Comments By K.O. & Jack-Attack

I have been driving for 5 years in the oil field so from bad sleep and eating what I could because I was running mad hours.... I have gained like 75 pounds so I weigh around 300 pounds and that's not good. Now I am running for a regional /OTR company so I get sleep at night or day. I need help or advice on what I should keep in truck to eat and snack on. I do not have a refrigerator or cooler yet so it might make things harder.... But any advice is grateful and appreciated. I just don't know what is good foods and bad but I know candy and fast food is bad stuff and I seldom drink coffee but I do drink one or 2 soda a day.

While I have not started trucking just yet, I saw your post and wanted share my plans, as it may help you.

I will be using a foldable E-bike on my off day to go to a grocery store or Walmart to load up on healthy cheap foods.

While I certainly love the idea of eating out everyday, and getting cheese sticks, corndogs, and fries I certainly don't want cardiac arrest at age 30. A foldable E-bike allows me easy quick transportation to a store for cheap healthy foods, and also solves the problem of smaller parking lots. Also, I have struggled with weight for years. 397 lbs working with McDonald's to 160lbs after back to 240 lbs currently (my height being 5'8'') making me overweight, as a trucker cool-sculpting is easily affordable. It's something I'll be doing, because you are able to do the sessions in increments, and the killed fat cells turn to Protien and energy instead of being removed like in liposuction. That's what I'm going to be doing, if that helps any?

Hey everyone,

Need some general advice. First my name is Chris and I am a new CDL holder just trying to find my way in trucking. I will humble myself that I am new and know barely anything about trucking but open to learning and trying my best. I finished with Roadmaster and was hired by Werner. I went with a trainer and he was a nice guy. I had a lot of problems with my backing (45) and my trainer let me back sometimes albeit not nearly enough in my opinion. I mostly drove straight down the interstate for my training for 4 1/2 weeks. I went back to the terminal tried to test out but didn’t do very well and was released (exact words used). I felt bad about myself and thought maybe I was hopeless. The next day started applying for jobs and narrowed it down to Swift and start their driver orientation training October 7th. My thought was will I ever be able to get the backing aspect of trucking technique? Werner was quick to dismiss me and I didnt feel good about it, however its not my nature to bash anyone and I take full responsibility as an adult that I need to get better. Does anyone have any advice for me going forward? I really want to do this job and open to do whatever it takes. Thank you all in advance...

Congratulations on getting an orientation with Swift. I was accepted and set up to attend orientation with them this past week, but they changed there 3 years of solid work history to 10 years of solid work history and most of my work history was for a farm with no contract, and I didn't register my business with the state of Illinois and the IRS until a year and a half ago. They turned me down because I didn't have a contract employment for a solid 10 years. Good luck to you!

No one made any accusations. We genuinely are trying to help you see the reality of trucking life which it is evident that you have no real idea of it. Someone in your condition could seriously deteriorate from the mental stress. Dog or no dog. If you board the dog that you need so desperately, how is he going to help you when learning to back? Or dealing with a nasty trainer? Or customer?

Now you state you were suicidal and on anti depressants. That alone could prevent you from getting hired. No company is going to want to put an 80,000 pound killing machine in the hands of someone with a questionable mental history. They often will require years and documentation proving the length of time you have been off the meds.

And you are NOT asking them about a normal pet policy. Not one company would train with a pet on board under normal circumstances. Prime wanted me to train after a proven track record and even though THEY wanted me to train, I had to jump through hoops cause I had a cat. They had a shortage of female trainers. Upper management needed to approve it. And that was a 10 year old lazy cat, not a 46 pound dog.

Also realize that all of these promises of taking you are due to fear of lawsuits. However, the chance of you killing people with the truck would be a larger lawsuit than rejecting you for safety reasons.

And you are right....i am not most trainers. I am much better and more lenient and compassionate. That is because I struggled greatly and had to overcome a lot in training. I still remember how hard it was. You have no clue what you are getting into.

All "acceptances" you are receiving are contingent you pass other test such as the DOT physical. Each company can have different requirements in addition to DOT regs. Prime wont even allow some non addictive anxiety meds such as trazadone.

Again.... Good luck.

I see where you're coming from. It's true I probably don't know what I'm getting into. I have no experience. I agree that some companies would fear a lawsuit and feel obligated, but I also know of the driver shortages and that some companies are desperate. One company was so desperate without me even mentioning my dog being an esa. I certainly don't want to force any company or threaten a lawsuit or have to file one. I don't think it has to go that far.

