So I decided to start out with a smaller company that runs flatbeds in the Midwest. My instructor at CDL school and a classmate (old retiree) both suggested a smaller company would be more beneficial, and so far after completing the week of orientation I can say I'm enjoying it. The main terminal is about 2 hours from home and they let me drive my own vehicle out there for the week of training, I'm really enjoying the fact that everyone I've met so far is really laid back and relaxed. It's really refreshing after being in the military for 7 years.
I'm meeting up with my trainer today for my 3-5 weeks on the road then I'm on to my own truck. I hear a lot of complaints about doing flatbed and how hard it is but honestly it's not that complicated if you have a little common sense. Oh and apparently their pay scale changed while I was there for orientation so instead of starting out at .40 CPM I'll be starting at .42 CPM or I can do 25% of load. I haven't decided on that yet, I guess that'll be one of the many questions I ask my trainer.
I feel like I made a good impression though! They gave me their version of a road test on the first day and only made two mistakes (not avoiding potholes apparently) I picked up on tarping and strapping pretty fast and then scored a 96% on the final test. So hopefully I can keep it going! Moving forward with a open mind and positive attitude!
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.
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.
CPM:
Cents Per Mile
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.
So I decided to start out with a smaller company that runs flatbeds in the Midwest. My instructor at CDL school and a classmate (old retiree) both suggested a smaller company would be more beneficial, and so far after completing the week of orientation I can say I'm enjoying it. The main terminal is about 2 hours from home and they let me drive my own vehicle out there for the week of training, I'm really enjoying the fact that everyone I've met so far is really laid back and relaxed. It's really refreshing after being in the military for 7 years.
I'm meeting up with my trainer today for my 3-5 weeks on the road then I'm on to my own truck. I hear a lot of complaints about doing flatbed and how hard it is but honestly it's not that complicated if you have a little common sense. Oh and apparently their pay scale changed while I was there for orientation so instead of starting out at .40 CPM I'll be starting at .42 CPM or I can do 25% of load. I haven't decided on that yet, I guess that'll be one of the many questions I ask my trainer.
I feel like I made a good impression though! They gave me their version of a road test on the first day and only made two mistakes (not avoiding potholes apparently) I picked up on tarping and strapping pretty fast and then scored a 96% on the final test. So hopefully I can keep it going! Moving forward with a open mind and positive attitude!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
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.
CPM:
Cents Per Mile
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.