Profile For Barry L.

Congratulations on making it this far into your journey, and best of luck on the next step. I begin with Jim Palmer next week, and can't wait.

Sambo, thanks for all of these tips. Very useful info!

OtrEscapeArtist, I'm really enjoying your training diary. I have a tentative start date of 31 July with JPT, and your posts have helped to shed a lot of light on what I can expect. I'm really looking forward to starting a new career, and JPT sounds like a great place to do that. Good luck to you!

Congrats, Big Scott...best of luck as you continue to move forward!

Thank goodness. So often these forums get hi-jacked by some know-it-all loudmouth that has never set foot in semi. Thank you, Brett.

Aaron, fellow Mainah here...great to have you back. I enjoyed reading your previous posts as you documented your training journey with Jim Palmer. I'm hoping to get on with them this summer, as soon as I retire from the Air Force. Please keep us up to date as your schedule/time allows.

Eric G., I've really enjoyed tracking your progression. Congratulations on the TRIFECTA, and best of luck on the rest of your training journey. Please update us when you can.

OC,

Not sure if it's applicable in your case, but there is always this:

http://www.dmv.org/cdl/veterans-skills-test-waiver.php

Jim Palmer primarily hauls Prime reefer trailers. Since you're in Florida, you may also want to consider Wil-Trans, Jim Palmer's parent company located in Springfield, MO.

https://www.wil-trans.com/

Awesome post! I need to print this out and carry it around, just so I can refer back to it. Thank you.

Greetings! We've had some pretty strong winds in the Las Vegas valley over the last 24 hours...up to 80 MPH gusts in some instances. I was a bit surprised at the number of big rigs I saw on the highway during that time. According to the attached link, there were at least four rollovers attributable to the weather. So my question is, when is weather enough of a concern to shut down?

http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/35036921/at-least-4-semis-roll-over-in-high-winds

Congratulations, Nardy! Good luck as you move forward!

Oh that's a bummer Barry L. What other companies are on your list? Have you looked at Jim palmer? They're training is exactly like primes. From what I've researched they use primes trailers. Maybe they hire out of your area.

Jim Palmer is currently at the top of my list. According to their website, they hire from all 48 states, and will get you home for hometime, regardless of where you live. So fingers crossed...

I was hoping to go with Prime, but when I spoke to the recruiter yesterday she said they don't hire company drivers out of Las Vegas, only lease operators. Pretty disappointed, as it sounds like they have a fantastic training program. Good luck to you, and I look forward to reading about your progress!

As I continue to research possible landing spots after I complete CDL school, I'm wondering how folks feel about Schneider's 3-week training program. I've ready many reviews on this site that says it is top notch; however, is it sufficient compared to more robust training programs like Prime, Roehl, etc...or does it really depend on the skills of the student? I would hate to be let loose on the industry, with only the basics, and find myself struggling to make it. Thank you.

Sounds like you're doing great. Don't get discouraged...you've got this!

I've seen a lot of positive reviews on Roehl, and look forward to reading more about your training. Best of luck to you!

Thanks to all. I appreciate your time.

I plan to begin CDL training at the American Institute of Trucking in Las Vegas upon my retirement from the Air Force in early August. What should a CDL grad expect to make, in CPM, with their first trucking company? I'm just wondering what would be considered the low end of the pay scale. Thanks for any insight anyone can provide.