Comments By James Skattebo-Rhoades

Have a blast Ben. If you don't understand what they are asking you, clarify. Make sure you understand everything they tell you. When you get in and out of the trucks, always use both hands. Step out backwards. I saw a guy here at a local truck stop break his ankle cause he jumped out and hit a patch of ice. Didn't look to pretty.

Ok fellow truckers. As I am getting ready to go over the road after the first of the year, I am starting to ask for gifts that I need/ will use on the road. What types of things should I get? I have a few things already like maglite, satellite radio, truckers atlas. I need some ideas. Thanks guys and gals

Did you check to make sure that there were no brown spots in your drawers after? Lol only kidding. That doesn't sound like it was fun. Maybe it would have been better in the daylight for you. Things always look different in day then they do at night. It's interesting how your perception can change so quickly

So I completed my first two weeks of training and now I will have two weeks at home before going back for my 3rd week of training.. Is this normal for most company training programs? 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off then a week on and then my dmv cdl test?

Old school

I think he might be learning still to get his CDL. He mentions that when he comes back he will then test for his CDL. But Definitely agree about calling and finding out why this is happening.

I have never heard of a company training program do that. Maybe its because of Thanksgiving? I have no idea, but maybe someone that went through Swift can give you a better idea?

Ok drivers. I am starting to get a wish list together on Amazon to see if I can get any family/Friends to get me stuff for the holidays. I am wondering what types of things I would need. Right now I have the 2015 Edition MC Atlas, Satellite Radio, bluetooth, road pro oven. I am just trying to get some ideas, so I can share my list soon.

Thanks

They are required to gather the information by the government. Just tell them the periods of what was going on, unemployed, homeless. If your still worried call your recruiter on Monday.

Sean,

I am glad you have decided to get on that bus anyways. You make your own decisions. As far as your blood pressure, go to a store that has the machine to take it for you. 140/90 is ideal to get your two year card. If its higher, you might get a three month card, get your blood pressure down then issued a one year card. The morning you do have your DOT physical, don't drink any caffeine. Heck don't drink any the night before, that way you don't have any issues. Keep us posted!!

Sean.,

Sorry to hear about the negative support from your dad. Your dad doesn't wanna see you get into debt. That's great, so don't lease or become a O/O until you have experience. Companies will try to shove it in your face down your throat and tell you that you can make all this money. Maybe you can, but they you have to pay for fuel, truck repairs, permits. You can't be all that successful in your own truck until you have been out for a few years. (others will correct me if I am wrong) Those that your dad says are "in debt" are because they didn't come here for advice before. So, stay as a company driver. You will still get miles, and you can still run hard. You have faith in yourself, and you will succeed out there. Like you said, just find the pair you lost, or grow news ones. Don't mean that in a bad way. Trucking is a great industry. Freight needs to be moved, and it needs drivers to do so. I am going out in just about a month to make the journey across America. If they say, well you should lease, I will politely decline saying, I am too new and I am not going to be in debt. Hope my little rant does some good, and if the veteran drivers want to add anything I know they will. We all care about each other on this forum., and don't want to see anyone fail.

Thank you all for your replies, I found them supportive and encouraging; especially Carter's because he is a father. I can honestly say that I respect my father more than anyone I know and value his opinion. That being said, the conversation did not go well. In fact it was worse case scenario. I was prepared for his reaction, but I have to say I feel discouraged. #LifeDecisions

What did he say that's made you feel discouraged? What did he tell you that was worst case scenario?