Anyone Go Into Trucking From Career Burnout?

Topic 19614 | Page 3

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Nate W's Comment
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how was the schooling for the program? Did you enjoy it? I will be starting in Appleton soon.

I've been an Ironworker for 18 years. I'm now in the final phase of training for Roehl. I wanted to try something different, so I figured getting a CDL and learning to drive a truck would be interesting. I decided to go with Roehl's "get your CDL program" after researching for a while and discovering that a class A CDL isn't of much use without experience. Once I start driving solo I've got to complete 120,000 miles to fulfill my contract, after that who knows? I've got @13 days left with an OTR trainer, then I'll test out and get the keys to a truck. I'm enjoying everything so far. It's a big change from Ironworking. A lot of things had to line up in order for me to take advantage of the opportunity to try a new career. So far so good.

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.

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.

Ben H.'s Comment
member avatar

Same for me. After 14 years as a regional salesman, I decided to make the switch. Got tired of looking for a new job every couple years due to downsizing and corporate takeovers. Best part of my job the last few years had been behind the wheel. Been talking about it for about 5 years now and my wife finally gave the green light to get my CDL. Just finished up my second week of school and can't wait to hit the road the end of summer.

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.

Regional:

Regional Route

Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.

Peggy N.'s Comment
member avatar

Oh yeah. 20 years in insurance repair on homes and commercial structures. Way burnt. Crispy fried. I studied and used the tests on this website, got my permit, got on with a local agricultural hauler, they trained me on the truck and trailers in return for working rice and tomato seasons with them this summer and fall. Passed and got my cdl-A (took me 3 times! Yowza!). Now I'm hauling rice in a sweet Kenworth T880 day cab , doubles. It is awesome. Good luck to you!

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.

Day Cab:

A tractor which does not have a sleeper berth attached to it. Normally used for local routes where drivers go home every night.

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.

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