Location:
Charlotte, NC
Driving Status:
Experienced Driver
Social Link:
I dream of a career driving a truck. I spent almost eight years working for a company that builds machines. Unfortunately, I lost that job in the beginning of February (2017). I have been on unemployment. That runs out early May. After a couple of years of planning, when I lost my job, my wife had some health issues that prevented me from making the leap then. Now she is doing better and I have started applying to several companies. We are working hard to pay off debt and that is a slow process. I am here on TT because I find this to be the best site for current and truthful information on this industry. I was. accepted into CFI's company sponsored training and I'm currently in school for them. 6-26-17 Got my first truck with CFI today. 9-21-18 Still driving OTR with CFI. On 11-15-18 I became a trainer with CFI.
In July of 2019 I was denied a new medical card due to high blood sugar. After several months of hard work, I got everything back to normal. Then due to CCP Virus, the non driving job I was working at closed down. This forced me back to where I wanted to be. I contacted CFI and on May 28th 2020, I will be back in a truck.
Currently a finisher/trainer with CFI. truckerscott104@gmail.com
Posted: 1 day, 3 hours ago
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Also try CFI. I don't know if they are currently hiring out of your area.
They are not on the list Errol gave you and there are others as well.
Good luck.
Posted: 1 day, 3 hours ago
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Having to quit unfortunately):
Sorry your trainer has you in a sauna. My students sleep in an ice box.
My best to you.
Posted: 1 day, 15 hours ago
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Having to quit unfortunately):
I understand what you're dealing with. Unfortunately at a young age. I had a grandfather who had ALS. It will take sting relationships for what lies ahead. Best of luck to you. We are always here when you need us. Many of us can be contacted personally for support. I hope all works out.
Posted: 3 days, 3 hours ago
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What are your personal positives and negatives regarding jockeying a rig for a living?
I am virtually my own boss. Nobody is ever breathing down my back. They give me a load (work assignment), they give me fuel stops, the rest is up to me. If I have problems I contact dispatch or road service, no more problem. I go home when I want for as long as I want. I get paid very well. I am a company driver.
Food in truck stops is junk, unless you like salads. Yes it costs more. However, there are Walmarts all over the country and at most of them one can stop long enough to shop for food. Exercise is up to the individual. Some people keep a bicycle, run, walk, use bands or weights on their trucks. Sure some truck stops are more dirty than others. You can thank nasty truckers for that.
I have not seen the riff raff you refer to. My day starts with a nice shower, breakfast, I fix it myself, and relax a bit before I start my clock, punch in to work. Pretrip, roll. Most days there is a fuel stop in my route, I try to mix a 30 minute break with that. Then drive park, eat sleep and do it again.
I don't get lonely. I listen to the radio, talk to family and friends and have a very active imagination. Did I mention I get to see the beauty of this country every day? Here is a pic I took when I stopped yesterday in Arizona at a truck stop.
The only way to get your truth out here is to do it.
Good luck.
Posted: 3 days, 16 hours ago
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Paid Trucking school companies to choose
Hey Travis, Welcome to our forum. I was trained by and work for CFI. They pay your transportation, room and food during the school part of your training as well as orientation.
We also have our starter pack.
The High Road Training is the best way to prepare for your written permit and endorsement tests.
We highly recommend Paid CDL Training Programs. While this list is a bit outdated there is some useful info.
I hope this helps.
Also, check out our Training Diaries section.
Good luck.
Posted: 3 days, 21 hours ago
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Good OTR companies for transitioning from Local to OTR
CFI hires 21 year olds.
Posted: 4 days, 9 hours ago
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Best way to get a restriction lifted?
Check with your state's DMV. You probably have to do some sort of test in a manual transmission truck that you supply.
Posted: 6 days, 3 hours ago
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CFI or Heyl or Paper Transport as my first job...
Any updates / choices on a company, ZB ??
