Comments By IR0ND0G

I'm about to be OTR and I can tell you, from my point of view, they are very much my motivation. Being away will be rough, but not as rough as losing a house.

I think you simply misread or incorrectly interpreted the wording they provided.

They are clearly stating that the CDL learning course is recommended, not required. The Commercial Learners Permit is required, period.

Thanks Brett, passed my tests early today. The High Road is awesome, passed all my required tests including endorsement tests with ease. Wisconsin did ask a handful of questions that were not covered and I had to make an educated guess at, but nothing too difficult. I have submitted my application to a reputable company and await their reply. Again, thanks to all here, especially the High Road.

Feeling pretty confident after my second run through the High Road. Going for my permit next Wednesday so I can get going on getting interviewed and scheduled to start school within next few weeks. Thank all of you who contribute information here. I don't frequently comment, but I do read most postings on this site. Hopefully I will do well and get the show on the road. Looking forward to changing status to 'in school' soon.

As I prepare to head to school next month, your concerns about your kids are similar to mine. While I do care what they think and how they feel, there are only so many things we can do. It's a balancing act. For me, knowing that my decision to go OTR will ultimately help us (as a family) keep our house outweighed how anyone felt. Our home will be preserved, the heat will stay on, and there'll be food on the table. In the longer term, I'll gain the necessary experience to eventually find something that may accommodate more home time, but until then I will do whatever is needed for the overall betterment of the family as a whole.

Not sure exactly where I saw it, but someone recommended just carrying a can or two of long range wasp spray. Comes out in an expanding foam spray that won't end up in your face in most wind conditions. It won't force you out of the truck like OC or OC/CS combo sprays will. It won't be noticed as a weapon as your simple reasoning is 'I carry it to keep the wasps from building nets that interfere with me inspecting the truck' or to keep them from building nests under the fairings. Yes, it may blind someone, but if you actually reach the point to where you'd have to use it to defend yourself, that's the least of your worries. It's cheap, attainable, and replaceable at any Walmart.

Travel Centers of America (TA Petrol) refueling stations with a lot of road essentials and non-essentials.

I will be getting my CLP in January. I have been studying and taking tests on The High Road for the last month or so. I can tell you that it has helped me retain materials way better than reading a manual and a highlighter ever could. The simple, straightforward presentation of materials, and the random questions (more random as you make progress) have helped make the information stick rather than 'pass and forget' like some tests tend to do. I am very grateful for this site and those people that contribute no bull**** information to those of us preparing, those still learning, and... OK that last part covered everyone. I have recommended this site and THR to 3 other people I know looking at entering this profession. I guess my ramble basically says 'Why waste the opportunity of such a valuable tool?'

Considering they just bought BarrNunn, I'd have to say they're doing well and will continue to do well. Also factor in that the industry as a whole will need in the ballpark of 1 million new drivers in the next decade. I'm not yet a commercial driver, but through my research as I prepare to do so, I have learned that it is a roller coaster for companies and drivers. It has it highs, it has its lows, but it's not going to go away anytime soon. IMHO, you are overthinking or reading into something you read a little too much.