Hello All, I'm Tastebuds!

I've been lurking here for about a month now as I plot my way to becoming a Trucker. This site really helped me out and now that I finally have something to contribute, I figured it's a good time to join and say "Hi!"

I know most of the advice here is geared towards getting your CDL with a company, but I decided that going to a school would be best for me. At first, I was planning on going to Coastal Truck Driving School nearby as that was the only school I could find that was not in Baton Rouge. Tuition would be $5,200 for four weeks of instruction. That seemed a little steep for me, but if that was the best I could get, then so be it. As luck would have it, it's NOT the best I could get. I had previously looked at a local community college's website for a CDL class and had no luck. About two weeks ago, I went back to the site and searched for CDL and, luckily, they had restarted the class offering about a year ago! Long story short, I went to an info session the middle of last week where they let us ask questions and discussed financing. The difference in this is the price is $4,995 for seven weeks of instruction. The next class was supposed to start on 31 Oct, but was pushed back a week to Monday, 7 Nov. This entire week I've been running around getting my physical and testing taken care of. Now, I'm happy to announce that I have my CLP with all endorsement tests, except for school bus, my tuition has been paid for, I've passed the DoT physical and I'm starting school Monday night!

For those in my area that are looking for a driving school through a community college, here's the link to SLCC's CDL program. It's REALLY difficult to find, but I've talked to the school about it and they are trying to fix this issue. So far, everyone that I've interacted with has been great. In fact, when I went this passed Monday for the prep class, they had a recruiter there from one of the companies that's on top of my list, Werner!

I'm excited to be here and start my new career. I've got a lot to learn about the industry, but I'm looking forward to giving it my best!

Thank you for having this site and I hope I can contribute here.

I've been lurking here for about a month now as I plot my way to becoming a Trucker. This site really helped me out and now that I finally have something to contribute, I figured it's a good time to join and say "Hi!"

I know most of the advice here is geared towards getting your CDL with a company, but I decided that going to a school would be best for me. At first, I was planning on going to Coastal Truck Driving School nearby as that was the only school I could find that was not in Baton Rouge. Tuition would be $5,200 for four weeks of instruction. That seemed a little steep for me, but if that was the best I could get, then so be it. As luck would have it, it's NOT the best I could get. I had previously looked at a local community college's website for a CDL class and had no luck. About two weeks ago, I went back to the site and searched for CDL and, luckily, they had restarted the class offering about a year ago! Long story short, I went to an info session the middle of last week where they let us ask questions and discussed financing. The difference in this is the price is $4,995 for seven weeks of instruction. The next class was supposed to start on 31 Oct, but was pushed back a week to Monday, 7 Nov. This entire week I've been running around getting my physical and testing taken care of. Now, I'm happy to announce that I have my CLP with all endorsement tests, except for school bus, my tuition has been paid for, I've passed the DoT physical and I'm starting school Monday night!

For those in my area that are looking for a driving school through a community college, here's the link to SLCC's CDL program. It's REALLY difficult to find, but I've talked to the school about it and they are trying to fix this issue. So far, everyone that I've interacted with has been great. In fact, when I went this passed Monday for the prep class, they had a recruiter there from one of the companies that's on top of my list, Werner!

I'm excited to be here and start my new career. I've got a lot to learn about the industry, but I'm looking forward to giving it my best!

Thank you for having this site and I hope I can contribute here.

Well, I've been Lurking too. Also considering driving as well. But since you're actually from Lafayette, I figured what a perfect time to chime in. I'm currently in the middle of the Ocean, been deployed for 4 months, still have 2 left on this hitch. I've been in the Navy for 22 years and looking to drive when I retire in 2 years.

I'm actually from Milton, but if you know Lafayette, you know Milton.

When I used to live there, I remember a buddy of mine actually got started driving for J.B. Hunt. They seemed to have a decent apprenticeship program back then.

Either way, just wanted to say good luck to a fellow coonass. Damn, now I'm homesick.

Ahh, a fellow coonass AND a fellow Sailor! I would ask you what your rate is, but... lmao! What ... was ... your rate?

Dude, I just looked at your bio. Did you attend Comeaux? Cause we're the same damn age. If you went to Comeaux High, then I probably know you. If not, then nice meeting you. I'll follow your progress I'm totally considering this as a career option.

I'm an AZ. Well, was guess you've heard what happened. Yeah, I'm ready to retire, and start something new. Was thinking oilfield when I retire, but obviously that industry is crawling. Hell, even considered driving hotshot back home. It's good to see you're not crying there are no jobs like everyone else back home. It's like when the oilfield slows down almost everyone back home doesn't know what to do.

I grew up in Ville Platte, so negative on going to Comeaux High.

I was an AT my first time in, then an IT my second time in.

Yeah, the oilfield is in a deep funk right now. I could've gone looking for a land job somewhere, but I've been toying with the idea of driving trucks for over 20 years now. I figure now is the right time to give it a try. In fact, I was driving from Louisiana to my first duty station in Cali when I met a trucker from my hometown. We stopped at a truck stop and talked for a bit. He really impressed me and I knew I would eventually want to give it a try!

Be safe out there! Oh, and what ship are you on?

Yeah, I feel the same way. I've always thought about it, and figure when I retire why the hell not.

I'm currently on the USS Wasp. If you check the news you can get a damn good idea where we are.

Same to you bro, good luck on your ventures and stay safe.

I'm enjoying this little conversation between you guys. I pull dedicated loads for SAPA out of Delhi, Louisiana. I have a good friend from Villa Platte, and I'm all over Louisiana at various times. I'm in Iowa tonight.

By the way are you guys familiar with our Trucker Tracker?

Check it out. You can use it to see where different drivers in here are at.

Old School,

I'm familiar with it, but it won't let me put my location in it. It seams like it's only good for the continental US, and I'm currently floating in the Med. But I plan on using it when I get back home. I've been reading stuff on this site for about 2 months. This site is great, and the main members are always more than helpful.

Who's your friend from Ville Platte? (I understand if you don't want to blast their name here.)

No, I haven't tried the Trucker Tracker yet, but I do plan on checking it out soonish.

I have to say, I'm really impressed by a lot of the advice people give on this board, and you're one of the main ones. I laughed so hard earlier this week/last week when they had that former lawyer on here asking for advice. I laughed because when I first started looking into this industry, I too, made several spreadsheets and what not to help me digest all the information. I think it was the day before that thread happened that I realized the futility of spreadsheets and what not!

Be safe out there!

Who's your friend from Ville Platte?

He's actually a member here in this forum. He's known in here as "Bug Smasher 1" He used to drive with me on this SAPA account, but now he is trying out a different company. He's been actively trying to recruit me too.