Possible Newbie Figuring It Out

Topic 17505 | Page 1

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Kim T.'s Comment
member avatar

Hi guys and girls, some of you may have seen my questions on FB but I wanted to try and get some more input. I have wanted to drive my entire life (my grandfather was a driver) but life/kids happened and I never went through with it. However, I am at a point in my life where I am ready for a change and figured I should try to fulfill my dream...if it is financially feasible. I am a single parent (ages 35, 28, and 16, only the youngest is still at home) so mine is the only income. I know the first year is hard financially until you have built the trust with your dispatchers to get miles, paid your dues, learn and learn and learn, etc. My question is, since I don't have a second income in my house to fall back on, am I crazy for wanting to do this and risking losing my home and everything I've worked 30 years for? I know I can cook on the truck and do other things to cut expenses while out on the road but, would it be enough? I've researched the CDL A training classes for Roehl and Prime. Any input you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Tell me what I need to hear, not what you think I want to hear.

Thanks!

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.

Dispatcher:

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.
's Comment
member avatar

Hey Kim...and welcome to TT. First, it's hard if not impossible to give you any advice regarding finances since we don't know (nor need to know) your current financial situation. You can gleam a ton of information on the schools and what they offer in terms of training, income, time away, etc. on here...just wear that search box out! I am currently going through the training at Prime. There are several of us in here affiliated with Prime. There are also several on here that are affiliated with other carriers. I can only speak for Prime, but I believe my first years earning should be in the $35,000-$45,000 range...possibly more if I can prove myself quickly and work my tail off. For me and my situation, that will suffice my financial needs...your needs could easily be greater. From what I've read, that's a fairly realistic idea of first year earnings. I'm sure if there's a difference of pinion on that, my friends on here will gladly and honestly comment.

Here are some fantastic links to information regarding the trucking industry that the owner of this site (who not only has several years experience, but is brutally honest) has put together. This info is invaluable for those of us new to this world. Also, the High Road Training Program is second to none for preparing you for the written tests for your CDL , as well as other aspects of trucking.

You'll find that everyone here is very willing to help you with any questions you may have. Experience varies from several years to still trying to decide if they should make that leap. Please feel free to research, read, and ask specific questions. Just be prepared to receive honest, straight forward answers. This site is a true haven for those who really want to know...enjoy it for all its worth! Best of luck to you...if I can be of any assistance, don't hesitate to ask...God Speed and God bless...

smile.gif

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.

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Big Scott's Comment
member avatar

I would suggest you save up to cover 3 to 6 months of expenses. That way you are covered while learning. If you haven't read Brett's book,Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving, it's a great place to start. I know Prime has the highest training pay as well as starting pay. There are many Prime drivers on here who hopefully will chime in. You can learn more here Paid CDL Training Programs. You can do this, just take your time and be prepared. Good luck.

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.
Trucker Kearsey 's Comment
member avatar

My first thought was "what happens to the 16yr old while you are out on the road?" Training can take months... And even then you might inky be home 4 days a month.

Kim T.'s Comment
member avatar

Thank you all for your input. My 16 year old would be staying with my oldest daughter.

Errol V.'s Comment
member avatar

Kim, I'll just add in my experience and thoughts for you. I started Swift's Academy in the first part of December, 2014. I live close to the terminal & school so I was able to stay at home during training. But from the beginning of December till about Mid February = 2 1/2 months - I was without income. My wife worked, and with savings and money juggling we survived till I started getting a paycheck. Also, I had very little waiting time between the steps. I was in school a week after I applied, My orientation was the week after I finished the school and my road instructor was waiting for me as I walked out of the orientation. So, that 2 1/2 months might be on the short end of the "No Paycheck" period.

As for building your income through experience, it's mostly up to you. The dispatchers will know you are new, and any so-called "testing" is more that you are trying to figure things out. Your dispatcher doesn't have time for "tests", but they will cut you some slack as long as you are doing your best. The faster you figure out your own rhythm for your work flow, the faster you get done what is expected, and you will move up the "go to" list.

Terminal:

A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.

Dispatcher:

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.
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