Greetings, Need Career Advice, Looking At Going Out On The Road.

Sambo, I drive for a dedicated flat bed account with Knight Transportation. A lot of how you do will depend on your ability to execute and produce - that is true at any trucking job. You can't go by those mileage numbers that recruiters throw out there. If you can manage your time productively, they will keep you moving, that is how the game is played.

I have done very well at Knight, and the bonus money will add .05 cpm to your overall pay if you're firing on all cylinders. They have this formula they go by, and the top bonus money getters are called "three star drivers." I have found it fairly easy to be in that top group, but it does seem that it is a very small percentage of the drivers who make that final cut. When I said something to my dispatcher about it he said that most of the drivers just didn't care enough to strive to be at the top. The extra 1,800 bucks per quarter is worth it to me.

Awesome, i think im going to just head for Knight then. Honestly, ive not really checked into a bunch of different companies, because really, I wouldn't know what to look for, I am new at this. Seems all reputable companies are pretty much the same, except for the pay rates.

The recruiter from Knight was very cordial on the phone with me, and pleasant to talk to. She almost acted like she wanted me to be there. Schneider seemed to be a much more formal, and rigid on the phone call. I had an accident back in 2012 or 2013, which wasn't my fault. A guy failed to stop at a stop sign and pulled out in front of me as I was going down the highway, while driving for the company I work for now. I hit the back of his truck at about 60 or 70mph. While nobody was hurt, it did crunch up the back of his F150 bed pretty good. We both pulled over to the side of the road, we got out and I made sure he was ok. He was, and he admitted that he did not see me. When the DPS officer showed up, we both explained what happened and no citation was issued.

Schneider seemed to be more interested in that. They want me to get an accident report for that incident because of the speed that was involved. I understand why they want this. Any accident is a red mark on a driving record, regardless of fault.

One thing I am concerned about, and am wondering if it will sink my chances of working for any trucking company. I do have high triglycerides, and high cholesterol. I'm not in bad health, and it has been this way for awhile. Actually, ive changed my diet and the numbers are coming down, but, if they do a blood test, i'm sure they will see that. The doctor has not put me on medication or anything, but they have suggested that I do something about it, which, again, I have changed my diet and it seems to be helping. Just hope that that isn't going to be a job killer for me. I really can't afford to resign from my current job and start the orientation with another company just to have some marks on my physical and the company tell me they don't want to keep me, that would put me in a bad situation.

I just recently completed my annual DOT physical for the company I work for presently, too bad they can't just use that, but i'm sure they will want to have me do it all again, so...

No blood tests involved Sambo. As long as your blood pressure is good you should be fine for the physical.

That's good news. every physical ive taken, my blood pressure has been almost perfect (knock on wood) :D

Talked with Schneider today, sounded like they wanted me to set up a time to bring me in in order to do the physical, and stuff. They said the would want me to go through their advanced training. Basically an 18 day period where I do a few days in a classroom, then out with a driver for a week or two, then back in the classroom for a couple of days to finish up.

They would pay $80/day during this period. Not a bad setup, though $80/day for 2 weeks straight would be kind of sketchy for me, but if that's what it takes, then i'd do it.

Talked with Melton and they said that since I haven't had any tractor/trailer flatbed experience in the last 10 months that they couldnt use me. I've been driving 3 axle straight trucks for the last 6 years. My last real stint of driving a tractor/trailer was back in 2009, so, they are out.

All in all, i'm still in talks with Knight. I think they are where I want to go. Schneider would probably be a good deal, but seems Knight actually pays slightly better. .41 cpm for Schneider vs. .40cpm to .49cpm sliding scale with Knight.

Talked to the recruiter at Knight and they said they needed me to fill out the long form application on their site and we'd go from there.

By the way, Knight refrigerated division uses the Volvo VN670, International ProStar, and Freightliner trucks. If the pictures on their website are any indication of the equipment they are actually using, these are some NICE rigs. The inside of that VN670 is very roomy. i looked at interior pictures of the vn670 on google and it looks like it has a bunk up top and a fold out table on the bottom. Plenty of storage, place for a fridge, microwave, and a TV.

Also, I may be wrong, but it looks like their dry van fleet is red in color and the refrigerated fleet uses a smoke grey color, which is really cool. Not sure if that's just the pictures or if that is how it really is. Either way, it looks to be some awesome looking equipment :D

Just talked to recruiter today, she said she was going to get with safety and see if everything checks out. Said she should have an answer for me tomorrow (Thursday). Crossing fingers.

She said if approved, i'd head to their Dallas center, do about 2 days orientation, then head out with a trainer for about 2 weeks to get acclimated, after which I would be on my own.

A couple of questions though. I know i'll probably have to buy either a mini fridge or an electric cooler. I know the mini fridges are pretty good, never used an electric cooler. Do they work pretty well for keeping food and drinks cold? I think the trucks at Knight have space to put a mini fridge. Any advice on buying one if that is the way to go? Like what size do they normally need to be, where is a good place to look for them?

Do most carriers provide a cb radio or will i need to purchase one of those myself? I know i will have access to one while with a trainer, but will definitely want to have one installed before I go solo.

