Location:
Waterville, ME
Driving Status:
Company Driver In Training
Social Link:
Adam J. On The Web
No Bio Information Was Filled Out. Must be a secret.
Posted: 2 years, 8 months ago
View Topic:
Drats....i thought so. No Canada anytime soon then.
Still need a passport or a passport card.
Posted: 2 years, 8 months ago
View Topic:
I have a TWIC card does this mean I can run to Canada or do I still need a passport (or passport card thingy?)
Is there a TSA background check then? I swear I've seen something about one or the other.
If there's a background check only why not just get the TWIC as it's just a more in depth check afaik.
As with endorsements, does your TWIC help get loads as well?
You need your TWIC for HME don't youNope, I have Hazmat and do not have one.
Like the others have said get them early on, the fewer trips to the DMV the better. Plus the Hazmat one can take some time better to just knock it out early.
The TSA background check is what is required to get your Hazmat endorsement. The TWIC card will enable you to enter ports, and Canada. These are two different things. Some drivers have both, some one or the other, some neither.
Hope that helps some~
~ Anne ~
Posted: 2 years, 8 months ago
View Topic:
Sorry I have been off the radar for a while. I passed my CDL test last January, and started the second phase at Prime, Inc in Feb. completed that in April and got my own truck. Been on the road since and running hard. Only been home a couple of times since leaving for PA in January 2021. I have been every where and have been able to cross one thing off my bucket list (see all lower 48 states) and completed that this last trip. I know the first year is toughest as with any job, this being no different. Knowing that I said "if I make close to what I made before trucking....I will be fine with it. Anything above is just a plus" Well.....I passed that by a long shot. This is the most I have made, but also perhaps the hardest I have worked or at least most. I hustle and bust my butt, manage my clock tight and don't make any wasted moves to burn my time. The hardest thing is being away from the kid, but she is 22 and taking care of the house for now, but looking to move out of state. She has been with me for 13+ years so it is hard for me not to be there but she is ok with it. I am not sure what my next adventure will be yet as I have a couple of options on the table and am weighing out my options. Prime, Inc has treated me very well, so I am pretty sure I will not be going much of anyplace. My one year commitment with them is completed so that is not an issue. This last year has been a heck of a ride, seen a lot of new cool things and have experienced things that I never would have otherwise. I want to thank everyone here and Brett for stating this site. This site has helped a lot with my studying (passing all tests first time) and there is a lot of great advice for everyone here. I hope to be more active in the future and be able to help others looking to totally up-end their life and start something new. Thank you all, travel safe.
Posted: 2 years, 9 months ago
View Topic:
Postcards from the Road! (Post Yours Please!)
Stopoed at rest area in Colorado during the fall. Sorry I have not posted much. Been pretty busy over the past few months, but have some great pics.
Posted: 3 years, 3 months ago
View Topic:
I was to some extent in the same boat.... I did not want to jump until I was sure I had a job. I went with Prime, Inc. I found that there are many, many steps to jump through before attending training. First was the DOT psychical, then the permit test. Then I had to redo DOT as he gave me a 90 day card so that I could have sleep study done (good luck with COVID). At any point I could have changed my mind and stayed home doing my old job. They paid for a rental car for me to get to PA from Maine. Hotel, meals and transportation to/from training was covered. Once I passed my CDL (first shot) they put me up in a hotel for another week until a trainer was available. The process is long and at times overwhelming. Many times I was thinking what the heck have I gotten myself into? I knew if needed I had a job with my old employer but I continue to stick it out. I suggest you talk to a recruiter and ask him/her questions. There are options and I didn't want to say anything until I knew for sure as well about being hired. Take your time, research different companies, study, ask questions, study, sleep on it. Talk to friends, co-workers, family, people on here, get as many sides as you can before jumping (or not) Just my few pennies worth. :)
Posted: 3 years, 5 months ago
View Topic:
I have run into a lot of construction so far (and I have not been solo long). I slow down even if I don't see anyone. I figure it is quicker to slow down than have to sit besides the highway waiting while a trooper takes his time writing a ticket and going over my logs or truck because I didn't want to drop my speed a little.
Posted: 3 years, 8 months ago
View Topic:
Prime Inc: getting to n from terminal during training?
Yeah non smoker Everything got messed up with the snowstorm right after I tested out (Sunday morning). I figured i would not bug dispatch too much about a trainer and waited a few days for things to settle back down.
I did get trainer who was just starting his home time after dropping off last trainee, so that was a few days as well.
Running refer.. that was a nice drive down to Henderson. The warm weather was nice for a change but now back up in the frozen north.
I just completed the PSD in Pittston and passed the CDL test. I was at the hotel for a week waiting to get a trainer. In the past week I have been from PA, Vermont, Nevada, Arizona. Now waiting in Salt Lake for our next load to start to run me back toward home (Maine).
I had them cover the rental car as I was not sure about parking and did not want to risk breaking down between Maine and Pittston. I know i will get home at some point, and am just trying to absorb as much information as I can.
Did you request a non smoker for TNT? I'm just wondering why it took so long for you to get your TNT trainer. I mean, it is obviously not unheard of to wait that long, but a male with no smoking preference usually doesn't have to wait that long at Pittston from what I've heard. Also, what division are you? That could make a difference.
I assume you have to go back to Maine to get your Maine license? Your paper copy will expire soon. You're probably getting daily messages at this point saying as much.
Posted: 3 years, 8 months ago
View Topic:
Prime Inc: getting to n from terminal during training?
I just completed the PSD in Pittston and passed the CDL test. I was at the hotel for a week waiting to get a trainer. In the past week I have been from PA, Vermont, Nevada, Arizona. Now waiting in Salt Lake for our next load to start to run me back toward home (Maine).
I had them cover the rental car as I was not sure about parking and did not want to risk breaking down between Maine and Pittston. I know i will get home at some point, and am just trying to absorb as much information as I can.
Posted: 3 years, 8 months ago
View Topic:
What did you do before becoming a truck driver?
I was in Mental Health working as a case manager. I would work with clients and providers. Link clients to services and advocate for their care. The job entailed a lot more but that is the easy explanation. Did that for 16 years before getting my CDL (in Jan 2021)
Posted: 2 years, 8 months ago
View Topic:
C.R. England Nightmare Experience (True Story, Need Help! Nondrug User Tested Positive!)
So she told you that you have an issue with her using. Addicts almost never admit they have a problem because they dont care. It is usually the family that has issues with thier use. Years of working in mental health and Substance abuse has taught me that. Best bet in my opinion is distance your self, seek help through a SAP (they offer services for family in dealing with issues) give it time...... if you truely are substance free then try again in a year or so. Focus on you for now. If you do have a problem then at least you are attempting to address the issue and recover. It may have been a false positive but who (other than you) truely knows? Just my few cents. Remember the first step is admitting you have a problem (either drugs or family member using) and that your problems are not theirs.