Comments By Philip F.

Hey Turbine, dont mind Roadhog..he is from GA and we know they are all a littls slow up there!! :P

It's all good. We'll have a great time in Springfield.

By the way, when do you get in? I'll be there probably Sunday night, so I'll get all day Monday to spend in the motel. :P

Mind posting whom has replied? I'd like to know as well. :)

Sure thing, Myself, you, Roger Jones, and Turbine2k5

I AM Turbine2k5! :P

Mind posting whom has replied? I'd like to know as well. :)

Just sent a PM!

Freightdog, is the company you worked for one of the major express companies? Just curious since you mentioned flying international with a 777, and the company I work for now is using 777s for international, mostly.

Hi Philip,

I am on furlough from an airline that is under contract to fly 777's for one of the major express companies with a large sort facility at CVG.

Take care...

After looking it up, I realize it's NOT FedEx Express. :P

Freightdog, is the company you worked for one of the major express companies? Just curious since you mentioned flying international with a 777, and the company I work for now is using 777s for international, mostly.

Roger, I can guarantee that the one piece of advice Brett (and everyone else) will want you to walk away with is:

Don't lease or buy a truck.

It's not really financially viable to do it. You're much better off staying a company driver.

Now I'm waiting for Brett to come in and give the spiel!

I am 28 yrs old ex-military (US ARMY) I am concerned about a few things though. I had an OWI back in 2009, it was a misdemeanor. I paid all the fines and I found out that my Michigan DL was suspened because of Driver responsibility fees which I am currently paying on. Funny thing is though, I have a Texas DL and my driving record says it's clear. I have put in 2 applications, 1 with Swift due to their higher overall pay-rate in the first year, and Prime also due to their abnormally high pay rate for new drivers.

First off I am not out looking to become a millionaire lol if I make 25k-40k my first year I know it doesn't matter as I would be a rookie and good things and pay raises come to those who perform well for long periods of time. I am looking to start driving because I believe it would be a good starting point for my girlfriend and I. She currently works and I am struggling to find a job due to the fact I am overqualified ( haha true story ). At this point I want to find a carrier that will allow my gf to travel with me on solo runs. I also don't know how to check my driving records properly like a truck company does.

Sorry for the long winded explanation, My father is an OTR driver but hes usually out for 3 months at a time and he refuses to talk on his phone while driving ( kinda proud of him on that one though ) so I can only get in 30 mins of questions before he hits the rack.

Damn I went long winded again XD

Well thank you for any and all advice, this really is a great website.

Welcome, Joshua! Hope you're finding all the info helpful. It really is a great website, and I'm sure all your questions will be answered!

It's interesting that you have a suspended Michigan DL AND a Texas DL. I thought having licenses in two different states was illegal. Maybe someone can clarify?

I'm still preparing for school, but I know that most companies allow you to have riders. Once you get through the initial training and get a truck, then you can fill out some insurance forms and pay a small fee so that your g/f can ride with you (or at least this is how it is with Prime.)

Also, I'd call your local BMV about getting access to your MVR. They'll know more than we do.

I just recently found out about the blind spots on trucks. How does a trucker deal with blind spots? Can you buy blind spot mirrors that you can move from one truck to another easily? Thanks

spotter?

G.O.A.L.?

I think he might mean while the truck is moving. Kind of hard to G.O.A.L. when your doing 55 down the highway!

Got an email from the recruiter at Knight, I will be starting orientation on September 3rd. Have my permit already so first week should mostly be company paperwork, safety videos, and other new hire stuff. Week 2 should be the fun stuff, playing with the trucks and learning how to do it all right.

Anyone been through Knight's training recently care to share any insight or suggestions? Looking forward to the next few weeks!

Congrats! Lots of us getting started right after Labor Day. I'll be down in Springfield, MO with Prime, and I think there will be someone else with me. Can't wait!