CFI At Crowder College

Good morning from Scott, LA. Boudin breakfast.

Love that place. I was just there last week for some boudin, cracklins, and gator tail. Any time I roll through there, you can bet I'll be stopping.

How much time are you logging for everything besides driving? I'm just curious because if the drive is 8hrs (ish), then I'd think you would only hit around 9 hrs on duty by the time you're done tomorrow.

15 mins each for pre /post trip, 10-15 mins for fuel, and 10-15 mins to check-in at the rcvr. That'd be about it for me, and even that is pushing it lol. Unless CFI has specific rules governing logging, I'd be concerned you're burning up hours needlessly.

That being said, it's easy to burn up a 70 in 6 days or so, but doing so should normally put you in the 3000-3500 mile range.

To be fair though, there certainly are those weeks that just kill the 70 without much to show for it.

Turtle, I log about 15 minutes for pre- and post-trips, 15 for fueling and at a minimum, 15 minutes for loading or unloading per what my instructions from my CFI handbook received at orientation. The extra time for 11 total hours, more or less, I am calculating is conservative drive time and my screw-ups. I am on my 5th day solo, so I will screw up often. haha

How much time are you logging for everything besides driving? I'm just curious because if the drive is 8hrs (ish), then I'd think you would only hit around 9 hrs on duty by the time you're done tomorrow.

15 mins each for pre /post trip, 10-15 mins for fuel, and 10-15 mins to check-in at the rcvr. That'd be about it for me, and even that is pushing it lol. Unless CFI has specific rules governing logging, I'd be concerned you're burning up hours needlessly.

That being said, it's easy to burn up a 70 in 6 days or so, but doing so should normally put you in the 3000-3500 mile range.

To be fair though, there certainly are those weeks that just kill the 70 without much to show for it.

Understood. Yeah I hear ya, I was just worried that maybe you were logging the whole time at a customer as on duty. It should've occurred to me that you've been around here long enough to know better ha.

Screwing up is part of the learning process. You'll get to the point where a screw up will only cost you mere minutes instead of hours. But it'll still drive you nuts to lose those minutes. It does me anyways.

Doing a 34 in Racing town, SC. Only 9 hours on my 70 with nothing to gain until 0000 Saturday, so dispatcher basically said take a reset.

So how is it going being solo now Don? I decided to do the CFI sponsored training program and plan to start hopefully sept 10 but this is not a set date as of yet, I have also heard that the schools may be goin to a 3 week program and may be doing Automatics for the trucks

Doing a 34 in Racing town, SC. Only 9 hours on my 70 with nothing to gain until 0000 Saturday, so dispatcher basically said take a reset.

Robert, the first 6 days have zoomed by. I am definitely learning daily that I can only dependant on myself to get the job done. No one will help you do your job. Others company drivers like Big Scott will definitely give you pointers on how to become more efficient out there, not to mention TruckersTruth. My biggest issue the first 6 days is learning logging correctly to save My 70/8. Other drivers suggest their way to do so while staying legal. If you have a chance to go to Crowder, definitely do so. It would be a shame if they go to all automatics in school. Now, I love my automatic tractor, no doubt! Being able to drive manual is a benefit though.

So how is it going being solo now Don? I decided to do the CFI sponsored training program and plan to start hopefully sept 10 but this is not a set date as of yet, I have also heard that the schools may be goin to a 3 week program and may be doing Automatics for the trucks

Where did you hear that CFI's school is going to 3 weeks and in automatics? With CFI you are out with your trainer, after school and passing your CDL , for at least 7500 miles. That is usually 3 weeks. CFI's schools are training and testing on manuals. CFI's fleet is now almost 100% all auto shifts.

Hi Don, I'm Tony "NOLAMAN" from New Orleans (unit 39210). Just to let you know... The 1st exit after leaving the Atchafalaya Basin (the long bridge with a 55mph limit for trucks, and we have to stay in the right lane) headed West, or the last exit before the bridge headed East has a restaurant with truck parking and good cajun food called Crawfish Town. It's about a half mile North of I-10. Try the crawfish étouffée with catfish. About $12, and it's delicious. I'm not too crazy about boudin, but I love andouille. I hope all is well. Be patient with the 4 wheelers, other truckers, and yourself. Keep the great attitude, and keep learning. Good luck.

Thanks Noloman. I love etouffee, so I'll definitely check out your suggestion.

Hi Don, I'm Tony "NOLAMAN" from New Orleans (unit 39210). Just to let you know... The 1st exit after leaving the Atchafalaya Basin (the long bridge with a 55mph limit for trucks, and we have to stay in the right lane) headed West, or the last exit before the bridge headed East has a restaurant with truck parking and good cajun food called Crawfish Town. It's about a half mile North of I-10. Try the crawfish étouffée with catfish. About $12, and it's delicious. I'm not too crazy about boudin, but I love andouille. I hope all is well. Be patient with the 4 wheelers, other truckers, and yourself. Keep the great attitude, and keep learning. Good luck.