Comments By Michael B.

What are the realistic miles that a new (solo) driver can expect after all training is done?

I keep hearing numbers from recruiters that do not seem to be too realistic. Some have indicated that their drivers average 3,000 mils per week some have said 3,500 and others even more.

From reading on this website I have inferred a great variance on a daily and weekly basis. That things are volatile hard to predict and certainly uncertain. These recruiters say with no shame that their driver get 3000-3500 hours a week. So my question is how many miles are your averaging a week?

I am about to start trucking school and before I pull the trigger I want to run the numbers and see if it makes sense.

Thank you in advance....

Hey Fellas (and gals too), I expect to be talking to a recruiter soon from a company I just applied to. I was wondering if there’s any advice you might have about “do or don’ts” or things I should say or shouldn’t say, and if there’s anything specifically I can say that will elevate me in the eyes of a recruiter?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I really want to work for this company. Thanks.

Here is my advise. I always look at this from the other side. When I talk to recruiters I recognize that they make money by selling me on their program. The reality is this: They need me I do not need them. There are a lot of company sponsored trainings out there and if this doesn't fit so what, there are a lot of fish in the sea. This gives you a very distinct advantage as it puts you in the driver's seat. (excuse the pun) If you approach this with this very positive attitude the you know that their school must meet your needs. I am not indicating and arrogance but just the self assurance that comes from knowing they need you.

I am working on some basic calculations and need to better understand speed limits for trucks. I live in California and understand the statewide limit for towing vehicles is 55 mph. Under the 11-Hour driving limit that equates to a maximum daily driving distance (solo) of 605 miles. (55 x 11)

I have talked to several companies with claims of solo drivers averaging 3,000 - 3,500 miles per week and one indicting 15,000 - 20,000 miles per month. Although those may be reachable I take those claims with a grain of salt.

But my question is how fast can trucks be driven in other states?

A second question might be better asked this way: When driving on interstates, what is your average speed?

Sorry guys getting ready to chose a school and don't know: What is a DM?

That is pretty much how I see it also. Thank you for the insight.

I am about to embark in this new arena of employment. I need to take a week off for a prepaid vacation in May. I have talked to several company sponsored CDL schools. I have asked if it is realistic that I take a week off after completing their training. I estimate I would have completed the school (CDL), the 4-5 weeks of training following the school and would be on my own for about 2-3 months.

Most recruiters have said it would be no problem but I almost always can detect that after I have committed to their contact there may be more of a challenge than represented. Can anyone comment on is a week off reasonable to expect with about 4 months on the job? I have paid about $4000 and do not want to lose that investment.

Well I am a runner. I would like to run about 60 minutes. Is a truck safe for an hour at a truck stop or rest area?

I was wondering if there is a lot of theft in the trucking industry that drivers face. Are trucks regularly stolen, broken into, etc.? Do I dare leave my truck at a truck stop, rest area, etc.?

I understand your concerns. I am 65 and about to start this journey also. I have asked many employers about my age and the answer has been resoundingly the same. If you can pass the physical that is all they care about. Now I recognize that they may want to just sound like there is no age discrimination. For the most part I believe them. I am very fit and look much younger and run 6-10 miles a day 4-5 days a week. I am not worried about it. If you attend a company school they train you to drive their trucks. Getting into their school will tell you they will hire you.

As far as the SSN number on line that doesn't trouble me a lot either. But I share your concern and have found that you can do a lot with a phone call. I have talked to many schools and applied to the ones that passed my phone interview.

Good Luck! I hope to join you in 6 weeks.

WOW, what a trip.

Started CDL training on Sept. 30 and completed on Oct. 21. Three days of home time and then started OTR training with mentor on Oct 25. Today, Nov 7, returned to Memphis from LA, and successfully completed the final road test.

Tomorrow I head for the Knight terminal in Gulfport, which will be my home terminal, and picking up my first truck!! Now the real learning begins. While I know I have had great instructors and driving trainers, I also know that I have just begun the learning process of driving a big rig.