Great Website And Resource

I've been browsing around this website the last few days and I really like what I've seen. I'm considering a career change and found this site doing research.

I'm in my mid 30s and feel if I'm going to make a lifestyle change into this career field, now is probably the time to do it. I rode along with my uncle once when I was in college so I got a tiny window into your world. I learned not all Walmart back rooms are created equal.

I'm still poking around and I'm sure I'll have a few questions. I'd like to get back to Dallas but I live two hours south of there for now. I've seen there's quite a few companies that hire and even train out of Dallas.

Welcome to Trucking Truth!

You've run into one of the best resources out there for people new to the industry. If you ever have any questions, need to vent about something, or just looking for a little encouragement feel free to post. There are usually several of us hanging around at any given time and can give you an answer.

As far as Dallas, I know that Stevens Transport has their main terminal and training facility there. But don't let location hold you back. As long as a company delivers freight in that general area (and Dallas is a pretty large freight hub) they will be able to get you home.

Good luck!

I've been browsing around this website the last few days and I really like what I've seen. I'm considering a career change and found this site doing research.

I'm in my mid 30s and feel if I'm going to make a lifestyle change into this career field, now is probably the time to do it. I rode along with my uncle once when I was in college so I got a tiny window into your world. I learned not all Walmart back rooms are created equal.

I'm still poking around and I'm sure I'll have a few questions. I'd like to get back to Dallas but I live two hours south of there for now. I've seen there's quite a few companies that hire and even train out of Dallas.

Swift has a terminal in Lancaster and trains in Corsicana I believe. Either way welcome to the forum and so as much research as possible. This can be a great opportunity for you, it sure has been for me. Don't hesitate to ask questions, everyone on here is really helpful!

As a former financial advisor, this is my "due diligence" phase. A few questions, and forgive me if these are of the 'Captain Obvious' type.

I kissed someone's bumper two years ago. It was minor, and no police were involved, but she eventually felt like having State Farm buy her another bumper on my behalf, so I have an accident on my CLUE report. Will this hurt my chances with companies? I don't have any tickets or violations otherwise.

Company training vs. private CDL school. There is a school here locally, and also know of one in Dallas (I'm sure there's several up there). While I can afford the schooling if I chose that route, I'd like to start earning money faster, even at a training wage. Maybe I've answered my own question.

Would you recommend getting my home state CDL permit before going to a company sponsored training? I've been reading a lot about Prime and it seems like they (and the state of Missouri) are discouraging this.

Here's an "out there" question. I know people in several states who own land and could see myself wanting to hunt during the season on my off time. Do you think companies, and/or law enforcement, would have an issue with having a compound bow with me? I'm certain every single company has a rule against carrying a firearm on the job (and I've had my carry license long enough to know that compiling with state and local laws all over the country would be next to impossible).

As a former financial advisor, this is my "due diligence" phase. A few questions, and forgive me if these are of the 'Captain Obvious' type.

I kissed someone's bumper two years ago. It was minor, and no police were involved, but she eventually felt like having State Farm buy her another bumper on my behalf, so I have an accident on my CLUE report. Will this hurt my chances with companies? I don't have any tickets or violations otherwise.

Company training vs. private CDL school. There is a school here locally, and also know of one in Dallas (I'm sure there's several up there). While I can afford the schooling if I chose that route, I'd like to start earning money faster, even at a training wage. Maybe I've answered my own question.

Would you recommend getting my home state CDL permit before going to a company sponsored training? I've been reading a lot about Prime and it seems like they (and the state of Missouri) are discouraging this.

Here's an "out there" question. I know people in several states who own land and could see myself wanting to hunt during the season on my off time. Do you think companies, and/or law enforcement, would have an issue with having a compound bow with me? I'm certain every single company has a rule against carrying a firearm on the job (and I've had my carry license long enough to know that compiling with state and local laws all over the country would be next to impossible).

I'll answer the best I can being that I am very green and only been solo for 9 days haha.

1. I can't answer that, that is something you must ask a recruiter when you get the chance to. It's one of those things that depends on the company. One may not like it but another may not care. Being that your record is good I doubt it would affect you a whole lot.

2. I like company sponsored. I chose to do it with Swift because it guaranteed me a job after getting my cdl and I couldn't afford it. Another thing to consider is if you go private, most of the companies that will take you train already, but again it's more of a research thing for you to do. Have to see what will work better in the end. Also as a side note you should look at Southern Refrigerated transport, Maverick, and raider express. They are also in Texas and do training.

Money will come but most training pay is low. You really can't come out here and make a lot right off the bat. The learning curve is steep, but I must mention that I believe prime has the highest training pay, but also they have the longest training, which I think is a good thing.

3. I would only reccomend it if the school requires it. The Swift academy did so I got mine done in my home state. Either way I recommend doing the high road training program. It will guarantee that you pass the permit test. I did it twice, so when I went to take the test, the lady at the dmv couldn't believe it when I finished in 6 minutes and passed haha.

4. From my very limited knowledge Swift doesn't allow anything like that. They actually told us at orientation no crossbows/bows haha. I guess someone had one on his or her truck. If anything just schedule time for a hunt and take off from driving. This is also dependent on the company. For example at swift you can take 3 days off and keep your truck. Any more than that and you have to turn it in. This bothers some and others will just move out of the truck each time.

Hope I answered good enough, the more experienced guys should chime in soon. If anything you must find what works for you and be prepared to work your butt off! Good luck!

Thanks , Devan. Very helpful