Comments By Big Scott

It won't matter for OTR. Knight has a training facility in Phoenix, so does Heartland aka Heartless. You could park your car there and only have a 4 hour drive when taking home time or they may let you take the truck home with you. Prime is in Springfield, MO and they would provide transportation to them for your training. Most companies will. Just get in where you can.

Good luck

Your biggest hindrance right now is being on paper. Most companies won't look at you because of that. Only convictions will show up on most background checks. All you can do is go for it and see what happens. You first need to get out of your head. First you need to get your CDL.

It normally takes at least 30 days to get a hazmat and or TWIC background check back.

With about 7 years OTR, none of that has ever happened. My forward facing dash cam ended up catching some beautiful sites. Keep to yourself at truck stops and enjoy. Relax, stop looking at very rare horror stories.

Welcome. To study for your permit check out our High Road CDL Training Program.

To get a great idea what training is like check out our training diaries section.

We are here to help.

Yesterday, the drive shaft fell out of our service truck on 85N in SC. It wasn't fun for our driver. Thankfully nobody was hurt

If you're on paper you might not be able to do anything OTR. Maybe regional.

I don't think it would be bad to start with tanker if you could get it. Food grade and some chemical tanks are smooth bore with more slosh. Most fuel tankers have compartments. We only haul red dyed diesel and our tanks have baffles those lower the slosh. Paying attention and not making sudden moves will help in all aspects of trucking. Get in where you can. You have the hardest label to deal with but you can do it.

Best wishes for your success.

By the way, someone once told me I would never make it a truck driver. I thanked them for that motivation.

That's a very personal decision. I had to get off the road for several reasons with number one being not making money. I needed a steady paycheck. I found that and I'm very happy where I am. If you want the exercise then food delivery, ie Sysco, will give you plenty. I don't know how much exercise fuel delivery will get you.

Great to see you again and best of luck.

Thankfully, I work at night and in addition to local law enforcement, there is the railroad police as well. Some of the yards are secure and some are so large they they offer their own protection. Also, most are off the beat and path. I don't worry to much. I have enough to worry about.

Anytime you get backed in between the lines, without hitting anything, is a great job. Keep up the good work.

Make sure you're not sitting to low. Adjust the seat so your legs are bent at 90 degrees. Many truck seats have adjustable seats, the part you sit on can be moved forward for better leg support. I had a Purple seat cushion and back support. Try a cushion. You can also take short breaks and walk a bit to stretch out. You can also try stretching before you drive. You have to see what works for you.

Good luck.