Comments By Rev

Thanks everybody - I’m so new at this and so much to learn and remember as you all know. Creep mode I like that... makes sense. If I’m at a customer and I’m still on my 10 hour I could creep and won’t switch my status. I remember someone talking about this the other day. Thanks for reminder !

Awwwwwww.... thanks so much!!!

Don’t want to be parked outside and tell them- I have to sit for an hour or two before I can move to unload

Its your logbook and its ultimately your responsibility. BUT many drivers will creep (under 5mph) to the unload area if they're onsite. This allows them to unload while off duty and start with a fresh clock when they're done unloading. Legally moving the truck/checking in is supposed to be on duty and/or Yard Move however thats one way that many drivers will maximize their earning potential. You could also use a split sleeper berth if needed.

Thanks Old School! That’s exactly my plan for today’s run. Going to fuel and head for my first stop for tomorrow at 0700. Just have to watch that clock. Don’t want to be parked outside and tell them- I have to sit for an hour or two before I can move to unload

Hey Jared, as a flat-bed driver, I would bet some of your customers would allow you to park on their premises. I also ran a dedicated flatbed gig. I would oftentimes park at my customer's location. Let's say I had a 0700 appointment. I'd arrive the night before around 2200 or 2300 then unload in the morning and get started on my other stops.

When you want to take a shower, it's hard to beat a good truck stop though.

Ok, first time out and first time at truck stop and my goodness it’s a whole new world I’ve encountered haha.

I pretty much will try to avoid them if I can. Where do most park? I’ve seen some pretty comfy weigh stations, rest stops with hardly anyone parking there.

I have a buddy who parks close to his first stop in a retail area (not in the lot) but on a side street that’s not congested. Think, retail areas where everyone is gone and lots of empty street parking.

Just wondering... though I will say I was surprised at how nice the shower was at Loves in Post Falls, Idaho 🎉

This has been one of the biggest surprises starting trucking. And I’m green green green. Just went solo this last week (after one week of training with mentor after orientation and 2 days of account training) and at home getting ready to head out today.

I’m on a dedicated route that runs Washington State to Northern Idaho. With anywhere from 10-18 stops on the way back. Out Sunday return Tuesday afternoon. Out Wednesday morning return Friday (sometime). Then home till Sunday afternoon.

My first 5 days I clocked 64 hours. Pretty much we fight against the 14 hour clock on this dedicated route. With securement checks (flatbed) stoping at the required mileage. Stopping for weight stations, bathroom breaks. This is not counting- pre-trip planing at home, prepping to leave, cleaning everything when you return. Driving back from our DC which is 45-60min one way.

Again for me the biggest eye opener is how important learning your clock and for me the route and what it really takes and NOT RUSH during this learning phase. Plus, how much little time we really get to rest and relax.

Thanks Chris and Steve!

Welcome! Have you checked out TMC? Seems to have a great veteran support program.

Army Veteran

I am starting my CDL school on Monday 4/26/2021. I have begun to narrow down my list of potential starter companies. I am using the Post 9/11 GI Bill to pay for it. Navy vet. Werner and Stevens are on the list, they offer the military apprenticeship, BAH of approx. $1300.00 a month. Prime is on the list because the drivers seem to like it there. Pride Transport is also on the list, however they have a six month contract for all drivers (I think). So I might go with the apprenticeship for 6 months or so then go over to Pride? It is all a bit confusing, I will be given opinions leaning in all directions (I know). Using this forum to talk it out loud will, I hope, make it less daunting.

Thanx Mike

Well, the turn of events at Schneider keeps on going and it’s turning into a great adventure 😂

As some may have read in my past posts I’ve had a interesting journey at Schneider. No different then any other mega corporation. I’m having fun and being challenged for sure.

I started flatbed with a mentor this week (Monday- April 19th) with the plan to “go as long as you like with a mentor until you are confident to go solo” which sounded like a good plan.

So far my trucking journey has been:

1. CDL school in February 2. Took and last test first week of March 3. Schmeider orientation in Phoenix for two weeks 4. One week TE (training engineer) on a Target dedicated account 5. Discovered the account I was hired for was no where near what was presented. 6. Switched to flatbed docs in and went to two days of securement training April 12-13 7. Did a ride along with one of the lead drivers on the account I will be working on that was April 16th 8. An agreed upon mentoring week with lead drivers April 19-23rd (if needed longer) primarily because the type of account they want 3 months of solo experience.

I started my mentoring phase Monday 19th - what’s a whirl wind. Plan was 18 stops. My focus was the workflow of the tablet and close maneuvering at customers etc.

Tuesday was more the same with a different lead driver. WELL- half way through the day our DBL reached out and wanted to know if I was ready to go solo ....

Funny thing was.. I had text my wife at one of our stops “I won’t need 5 days of this to be ready to go solo - maybe 3 days max” 😂

Well, I went solo Wednesday the 20th with my own 3 days short run. What an experience! Left Wednesday got back last night around 6pm

Pulling into my DC to pick up my first loaded trailer- strapping it down and pulling out. WOW.

What I like about the team of drivers working this account I’m on (PrimeSource building supplies) they have built a great teamwork atmosphere and support each other incredibly.

Left the yard and headed to Northern Idaho to park up to start my deliveries for 0700 Thursday morning.

The feeling of being solo on my own when I left was exhilarating! I wasn’t expecting that at all. Wasn’t overly nervous. Felt the two days with lead drivers helped me understand to take it slow at customers in close maneuvering, GOAL lots, and take up space when turning. “That trailer needs two lanes of solace to turn and it will take it from sidewalks and guardrails- so make sure you create the space” that comment changed my life! Hahaha

Thursday night I parked at a Loves for first time - headed to the back found a spot that had 8 empty spaces and backed that flatbed right in now caring how it looked and then experienced a truck stop for the first time- well that was interesting. Paid $13 for a hot shower after waiting in line for an hour - yes it was worth it.

My first load was 18 stops - broke it up in two days and headed home Friday (yesterday) and it was great.

Couple of observations for new drivers:

1. We are hourly drivers on this account - in 5 days I clocked 63 hours. Not counting all the “off time” prep work that it takes to be prepared and successful. So be prepared new drivers. They won’t tell you this on the recruit call.

2. Don’t focus on getting home. If you do, you will start to rush and you will make mistakes. I started seeing this towards the end of my day yesterday.

3. Have fun!

More to come !

Congrats! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

Well after a year in limbo due to the pandemic I finally got my CDL! I passed the test and started to look around for driving opportunities other than what I was doing (Yard Dog since late 2019). I looked around and was offered a job at Wel. I am extremely excited to begin this new adventure and will be headed to WI for onboarding this Sunday!

Thank you! YouTube has been fun. Thanks for following!

Great update - been following along on YouTube as well!