New Guy Looking To Make Trucking A Career

Topic 15218 | Page 1

Page 1 of 1
Derrick's Comment
member avatar

Hello, everyone.

My name is Derrick and I am 28 years old. I am currently not in school, single, and looking for a job or a career that will help me financially because as it is right now, my current job pays very little to not keep me living from paycheck to paycheck. I currently work in a billing department for a security company call center. I have worked Wal-Mart stores and worked in warehouses driving forklifts and cherry pickers. I have never driven a big rig before.

I have considered possibly trying out a career in trucking before a few years ago, but never went through with it for reasons I don't remember why. But lately in the past week, trucking has been heavily on my mind. I have been reading various things on trucking truth and am very interested, but nervous as to how I would get the career started and what would happen if I can't get past training.

I have several concerns which I hope some could answer or help alleviate.

1. I am deaf. From what I understand, my friend has several deaf people that make a living via commercial truck driving and do well.

2. I'm about to sign a lease for another year at my apartment. I understand some companies will pay a $xx amount during training but require you to work for the company for about a year or so to pay off the cost of the training. Do they pay you at all or are you working for them for free until the training is paid off? I'm more worried about going through training and not doing well and end up without a job.

3. I originally wanted to be able to drive locally, such as Deffenbaugh trash trucks or such. But I don't mind if I have to start out OTR in order to get to that point. Travelling sounds amazing and I'm single, so nothing to hold me back as I sit in front of a computer all day at work and at home as it is.

4. I do have small fears that can only be overcome by actually doing what you fear until you've understand it and are able to easily perform the task. (Tight corners, driving downhill, weather factors, braking, etc) I am a good driver. (in my car, which is obviously very different from a big rig) I know how to effectively use my blinker (biggest pet peeve) and how to safely navigate through various inclement weather. (Again, big rig is very different, I understand)

I have read like 5 different posts as a guest on my work computer and just got home, made an account, and about to post my first post here. I plan on reading a bit more, but I do understand that trucking can be really stressful and draining, but can offer good experiences and stuff you will never forget.

Any advice for a potential, new driver along with the concerns I have?

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.

Big Scott's Comment
member avatar

I do not know if being deaf will stop or hinder you from truck driving. How would you communicate with a trainer in a truck? If you know deaf people who have CDLs maybe you could ask them how they did it. Good luck. These links should help you figure some things out.

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.
Derrick's Comment
member avatar

My friend knows these people, not I personally.

He and them are based in Canada though.

Matt H.'s Comment
member avatar

1. If you don't meet the hearing requirements, to my knowledge your only option is to file a request for an exemption. The process sounds like it could take a bit of time so you might want to get a jump on it.

Before you can file an exemption, you need to fail your medical, so go get a medical first and then contact the FMCSA. When you have been denied your card, you should be able to start the exemption process. Check the FMCSA website for more info.

2. You get paid. "No one shall be held in slavery or servitude."

Your pay may not be very high starting out, especially coming from a company school, but they figure it all out before cutting you your paycheck, so what they tell you the pay rate is should be after they figured in their fee for your schooling. Just double check by asking it as a question to each recruiter you speak with. They should be able to provide you with details on when they start paying you, how much, and what (if anything) is taken from that number they quote you.

3. Being willing to start OTR will make a noticeable difference in how many companies you will be able to look at working for as a rookie.

4. That is the attitude. I can imagine how many non-starters there have been due to someone worrying about using public facilities or driving in snow or disliking the idea of having to drive/live with a trainer for a couple months. I believe it is important for everyone to recognize what fears and discomforts are, and always remember them for what they are.

Keep reading and reading and reading. There are piles of information here and I constantly find myself with new questions to seek answers to which leads to more new questions.

For me personally, I have been working through checklists. I didn't try to do it all at once and I make sure I don't go too long without making another significant step. Constant progress at a rate which won't cause a burnout.

I am still pre-school and am just sharing my thoughts and information I have picked up that I believe to be true/correct. Hopefully someone else who has been around a bit longer can confirm some or all of what I said.

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.

CSA:

Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)

The CSA is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicle

FMCSA:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

The FMCSA was established within the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000. Their primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.

What Does The FMCSA Do?

  • Commercial Drivers' Licenses
  • Data and Analysis
  • Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
  • Research and Technology
  • Safety Assistance
  • Support and Information Sharing

DOT:

Department Of Transportation

A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.

State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.

Fm:

Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager

The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.
Derrick's Comment
member avatar

Solid answers and does answer questions.

Thanks, man and good luck if you're going to be taking up training soon.

Page 1 of 1

New Reply:

New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features

Bold
Italic
Underline
Quote
Photo
Link
Smiley
Links On TruckingTruth


example: TruckingTruth Homepage



example: https://www.truckingtruth.com
Submit
Cancel
Upload New Photo
Please enter a caption of one sentence or less:

Click on any of the buttons below to insert a link to that section of TruckingTruth:

Getting Started In Trucking High Road Training Program Company-Sponsored Training Programs Apply For Company-Sponsored Training Truck Driver's Career Guide Choosing A School Choosing A Company Truck Driving Schools Truck Driving Jobs Apply For Truck Driving Jobs DOT Physical Drug Testing Items To Pack Pre-Hire Letters CDL Practice Tests Trucking Company Reviews Brett's Book Leasing A Truck Pre-Trip Inspection Learn The Logbook Rules Sleep Apnea
Done
Done

0 characters so far - 5,500 maximum allowed.
Submit Preview

Preview:

Submit
Cancel

Why Join Trucking Truth?

We have an awesome set of tools that will help you understand the trucking industry and prepare for a great start to your trucking career. Not only that, but everything we offer here at TruckingTruth is 100% free - no strings attached! Sign up now and get instant access to our member's section:
High Road Training Program Logo
  • The High Road Training Program
  • The High Road Article Series
  • The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
  • Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted

Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth

Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:

Apply For Paid CDL Training