Profile For James K.

Okay so my trailer lights stopped working a while ago, I threw my 4 ways on and pulled into the first lot I saw, so I made a uturn in the mall entrance so I could be set up to get out, no cara around or anything. I ended up tearing the grass up a little bit because my truck turns super wide, well come to find out this weird plastic flat cover was in the grass and also got ran over and water stared leaking out all over the parking lot. Any idea what it might even be? I'm kinda freaking out now, I had no idea because it was a flat cover in the grass and there was basically nowhere else for me to pull off the road to check my lights.

Sounds like a sprinkler head cover.

Call as often as you can, and video chat if you can.

I know there isn't a lot of info on Transport America so I figured I would help by writing this little journal for everyone interested in the company. Lets get started. Orientation day 1: They put me up at the Microtel in Birmingham AL. Decent breakfast and shopping within walking distance and a Walmart right next door. Up at 0630, at the yard at 0745. There was about 20 people in the group today. The shuttle had to make a few trips. A good mix of new and experienced drivers. First they do is get you on the road for a evaluation. It takes about an hour and they evaluate the experienced drivers first. The purpose of this is to see who needs a driver trainer and who doesn't. There was a lot of bookwork and paperwork, and training videos. I didn't get to my driving evaluation today, just too many people and not enough time, but I did manage to get all my paperwork and training videos out of the way. Lunch was catered from a local deli. It was great and the price was perfect. For anyone wondering about drug testing they do a urine and hair test. Only thing I don't really like is the pet policy , handbook states that only teams are allowed 1 pet under 40lbs. It doesn't seem right to me so I will be asking for a bit more info on this.

Finished school and took my CDL test and passed. Had a few hiccups, but overcame them nicely. Now I'm off to Birmingham AL to start orientation on the 7th with Transport America.

CONGRATS!!!

I have not heard of Transport America, I am interested in reading your diary with them.

Stay safe

It was tough finding anything about them but I take that as a good sign. Best I can tell they haul a lot of farming stuff. Solo drivers don't go past west Texas however teams run all 48. They said I will get a minimum of 2500 miles for the first year and 0.36 per mile to start (I made sure to get it in writing)

Finished school and took my CDL test and passed. Had a few hiccups, but overcame them nicely. Now I'm off to Birmingham AL to start orientation on the 7th with Transport America.

My experience at Trans Tech, as of Monday ill be in week 3 and thus far my experience has been good. We started the class with 6 students. Within the 1st week we lost 2 people. One to incomplete paperwork and constantly being late and the other because of his own ego, unrealistic expectations, and bad attitude. (I can elaborate on that if you all wish). I have met with most all the instructors, administrators and the HMFIC of the school and all are very nice and seem genuine about helping people succeed. Most of my fellow classmates seem to be coming along nicely, there is 1 person however that makes my spidy senses tingle. He has gone through training with another company but failed out on the actual CDL test. He will talk a big game but when it comes time to perform, he freezes, gets frustrated and then gets angry (and I do mean angry). As for myself, I Am doing ok. I still have trouble with offset and 90 backing, and my pre-trip could use some polish but I feel confident I will be ready by test day.

Can u call a certain # and reserve a spot at a truck stop? (Don't wanna post the # and break any rules)

You can post business numbers here, except if you have Jennifer Aniston's cell phone!

Don't listen to him, you can post Jennifer Aniston's # if you want!

I'm attending Trans Tech here in Asheville. Its a good school for the most part. Its down at the Goodwill on Patton ave behind the DMV. The total cost out the door was $2500.00, I only had to come up with $2000.00 and goodwill gave me a grant of the last $500.00. Alliance Tractor Trailer center in Arden costs $6000.00 and have many financing options at interest rates that are ridiculous. Classes start every 2 weeks and only have 4 students per class. Thanks to the High Road Training program I was able to get my permit before I started class so while the others are working hard to get their permit, I have been going over the pre-trip inspection. As for financing I would check with the VA. You probably wont find any definite answers but they may get you pointed in the right direction. You could always talk to the school of your choice. Most admin offices have funding resources that you may qualify for.

I carry a tactical pen with me where ever I go. They aren't expensive, and can pick them up at most gun shops or online.

He was speeding the posted limits and ran a stop sign.

That's not little stuff. He could have killed someone!

I think I need to bring my foamy that I had leftover from tour. (That's me on the right.)

Where can I get one of those?

Was it just me or did anyone else think he got blindsided lol... Sorry but was thinking you got tboned lol..

I have to admit I wondered the same thing

Yep, me too!

The info I have is from the NC DMV and a retired NC State Trooper. You can obtain your NC permit without the medical card, however you cannot drive a commercial vehicle until you present it to the DMV. If you are caught driving you can (and most likely will) be charged with driving a commercial vehicle without a valid license.

Congrats!

No, I know I should be looking for prehires but I've been focusing on getting school and my permit squared away.

Thanks to the "High Road Training program" offered on this site I was able to pass my Permit tests this morning with flying colors. Air Brakes- 100% Combination- 100% General Knowledge -98% So with that I give a great big thank you to those that put it all together. I feel it would have been a ton more difficult without the training program. My next step is to meet with the folks from Trans Tech on Thursday to get signed up for their school, and most awesomely my uncle who is a Owner Op said now that I have my permit, he will help me till I get into school so I can get practice with pre trip, shifting and backing! With that I will say thank you again and I will keep you posted of my progress!

I might have some DMV violations in other states in the distant past 10-20+ years. Will these exterminate my new driving career before it gets started and how can I check my own DMV records before beginning driving school training? Thanks in advance for any useful info.

Its real simple to get a DMV report. Just go to your local DMV and ask for your 10 year record. It will cost somewhere between $8.00 and $15.00.

WOW! What a jack a$$. I hope I don't run into this guy out on the roads!

The more I read the threads, the more I run across posts about the epic BBQ rant. can someone post a link?

Should be 2 straps MINIMUM on that bad boy!