Comments By Danielle

Forgive me for not updating you guys it has been a crazy week. I tested October 19,2017. My test was scheduled at 8:00am at the school. I arrived about 30 minutes before the test and realized that I had just enough time to do a quick pretrip. I was so nervous I cant even begin to tell you. Luckily I passed my pre-trip, airbrakes test, and backing. However on my road exam about 10 minutes into driving I stalled at a light for jumping off the clutch in third gear. Out of the 7 people in my class only 1 guy successfully completed the exam and gain his cdl. Anyways I retest 10/31/2017 @3:00pm. I will update you guys soon thanks for reading

Man! I appreciate that. If I could just calm down and breathe I will be fine! Its crazy that I know that but when time comes for me to do it its easier said than done.Yesterday The instructor took me out on the street and its like I panicked so much that I stalled the truck 3 times(on the road. I just couldn't seem to get the panic and nerves away. I forgot the gears and road speeds, drove super slow from his point of view), and on top of that the truck cut off 3 times in the middle of the street, it was just a nightmare. I wont blame the fact that I have been on the road twice including yesterday because we do get the opportunity to practice shifting around the yard all evening when we arrive. But I know that played a part in it as well. But I blame myself for not being completely focused on the task and letting doubt and nerves get the best of me. Like my instructor mentioned yesterday You just have to keep it together for a good 30-45 minutes and it will be over. I know I'm not the only one who has experienced the feeling of damn why cant I just get this!!My ultimate goal is to be a driver and I wont stop until that dream is a reality. And that's a FACT JACK!!! one thing is for sure I will not give up and I will not quit. I am going to get my cdl by any means. Once again I appreciate your words of encouragement and advice.

Glad your ok down there and congrats on making it this far.

As for backing, this is just my opinion and what worked for me. You've got enough of the off-set down you can put that behind you and focus solely on parallel. Off-set is just parallel on easy mode. If following your reference points, it's as simple as paint by numbers. Just make sure you take your time and stop at each change in direction of your steer tires. Just make sure you take your time and listen to your instructors. Use your get out and looks. Get at as many times as you need to while in class. Lastly, relax, have fun and don't OVER think it. Laugh at each cone hit like it's a comedy of the new person who just got something with his (or her) car. Helps bring humor to relax while keeping a constant reminder that could have been an actual car.

Best Wishes and I'm sure you'll do fine.

Hey guys! Im sorry its been so long since I've updated you on my progress I appreciate your patience and also your eyes and advice. Recently here in Houston we had a horrible flood (as you may have heard or seen) which delayed school for two weeks. However we have been back at it for the past two weeks. I am trying to stay focused and learn the maneuvers. I'm not too bad on the offset with my 1 pull up and still working on the parallel parking I found out Monday that my test day is 10/19/2017. I am naturally nervous when it comes to exams and test and interviews and things like that so I'm praying I can shake all my nerves until after the test. Just wanted to stop by and give you guys a quick update. I enjoy reading your diaries and any advice or encouragement or prayers is always appreciated. Thanks and much love trucking truth fam!

Thank you so much for your feedback. I kinda figured I would have to have some type of otr experience which is not a problem. Thank you G-Town I will talk to the recruiter about this and see about the qualifications on their regional and dedicated accounts. And I appreciate the honesty Old-school.

I started out OTR with Schneider 5 months ago and switched to a new Dedicated Account the picked up for Big Lots located in PA. I much prefer the Dedicated, home pretty much every Friday and usually leave out on Sunday. Decent miles for the most part, we get paid per stop as well. There are also some pretty tight areas to slow maneuver in and some tight backs as well, so the otr would help with getting started with that. I switched accounts after 2 and a half months because it was offered to me. And when you go to their OC for orientation it will be 18 days worth, you get paid each day and your second week is when you go out with your trainer with is usually 5-6 days and my trainer drove for a Lowes dedicated account which i occasionally run if our loads get slow for the week. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Yes! I finally passed my air brakes test yesterday. And I have my Class A permit. Sorry for the late update but nothing interesting has really been happening in class. For the past couple of days we've had recruiters come from Stevens and Werner. But other than that we have not gotten in the trucks and learned any maneuvers out of the other 6 students in my class 1 has his license and 4 of us have our permits. I believe the instructor is waiting for us all to have our permits before we begin the learning process of maneuvering the trucks, but we haven't even gone over the pre trip of the truck. Well the class hasn't. but I have thanks to trucking truth and a couple of other websites and sources I use. The high road training is good and I also found trucker country pretty good as far as studying for written exams. I'm going to study for my endorsements that way. I have kind of already settled for Schneider as far as my first company but I am still looking and different companies with long term opportunities also. I just want to say for anybody starting out. Stay focused, study,learn, and be patient. everyday is a learning experience. Well Thank you for reading and I'll catch you guys soon with another update!

