Comments By Jmart

I am starting a new job on Mon, April 16th. I will be driving pneumatic tanker. The company does haul frac sand for the North Dakota oil fields. However, they have diversified so they can whether the storm when/if oil prices drop. The first thing on my agenda will be learning how to use the pneumatic tanker.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do. As it's been said you need to do what's best for your family. If everything goes ok it'd be great if you could tell us about it regarding your day to day activities with that.

I will start a new diary once I start. My start date is the 16th of this month.

Before I went back to CFI, I spent some time looking for something else. I am drug testing for a company in Eastern MT that carries frac sand for the oil fields in western ND using pneumatic trailers. So, no dangerous gasses and something semi-local.

UPDATE I am not going the tanker route. CFI will take me back if that's what I decide

I was extremely exhausted after being out with my trainer and was missing my family.

Well we can all understand that. Trucking does that to you, especially in the beginning when you're trying to deal with a million new things all at once - the long days, the pressure, being away from home and family and friends - we all know what you're going through with that.

That's exactly why we always say to stick with your first company for one full year no matter what. I always emphasize that last part because I know there will be times when almost everyone will want to throw in the towel at least a time or two. It's exhausting, it's stressful, and it really wipes you out at times.

I would highly recommend going back to CFI and pick up where you left off. Get that experience under your belt and then all sorts of doors will open up to you. Funny thing is, by the time most people get to that one year mark with their first company they're doing so well they don't want to move on. They're happy right where they're at. That may not be the case with you, but at least at that point you'll have enough experience in trucking that you'll know where you want to go next.

That year will go by a lot faster than you expect.

Not so sure they will take me back. Recruiting said I need to get experience now since I resigned before I upgraded.

Jmart how did it go with your interview?

I rescheduled for tomorrow. Honestly, I'm thinking about returning to CFI. I think I maybe just made a snap judgement. I was extremely exhausted after being out with my trainer and was missing my family. The tanker thing does scare me.

I understand your concerns. I will explore other options that work with my circumstances. It doesn't necessarily mean I won't do this. It isn't a decision I am taking lightly.

Interesting...he can't answer for himself?

Local hazmat tanker, entry level driver...what am I missing?

Yes, I can answer for myself. Yes, I knew it was a commitment when I got in. However, it didn't work out for me and my situation. I have a meeting tomorrow with the manager of the business and have several questions to ask before I make my decision. I also am well aware the odds are against me. However, I know it can be done. I appreciate the feedback but everyone's situation is different and you have to make the best decision for your situation. This shouldn't be an argument anyway. It should be more of how to help someone out to be successful in this situation under the circumstances.

Jmart, we hope if you get that position you're successful. However the odds are stacked against you. We don't mean to discourage you however local driving is often above the skill set of rookies. I started fresh out of school but I went through a mandatory 12 week training period where I had an experienced driver seated next to me. Only time he drove was some of the places I had to back into were above my skill set and I asked him to get it in after I tried a couple times as we were obstructing traffic. You worked your tail off to earn that CDL, the last thing we want is you to ruin your career before you fully get started. I would be sure that this company has a thorough training program. Many local positions I've seen advertised in my area are only giving a week or 2 of training. If you are going to be starting local search indeed. In my area there's 6 different companies looking for "delivery driver trainee" that have a 12 week training schedule. There was a member here "mountain girl" that got her start doing P&D for Old dominion fresh out of school. She was involved in multiple accidents her first couple months and was ultimately let go. She had a hard time finding a new carrier that would even touch her. Again, wish you the best of luck and look forward to hearing about this however we don't want to see you jeopardize your career.

Thanks Rob! I meet with the manager tomorrow. I have a list of questions for him. I want to make sure I know what I'm getting into. Also, it isn't necessarily local, they deliver hundreds of miles away as well as some local. I will keep you all updated.

Local, hazmat, tanker...

You have no experience. I think you are making a very big mistake.

I'm not sure what other options I have with my situation. What do you suggest?