Profile For Tom L.

Hoping to get enough experience and miles to get a nice home weekends job in Oregon in 3 to 6 months.

So just for grins pick up another load after San Fran and head back to the East Coast. LOL. Gotta love the miles though!

Scary yes. But I've had a CDL for 2 weeks so no worries!

Started Saturday Feb 20th 2016. Drove from San Diego to Chelsea Mass with Trainer partner. Dropped off a load of oranges. Drove to Bordentown NJ empty through New York city over the George Washington Bridge. Picking up a load in the morning and heading to San Francisco. Seems like a good start. Plenty of miles anyway. And yes I almost had a heart attack driving through NYC with all the road construction!

Thanks Brett.

Heading out for my first trip Saturday. 10 -12 days. I know what to pack in terms of clothing but what else? Team driving to East coast and back. Small refer on board.

It's down to 70* here in San Diego at 6:45 pm

I hope to be heading out next Saturday. Maybe the bad weather will have magically disappeared by then!

Sunny and 50* here. but it's only 7:20 in the morning. Should go up to 75 or so today!

Thanks Rob S. My fiance and I are thinking of relocating to Florence Oregon this spring. who are you driving for?

Thank you Old School

Thanks Dutch. I will check Sam's out.

So what do you take for healthy food on the road? I have about a week to do my research and get ready for my first trip. 10 days total round trip.

May is switching to automatics because they are getting better fuel economy apparently.

Thinking of going with MushroomExpress to start out. Refrigerated produce from California to East Coast and Mushrooms back. Seems like lots of miles. Anyone worked with them?

Congratulations!

I get to sleep in tomorrow! Went to United Truck Driving School In Sand Diego. Started Jan 4. Passed the driving, air brake, pre trip and in cab today. Now to figure out what company to go with!

I just got my WIOA grant in California. Took about 2.5 months. You can't start any training until the grant is approved if you want them to pay any of it.

I just got my WIOA finalized. Ended up taking longer than anticipated almost 2.5 months. You just have to grind it out. WIOA is paying the entire cost including buses. I start school on Jan 4th complete on Feb 4th and have the freedom to pick between any of the companies without being an indentured servant for 6 months or a year. If you qualify and can wait I think it is worth it. I will also not be rushed in to picking a company or division when I complete the CDL training this way.

Great!... Glad to hear it actually worked for someone. Can you give us an idea of some of the variables: your age, work experience, how long the process took, what state, etc...

Lets see. I'm 60. The process took about 2.5 months and not taking NO for an answer. If you are self employed, as I am, it is more difficult but doable. I'm in California. I would recommend researching the WIOA laws (Google) and have a good understanding of why you qualify.

I just got my WIOA finalized. Ended up taking longer than anticipated almost 2.5 months. You just have to grind it out. WIOA is paying the entire cost including buses. I start school on Jan 4th complete on Feb 4th and have the freedom to pick between any of the companies without being an indentured servant for 6 months or a year. If you qualify and can wait I think it is worth it. I will also not be rushed in to picking a company or division when I complete the CDL training this way.

I did not have a low end job. My previous 25 years were in the computer industry. My work went offshore and then I became a mortgage officer. I am transitioning to reduce stress in my life.