On The Bus To Joplin, MO And CFI

4:40 am and the bus is sitting at a Pilot on I-70 East of Terre Haute, IN. Driver states he has to wait for the bus to regenerate.

Ha! Welcome to trucking!

...wait for the bus to regenerate.

Yes! Not only are you on the way to training, but you got a transformer to take you there?!?!

Awesome!!!

That's awesome that you're on your way Don. Yap, things are definitely going to get real. Just remember it's all about attitude and effort. Give it everything you've got, do it with enthusiasm, and get along great with people. The rest will come much easier if you do that.

Oh, and avoid the terminal rats! If you haven't listened to this podcast, it really should be required listening for anyone heading to one of the Paid CDL Training Programs:

Episode 10: Terminal Rats Are Derailing Trucking Careers

Congratulations Don! Most trucking careers start with a long bus ride - nothing glorious about it, but it's sort of a rite of passage.

Hey remember this: At some point (maybe several points) you're going to be frustrated with either yourself, your trainer, or the whole trucking career. People give up way too easily and quickly when trying to get this thing off the ground. There are very solid reasons why we teach people to hang in there for one good solid year. Even at that point you will still be learning, but up to that point you have just really been getting yourself barely established. It is a rewarding journey, but only if you stick with the journey.

Why Should I Stick With My First Trucking Job For One Full Year?

Stay patient, be willing to laugh at yourself, and always know that there's a new lesson to be learned around each new bend. Be proud you are an American Trucker - there are a lot of people who've tried to fill those shoes, but only a select group can claim that notoriety. You've heard there's a shortage of truck drivers. Well, there's a reason for that, and the reporters on that subject have yet to come up with the real reason. There's always going to be a shortage of truck drivers, because there just isn't that many people who are able to handle this very important job.

Congratulations! I rode the old Grey dog from Atlanta to Salt Lake city to start my career and I kept telling myself I was gonna do everything necessary to avoid riding that thing back! Stay focused and it'll be a great feeling when they finally throw you those keys and you get to roll out on your own!

As everyone has stated here just stay focused, open minded and learn to laugh a lot even if you have bad days. In the long run a positive attitude is the best tool to advance in the industry. Back in my days, 45 years ago, we usually did not have orientation and training, they just gave you a set of keys, a bill of lading with the address of the delivery and said call me when empty. The training you will receive is so valuable for a future of great success in the profession you have chosen. Good luck to you and as they say "Give em hell"

I appreciate all the Good luck wishes!

I appreciate that, Scott. I am certain, I will be picking your brain as I move along in the process

Great news Don. Sorry that I have been so busy that I haven't had much time to get on here. Best of luck. I am just a phone call away and always willing to help.

O-H-

-I-O

I won't leave you hanging. Good luck. I'm definitely jealous and looking forward to your diary.

O-H-

-I-O

I won't leave you hanging. Good luck. I'm definitely jealous and looking forward to your diary.

Crap! I didn't even see that...