Comments By Brian F.

Well, I have no personal experience with CRST but I began my career with Werner right out of CDL school. My time with them was brief, but I feel they are a solid company. Everything that was told to me up front is how things were when I got there. As long as you do your part, they will do theirs. They don't micromanage as long as you do what is asked and make your deliveries on time. I would go with them again as well as recommend them to new drivers.

I didn't say help. I said don't stand there and laugh. and if you can prevent an accident by shouting a warning, why wouldn't you? it may not be your responsibility, but it would be the decent thing to do.

This might rub some the wrong way, seeing how I'm still a rookie, but nothing about this job bothers me more than seeing a driver struggle to maneuver or park at a truck stop and there will be at least a few "fellow drivers" standing around, laughing and making jokes or recording it on their phones so they can post it to YouTube. the thought of actually helping the guy don't even enter their mind. they're just waiting for something bad to happen.

where's the respect? we all started out the same. we've all had our bad days. we've all done dumb things with the truck. I'm not saying run over and help, but dang it you should at the very least not allow the situation to get any worse. if you see the guy about to get stuck, or hit something, maybe another truck, then do something! give a shout, wave your arms or tug your horn. why would you stand there and watch instead of making an effort to prevent an accident? what if it were your truck that got hit while a bunch of damn idiots stood around laughing? I know if it were mine, I'd be just as mad at your dumb ass as the guy driving.

just my opinion, but it disgusts me how many drivers out there just seem to take pleasure in seeing other drivers struggle and fail. this isn't an easy lifestyle. showing a little respect and supporting each other in times of need would go a long, long way.

Thanks G-Town. I hadn't thought of gloves for fueling, since I never had to worry about that in school, but I imagine that crap can do some damage if you don't wash it off. all I have is a pair of old chain saw gloves I was using for pre-trip and a leather pair I use for yard work. so I'll make sure to get a pair of neoprenes as soon as I can.

Grats man! I passed my test today also. feels goooooooood don't it?

I'm now a CDL holder! excuse me while I take a few seconds to look at it again...I have a day or two to relax then I'm headed over to Werner for orientation on Monday. I'll be running their TCU Mexico division (NJ to Laredo) but that doesn't mean I'll get a trainer on that run. training is estimated 6 weeks or so, which would bring me into Dec. trying to pack as light as possible, so right now all I plan on taking for cold weather gear is 1 sweatshirt, a heavy lined hoody, gloves and hat. I have about 8 t-shirts, 2 pair jeans, 2 pair of shorts, about a weeks worth of undies/socks and a pair of steel toes just in case. any suggestions as far as clothing? I have the gear (flashlight, atlas, calculator, etc) and might bring some dry snacks in case I don't get room to store food. advice is appreciated!

Hey Uriah. I'm still in school, but I know 3 classmates that went to TMC. One of them was sent home for a hernia but he had it repaired and they welcomed him back. They told us about the "stay off the grass" sign and confirmed that people were sent home for disobeying it. From what I've been told yes they are very strict and when they tell you something they meant it to the letter. As Old School said, you are under constant evaluation. However, I've heard nothing but positive feedback if you can adhere to their policies.

Appreciate the replies. not the first time this ol' dog's been knocked down won't be the last. I'll come back stronger!

my own dumb fault. botched a blind-side parallel. so mad at myself right now! but, tomorrow I'll be back at school getting my work in and in 2 weeks...I WILL PASS!!!

well, I'm all set. test date is MONDAY! got all my endorsements (except passenger) and TWIC. all I have to do now is pass the test. I've got my pre-trip down pretty good. I can do my maneuvers pretty well and my shifting is decent. got some extra work in today since it's my last chance before the test. if my nerves don't bite me I should be good.

wish me luck!