Location:
Shady Dale, GA
Driving Status:
Preparing For School
Social Link:
Dedicated father. Technology embracer. Newspaper maven. Coffee Connoisseur. Walt DisneyWorld aficionado. Trivia buff, low carb diet, gardener, voter
Posted: 5 years ago
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Getting your CDL-A without school
I think that what she is talking about is that he would have a lot of difficulty with a school that is fast paced. Something 3 weeks long, might not be his cup of tea. From her posts I think that she is willing to pay, she just doesn't want to pay for a school, him not pass, then have to take another school.
This idea may seem a bit different that what most think but what about a Weekend CDL School? Those type of programs are still 160 hours but are spread out over 8 weeks versus that usual 3 weeks.
Posted: 5 years ago
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Donna, I believe you have the right idea. Just keep doing what you are doing. Obviously, you are doing it right.
Posted: 5 years ago
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Okay I am in utter need of help!!! I have been out, you guess it 2.5 years...ugh.
I've hired scores of people over the last twenty years. When someone comes to me, and says that the accident was the fault of someone else, like the trainer, that tells me that they do not own the problem. If you do not own the problem, you can't fix the problem. The cause of your accidents was overconfidence in your ability, failure to take your time and the additional steps necessary, and recognizing your limitations. It wasn't the trainers fault. When you assumed control of that vehicle, YOU did so willingly.
When I was teaching my teenage daughter how to drive, I stressed many times that she was responsible for the vehicle, and her actions in it, no matter who was in the car with her. No one ever touches the control but the driver. That includes the radio. Do you know how ****ed that makes her brother? Doesn't matter, she's responsible for the vehicle. Not hearing a car coming, would still be her fault, even if someone else cranked it up.
Think back over the cause of the accidents/incidents that you had. What did you do wrong? How would avoid that in the future? I am getting ready to leave for CDL Training with a major carrier, later this month. I used the resources here to research the training provided by the different carriers. That research included how long the academy training is and how long the road training is. I also read the reviews for each carrier, on this site. Something that I decided to avoid was companies that used team dispatch during training. While I realize these companies get the student a CDL before training begins, I prefer to have a company that solo dispatches.
Maybe you didn't know about this site when you did your first foray into truck driving, but you do now. Use the site. Read the school diaries. Ask questions. Do not make the same mistakes that you made the first time.
Posted: 5 years ago
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I found a ton of information reading old threads on this forum, many were from on hit wonders and other dubious posters. And I was also accused of being the infamous troll, by some staff here. It could have run me off, but I needed information that is here.
He thinks you might be an infamous troll to this forum, who appears to be hanging out in Georgetown, Texas lately, under a kinder gentler incarnation.It may seem like a waste of time to help someone who may or not be a troll, but the truth is somebody may get enjoyment out of THINKING they're wasting our time by fooling us, however there are several people who may have a similar question now, or will find a thread in the future as we're helping them too. However, I disagree with thinking that person is the same. If it is, so be it. It doesnt change my replies to them as many people may not have even thought of asking a question.
Posted: 5 years ago
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As with any process it takes time to be an expert at it. I suggest that you keep doing what you are doing and do not try to hurry or skip any steps. It’s not worth it. You do you, let them do them.
Posted: 5 years ago
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One month experience! Am I in the wrong place?
Dollar General has refrigerators and freezers. The neighboring county has a Dollar General Market, which is a grocery store.
So, my question to you guys? As a driver with less than a month experience, should I even be in this account?
If this is one of the horrible dollar store accounts then you should absolutely not be on that account. You are a braver man than I. Anyway can your current company not switch you to something else like regular OTR.
Yeah,... I would have thought the same thing (Dollar), except that he mentioned a driver hitting a yellow Poll Deer and puncturing the reefer fuel tank. As far as I know, there are no perishables delivered in bulk to a DG or other $ type accounts. Smacks of Walmart Grocery because of the reefer reference and the multiple stops per week of 20+.
I'm not yet convinced this guy is genuine...notice he never replied to my questions. Hope I am wrong, time will tell.
Posted: 5 years ago
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Unwritten Trucker Pro-Tips (Feat. Kearsey)
Three digit interstate highway numbers indicate loops (even first digit) and spur routes (odd first digit).
Posted: 5 years ago
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New here, making a career change.
My plan was for the first of the year, too. However, once I got started, it went much faster than I anticipated. Not just the recruiting. That went very quickly. Getting my DOT physical, passing the CDL Permit, those were very quick. Choosing a company took a bit longer. There are so many factors involved in that, what is good for one person most likely wouldn't be good for another. A lot depends upon where you live in the country, what your priorities are, etc. Read those diaries on here. They are real good pictures of what to expect.
I though the transition out of my role in the corporation was going to take a lot longer, but to be honest, I've built a good team behind me. When you think about your choice for CDL School, consider where you will be... It is cold in January in certain parts of this country.
I'm 53-years-old and moving from the executive offices to the cab of a truck. I can attest to how easy it is to use this site to find a job in the truck driving industry. Things moved along more quickly than I anticipated, after I clicked Apply For Paid CDL Training. The process got underway very quickly. Nine companies contacted me. Two of them, I declined almost immediately as not the right fit for me. That left seven to give serious consideration.
There are a lot of factors to consider. You can do a lot of the research, right here. Read those diaries from students. I have a school start date of 10/21.
As for Swift, a few things to keep in mind. Look at how many trucks are on the road. Of course, they are more likely to be seen in accidents. That doesn't mean the driver was at fault. Their trucks with that big logo just makes them stand out more. Talk to Swift drivers that are currently employed, not drivers who were terminated or left disgruntled. I think you will find that you may have judged a book by its cover.
Swift made the top three in my decision making process, along with Millis and TMC. It wasn't an easy decision.
Thanks Southern Dad. I agree, Swift really seems like a great place to start. The recruiter I talked to is very nice. I'm supposed to hear from them today or tomorrow to see if I'm accepted. I really can't get started until the first of the year though but I was upfront and told them that.
Posted: 5 years ago
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Common Mistakes Rookie Truck Drivers Should Avoid - new article by Rainy (Kearsey)
I am enjoying her YouTube videos where she explains some of these mistakes. Nothing like being able to look back and laugh at the mistakes you made, while warning others to avoid those same pitfalls.
Posted: 5 years ago
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Postcards from the Road! (Post Yours Please!)