Comments By Trucker B

Off tomorrow for the first day of CDL school. Going through a private school in Winchester, Kentucky, Dr. Bodene Truck Driving Academy. What a name! Maybe I will also learn road side first aid from dummies 101 as a bonus. Tested today for my CDL permit along with the endorsements. Passed everything with ease due to the fact that I have been studying High Roads. If you are new to this site, feel over whelmed with all the info out there that you need to know, then use the High Roads training program. Its the bomb! Have an invite to Maverick's orientation, but also am talking with McElory, Melton and Roehl. All of this is possible due to the wealth of info found on this site. Thanks everyone! Be safe and don't forget that life is way too short to drink crappy coffee.

I've read a lot on here that it was hard to get your cdl without going to school, and yes it was a challenge, But I am proud that I accomplished that challenge. I've also read that it's hard to get a job, keim hired me without any issue that I didn't complete a school. Maybe it was due to the fact that all my training was with a flatbed O/O, but I could not be more excited! I head to Sabetha, ks in the morning to start orientation, drug test, driving test and then out with a trainer for the weekend! This site has been a good tool and I will continue to keep you all updated!

Good luck Gregory H. I wanted to apply to Keim TS but live 750 miles from their terminal! They caught my attention as being a smaller company, with really nice trucks! Good luck, if you get time post how things are going for you. My wife is looking at graduate school maybe at Kansas State, if we move there I will be applying with Keim.

Good luck there MonkeyBone. If you get time, post how things are going for you. I was also looking at Roehl's student driver training program also but unfortunately they don't offer that program in my area.

With HireRight you have to be a business to get background checks. I tried through them and was denied as I am not a "brick and mortar" business. Was able to get my criminal reports pulled in both Virginia and Kentucky by calling the proper agency, filling out their forms (printable in PDF) and mailing in the fee. I had my DMV reports checked over the phone by giving them my info. I knew there was nothing on there but wanted to double check. Think I will follow the link Rolling Thunder posted with the FBI.gov. Good luck Mike W.

Thanks for the update Parrothead66. I am registered to start CDL school January 4th, have McElroy as one of the companies I want to apply with. Had a nice talk with the recruiter who recruit's in Kentucky where I live. Would like to be home weekends.

Thanks Bud A.! I am researching Mavrick, Melton, Boyd and McElroy. Flat bedding appeals to me on several levels, the work of securing a load, battling/enjoying the elements and all the interesting loads you get to pull. Looking forward to being able to post pics of my own loads!

This is the coolest thread going! As someone who is headed off to CDL school next month and is currently researching flat bed companies, I am totally digging all these picks! Please keep them coming. Working my way through High Roads before school starts. Thanks again!

How are you liking Lake Cumberland school? I live in Berea and am thinking about their school in Mt. Sterling or Dr. Bodens in Winchester. I am 52 and am making a career change to plan for those "later" years. Good luck and you finish up school and headed off down the road in your new career.

If I wanted miles, I get myself away from the NE area...you will get stuck runnin' "hops"...short miles, lots of drops...yuck. We decided to live in WA...no state tax, low property tax, and we chose to live close to the main freight routes...I90/I84....on I82. So we are in the middle of it all. If you deilver in the pacific NW, you get to stop by the house. If you pick up there to deliver in the midwest, you get to stop by the house.....And most runs out here are long ones...so you never get stuck doin' "hops"///

That's good info on Washington State. Giving thought to moving there, Pullman area, in a couple of years once my wife is done with her undergraduate degree. We lived in Oregon, now in Kentucky, but sure do miss the Pacific Northwest.

Flat bedding appeals to me as I would like to eventually get into heavy hauling. The extra work is part of the journey. I say that now though in the comfort of my home!