Road Master - Fontana - Dead Money
Topic 20011 | Page 1
Today is day -1, meaning I start class tomorrow. I'm age 56 with a background in computer software developement. I'm single, and by the end of July I'll be "homeless". I put my house up for sale August 2016, and moved to a studio apt. The house sold in December 2016, and my apt lease runs out at the end of July 2017. My plan is to stay on the road as much as possible, and "home" is whatever (m/h)otel that i'm near when I need to take a break. I hope to drive for 10 years, or 1 million miles, whichever comes first. That should give me a chance to see the US, then take the $$ from driving to purchase a sailboat, and see the world.
Welcome to TruckingTruth, Dead Money. We are glad to have ya here. Let me start out by giving you the "Welcome Packet" as we call it:
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road Training Program
If you are about to try to get your permit, make sure you study that High Road. Also make sure you read Brett's book to really make sure this is something you want to get into. What company are you wanting to drive for after you are finished at Road Master?
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.
I've read "The Raw Truth....." I've been using a CDL Prep app on my phone, but I'll run thru "High Road Training Program" As for a company, I've already received some information from Werner. Since my preference is to travel the US, I'll weigh that option pretty heavily when considering the companies pitches.
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.
I've read "The Raw Truth....." I've been using a CDL Prep app on my phone, but I'll run thru "High Road Training Program" As for a company, I've already received some information from Werner. Since my preference is to travel the US, I'll weigh that option pretty heavily when considering the companies pitches.
I used to drive for Werner. They have a terminal there in Fontana so getting home shouldn't be an issue if you live there. They are definitely one of the best to drive for. I was always well treated and had a great truck every time. Go with them. You can't go wrong.
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.
Dead Money, I too am a computer programmer who has become beyond burned out with this industry (and the constant layoff/hiring cycle of defense contracting). I'm also up there in years and considering making the change to truck driving, please post about your school and training as you get the time (but make sure you study and sleep enough first and foremost). I'm very interested in hearing how someone with a similar place in life to myself feels about making the transition to trucking. Good luck and have fun!
Han Solo Cup wrote:
Dead Money, I too am a computer programmer who has become beyond burned out with this industry (and the constant layoff/hiring cycle of defense contracting). I'm also up there in years and considering making the change to truck driving, please post about your school and training as you get the time (but make sure you study and sleep enough first and foremost). I'm very interested in hearing how someone with a similar place in life to myself feels about making the transition to trucking. Good luck and have fun!
Han Solo & Dead Money; I am a retired 30 year veteran of technology, software development and project management. About 6 years ago in my early 50s I decided I'd had enough of the IT churn and commoditization; went to Swift School, been a Walmart Dedicated Driver in the northeast for 5 years. Check out my profile for specifics (although the time line needs updating).
No regrets whatsoever.
I'm working my way thru "The High Road Training Program", but that 2nd section "Driving Safely (permit)" reminds me of I-10 thru Texas, it just keeps going and going. So far I'm sitting at 98%, so that's okay, but I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel yet.
Due to Eye Doctor, and Dentist appointments (scheduled before signing up for the class), my 2nd day of schooling will be July 5th.
If I ever get to the other side of Texas, I may be able to have my permit completed before returning to the school.
I picked up what they taught us the first day pretty well, but I like the way "The High Road Training Program" reviews previous sections to effectively "pound" the information into the brain.
July 3rd,
I had a dentist appointment that ate up most of the morning. After leaving the dentist, I went to the DMV and the line was HUGE.
By the time I got called, it was 15:30, and no testing starts after 15:00.
I did get my paperwork all squared away, and fees paid.
July 5th,
My 2nd day of class, however is was the 1st day for those students since they didn't start on the 3rd after all.
Instead of repeating the whole day, the instructor suggested if I felt prepared, I could go back to the DMV, and take the tests for the permit.
Another HUGE line, but I got to test by 14:30 this time, 4 tests, 4 successes.
Thanks TruckerTruth for the training system.
Dm:
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.DMV:
Department of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The state agency that handles everything related to your driver's licences, including testing, issuance, transfers, and revocation.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.New Reply:
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Today is day -1, meaning I start class tomorrow. I'm age 56 with a background in computer software developement. I'm single, and by the end of July I'll be "homeless". I put my house up for sale August 2016, and moved to a studio apt. The house sold in December 2016, and my apt lease runs out at the end of July 2017. My plan is to stay on the road as much as possible, and "home" is whatever (m/h)otel that i'm near when I need to take a break. I hope to drive for 10 years, or 1 million miles, whichever comes first. That should give me a chance to see the US, then take the $$ from driving to purchase a sailboat, and see the world.