Comments By Tracey K.

Pictures are worth a THOUSAND words and yours has spoken volumes. Sons are a wonderful thing aren't they? Danny, that was great!

So joyed to know you have made it through. You still have my prayers.

Lets us know how things go. Can't wait to hear about the rest of your journey.

Merry Christmas!

Wow! What a ride! You have nailed it. It was scary there for a moment though, wasn't it. Feels good now that you are about to be in that driver seat soon.

Proud of you Jeff. You have done a great job. You are with an awesome company too. I have talked with many a driver who loves being with Schneider. That do know there stuff. A member of my church is a Safety Instructor on the contract side and has done work with them. He said they have one of the higher good driver reports. They teach you well.

Good Luck. Keep us posted. Tell us all about the truck you get and your first run.

Animal you made perfect points. Getting that HARD knowledge and experience up front in your career is going to stick with you for a long time. We all retain the harder stuff better than the easy stuff and at first start it stays even longer.

You will have experience other drivers in other parts of the country will wish they had.

Having a trainer is a great asset. One everyone should take advantage of. Bad or Good!

Good luck and keep us posted on how things go.

Merry Christmas!

Thank you guys. With a lump in my throat and those tender tears is my eyes, I thank you!

Daniel, you are AMAZING!

Brett, you my friend are a blessing to us all!

Roger, I am humbled. It is amazing what happens here. God Bless you and yours.

CortaroAz, what a wonderful accomplishment. That was not easy. Love is so strong!

Svetlana, it will go well and we will see you on the byways! Merry Christmas.

Hands Palm to Palm

Did you get the two DUI's in Georgia? Because if you did then you would have received a letter from Georgia stating that you have been suspended for life. If you have not received that letter you should not have been suspended. Also, is a lawyer telling you have a lifetime suspension or is it one of the operators you are calling at DDS? Ask them when the letter was issued. And get the date of the suspension. You can apply for your driving history and record beyond the normal DMV report by going through the Conyers office of the Georgia DDS. I would contact the Commissioners Office of DDS to see about filing for your record. It sounds like to me that a big mistake has been made and believe you me Georgia is good about that.

What county did the DUI's happen in? Have you had more than 2 DUI's? Did you move to NC from Georgia? If NC will issue you a CDL then Georgia has no claim to you. If your license is under a lifetime suspension in any state you would be denied a license period in another state.

A lifetime suspension is for multiple DUI's. Meaning more than 2. I had two within a period of 4 years. Here in Georgia. I had to get a wavier on the "drunk box", and do all the mandatory school stuff. But that was all. First one was in 2004 the other in 2006.

Contact the Commissioner of DDS. And I will see if I can find the right attorney for you. Need to know the county and like I said if you have more than just the two.

Like Brett said. Your test was in a manual. Driving and automatic does not cut you out of the game. Most of your Fedx trucks are automatic and drivers go to other companies all the time from there. Well, maybe not many, it's a good company to work for. But as Daniel said, you will have to go through their training program. It is like riding a bike. It comes back to you. Driving a truck is not just shifting. It's much much more.

Good Luck. Don't sweat it!

YES! NEVER GIVE UP.

Look for other options. They are out there. It just takes time. Apply to every company out there. EVERY COMPANY! It's all about how bad you really want it. If you want it bad enough you will work your butt of to get it. NO and NEVER is not an option.

All I can say is: It is possible. I have had more obstacles than I can shake a stick at. But, I never gave up and am doing what I want to do now. Let the spirit which dwells inside lead you to where you are to go. It will.

Might not be what you want at first, but you will get there. I promise. Patience.

I know this doesn't have anything to do with getting a job in trucking or the in's and out's about skills. But , today I was blessed in a truly wonderful way and feel lead to post this.

I hope I don't offend anyone!

God has truly blessed me with this website. Thank you Brett for creating it and thank you to all the Moderators and members who make this such a wonderful place to come to find out about the TRUTH about trucking.

I was contacted by another member today through the private message, asking about my advice about being Clean and Sober for almost 7 years now. ( 3-24-14 ) will be 7 years for me. They didn't want to post about it and i can understand why. That is why I am posting instead. It took heart for him to contact me and I want him to know that. You would all be amazed at how many truck driver out there struggle with either alcohol or drug addiction. More than you think. And with the regulations like they are today it is even harder for a recovering addict to get a job and sometimes impossible for him to keep one.

Back years ago when I first began to drive, many a truck driver were popping pills to stay awake to get that next load delivered. I am sure today that they still do, a long with many other dangerous and life threatening, mind altering chemicals and behaviors just not right for the trucking industry or life in general.

