Comments By Lone Wolf

Is there a settings link here to stay logged in? Been reading up on the articles and every time I try asking a question or, posting a comment I keep getting kicked off/ logged out. I'm now typing my comments on a blank text document before I refresh the page or, log back in...

Oops, forgot!

Using the computerized testing system, use the Skip button for any question you are not sure of. Remember, once you get 15 correct answers the test will stop (or if you miss more than 5), and you pass!

Not in Virginia!

We have the touch screen computer stations at the DMV and you are allowed to miss 10 out of 50 to pass. You have to answer all 50 questions. The first try to challenge the test is free but if you fail then, it costs $2.00 for the next two attempts. If you fail three times then you are not allowed to re-take the test until you go to CDL school.

I've been reading up on how truckers have an unsettling sleep schedule and I've also listened to a few shows on Road Dog about this topic.

Well, I am in the very same boat. I work as a radio technician by day then, on weekends and sometimes during the week I'm working overnight as an security guard. I feel the pain trying to get decent rest even much so when I am the type of guy that will wake up to the sound of a leaf falling off a tree.

I'm in excellent health. There's literally nothing wrong with me other than I work up to 100 hours a week and I am constantly wired. Sure, I get tired at times and sometimes I fall right out until I get woke up and then there's no getting back to sleep. Sometimes I sleep perfectly.

I know that trucking isn't anywhere close to the hours I currently work because, that would be downright illegal. My question is... What's the sleep cycle like for a trucker when there's so much down time before your next shift?

Thanks!

My employer and I are like family so it's going to be, very hard for me to say goodbye when the time comes...

My friends tell me to go for it! They think it's cool.

My best friend however thinks that I have lost my mind.

I am just tired of working 100 hours a week living paycheck to paycheck.

Trucking is an opportunity for me to better my life because, nobody else is paying my bills...

Hope this helps!

@Crispin G. The best school in California is only charging $4400? That's insane! It cost's over $5000 at the community college in Virginia.!

Prime Inc. seems like the better option for me. I am very impressed by their really nice terminal, gym etc. I mostly like the fact that they take safety very seriously! They seem to make everyone do mandatory safety simulators. But yeah, do your research on a company before deciding to work there...

@Truckin Along With Kearsey

Why would anyone pay someone with a license less? That's dumb!

Thanks everyone!

Work has really picked up for me hence, my late reply.

I have thought about trucking my entire life. Believe me that I know all about working 100 hours a week and being underpaid. I currently work for a local radio shop as a technician. I also help out with working private security and 24/7 alarm response. It's a small company and they are great people to work for. However, it's barely enough money to survive on. No benefits, I haven't had a weeks paid vacation in over six years! So, if anyone has something to whine about then... Just think about that.

Sure, it's very easy for me to just sit on my ass fixing radios and computers all night but, I also do install's during the daytime hours.

I like my job. I like everyone I work with but, I am living paycheck to paycheck. I have nothing for retirement. I am lucky if I can invest anything from $5 to $100 dollars a week on Acorns.

So yeah,

I don't care if I have to work a ton of hours. If the money is better and if the job comes with benefits then why not?

I posted this message as an question about new truck drivers coming into the industry because COVID, shut their workplace down. Many places are opening back up. How many new drivers are out here because of COVID?

Anyone interested in trucking work because the COVID crises has shut down a lot of work? I work for one of those places and I am now having to scrap for whatever work I can get!

Thanks!

If I get trained and pass my CDL exam on a "automatic only restriction" then, am I still allowed to drive my little 5 speed car?

I agree with Errol V. It is very different from how you drive your car. I had my restriction removed the next day after testing for company in an automatic. Then going home and testing again in an O/O's manual truck it is very different and very stressful to do but can be done. Just more opportunities for an auto fail. Have you researched proper shifting? Double clutch? Proper downshift? I held a class B CDL for 10yrs before trying to join the big leagues but I remember everything being backwards when I was learning. Bringing RPMS up during downshifting instead of hitting brakes like a car. Or putting vehicle in neutral and letting RPMS lower between gears. I taught my wife to double clutch on the on ramps or on empty highways when she had to stop. If you already own a manual I would practice that a bit. Plus side if you have a sporty car it can improve your racing abilities. Don't get a ticket there are tracks for that. My wife says it makes her feel like a bada** when she nails her shifting so worth learning but probably not necessarily needed these days. Best of luck.

Are you saying that you can double clutch a car? I never even heard of double clutching until CDL driving. I still don't know how to down shift anything that will slow me down when driving downhill on a mountain covered in ice. I haven't figured out anything when driving downhill and dangerous turns other than tossing it in neutral and trying not to burn up the breaks...

Within the next year, perhaps sooner... I will accept one of the many positions that offer paid training. I know that these companies are switching to automatic trucks to save on fuel costs etc. I have no problem driving an automatic if that's what they want to give me if hired. However, I already know how to drive a manual car. I just don't want the restriction on my drivers licence...