I completely understand also how a company may feel about my past, but I'm also protected under both HIPPA and ADA from disclosing my past, and protected from being rejected due to that past if I did voluntarily release those documents to an employer. So the documentation side isn't a concern. However I see your point on the diagnostic side for safety purposes. While it's true suicide patients can relapse and have mental breakdowns, statistical evidence shows that these incidents are generally caused by a co-occuring disorder (that is the individual having a diagnosis and somekind of addiction) or having a duel-diagnisis. Sometimes it's a bad combination of psychiatric medicine, and sometimes it's a newly traumatic life occurrance that causes a relapse in suicide patients. In my particular case, all of my family members have already passed away. That was the hardest for me, but there is nothing more that can possible arise in my life to cause a relapse from a traumatic incident. I don't have anxiety or anything, so getting nervouse or unstable during training or on the job isn't a potentiality. Also most suicide patients do not harm or intend to harm others. It's a psychological state of mind of not conflicting harm on others that forces the side patient to do it to themselves. No suicide patient would intentionally attempt to harm anyone with a vehicle unless they have other mental problems/diagnoses.

Being depressed and down all the time certainly isn't fun, and years of medication and combinations have failed. That's why I have an esa with a doctor's order. It may sound like gibberish, but for someone with a real mental condition, an esa really does work as treatment. I love him more than anything in this world, and I owe everything to him for helping me recover and for his continued treatment. Suicidal ideations are no longer part of my diagnosis.

He's got at least a decade of life in him, so being depressed and suicidal isn't something I need to worry about for several years from now. I'm not sure what I'm going to do at that time but I am well treated at this time, it's also why it's so important for me to have him where I go. that's another reason why I was so interested in a public boarding facility like PetSmart because they allow me to video chat with my dog which helps my condition. So it wouldn't be a problem if PetSmart was taking dogs right now but since they're not I have no choice but to bring him with me.

some who outright discriminate against me for having my service dog instead of taking anti-depressant prescriptions

If you are suffering anxiety attacks that warrants taking anti-depressants or having an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), you may be denied training until the attacks are under control as an ESA is not a Service Dog.

If these companies know the rules of the ADA and find that you are passing an ESA off as a Service Dog, they may consider that lying and could release you before training you.

Laura

To reiterate a previous reply: The ADA specified that any animal trained to perform a task for a disability is considered a service animal. Not all esa dogs can be service dogs, but those that perform a function are classified as a service dog under the ADA. Also to reiterate, a service dog and an esa dog are both federally protected under the ADA. The only difference in accommodations under Federal law, is that you can't bring an esa into a restaurant, but can bring them anywhere else people are allowed. Compared to a service dog, which can go into restaurants unlike esa dogs. A trucking company or training facility or hotel is not a restaurant, so it wouldn't matter if my dog wasn't a service dog, because I have a doctor's order and he's registered with the state of Illinois as an esa, and is allowed anywhere people are except a restaurant. So it doesn't matter here if he's an esa or a service dog, because they are both federally protected, and we're not talking about restaurant use here.

I just made a reply to you to correct your false accusations. However, to correct you on some of the material you presented: 1. There is no state or federal registry for service dogs, nor a federal registry for esa dogs. However, the state of Illinois does have a state registry for esa dogs, which require a doctor's order which I have and my God is registered with the state of Illinois. 2. ADA specified that service animals are allowed anywhere people are including restaurants, and esa animals are allowed anywhere people are (exuding restaurants). 3. The ADA specified that any animal trained to perform a task relating to a disability can be a service dog. ADA makes it very clear that some esa animals that perform tasks related to the alleviation of certain mental or emotional conditions are classified as a service animal, and distinctly disqualifies esa animals as service animals that provide emotional comfort that do not perform a task.

So again, you need to understand the interpretations better, and not make false accusations against me. I was a suicide patient for years before getting my dog and registering him with the state of Illinois. He does perform a task specified by ADA qualifying him as a service dog rather than an esa. And Jack is literally a doctor's order in place of failed varieties of anti-depresant medications. I've never had a problem bringing him anywhere, including into restaurants. Sometimes people ask to see his paperwork, and I reply by asking which ones? And I show my doctor's prescription, and his state registry.

The issue here is that most States do not have a registry for esa, so what applies here in Illinois, may not apply in another state, but will still apply under Federal law under the ADA. Thank you, and please don't jump to conclusions and make false accusations against me (or anyone else for that matter).

Have you tried normal dog boarding places? They are still open in most states. A few weeks ago I had to fly from Nashville Tn to Cleveland Oh to pick up a car I bought. The airlines wouldnt let my dog on the plane...even in baggage because of covid19. I called the nearest boarding company and she stayed the night with them, even had a bath before I got back. It will be difficult to find a company willing to let you take a dog to training, even harder to find a trainer willing to let a dog on their truck for several weeks as that is their home away from home or as in my case my fulltime home. Even if the trainer is not allergic to dogs, they have a new trainee every few weeks that might be. Your best bet is to put doggy in a kennel until you get your own truck and you may have more luck with a non chain brand kennel. If your state doesn't allow kennels to be open, check with the state you will be going to for training. I dont crate my dog, she rides in the passenger seat. She's 48.8lbs.

