Comments By Ronald D.

Well it is not me but a trucker on anotehr site claiming any new drivers now will end up if lucky sixty bucks a week. I thought that was out of wack for sure just wanted to post what crap I find reading other sites that is why I rely on this site for accuracy.

thanks Ron

Just wondered do they make you put chains on and drive in bad dangerous weather forcing you to do it? I am curious as I know for one I am not a fan of driving in bad weather even in my car if I do not have to and read some drivers wont drive in it if they require chains and say they just pull over or find alternate routes.

thank you Ron

So what happens if you would get really ill in the truck to the point that you can not drive safely. I know it is not a daily occurance but I just was thinking about this and wondered how the companies look at this and what they do for you if that happens. Say your have a load and in middle of trip you get the flu bug etc. I know it is bound to happen to someone. I just wondered do companies understand this or do the can you or send another truck to finish the load trip. I dont get sick much at all really just wondered about that as it is a possiblility.

thanks Ron

I just read on line a driver ranting about new people after training pay and even new solo pay after figuring expenses on the road you will be lucky to have 60 bucks a week left over. No offense but I for one can not pay any bills with that. Is this reality? if not what would one in a true honest scenario being new be able to stash away after expense for living in the truck after all. thank you

Ron

So here you are learning to drive and suddenly go out on the road for weeks on end with a person you do not know at all. How do you handle things no one likes to talk about like what if you have to go to the bathroom say , I know no bathrooms on the trucks unless you are wealthy and buy one of those monster cabs custom made that has that stuff. I just wonder how the heck that works, and brushing teeth, I have a denture not afraid to admit that but still anyone that has them knows what I mean you dont sleep in them. And what about showering so you dont reek like a dead skunk on the side of the road. And what about laundry sooner or later your entire clothes will need washed. Sorry to ask the odd things but these are things someone that never did this before wondered about and would like to know how it all works. I realize when solo you can do things more your way but when with a trainer for weeks it may seem to me a little uncomfortable is why I am asking now.

thank you Ron

Well it me, Ron again and first thanks for all the patients with an adult 58 years old acting like a kid, but I want to do my research as much as possible and appreciate all of your help on here from everyone that answered my questions.

I am looking at wanting to start some sort of training say in February or March now as this year is about shot and gives me time to do a few things needing done prior to that.

From what I have been reading the Knight Squire training program to get my CDL is looking better and better that is if I can even get into it at all.

Since I am in Phoenix, Arizona they also have headquarters here. The squire program seems good for someone like me, they want you to have your CDL permit on your own first before starting thou. But they if given the opportunity will start you from day 1 as an employee and pay you $300 weekly during your CDL training and its a week here then out a week with a trainer on the road then back here a week in town driving then your test all the time getting $300 a week. Then once you get your CDL you go for 4 weeks or so with a Knight traner then solo. It also offers me after 30 days employment to take my wife and pet as they just updated the pet policy. So what do you all think of this program? From all I read you need to get a year under the belt somewhere and then can change if it does not work out and hopefully it will. As I read its all in what you put into any company what you will hopefully get out of it. As I said you read a lot of bad mouthing of all companies but hardly any praises and if they all were so horrible they all would be out of business.

thank you all agian for replies Ron

HI I have had tons of manual hot rod cars growing up and manual trucks but also know there is no comparison to a four or five speed car or truck to a ten speed or more big rig. I read sort of scary stories of being on a hill with a vehicle right behind you and stalling and failing yor cdl test. I went thru that learning a stick auto but seems more to it in a big rig. Any thoughts on it would be appreciated. thank you Ron

Are there companies that use automatic transmission trucks? I thought I read about some rigs that have automatics and curious what companies actually use trucks with automatics. And are you allowed to take your cdl exam in an automatic transmission truck or do you have to take it in a manual transmission truck? thank you Ron

Just curious since I know phoenix is a big hub on I10 from what I see do any of you know is there any companies that train right here in Phoenix where I can stay home for the cdl training part? I realize I have to go out with a trainer after getting the cdl. I also as stated need to find one that will allow pets and spouse with me when I go solo. I thought some of you that are familiar with the companies may now what ones actually train right here in Phoenix.

thank you Ron

Well how do you make a good decision on between going for a company with dry freight or refrigerated? I dont think I want to do flat bed or tanker so that sort of leaves these two. Also are there larger companies that run the lower half only of the country? Also thanks for the great answers you have delivered in this forum already for a new person looking into a late career change.

Ron