Comments By KaSandra

That's hilarious. I applied with them 4 months ago and they rejected me. Now they're after folks with no experience. Well, they missed their chance.

Daniel B, YOU'RE the guy I was referring to in my initial post..from this area...well, California in general..I don't see a lot of California people on here...I feel pretty lucky to be in this area as far as finding a job after school..My school will assist but doin MUCH digging on my own***I'm also gonna check out Biagi...They are pretty big around here...~~KaSandra

Forgot to mention. You should exhaust all your opportunities at LTL companies where they might PAY you to get your CDL, before you make the commitment to shell out some bucks for a CDL school. Put together a list of LTL companies, hop on their respective websites and see where their terminals are, and start making some phone calls.

Here's my thread on LTL if you wanna learn more about that part of the industry.

LTL Trucking: My Linehaul Job

I'd be happy to answer any questions that I can about LTL for you.

Hey:) I probably will contact them ...I see their trucks all the time around here...The areas I live/travel to work are HUGE as far as trucking routes so I see all kinds of truck companies and jot down the names and research them when I get home. I already signed up for the truck school (after much research and meeting the owners -small, family run..good reputation) ..I start Monday or Tuesday....Thank you for your input..I appreciate it!!

"Inexperienced Drivers, if you don’t have at least one year of experience or some or no training at all – no problem! Saia LTL Freight WANTS TO INVEST IN YOU! If you're interested in quality training in a highly-paid, highly-demanded, highly-skilled trade for FREE, then give us a call for all the details." ~~SAIA They have a place in Elk Grove by Sacramento...I know I've seen someone here from that area.(?) ...I'm sure there are others from this area.. ..I'm starting school next week and am tryna look into local companies (while in school) that also will give me driving experience. I know LTL is one way to go about that. I'm wondering about their training process and the possible pay during?? ~ Thank you for any input!!~ KaSandra

Hey :) Wondering how CDL school is going RV? ...I am getting ready to start...I keep having things to wrap up before I start..but finally just going down to the school today with my permit , DOT physical card,etc and doing the drug test and whatever else they need ....so hoping to start asap!....~KaSandra

Thank you All! I will definitely let you know how it goes! AND if I did not mention specifically the High Road Training Program I want to now..It truly helped me learn and cement much of the info I needed into my brain! I think different ways of learning work for different people ( RE: Private Trucking school or Company sponsored) ..Finances have to be considered too , more often than not..I'm choosing private school not cuz I have tons of money (it's goin on a card, I'm paying it off..also rebuilding credit at the same time-well, my credits 'good'..just want my score even higher:) I am working while attending school (in evening hours), still have a couple minor children...tho they are almost adults..4 of my 6 children are adults already.. ..Anyways, this particular school is smaller, family owned, good reviews, I got a good 'vibe' when I walked in and shook the owners hand and he treated me respectfully from the beginning (**believe it or not, I called a particular school and they kept questioning "who I was calling on behalf of" ..I told them myself each time..and the gentlemen stumbled around but finally started giving me relevant info re: school BUT by that time I had enough of his disrespect and politely thanked him for his time and hung up..) .....My days will be long..My kids know there is a sacrifice of time that will be made, but are waaay proud of their Mom ! I have 1 daughter in particular who is struggling in college ..maybe college is not for her...who knows..But she is seeing there are different routes to go in life -and it's never too late! ~~ Happy Travels wherever your path leads you!~ KaSandra

Congrats. There may be those that disagree with me, but I would avoid signing any training/school contracts with companies to obtain your CDL. If can afford it, pick a school and attend it on your own dollar (or secure a grant). When choosing a school find one that is at least 160 hours (200 is better), has several instructors, at least 5 training trucks, and has an authorized third party tester on site.

I am currently in one of these schools and having been compiling notes from my experiences to write synopsis for newbies who visit TT in the future. I will publish this when I graduate in a few weeks.

Also, the school I attend gave me 50 hours of credit for showing up with my CDL permit and DOT card in hand. Definitely ask about this when making inquiries to schools.

Thank you for your reply:).. I saw this reply and a few others and obviously there are strong opinions/preferences . I'm quite a big fan of the driving school I'm planning on attending and have checked them out review wise... Hoping for the best and plan on working hard!

Hi All:)~ I passed my General, Air Brakes, Combo and Tank written exams on my first try! Maybe you all did too.. but it was quite fulfilling for me cuz I havent been in school and wasnt sure what my brain would take in! I missed 1 at the most on the exams and got 2 of the exams 100%! I am so happy! This site really helped me study! So Thank you to the powers that be! :) But I ALSO tho got my CDL class A manual at the dmv and sat down , tuned out everything and studied! I think both are needed..at least for me..There were a few different things in the book...Can't remember off the top of my head..but doing both helped :) I need to renew my Class C next week then I have my permit! I am breathing in this whole trucking journey..It surprises me how much I wanna learn . As I am learning I am making sure I understand what I learn to the best of my ability ..til I get in that truck! Then it's hands on learning which I'm much better at.. I have a truck school I wanna attend...BUT a tiny bit up in the air still....Feel free to share any advice/experiences...:) I love to learn from other's experiences... Anyways, Just sharing..Have a great and groovy weekend! KaSandra

One of my instructors showed me how to shift without using the clutch. You use the gas pedal and the gears. Gives a brake to your leg when you're shorter!

Good to hear! I'm barely over 5 foot..BUT I'm gonna wear my motor cycle boots..It will add an inch or so ,lol

I have a couple of questions:

1. Has anybody in this forum gotten hired for a Class B driver position right after getting your CDL with no experience?

2. If a company is requiring a Class B driver to to have 6 months of experience driving a 26' commercial truck, do you think they would take into consideration the fact that you have 5 to 6 years experience driving a 26' motorhome? I know that's not a straight truck, but you do have to know how to back up, use your mirrors, handle a vehicle that size, etc.

3. If two people are applying for a Class B driver position, and one candidate has a Class B certification, and the other has a Class A & B, would the one with the Class A most likely get hired over the other one - even though it's FOR a Class B position?

1> I got hired right out of CDL school driving a hazmat B fuel truck and class A water tanker for a local big construction company. Getting some experience and making money but doing a lot more grunt work.

2> RV does not require a CDL so it is not CDL experience.

3>In my case yes, plus having all the endorsements, especially hazmat. Mostly I drive the class B fuel/service truck, then when that's done I sometimes drive a class A water tanker, bobtail dump, tandem dump, belly dump, lowboy, landoll, end dump, whatever they need. So its always good to have a little more to offer a company I think. And in my case, a class A driver applied for whats mostly a Class B position, because that will keep me local for now and get me some experience for potential later OTR.

Phil

Hey All :), I'm just getting prepared for school but honestly it is good to read stuff like this.(I did a search to find posts like this) .I too am gonna get my A but interested in B driving cuz I need to stay local for now..but also need experience...I do not mind doin the dirty work as long as I get paid!! - KaSandra

My friend works "local", he goes in anywhere between 3 am to 5 am and is home around dinner time, and weekends. He makes about $60 000/year.

I would LOVE to go in that early...I go to bed early and rise early so that would totally work!! 60,000 ain't too shabby ;)..Thank you RebelliousVamp!~