Is it a challenge staying fit as a driver? I am heavyset (270 lbs), but have been working to lose weight and have lost about 30 lbs over the last couple of months. I understand that sitting in a truck all day is not going to be good for my weight loss goal, but I also understand that eating healthy snacks like carrot sticks, apples and things like that will be better than eating chips and donuts. I also have cut a lot of sugar out of my diet, pretty much drinking things with sucralose instead of sugar or aspartame. Do most drivers have time to exercise or is it nearly impossible to keep some sort of walking/exercise routine? I'm looking to save money by buying fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, lunch meat and bread, and possibly things like hamburger meat and lettuce and such for making salads. I'm hoping this will help me stay financially solvent, as well as be a healthier alternative to eating out every night.

I plan on getting a TV, fridge, and a microwave, and possibly a hot plate or something like that. I assume that means im going to need to buy a power inverter. Any recommendations on size/power capabilities? Also, how does one get tv stations while in a truck? Is it normally through just using rabbit ears or are there portable Dish/Direct TV units that you can buy?

I will also look into a trucker GPS. I assume Rand McNally is the way to go? I think I seen someone mention the 730 model? Any particular feature that are a must have when selecting one?

I guess the carrier will provide me with a checklist of things I need to get before showing up for work. Things like an atlas, gloves, boots, pens, paper, clipboard etc. I will probably need to buy a pretty good assortment of tools? Or at least the basics, hammers, screw drivers, ratchet set, adjustable wrenches? Some of this I can buy now, some of it I can pick up as I go I guess.

Wireless internet card worthwhile to have or do they not really work well on the road?

Sorry for the 20 questions (again). Just want to be prepared as much as I can be.

Thanks again, and hopefully ive gotten most of the questions out of my system.

Oh one more thing. is it hard to make deadlines in this business? In other words, do most carriers give you a load, and barely enough time to make it there, or do they generally give you ample time, so that, as long as you are not goofing off, you'll be able to make it with time to spare?

Since you had quite a few questions I'm going to answer as many as I can shotgun style.

Yes the coolers do a very good job of keeping drinks and food cold. I used to keep lunch meats, yogurt, cottage cheese, and drinks in there. Did great.

Carriers will not supply a CB, you will have to get that yourself. We always recommend one of the Cobra 29's or Uniden 78's. They're great radios with tons of room for expansion later on (better power output and digital effects). They've been the hallmark of trucking radios for decades.

I plan on getting a TV, fridge, and a microwave, and possibly a hot plate or something like that. I assume that means im going to need to buy a power inverter. Any recommendations on size/power capabilities? Also, how does one get tv stations while in a truck? Is it normally through just using rabbit ears or are there portable Dish/Direct TV units that you can buy?

You're almost certainly going to be going out with a trainer at first so you won't be able to get any of that stuff until you go solo. That's going to give you plenty of time to talk around and shop around for ideas. As far as inverters you'll want a minimum of 1500 watts for the things you want to run and an inverter that size will need to be wired directly into the batteries. Different companies have different policies on inverter sizes and whether or not they'll install one for you. Find out what their policy is.

As far as television goes I believe most people these days use the Internet for such things. Back in the day a lot of us used to have regular DirectTV satellite dishes that we would set up once we were parked. We would secure a piece of PVC pipe to the mirror bracket, set the dish on that, and tune it in - BAM, you instantly have full satellite TV wherever you're at. I don't know if anyone does that anymore or not.

Yes, the Rand McNally 700 series is very popular amongst drivers. They have a lot of helpful features for truckers but like any GPS device can not be relied upon solely to get you where you're going safely. It's an awesome and indispensable tool though.

As far as tools and items to pack we have an excellent list here:

Items to bring to CDL school and OTR

Again, most of that stuff you won't need until you go solo. For the training phase just bring several changes of clothing, your phone/laptop, and your personal hygiene stuff for the most part. Try to fit everything in two duffel bags. They'll certainly give you more recommendations before the time comes.

For internet you're going to want Verizon or AT&T. Use your phone as a hotspot for other devices you may have. That's the best way to go.

As far as having time to make deliveries, that will vary wildly. Some will be super tight, others will have extra time. The top tier drivers that really want the big miles will do everything they can to move appointment times earlier to squeeze in more freight for the week. That's something you learn to do once you've been out there a little bit. But suffice to say, if you're eventually looking to work your way up to the 2,800+ mile per week range you're going to have very little time for anything other than driving, eating, and sleeping. It's a very busy life out there. Very long days.

You can certainly get in shape and stay that way out on the road. I used to have dumbbells with me and I went jogging all the time. Staying in shape on the road is no more difficult than it is at home. If you're willing to make the effort it's totally doable.

I appreciate the response, Brett. Thanks again for your hard work over here at this website. Again, i'm going to finish reading the High road series, but just wanted to get some of those questions out of the way.

Brett replied to Sambo's concern for fitness and weight management:

Staying in shape on the road is no more difficult than it is at home. If you're willing to make the effort it's totally doable.

Sam, I walk every day on my 30 minute break. Since I usually take it while at a Walmart either before or after making a delivery, I have a huge, somewhat safe parking lot. Depending on the size of the store, I usually take 2-3 laps around the perimeter (many times shaded). You can do the same thing at a TS. This works for me,...low impact (easy on my old bones), not only clears my head, gets the blood flowing and is most of the time, refreshing. I haven't put on any weight at all.