Comments By David O.

I'm not otr yet, but I use my "air fryer" daily. It has a basket similar to a deep fryer but uses no oil. French fries come out like they're baked, but crispy.

I joined this site a couple of years ago. I somewhat disregarded some important comments about my road attitude (speeding) and pretty much gave up when the recruiter I spoke with said they like a year of clean driving.

I think I'm now ready.

I have been reading through some posts by people in similar positions but am hoping to get a review on my specific situation.

It's been well over a year since my last speeding ticket. 1/30/2016 I was involved in an accident, 100% fault other party. Approximately three weeks ago I quit recreationally using Marijuana.

I have roughly two years experience driving 1 ton straight trucks 14-24 foot and three months experience driving a 25,500 gvw 21 foot roll back tow truck with air brakes.

I have never driven or even ridden in a truck larger than that tow truck.

I'm thinking I should wait a couple more weeks on the drug test, which will give me time to study the material on this site, minimize my belongings/ find a storage unit and sell off two of my three cars.

Any input will be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

I've been looking into a truck driving career for a couple years now. I had a couple speeding awards in 2015 so I deserted the idea for a while.

Two weeks ago I finally got a call back on my childhood dream job, driving a roll back for a garage that does 25 AAA calls a day with three drivers.

I'm currently in a ten year old Hino 258 with almost 400k.

The truck is have 26,000. 19.5 wheels and air brakes are some of the goodies in this weight range.

Is there anything I should be doing while working this job to ready myself for a career in otr trucking?

Errol, one of the two speeding tickets I have had in the last four years has stuck.

What I mean is that the other was "withheld adjudication" which is basically not guilty.

The one they did stick was a ninety in a seventy so you may be right.

Philly fan, the poster chart thing sounds like a great plan. I tend to get a little confused on fine detail comparisons.

I guess top criteria should be leniency towards speeding, time until I can bring my dog on board and type of trailer/materials.

Flunkie, I was really leaning toward flatbed, I may even try to get into drop decks or something so I can capitalize on my heavy equipment mechanics training.

I'm not afraid of work, I actually think it would be nice to get the blood pumping.

I really appreciate everyone's input, it's great to have questions now instead of making a wrongfully informed choice.

I am more interested than ever in driving otr. It's been over a year since that 20 over I previously mentioned so I'm thinking about making some phone calls Monday.

I have a dog that I would have to be able to take with me. Other than that, I don't have many other requirements.

Can anyone give me a short list of companies who pay for training? I live in Florida but am open to relocation.

Thanks guys.

David,

The recruiter I spoke with at prime said they like to see at least a year of safe driving after a 20 over violation.

That particular incident was March of 2015. Realistically 3 months of researching and training via this site and hopefully a couple of ride alongs with a couple truck drivers I know could do a lot for my piece of mind.

I tend to jump into things a little too fast and although I may be able to find a company to hire me now, they may not be my best option overall.

I haven't seen anything so far that would make me want to avoid Prime, but quite a few things seem very attractive. Dog rider, reputable company training, relatively new equipment.

My next plan of attack is to see if there are any local heavy equipment companies who may want to hire a part time operator/ part time mechanic/ part time driver. I have always been envious of the truck drivers, but the yellow iron is a lot of fun as well.

So, I've made it to page 35 of Brett's book and done a chapter of the high road training. I would just like to say, amazing resources!

I still think I'd prefer flat bedding but I guess I'll just have to wait and see what's available that makes the most sense for me.

Thanks for your responses, I'll check back in when I'm a little closer to meeting you guys out on the road.

So I did some research on my record. Apparently, my 90/70 was adjudicated guilty. The recruiter told me that I will have to wait until one year after that infraction.

Somewhat bad news, but it will give me some time to research companies and prepare for the cdl tests.

The HUD is an interesting idea, They've been doing them in passenger cars since the early 90's. It does require a specific treatment to the windshield though.

I'm sorry to hijack the op's post once again, but would it be advantageous to go for a D.O.T. physical before I begin on my adventure, or just leave that for the time when I go for my permit?