Comments By Curt S.

Roger that Old School ( brushing up on my trucker talk) 😊

Nice job Curt!

I still remember that great feeling one gets when they realize they just got through one of the big hoops of getting their trucking career started. Kind of makes you wanna dance.

It's about to get real, so buckle up and hang on tight. The start of this career is the toughest part. Count on a long and steep learning curve just ahead.

PackRat.... sorry

Thanks Pack Ray. 😊

Thanks Turtle. After a stressful night last night, I will sleep well tonight. 😊

Hey all I just wanted to share the good news with everyone. I took and passed my CDL Class A road test today. I am now a truck driver. I have found a lot of support from many of you on this forum so a shoutout to truckingtruth. Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. 😊 Needless to say I am ecstatic today.

Thanks everyone for the wisdom. I think I will heed the overwhelming advice NOT to go with Dominos for at least a year. I have a friend who is working with a company close by and he told me to apply there. The first thing i asked him if i would have to creep in to small spaces on a regular basis. He said no and it is region al and i would be able to unload (whichh is what I want). I am giving this one much consideration.

Thanks Old School. I think I will follow the advice you both give here. I want trucking to be the career I retire from. So I’ll think long range. Appreciate the wisdom.

Curt, I agree with Rob on this one. It would be a good job with good pay for the right person who likes a job that is fast paced and physical. For a new driver it's going to have a lot of issues that could very easily ruin your future chances at success in this industry. If you think you'd like that kind of environment then do a year over the road first - you'll be glad you did. You will need that foundation under you for this job.

If it's just the fact that being home appeals to you, then definitely look further. I can't stress enough how many times I've seen right here in our forum, the people who sacrificed their whole career by trying to make a bee-line shortcut into these local jobs. This is a job that is going to be hyper-stressful on a new driver. It is a high risk way to get started at this. There are very solid and valid reasons they want you to have one year of experience.

Thanks Rob. I am okay with the driver unload part. It’s probably the only way I would get exercise. My concern would be, as you said, the precariously tight spaces I would have to jockey through. With no experience in handling a big rig, I am wondering if I should try something else for a year and then reconsider. Because they do pay very well.

I'd advise not doing it. It's gonna all be driver hand unload. Have you seen many of the places they have their stores? Gonna require a lot of close quarter maneuvering. I'd think it would be very similar to the dollar accounts. I haven't done it or spoken to anyone who has, but from what I've seen that's what I'm assuming it is. I remember them running ads on radio a couple years ago when I lived in Eagan Mn about being home multiple days a week and saying like 60k+ your first year. But again, it's all driver unload. I'm unsure if you use roller ramp or use a dolly to run things inside. If you find out any more information on them please let us know.

I may have an opportunity to drive for Dominos after school. I can’t find any information anywhere. Can someone here tell me anything about them? I was told to wait until I obtain my license before I apply. It says they require 1 year of verifiable experience, but the boss said apply anyway.

Thanks old school. I am determined to be the right employee no matter where I work. Because of hearing great wisdom from everyone in this forum. The right company is the one where I will be the right employee. Thanks for helping out a brand new newbie

Assuming they would hire me I am wondering if it matters which company I should sign with.

Curt, as a fairly new member in our forum I realize you probably aren't familiar with my history or introduction into trucking. I learned some valuable lessons as I entered this field for a second career at the age of 53. One of those things is that the name on the doors of your truck is really not that important. We teach folks to settle in on a company that suits them, and that is really all that matters as far as the company goes. Everything else is going to be mostly dependent on yourself and how you conduct yourself out here on the road. I drive for Knight, and I love it. I also drove for Western Express and loved it. There are people at Knight who will swear up and down that it is a terrible place to work - the same goes for Western Express. What makes the difference is that you prove yourself able to adjust to this lifestyle, and be productive at it. Each of the companies you are considering would love to have a safe productive driver that is easy to work with. All three of those characteristics come from the driver. That is what you've got to focus on.

-Productivity/Efficiency

-Safety

-Being a Team Player who doesn't moan and groan

If you can prove to be good at each of those three things you will do well at just about any company willing to hire you.