Comments By Workhorse

Thank you Big Scott for your shout out to CFI is there anything you can tell me about their training process? Any and all information would be helpful.

To G-town thanks for your input as well, I know that my semi-recent bad decision is a hurtle that I must pass before I can continue to Step 2. I have been honest as I received a call from a recruiter with CRST just this morning and that conversation is already over. I will look into the "Second chance" companies as you called them. Should I be concerned though that since they are taking chances with people that they are hiring the drivers who want to be paid to drive and use? I'm not looking to get with a company that will tarnish my reputation due to association. I want to be a true professional in the industry known for Safety, Efficiency, and Punctuality.

This just goes to show that every scenario can not be predicted by self driving vehicles. The fact that there was even an operator in the vehicle during the incident is testimant to that fact. I worked highway maintenance for some time and the worst part of that job was the middle of the night phone calls to respond to traffic accidents. Seeing and experiencing those accidents/fatalities taught me one thing about drivers, anything and everything will happen out there. A computer can’t deal with it, by the time it’s input data on the road conditions ahead it’s changed so it will always be seconds behind it’s driving ability. By the time it recognizes the hazard it still has to compute a course of action, instincts of a human in the seat will always trump that in my opinion.

My prayers go out to the family. May she Rest In Peace.

Before the question is asked I thought I would include my list of potential carriers: Celadon
Central Refrigerated
C.R. England
Knight
Maverick
Millis
PAM
Swift
TMC
USA Truck

Also, In my research I've found that TMC and a few others offer 2 pay categories. In regards to TMC they offer mileage or percentage. Now since it states that most of their mileage is within 500 miles I can see where it benefits to take the percentage option. I can also see that as the price of freight is raised so does your pay but if the freight price is lowered so is your pay, so I'm wondering how often does freight price fluctuate? Does, it rise more than it falls?

Thanks again for your time and advice. Stay safe out there.

Hello all and good day. I have a list of potential carriers that I will be applying for. Before I start getting bombarded by emails and phone calls I would like it if the community could fill me in on any important items I need to address, or questions I should ask. Anything beyond what a rookie is going to ask that can tell me more about the carrier I’m about to sign with. All the carriers I have on my list are ones that offer their own training. Also, any advice on the different carriers you’ve experienced, or other carriers would be great full. Thanks you all stay safe out there. Hopefully be meeting you all at a truck stop soon.

One thing to keep in mind is that a small adjustment at the wheel results in a big movement of the trailer. Typically if you set up properly, once you see the trailer make the turn straighten the wheels and the trailer will continue on it’s curved path. Once you’re on target counter steer until the trailer lines up with the tractor.

Please take note that I’m not a trucker but trailers are a specialty of mine. Used to work for a highway maintenance company and a lot of the younger workers didn’t have the first clue on how to park a trailer. So at the end of the day there I am re-arranging them all so I can fit mine. I was a pesticide applicator so my truck was a ford 250 flatbed with a 500 gallon tank. Everyone else got a standard ford 150.

I’m not a truck driver yet hopin to become one soon. However, if it’s something that you are worried about it you can purchase a home kit and test yourself. I doubt it’s as accurate as a DOT drug test but if it shows positive then you know your options a little better. Hope this helps.

I also have a question but didn't want to start a whole new thread. For Prime I had to read through the Missouri CDL manual, here recently I've read the Florida CDL manual; I noticed that most if not all of the information given is identical and am curious if all state manuals were the same? If not, what are the differences? I would think that since CDL drivers typically drive across the nation it would be standardized. Just curious please let me know. Thanks.

Hello again, As stated in the title, I'm wondering if there are any carriers that offer CDL training? I've researched and applied for all the ones listed that I like but am not making much headway. So please if you know of any that haven't been added to the list let me know. Also, my top pick is Millis Transfer so any tips, recommendations, or advice would be greatly appreciated.

It works out better being honest. You don't want to spend a day on a bus only to get turned away In person.

I get the past coming back to bite you. About 10 years ago I put in an application with NYPD. I got my 60 college credits and even underwent LASIK eye surgery to get my sight to where it had to be. I passed my medical, psychological, physical abilities test and drug test (hair follicle). My investigator got great reviews from my neighbors and employers. I ended up getting disqualified because of my driving record. Even after they disqualified me I paid a lawyer 1200 (he gladly too my money) to appeal. After the fact I learned that there had only been 1 successful appeal with the city.

At the time I was doing local deliveries and I was doing things I shouldn't have because I was being a company guy. I did whatever it took to get my deliveries where they had to be on time. I learned the hard way, but I learned. It make take you a while to get what you want. Just keep at it. Worst they can do is say no. Once there is some space between you and that drug test you'll be fine. Take it as lesson learned and keep your license clean.

I appreciate the support I really do and the great advice. That’s exactly what happened to me with Prime. I took the greyhound for 41 hours, (I had previously disclosed the failed drug test and my recruiter told me to come on in and it wouldn’t be a problem) just so first thing after I paid my $100 non-refundable deposit I could grab my bags and head back out the door. Luckily I have an awesome family; my fiancé started her way towards me and my step mother and father put me up in Springfield’s beautiful Double Tree hotel. I do wish to be honest with any prospective carriers but it’s really putting me in the ground at present. I’m going to take Rainy D’s advice and seek a SAP program hopefully a cheap one as my financial resources are dwindling. All in all I need prayers, luck, and patience.

How many other companies have you applied to?

Prime, C.R. England and I believe that Millis Transfer has my application as well. I can’t remember if there are any more out there if so they haven’t contacted me back.

To Banks: I know that they’re building an overall picture to determine their basis for hire. However, the painting of that picture stops abruptly as soon as I tell them the TRUTH. That’s the dismotivating part I see on all their website that they want HONEST applicants and that’s exactly what they get with me. Then I’m dropped. It gets frustrating but it’s a dream of mine. I’ve already wanted to give this a shot. I hate that my past might have sealed it before it gets to take flight.