HEY GUYS JUST WANTED TO GET SOME INFORMATION ON SCHNEIDER'S DEDICATED ROUTE FOR RECENT CDL GRADS. I AM STILL TRUCKING SCHOOL HERE IN HOUSTON HOWEVER I WANT TO GET THE WHEELS TURNING RIGHT OUT OF SCHOOL. I want to be prepared and I've really been looking at Schneider for my first company. They seem to have a lot of great opportunities and benefits for new drivers. I'm just curious of anyone who may read this can give some feedback on the dedicated or OTR routes. The trucks? the region driven when you start out? personal opinions and experiences or any feedback you can provided regarding these two situations or any situation you've encountered with this company would be helpful also. Thanks in advance.

Good day guys just a quick update I wont give the day for day updates anymore because honestly I'm too tired to check in with you guys after a hard 8 hours here at work and 4 hours of class right after that. so its tough! but I have to let you guys know what's going on. well yesterday I went to take my permit test I passed 3 out of 4. The only test I failed was Airbrake test but I will get it! Just have to reread the chapter and study a little bit harder to pass this time. The other 3 written exams( Rules &Regulations, General Knowledge, Combination Vehicles) weren't that difficult thanks to Trucking Truth's High Road training)but I think when I got to the last exam I kind of rushed it maybe feeling myself a little too much. But I have another shot and I will ace it!

As far as class this week we've mainly been learning how to read road maps and street signs. I cannot wait to get into the truck and start learning how to whip that baby thru traffic and curves and turns and cross the country. I am super excited man. I just know trucking is going to change my life and bring on so many opportunities for me and my family. Any who guys I have to get back to work Ill talk to you soon. Have a great day.

Thank you Scot! I sure hope so!

Danielle,

Sounds like you will be ready for the exams! Good luck.

Scot

Thanks G-TOWN! I appreciate you and this site.

Danielle wrote:

Class flew by kind of quick Thursday. There was light thunder and rain headed towards school today but I still made it on time in traffic after work. The college is actually about 15-20 minutes from my house so its super convenient. As soon as we got in to class the instructor reminded us that we need to have our permits by the beginning of September because we will begin getting in the trucks learning shifting and driving right after labor day. Here in Texas you have to take your special requirements 1st pass that in order to take the general knowledge pass that in order to take Combination Vehicles, and pass that test to take the airbrakes test. To get the permit the fee is $25.00 and all quizzes must be passed with at least a score of 80%. I have already taken off 08/16/17 at work the full day to get this done. I have been studying since November. I hope to be reporting next week that I have my permit. Any who we received three handouts in class today on HAZMAT, TANKER, AND DOUBLES AND TRIPLES. That will have to be completed over the weekend. She also handed out a pamphlet on HOS(hours of service). After going over the study guide for airbrakes and combination vehicles that she handed out Tuesday. She ended the class at around 7:48 pm. There is no class scheduled Friday (which I assume this will change once we start driving)so I am going to study study, study, study and finish up my quizzes. Just a quick update I hope everyone has a great weekend I will talk to you guys soon!

Danielle...not sure if we properly introduced you to the Trucking Truth Starter kit links...

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road Training Program

As a suggestion, study for your permit using the High Road Training Program. It is virtually fool-proof and will significantly increase your success rate when taking the permit tests.

Good luck!

Class flew by kind of quick Thursday. There was light thunder and rain headed towards school today but I still made it on time in traffic after work. The college is actually about 15-20 minutes from my house so its super convenient. As soon as we got in to class the instructor reminded us that we need to have our permits by the beginning of September because we will begin getting in the trucks learning shifting and driving right after labor day. Here in Texas you have to take your special requirements 1st pass that in order to take the general knowledge pass that in order to take Combination Vehicles, and pass that test to take the airbrakes test. To get the permit the fee is $25.00 and all quizzes must be passed with at least a score of 80%. I have already taken off 08/16/17 at work the full day to get this done. I have been studying since November. I hope to be reporting next week that I have my permit. Any who we received three handouts in class today on HAZMAT, TANKER, AND DOUBLES AND TRIPLES. That will have to be completed over the weekend. She also handed out a pamphlet on HOS(hours of service). After going over the study guide for airbrakes and combination vehicles that she handed out Tuesday. She ended the class at around 7:48 pm. There is no class scheduled Friday (which I assume this will change once we start driving)so I am going to study study, study, study and finish up my quizzes. Just a quick update I hope everyone has a great weekend I will talk to you guys soon!