Preparing To Start A New Journey.
Topic 1714 | Page 1
Congratulations and good luck!
Congratulations Brian!
Sounds like your on the right track. Keep us updated about that pursuit of a local job. This is something that so many people ask us about and it's definitely a little tricky, but depending on your location sometimes it works out well. We'd like to hear how it turns out for you.
Brian,
Keep track of every penny you spend for this career change, you'll be able to deduct most (if not all...by doing it correctly) on your taxes. So take advantage of it as best you can. Check-out www.ehow.com/info_12048273_can-company-truck-driver-deduct.html also www.ehow.com/info_7946743_can-otr-driver-deduct-taxes.html.
I've decided to wait until after the new year to actually begin to take "action" (goto school, etc.) as I'm currently employed and I wouldn't be able to maximize any out-of-pocket costs.
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.
Brian,
Keep track of every penny you spend for this career change, you'll be able to deduct most (if not all...by doing it correctly) on your taxes. So take advantage of it as best you can. Check-out www.ehow.com/info_12048273_can-company-truck-driver-deduct.html also www.ehow.com/info_7946743_can-otr-driver-deduct-taxes.html.
I've decided to wait until after the new year to actually begin to take "action" (goto school, etc.) as I'm currently employed and I wouldn't be able to maximize any out-of-pocket costs.
I'll have to look into the tax documents. I'm currently employed too, and can't do the school until January. I'm fortunate enough that we've been saving since June and we have certain work bonuses to float us through January-March if need be. I'm hoping to have a job by the time school is done at the end of January.
I've been keeping my options open if I need to get OTR , I've been looking at Roehl, TMC for flatbed. I'm currently in a job where I deal with flatbed trucks daily so that adds to my experience. But, I also have been branching out to local Oxygen supply companies as I'm an operator for a laser. So, that would get me local, if I can get my foot in the door.
Most of the guys that I've been talking to for deliveries have been very positive and have been very helpful. There are so many local jobs in the area, that I'm hoping my background with freight will get me somewhere. If not I always have that Plan B and positive thoughts!
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.
You have the right idea about getting permits and endorsements ahead of time. It does give you more time in the truck. Going to a private school you should be able to make arrangements with them to go on out to the driving range before other students.
Now I know some schools have made you stick with the class, but you are paying for this and I would ask. You may have taken care of that already.
You may still need to pass their tests for their Certification. But, you will be way ahead of the game by the time school starts. I have to commend you on how you are doing this. Taking the Bull by the horns so to speak. That is the best way. Good attitude too. It's 80% of the job anyway.
Good luck with everything and keep us posted on how things are going. We are still here if you have questions.
Check out the pre-trip videos as well.Pre-Trip Study Guide
I would check out YouTube too. Lots of great stuff their from different drivers and schools. Just do a search for whatever...I still check them out from time to time just to see what material is out there that might help another driver. Some of it is very informative.
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Awhile back I posted about possible company sponsored training. I have decided to go the private college route to obtain my CDL. My wife and I have discussed and have saved up a lot of money to get through school and no paycheck. At the beginning of November I will be getting my DOT Physical and my permit. And at the start of the year I will be going to a CDL school near my home. It will be four weeks of learning to drive a 10 speed.
I decided to go this route to try and get local work. I have made a few connections with current delivery people at my job that have put in a few words for me. I'm trying to stay local, but if these places don't have any openings I'll still go OTR for a year to get some experience. I like the idea of paying for my CDL on my own and not being connected to a company for "life".
Now my journey begins, I have reset the High Road to start over learning. I've been practicing off and on since June. Since I'll be going to school come January, I will be getting endorsements before hand so I can focus on driving the truck during school. I know if I get my HAZMAT and doubles/triples, tanker, I will have more options for my area as I live near the Twin Cities.
It's going to be a fun journey and a difficult one while working full-time until I resign at the end of year. But, I know this is something I want to do, it's in my blood.
So I just wanted to say thanks for an amazing site!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
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.
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.
Doubles:
Refers to pulling two trailers at the same time, otherwise known as "pups" or "pup trailers" because they're only about 28 feet long. However there are some states that allow doubles that are each 48 feet in length.
Company Sponsored Training:
A Company-Sponsored Training Program is a school that is owned and operated by a trucking company.
The schooling often requires little or no money up front. Instead of paying up-front tuition you will sign an agreement to work for the company for a specified amount of time after graduation, usually around a year, at a slightly lower rate of pay in order to pay for the training.
If you choose to quit working for the company before your year is up, they will normally require you to pay back a prorated amount of money for the schooling. The amount you pay back will be comparable to what you would have paid if you went to an independently owned school.
Company-sponsored training can be an excellent way to get your career underway if you can't afford the tuition up front for private schooling.