth certificate from Arkansas on the internet on Friday night. Does anyone know how long it takes to get these? I thought I had it but apparently I do not.

I believe it varies and I am currently going through the same thing except I need mine for fingerprinting. I went to a office and applied and they told me 3-5 days. I believe online may be 7-10. But again that is for PA so unsure if it is different for you.

Thanks for the info. I live in Minnesota but was born in Arkansas, my dad was military. The website said 3 to 5 days to get it there and then probably 7 to 10 to ship it. Hopefully it is a smooth deal and it just shows up next week sometime. It cost me $33, so that sucks. Gotta spend money to make money I guess.

I passed all of my permit tests. Apparently there's a new rule that you need a birth certificate or a passport to get your permit? I applied to get my birth certificate from Arkansas on the internet on Friday night. Does anyone know how long it takes to get these? I thought I had it but apparently I do not.

I think if users could upload a photo it would help to know what they are getting into.

Starting school on Monday. Pretty excited. I quit my full time job, got a part time job, and am ready for this! I'm going to Interstate Truck Driving School in South Saint Paul, Minnesota. I've only heard good things about this place. Has anyone here been to it?

A fishing hole and parking app in one. Call it Parking Hole. Hah!

You mean a parking hole like this?

Maybe Dive Parking :P

A fishing hole and parking app in one. Call it Parking Hole. Hah!

Most drivers carry a small cooler/refrigerator with them and hit grocery stores and Walmarts to stock up on healthier, less expensive foods than you'll find in truck stops. That's the way to go.

I recently watched a YouTube video from a guy who said he never stops at truck stops and only spends the night at Walmarts, or rest areas. Is that even possible? I know there are Walmarts almost everywhere. If that was the case, I would stop there nearly every night also. Just due to the luxury of having healthy food all the time.