~ Anne ~
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Spoke with him. He will be joining us.
I think he will be very successful in this industry if he likes it.
Posted: 6 days, 3 hours ago
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CFI or Heyl or Paper Transport as my first job...
CFI has a yard in Orlando if that's not to far for you. We haul dry van and now have a refer division called CFI Temperature Controlled.
If you change your mind and CFI is currently hiring from your area, come get paid to see the country.
Whatever way you go, be safe and successful.
I read today that CFI is owned by the Canadian TFI which recently purchased UPS Freight. True?
Yes. They will be migrating the UPS OTR and Dedicated drivers into CFI.
We also now have a refer division, CFI Temperature Controlled. That came with a purchase of MCT.
Posted: 1 week ago
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I have both RM and Gamin GPSs and dash cams. Gamin works more. I cannot recommend a Rand Mcnally GPS for a primary GPS. The best thing they make is their Atlas. It always works.
Posted: 1 week ago
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Recommended place to get my CDL license
Hey Aaron, what state do you live in?
Like others said we recommend Paid CDL Training Programs. While this list is not complete it's a good start.
I was trained by CFI. They have an excellent training program and does not cost anything if you drive for them for at least one year.
Good luck.
Posted: 1 week, 1 day ago
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CDL Jobs in North Carolina around Charlotte
I live in Charlotte, there are tons of trucking jobs. Look on indeed. I don't know what's in Mooresville. Many of the NASCAR teams are based there. Blue Max is a large dump truck company. There is also LTL and line haul. Hope that helps. Get your Hazmat and other endorsements to improve your odds.
Good luck.
Posted: 1 week, 2 days ago
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If they know about the DUI and will still give you a shot, contact your recruiter and tell them you are double checking to make sure you haven't forgotten anything and do they remember you mentioning your suspension.
Good luck
Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago
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Veteran looking to get into trucking with two pets.
Oh and my friend who started with Melton (but he's since moved on I believe) said he had the option of picking a pet friendly trainer. Is that just a Melton thing then?
I don't know CFI's policy for that. You would have to ask.
Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago
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Dylan,
I'm sorry you made such a poor choice. I see you have learned your lesson. And yes you have to suck it up and wait.
Your's is a great example of why I say drugs and alcohol have no place with a CDL.
Best of luck.
Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago
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Veteran looking to get into trucking with two pets.
You will actually have to have someone pet sit BOTH of them while you're with a trainer. There are some companies that will allow 2 pets but not many. Are they big, small, dogs, cats or what?
Sorry I should have mentioned that. One is a cat and the other is a 50lb dog.
Still would have to have them cared for while you train. You don't need that distraction while you're trying to learn everything.
Posted: 1 week, 4 days ago
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Veteran looking to get into trucking with two pets.
Hey Jason,
Like most companies CFI loves Vets. Thank you for your service. One of our main safety people is retired Navy. We have trucks to honor all branches of service.
CFI will pay for your training. Use the High Road CDL Training Program to study for you CDL permit. You will need your permit and DOT medical prior to training. Save receipts for those and CFI will reimburse you for it. They also reimburse for your hazmat background check as well as hazmat and tanker endorsements. They also reimburse for your CDL license and renewal. They also reimburse your DOT physical renewal.
Once they accept you they will get you to Joplin, then you will have three weeks of CDL school, followed by three days of orientation. After that it's out with your finisher/trainer for 21 days. You are dispatched as a solo truck during this time, you do all the work. Then it's back to Joplin to upgrade and get a truck. You can check with them, they may have a way for you to get your permit and or medical in Missouri.
As far as your pets, you will need to have someone care for them until you upgrade. Then once you get your truck, you get your pet pass and go home for your dogs and whatever else you need.
I hope this helps.
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Posted: 20 hours, 34 minutes ago
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Best backing videos on YouTube?
Once solo you will really start to learn. Be patient and GOAL, GOAL, GOAL.