Got My Learner's Permit Today!!!!!!!

Topic 12458 | Page 1

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Julius M.'s Comment
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Hey guys, Just wanted to introduce myself and say that I'm glad I found such a great forum. I enrolled in a private trucking school today and was lucky enough to qualify for a grant from the state, so no cost to me. :-) My first day will be Monday, 1/18/2016.

I've got a couple questions too.... When you first started, did you go straight to OTR? Or were you able to get a local job? Also, whether OTR or local, which carrier did you choose and why?

TIA, Julius M. Los Angeles, Ca

OTR:

Over The Road

OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.

OOS:

When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.

Errol V.'s Comment
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Congratulating, Julius for 1) making the jump to Trucking, 2) nailing your CDL test, 3) getting into a school (paid for!), and 4) finding Trucking Truth!

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Please answer three questions:
* Did you use the High Road Training Program to prepare?
* What school are you starting at?
* Do you have any particular Trucking Companies in mind?

I assume you are spanking new to trucking - no, or little, experience. Check out the Truck Driver's Career Guide to see how this all works. If you head for a larger company, chances are you'll start out OTR for a few months at least. Then you may be able to get into a more specialized line of trucking.

Most local companies don't have the time to teach you all the ropes and they prefer experienced people.

I decided to go with Swift honestly because they have an arrangement where I get my school for free. It just costs a year out of my life. I've been there for almost a year and really don't have any complaints. I was OTR for about 3 months before I got a regional job. Here's another tt resource you can check out: Brett's Book.

If you have anymore questions, this is the place to ask them!

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

Regional:

Regional Route

Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.

OTR:

Over The Road

OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.

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