I have read many a post about the troubles of those who are trying to get into trucking after having drug or alcohol related issues. It's hard as hell! But, it is not impossible.

My main point for the post is about those who are recovering. For those who are out there. You are not alone! I know that is cliche', but it's the truth. Driving a truck can make it even harder on those who are recovering. You may feel that you are too separated from you support system and the stress of the job can really get to you. But their are many other support systems out there for you. Spiritual chapels at many of the truck stops across the country are there just for a person like ourselves. You have the radio, CD's, CB radio, books and even the Bible to help you through your day. The internet has many a support group out there as well.

As I told the person who contacted me. One of the main things I start my day with is a devotional book called, "God Calling." It gives me something to think about all day that is productive to my life. The biggest thing though is how I see life. It's why I became a truck driver in the first place. Which is probably why deep down inside the reason you became one too, or are thinking about becoming one. Anyone can drive a truck, but it takes a special person to BE A TRUCK DRIVER! So, you have a head start already in the "special department."

The short version of my story. I began drinking at the age of 6. I was a functioning alcoholic by the age of 9. I used to take gin to school in my thermos. I was court ordered to attend a AA meeting at the age of 9. It didn't do much good for me, but of the 50 or so people there that night, I'm pretty sure it probably changed one life. I drank and did drugs for the better part of 40 years. I am 51 now. A long time. During those years I drove a truck for almost 14 years. I have had two DUI's. Luckily neither was in a commercial vehicle. I have not driven in the last 6 years, but have just started back. I am lucky to have my CDL's again, but more than that, I am lucky to be alive.

I know their are other stories out there. I know many are struggling now. What ever you do, DON'T GIVE UP! You have a responsibility behind that wheel. Don't abuse it. Don't disrespect it. And Don't get behind that wheel under the influence.

For all those who are struggling. God Bless you! You are in my prayers as you are in many more I am sure. My private messaging is open to all who wish just to vent or talk. I may not be on here as often as I should and today made me think that I need to do a better job. I believe that God lead me to this website. This is another one of those things in life that I never thought I would be doing. But, I have been truly blessed since I joined. Their are many more options out there to keep you clean and sober. Join one of the many trucking charities out there. So many people need our help. The gift you will receive will be far greater than just your sobriety.

I know I have babbled and I apologize. But, tonight what it means to be a truck driver rang true tonight. It's about helping others. It's what we old school guys have talked about so much. And I see that it is very much still alive in the hearts of many truck drivers through out this nation. Thank you Jesus! I'll end with this poem:

There once was a boy who through confusion and pain, came to a place where everyone was the same. He laughed and he cried, and cried then some more; until one special day, true love walked through the door. This love it was special. Oh, how bright it did shine. A true loving friendship, for the boy and in time. Now how would you figure this friendship would come to be? But, only through the Grace of God, He sent You to meet Me!

Merry Christmas to ALL of the TruckingTruth Family. To all the family members of the drivers on the road. God Bless you ALL. Traveling mercies as you drive here and there. And as always, may the dreams of You (The Truck Driver) be ever so joyful on the hearts and minds of your families each night.

God Speed Be Safe.

Very Merry Christmas!

Guy is right! You are lucking that you weren't driving a truck at the time. It's going to be hard, but don't give up. You have come this far.

Their are companies out there that will take a chance. You will have to apply to them all! Be open and honest about everything. You may have to take a job that you don't really want for awhile, but it will be worth it in the long run.

I know it is a hard lesson to learn. But, it is one that is well worth learning. If you will stick it out you will see how your own life will benefit from it. You may need to take a job working in the warehouse for a year or so. It would be a good start. Many companies will feel you out for a period of time to see if you would be worth the chance. That's just how it works.

Use the link we have here if you haven't already and apply to all the companies. Then pray about it.

I wish you the best.

Welcome to the world of trucking.

And you are still driving? Hum? Must be because you are a truck driver in heart and spirit.

That was a rough and crazy time. But it gets better! Kinda?

The great thing about trucking is that 'true-life' really is played out right before your eyes in a way no other person will see. A truck driver is in more situations in a day then most people are in 6 months. That's why it takes a special person to be able to do the job. You will put up with a lot of crap, see a great many a "crazy persons" and simply put, pull your hair out, shake your head at, and wonder why.....more times than anyone will ever believe. But they make for great stories.

Glad you are still with us. Enjoy your posts.

Be safe. God speed and traveling mercies.

Merry Christmas!