Comments By Giff

I'm going into week 2 of my CDL training. I'll be done by the end of the month. In researching different companies, I like much of what I see about Werner. Only 1 thing I don't like: according to the recruiter vacation doesn't go up from 1 week to 2 weeks until year 5. Most other companies I've checked go up to 2 weeks after 2-3 years.

I understand that I'll have lots of options once I have a year under my belt, but I would still like to start for a company that at least has the potential for me to be there long-term. My question is this: if you are an experienced driver, can you negotiate vacation time? If not, I'll probably need to look elsewhere.

Thanks, Seldon

The secret to free wifi is a yagi wifi antenna. I paid 20$ for mine off ebay, I have it hooked to a cheap 50$ windows 8 tablet that I use as a "brain" hooked to my tv. It can pick up a signal within a half a mile and there are free wifi spots everywhere. All you have to do is point it in the direction of the wifi. I pick up internet at every truck stop from mcds,bk,wendys,dennys, even the indoor free wifi at pilot. Like I said, there are free wifi spots everywhere, you just need an antenna to pick them up

Cool! That's good to know. Are you able to steam movies/music as well?

I drive for Werner and it's true. If you get caught doing a U-turn you're done. They are pretty strict with safety. You also can't park on the side of the road or anywhere besides a truck stop, rest area, or terminal. Makes it a pain when you're running out of time on the clock and you can't find a spot to park..

"You can't park on the side of the road...". Is this a typical policy of all large carriers? I get that this means you have to route-plan well, but it seems this could be pretty hard if you're sleepy and there are no places (truck stop, rest area, terminal) nearby.

I appreciate the feedback.

I'm working on my list of questions for the recruiters. I'm also going to a local truck stop where I'll watch for drivers of the companies I'm interested in, and ask them some of my most important questions.

Seldon

I need some help here. I'm scheduled to start my CDL training on Monday. I've been researching companies that I might want to work for, and that seems to be a very bad idea. I'm reading reviews on Glassdoor and trying to educate myself on legitimate issues, while setting aside emotional attacks on a company.

It's very hard to not let the negative reviews affect me. For example, I've been looking at Knight. One reviewer said his truck at Knight had 'no amenities'; no fridge, no microwave, no APU, no inverter. Another said that trucks aren't assigned; if you take more than 2 days home time, you'll be switched to a different truck.

One of the ways I'm planning on dealing with the expected loneliness and alone-time is to make my truck my 'rolling home'. It would make life much more difficult if I'm driving a different truck all the time and/or the truck isn't comfortable to live in, and I can't personalize it at all so that it feels like home.

I'd appreciate some feedback from you experienced drivers. Is this a reason people go the owner/operator route?

Well I have been back and forth with deciding on whether to get into the transportation industry or not. It has been a lot of thinking coupled with lurking on here and on youtube. At first I decided not to do it, but after a week of that, I found myself researching even more which lead to me seeing that there is more reasons to drive than there is not to. I work at a truck stop so I am able to get opinions all the time as well as have somewhat of an understanding of the industry.

I have looked mainly at company based training because I cannot afford to get my CDL any other way and it is a better opportunity for me. Which has lead me to apply to Swift. I am planning to start in March and I am very excited. I just want to thank Brett and others for this great site. I am ready to get this career under way!

Congrats! I've been looking at Swift as well. I put in an application with Roehl for their CDL school a couple of days ago. I just wish I knew what kind of timeframe to expect a reply. If this doesn't pan out pretty quickly, I'll probably proceed and get my CDL at a local school here in the Dallas area.

I went to a dealer today and checked out several trucks, most notably 2 'condo' sizes; the Freightliner Cascadia and International Prostar. Both had plenty of headroom while standing, and a bed long enough for my 6'6" height.

A Volvo I tried wasn't wide enough for me to lay down.

Now I wonder what the odds are of me getting a condo size truck as an otr or regional driver.

Alright. I've done a bunch of research, I'm getting close to signing up for training. One last thing: before I go through school and pay money, I want to go sit inside a truck. Before I make the commitment to live in a truck for much of the time, I'd like to sit in one so I can get a sense for what it will be like.

I don't know any truck drivers personally. I live in Wylie TX, which is NE of Dallas. What's the best way to do this? Maybe go to a dealership? Anyone live in the DFW area willing to let me check out their rig?

Seldon

I think so...

Wait, I distress.....you were talking about fitting in a cab? LOL

BTW: I can fit just fine in the driver's seat of a Civic or Corolla.

:-)