As for the customer property issue. It is extremely unreasonable and unrealistic for you to expect your employer to find you runs based on if they let you walk your dog on their property. I've had some that allow it and others that dont. What you should do is drop that requirement and learn to stop and walk your dog within an hour of arrival. Most of the time you are on their property less than 2 hours and it's just that...THEIR property. No different than not allowing guns on their property. If you are walking your dog and for some unknown reason it bites another driver or employee they are now on the hook. Most have no problem with a quick pee but if they allow it carry poop bags and pick up your dogs poop...even at truckstops and rest areas, don't be "that guy" and dispose of it properly. General Mills in Buffalo NY made me unhook and bobtail off property through the hood at midnight to walk my dog once. I was kind of peeved since it took them 11.5 hours to load me but it's their property, their rules. Personally I think the breed restrictions are stupid as hell. Me and my dog live fulltime in the truck and it is great! You will find your bills being paid off quickly or your bank/investment accounts filling quickly. Good luck with the hunt.

Hi, thanks for that idea. Stopping for a short time before arrival isn't something that crossed my mind before you mentioned it. I'm very work-focused, and my number one priority when working is to complete the task as properly and efficiently as possible, so I'm always focused on early arrivals and completing work tasks without interruption or intervals, which is probably why I didn't think about your idea there. I will definitely do that, thank you for that! That's a good idea!

You got this verbally confirmed and not in writing. Recruiters will promise the moon to get the commission yo get you there. I would request it via email. Both regarding the trainer and the room mate. A pet of any size is a huge liability issue and in today's litigious society, bringing your dog could cost the company millions of dollars.

I have been following this thread as a trainer. I find it hard to fathom a trainer would risk their own pet or truck with someone else's. Not to mention your intact male dog will be sexually abusing the other dog and perhaps the trainer, as well as marking his territory all over the truck. I would never allow it. All pet owners think their dogs are well behaved and wonderful. The pup is absolutely adorable as he is chewing on the steering wheel. But it doesnt mean he should be on a truck with a new driver. Not all animals get along with all people....and just where are 2 dogs sleeping??? Where will their food and bowls be kept? The trucks are small enough with 2 people... But if someone thought his dog was going to sleep on my bed when my 100pound dalmatian never did....i would kick him and the dog to the curb.

Also, when I tried to board my cat during training they limited it to 30 days because animals can go nuts in pens. They also wanted $750 for the month I fostered dogs for years and trained dozens. And even i wouldnt do this.

Good luck.

I also am worried that you seriously believe team training is a few days out. At most companies, after you get the CDL you will be OTR making deliveries for weeks on end... Not days. I also find it interesting that you need the emotional support animal but were willing to house it in the hotel during class or at pet sitters. I never heard of this as it seems to defeat the purpose. Not to mention if you need emotional support, the stress and culture shock of life on the road could cause you to digress into whatever disability you have.

Please consider carefully what you are contemplating. Because after reading this, I have deduced you need to analyze tour expectations. Just because your friend said something that happened years ago doesnt mean it would happen now.

First of all, your speaking for yourself, not all trainers here. Secondly, my dog is highly trained, and does not behave as you made it out to seem. And quite frankly I'm appalled and offended. Thirdly, to address your accusationally implied comments: I am trying to comply with a company's listed pet policy and not force them because I want to keep the employer happy. If I wanted to, I would force a company to accommodate me, but doing that will strain the employer-company relationship. And that's the last thing I want.

And yes, I understand getting it in writing, but I now have a handful of companies that have verbally confirmed they will take me, and two of them have me on the list to go. So I see no need to tell them all that I don't trust there word, that I need it in writing.

I can't find paid CDL training that has an acceptable pet policy. My dog is not neutered, he is 46 lbs, and I am not willing to crate him during travel. I'm also not interested in a mandatory "no pets on customer property" rule; I am open to companies that allow it on a case-to-case basis upon requesting from the customer location though. I also live in Illinois which is a closed state to get my CDL, I do have my CLP though. My dog is also a registered and certified service dog for emotional support complying with ADA.

There are individuals and organizations that sell service animal certification or registration documents online. These documents do not convey any rights under the ADA and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that the dog is a service animal.

