Comments By Chuck

I am currently in school at Crowder College in Missouri through CFI and the school has all there trucks as Manual transmissions and yes most of CFI's fleet from what a couple of my friends that work for them have told me. I would kind of like to have manual just to be able to continue to hone that skill but in any of kind of city driving an auto would be nicer. But being that I am currently training in a manual I won't have to worry about that restriction so an automatic as my first truck wouldn't exactly bother me either. :) I am looking forward to completing school and start driving OTR. Good luck.

That has to be dumbest reason to fail someone on a road test that I have ever heard of. What the heck is wrong with that person? I mean would they rather you pull out at the wrong time and cause a wreck instead? Man you should have been commended for being safe and passed. Sorry about the misfortune you had, bang it out on Tuesday and be done with it.

On another note be safe and good luck in your new journey. Keep the phone away and the rubber side down.

I am at Crowder College in Missouri training for CFI. I will be done on April 13th.

Dan, I am interested in what medications you had to get verified. I have been diagnosed with ptsd but have been taken off the meds. I was on lexipro. Also I am on a CPAP. Would you mind expanding on what types of red tape you had to go through to be approved?

Sorry that it has taken so long it's been really really busy as far as what meds I am on I'm on venlafaxine prazosin and hydroxyzine and it's mostly from my PTSD got that all cleared up. As far as the rest of my training goes all this week has been driving training backing up and road tasks morning and afternoon rotating I finally getting that 45ﾟ backup and road test is really easy. I take my cdl test on Wednesday. We lost one of the 6 in my class because the dumb dumb was on the phone while he was doing that back in maneuvers on the course so they sent him home immediately. You would think that people would be smart enough not to be on the phone while training in a really big truck.

On his phone during training??? What a complete IDIOT!!! Doesn't have anyone to blame but himself.

Hang in there and never give up on your dreams. Of course the failed drug test is a blemish and companies worry about that but it does not mean that someone won't eventually give you the chance to be able to fulfill those dreams. Take it one step at a time and if it is meant to be then the timing will be right. People all make mistakes and we hopefully learn from them and not make them again, only time can prove that. Keep your head up and know that if you stay the course and fight for yourself. You have done all you can on the research which is good and not many do that and realize that this isn't the life for them. I am currently in school for CFI and I am pleased with how things are going right now and cannot wait to get on the road in fulfilling my dream as well. It all starts with a dream, where we take it from there is up to us.

So I am finally able to access the internet with my laptop here at Crowder College. It has been a long week since I have not been able to access much of anything and keep up with all the happenings here on TT. So as I had stated earlier today I am trying to help others by keeping a diary or my time here at Crowder College so that others will know what to expect if they choose to apply at CFI to work as a OTR driver. 1) Make sure to pack enough clothing for 7-10 days so you have clothes to wear when you do your laundry. The dorms have beds but no bedding so you will also have to bring that instead of a sleeping bag. Just my preference but to each his/her own. They are twin beds so cover, sheet and blanket should be enough. Also do not forget your Pillow. 2) Bring snacks if you have room in your bag to do so just so you have them to snack on when you get hungry if you take the bus to get here which CFI provides to you. You can drive if you wish but more on that later. 3) Shoes or sneakers whichever you prefer and a good pair of work boots to have when with your trainer after school. 4) Shower and bathroom items are also needed so that you can shower and such, toothpaste and toothbrush...these items are often forgotten when taking a trip. 5) If you have a cellphone or computer you can bring it with you but the phone service here at Crowder is not the best so be prepared for that. You will not get a wifi sign in until the following Wednesday after you arrive here. 6) Now on the school and the training they have here it is top notch and the instructors are very patient and work with you so that you learn what you need to know for when you are a driver and start working. Caleb is my Instructor and I really like him a lot and his personality is very laid back and he is very understanding when you make mistakes which you will do for sure. Be patient with yourself it will come along even though at times it does not feel like you will. I have improved thus far and have only been here for one week so far and have never driven a Semi truck in my life. 7) If you do decide to come to CFI trucking I can personally tell you that I am very happy I did and they have not once told me anything that was untrue or steer me in the wrong direction. One last thing for now, you will get out of this program or any program on what you put into it so it is all up to you.

If you have any questions at all please feel free to ask in case there is something that I have not covered here. Big Scott and Jmart are also very good resources to ask questions to as well.

Until later, I hope this was helpful. Chuck

So I have been in a Wi-Fi and internet purgatory here at Crowder college thus why I have not posted any updates. I hope to later today post some new info after class so I can inform anyone with questions.

If schneider is willing to hire you then you may want to go that route and get some over the road experience and then move on from there and that may help. Keep doing it until you have exhausted all options before you give up. Good luck

Good luck to you both and I hope it all works out and you can begin to make a decent living, I am at CFI in Joplin in Missouri and very pleased so far with all that they have to offer. CFI is upfront with all that is expected and required of students and has a good reputation as a company. I am happy with my choice and have begun a diary that will detail all my experiences with them, be sure to check it out. Be safe and learn all you can.

Hey Jmart. I am at the hotel in Joplin after the first day of drug tests and contract signings. Great first day, leave tomorrow am for Crowder and will start school on Monday. Talking with Scott, he is gonna message you when he can for you to contact me so we can chat hopefully. He told me you are out with your trainer so I understand if you cannot right away. Whenever you get a chance is fine. I will be at Crowder this weekend so it's all good. Good luck with the trainer. Hope it all goes well brother.

Chuck