Posted: 6 years, 1 month ago
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The stuff you see on Facebook.
As one who is going to get into the Industry soon I follow a number of trucking related FB groups. Saw this post today: "to the ******* that pulled the drivers fifth wheel pin, he lost his trailer and it hit another truck putting two people out if service. Happened in New Braunfels Pilot."
I guess if the driver had done a pre trip or at least a walk around two drivers would still be in service.
Posted: 6 years, 1 month ago
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How did things go at school today?
Posted: 6 years, 2 months ago
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One if the biggest hurdles I saw on another forum was insurance for the first year is between 12-15,000. That's a grand or better a month plus a tractor payment puts a person at 2500 a month in payables and that is before tires, fuel, oil changes, and break downs.
Posted: 6 years, 2 months ago
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Trucks. When You Know the Bug has Bitten You.
I also go the bug at a young age. I grew up watching Smokey and the Bandit {still my favorite movie of all time}, Convoy, High Ballin, tv shows like BJ and the Bear, Moving on, and even trucker songs of the 60's and 70's. I always thought those guys were really cool. I know they don't depict the true nature of the trucking industry but to a 10 yo they were heroes. My dad and I hauled hay when I was in my teens and we used to eat lunch at a near by truck stop. I loved looking at the trucks. I thought they were so cool all the chicken lights and paint jobs and chrome. As I got older and entered the construction field I still see a lot of trucks, mostly skateboarders, and since I travel I frequent truck stops and rest areas and still love looking at trucks. When talking to truck drivers I try to contain my excitement. I would still climb up in some ones tractor and just look at all the gauges and switches and so on. It is kinda embarrassing to be 50 years old and act like a 12 yo around trucks. loll
Posted: 6 years, 2 months ago
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Thanks Bryan. I talked to another company this afternoon and it looks like a go. Im still about 5 weeks away from starting so I need to wait a few more weeks to start applying. I will get in just maybe not through the path (companies) I wanted to. The time last company on my short list told to get my CDL and drive for 3-6 months and they will be happy to work with me.
Posted: 6 years, 2 months ago
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Interesting video, what are your thoughts?
I have read several discussions on here where somone has gotten into an accident that they thought was non preventable. After reading his or her comments I kind of agreed until later reading posts from OS, Brett, Errol, GTown, and others are realize that most all accidents are preventable. In this particular video I can see where the commercial driver should expect this to happen and prepare for it. The comments that followed this video where I found it were basically the pickup is in the wrong because he hit the truck, the pickup was supposed to merge......so forth and so on. If I am not mistaken most states have some sort of law that states if you do nothing to prevent an accident then you too can be cited. That seems to be where this falls.
Posted: 6 years, 2 months ago
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Bolt, don't let yourself be overly concerned about which company you start with. Try to get on with one of the large national companies if possible. You know how we stress sticking with your first company for a full year. Another thing that does for a person in your situation is it causes a lot of the companies who formerly wouldn't consider you to maybe reconsider you for a driver position. Not all of them will, but some will.
I had some issues landing my first job. Finally Western Express gave me a shot and I never looked back. I made a name for myself there and now there are plenty of places begging me to work for them. You can make it happen, but it may not happen the way you envisioned it.
Thanks OS. That is what I am telling myself now. I had it planned out how I wanted to go and now it seems that isn't going to happen. I'm ok with that. I will persevere. I still have a couple companies that I am looking into. They are not the companies I wanted to start with, but that' ok too. Thanks for the words of encouragement. Stay tuned it will happen.
Posted: 6 years, 2 months ago
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So after wanting to get into truck driving for several years and unable to pull the trigger I am now finally able to. I am however running into several road blocks. First I have two DWI's that are over 10 years old. Four companies have told me that two is an automatic disqualifier. I also have two driving on a suspended that are just over two years old and several companies have told me that they need to be at least three years old. I realize that these circumstances are of my own making. I am determined to get into this field and am sure that there is a company that is going to give me my shot. It is just going to take research and diligence.
Posted: 6 years, 2 months ago
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Interesting video, what are your thoughts?
Stumbled across this at another site and was wondering how everyone on here would react.
Posted: 6 years, 1 month ago
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Getting OFF the road, finally!
Congrats Errol. I was hoping to maybe visit with you when I get to Memphis, now it looks like you will be teaching me even more. Not sure when I will be there but probably around April or May.