I can't get into paid CDL training with my dog anywhere for some reason or another. I'm even losing hope for company sponsorships with an acceptable pet policy for my baby. I'm always denied for one reason or another, some because I'm an Illinois resident, some because my dog is a few pounds over their anerexic dog weight limits, some because team training requires several days out and can't have the dog with the trainer, some because I won't crate him during travel, some because he's not neutered, some because I won't be allowed to ask the customer location if it's okay to take my dog out for a few minutes, some who outright discriminate against me for having my service dog instead of taking anti-depressant prescriptions because they don't want dogs in the truck, some that only do paid CDL training for current CDL holders, some that don't have lodging to their training centers and don't provide travel from where I at. It's always something for one reason or another.

Can someone please help? Does anyone know of a trucking company doing paid CDL training or company sponsorship that will take an Illinois resident, that has lodging, and has an acceptable pet-FRIENDLY policy or will be willing to waive the pet policy due to being a licensed service dog and doesn't require 2-3 weeks out in team driving during training? I've now gone through literally dozens of trucking companies! PLEASE HELP!

I finally had time to review the ADA's regs to see if there had been any recent changes.

Throughout most of your original post you talk about your "baby" as a pet and the different pet policies you've run up against. A couple times you state your "baby" is a certified service dog.

Here's my take: 1. You are desperate to drive and use a truck as your home because you are homeless and winter is coming.

2. Because of this situation, you are using your dog as a "Licenced and Certified Service Dog"

Q17. Does the ADA require that service animals be certified as service animals? A. No. Covered entities may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal, as a condition for entry. There are individuals and organizations that sell service animal certification or registration documents online. These documents do not convey any rights under the ADA and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that the dog is a service animal.

3. You really don't know the ADA's rules regarding Service Dogs and what is allowed.

A. People are allowed to ask you 2 questions only: 1) is your dog a Service Dog that helps with your disability?

2) What tasks does your dog do to help you with your disability? (You CANNOT be asked what your disability is).

Q3. Are emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals considered service animals under the ADA? A. No. These terms are used to describe animals that provide comfort just by being with a person. Because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

The ADA makes a distinction between psychiatric service animals and emotional support animals. If the dog has been trained to sense that an anxiety attack is about to happen and takes a specific action to help avoid the attack, that would qualify as a service animal. However, if the dog's mere presence provides comfort, that would not be considered No Sir. You are mistaken. It's not wise to jump to conclusions and make false accusations. I've been diagnosed with Severe Chronic Depression, and I was a suicide patient for quite sometime. I've been on antidepressants for years, but they always had bad side-effects. I was required to take a group counseling session once, where I learned about emotional support animals. I have a doctor's order as required by Illinois State Law for emotional support animal registry with the state.

When is the last time you checked about boarding, such as petsmart? In Iowa petsmart has been allowing boarding for about 2 months now. We've taken our dog there a couple times and they called us to let us know they're back open. Granted, Iowa's Covid response has been far more relaxed than nearly every other state so it may vary. I'm not sure where in Illinois you are but for reference I just looked at boarding at the Chicago (south loop) store online and there's no mention of not being open. I'm not sure when you last looked but it may be worth looking into. That particular store is $40 a night so its spendy but it'd only be a few weeks atleast.

Would it be possible to transfer residency to another state since you're planning on living in the truck? When moneys been tight in the past I've donated plasma. I've used BioLife which usually amounts to $280 a month if you donate twice a week. They're constantly running promotions for $600 your first month with twice a week donations if you're a new donor. There are certain medical conditions and prescriptions that disqualify donating but I just wanted to throw it out there as an option to help financially.

I did mention PetSmart briefly in a previous post. That was the first place I checked. Albeit I don't politically agree with them providing me a letter telling me they'll be using my money I give them as a customer for the whole "BLM debacle", but at least they have a TV and let me video chat when I need to. When I called last week, I was informed that the Joliet location and most others were closed until further notice.

As for Plasma I understand the morality behind it, and I wouldn't mind giving once or twice in my life that good cause, but I'm not open to doing it as an income like some people I know who do it every week. Needles make me uncomfortable and uneasy, and they like to spend 45 minutes digging around in my flesh Everytime.

I did find two companies this morning though that sounds one will work out. I'm expecting to start on Oct. 12th at the latest, I made an update post about it awaiting approval. Thank you for your post!

I see that you are waiting on 4 companies to respond and a dozen more to try. Don't wait for the 4, just flood them all because just 1 of them might be the one that will solve your problem. As for the school bus, you are probably right about allowing your dog and you wouldn't be allowed to "live in the bus". Don't forget all the vast resources here on TT. Read, test, contact every recruiter and company thru this forum. Good luck

I found two companies this morning, I just made an update post awaiting approval with the specifics of both companies. Thank you for the post!