Comments By George A.

The auto was a deal breaker for one driver in my orientation class. He tried working with the automatic they were pushing and it was a no go. He complained that during right angle turns.....(around the corner) he rig would do some strange things.....RPM and speed were highly regulated and going up and down hills was a joke. His company lost a decent driver. He is now with another flatbed company and loving the KW.

Today they wanted to emphasize that days, holidays, weekends are different for truckers........ We drive....it is that simple....if the wheels are not rollin' the money is not flowin'. Dealing with the mundane......laundry, food, where to park for the night.....to the exciting.....:D Now we learn about insurance, strategies for staying in good graces with your spouse/partner/significant others..... The hard work, stinky hungry body, and dealing with the clients in a positive manner as the representative of the company. A lot to juggle as a first timer........ Nice to know that no two days are ever the same....I cannot say that about office work.........Looking forward to be assigned a trainer and getting down to the meat and potatoes of life......

Ah ...New Years Eve and still hot at orientation...... Trip planning, load management, pay, and more....We were given a "personality" test to help with the selection of our trainers.....well....we will see.....smoking preferences and such were taken into consideration......but as the orientation goes on they are being a bit "nicer" to us as we have lost a few more along the way.....come our assignment with our trainers we were told many more will fall by the wayside.....just not their cuppa tea..... Enjoyed learning about the "Smith" driving technique and the five keys......anything that keeps me from killing myself or others cannot be a bad thing......... Happy New Years all!!!!

Feliz Navidude and dudette!!!

Well, I thought maybe an update as to what is happening in my future of actually working as a company driver. I arrived around 4:00am via grey dog......Almost did not make it due to the storm that seems to be all over the southern/midwest US. A group of us had all arrived at the same time, called the hotel for a pick up and voila....they actually came. Now, you must understand I am extremely skeptical about any company and their promises........so far a first rate hotel, food and time to get prepared for the first day. A bunch of paperwork to fill out then time to relax catch up on missing sleep the last two days, a gentle work out and hey...life is good. Things will get pretty busy in the next few days so I will update in a few days.....

Sleep studies can be a scam. There actually has to be a VALID reason to order a sleep study for sleep apnea evaluation. Just because you want to drive a truck is not on the list of reason via USPSTF (United States Preventative Services Task Force) recommendations. [Do web search for the rational to perform sleep study] If you doc is insisting on this, and you DO NOT have any of the indicators....then FILE a complaint against the doc with the state medical board, ombudsman, and file a fraud complaint with the police department, and the center where the sleep study is performed. If the company wants you to do the study then they have to pay for it. I am tired of these scams in which psuedo professionals pretend to be working in your best interests. Sorry for the rant, the medical field is one I am extremely familiar with. I have no problem in taking down anyone who thinks because the have an MD that they are smarter or better than anyone else, and can take advantage of those who do not. I have done it before via the court system (solely because they contravene the USPSTF )and I am more than happy to take on anyone who abuses the authority granted to them strictly by licensure.

Ok, So I am a trucker now...bwhahahaaa! Anyway lets talk about gear......I am gonna be flatbedding it. What is the rain gear of choice when playing with the tarp? Boots? Gloves, hat?? How 'bout when it snows?? I have plenty of the "outdoor" gear as sold to me by tv. How about opinions of those that are working out in the weather???

So being unattached with no commitments, I am always on the look out for decent pay and unusual. Talked with one or two folks who mention working "overseas" in rather hot areas for decent coin. I am a veteran, 11B20c2.....Would like to connect with anyone who might have a lead on how to contact those that provide to those in need. Feel free to give a shout if you have something to say in my direction. Much appreciated.

Just finished testing for my CDL A....passed with flying colors! Now to find a company to drive for! Yee Haw!!

I have sent several inquiries out, USxpress, Melton's, Schneider, Roehl et al but really have not heard anything back. Also mailed a few local companies......cannot hurt to ask. BTW my driving record is exemplary.

I did want to add for the ladies out there, the school I attended had a few ladies and they were treated with respect, and the instructors made sure that they were comfortable with every aspect of the training. I even asked them how things were going and they had absolutely no problems..... and they all passed their training with flying colors and got their CDL. Good luck to all out there with your CDL pursuit!

I mostly lurk on trucking truth but thought I would add my little bit. There is a lot of great info on this site and people seem glad to share. I started my training a few weeks ago in a private school and this upcoming Monday I start my last week. TT had great tutorials for the written tests and coupled with a browse on the actual manual I passed gen, air, combo, doubles and triples, and tanker. Will do hazmat after I enroll with TSA. The training itself has been a blast . The trainers seem to be switched on and extremely helpful to make sure everyone gets it! I get enough practice on the skills to make me tired everyday! My last hurdle is the skills, pre-trip, in cab and the road test. Feeling good about the total experience. A little uncertain on the next step but going to apply for local regional and OTR. Will post again when I land a job. Good luck to all and make the jump if you are on the fence.