Introduction

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Doug C.'s Comment
member avatar

I am so glad I found the link to this website. I found it posted on a YouTube video who is doing his training through Millis Transfer. I'd like to thank Brett and everyone for their work to help all of us newcomers. I'm working through the High Road Online Training Program now, starting on air brakes this evening. I like the repetition of the questions. It really helps the information stick to the ol' gray matter!

I'm 63 years old and have spent the last year getting in shape and losing 50 pounds so I could be ready for an adventure. A year ago I wasn't able to think about an odyssey like this because of a cataract in my left eye. But I had surgery last April and my eyesight was fully restored. My wife and kids and friends are very supportive of my decision to become a trucker. I plan on taking the CDL permit test next March and be able to start school in April. It's nice to know I'm not alone, and that there are others out there who are also planning to take up the road. I must admit it is exciting but a bit scary at times to.

I have always wanted to drive but never had the opportunity. I have a twin brother and he was a driver for years and he love it. He thinks I will to. I'm glad truckers get paid, however even if I didn't I'd still want to do it. I know that sounds crazy but that's how I feel. I know truck drivers are made not born, but I do think there might be some diesel in my blood somewhere! I plan on hangin' around here and getting to know everybody. Thanks again for a great website.

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.

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.
Grumpy Old Man's Comment
member avatar

Welcome aboard!

BK's Comment
member avatar

Glad to meet you. I'm 66 and just got my CDL and getting a job was smooth and easy. Great new career for us senior citizens. Just go for it, I did an so far I think it will be a great adventure. BTW, judging from your photo, don't lose anymore weight, you might just disappear.smile.gif An congrats to you for the weight loss. I need to lose about 20 myself. Maybe you could post and tell us how you did it???????????

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.

SAP:

Substance Abuse Professional

The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.

Doug C.'s Comment
member avatar

Thanks Grumpy Old Man for the welcome! Bruce, congratulations on passing the CDL and your new job. Here is how I lost the 50lbs. I purchased a stationary bike and a stair stepper. I use the bike one hour a day 3-4 days a week, and the stepper about 3 days a week stepping what's equal to about 12 flights of stairs on each those days. I cut out all junk food and sugar and started eating right. The thing is to stick with whatever you start. But eating right and moving that's the two biggest things, for me anyway. When I started I weighed 210 and now about 155. Was a waist size of 42" now a 29." Thanks for the replies.

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.

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Robert D. (Raptor)'s Comment
member avatar

Welcome Doug C. You won't regret your decision to become a truck driver. Once your out there, think of getting paid to travel. What an adventure!

Christian F.'s Comment
member avatar

Welcome aboard and soak up as much as you can on here. This site is full of awesome and brilliant people who are supporting and willing to relay their vast knowledge to us new folks. The High Road training on here is great.

Dave Reid's Comment
member avatar

Welcome and best wishes for every success!

I am so glad I found the link to this website. I found it posted on a YouTube video who is doing his training through Millis Transfer. I'd like to thank Brett and everyone for their work to help all of us newcomers. I'm working through the High Road Online Training Program now, starting on air brakes this evening. I like the repetition of the questions. It really helps the information stick to the ol' gray matter!

I'm 63 years old and have spent the last year getting in shape and losing 50 pounds so I could be ready for an adventure. A year ago I wasn't able to think about an odyssey like this because of a cataract in my left eye. But I had surgery last April and my eyesight was fully restored. My wife and kids and friends are very supportive of my decision to become a trucker. I plan on taking the CDL permit test next March and be able to start school in April. It's nice to know I'm not alone, and that there are others out there who are also planning to take up the road. I must admit it is exciting but a bit scary at times to.

I have always wanted to drive but never had the opportunity. I have a twin brother and he was a driver for years and he love it. He thinks I will to. I'm glad truckers get paid, however even if I didn't I'd still want to do it. I know that sounds crazy but that's how I feel. I know truck drivers are made not born, but I do think there might be some diesel in my blood somewhere! I plan on hangin' around here and getting to know everybody. Thanks again for a great website.

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.

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.
G-Town's Comment
member avatar

Welcome aboard Doug...we are here to assist.

Not sure if you have seen these links...informally referred to as the Trucking Truth starter kit, they will help you build a realistic set of expectations, a knowledge foundation and a jump-start in learning everything required to pass the CLP exams.

Best of luck...and again welcome to the forum.

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.

CLP:

Commercial Learner's Permit

Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.

Doug C.'s Comment
member avatar

Thanks guys for your replies to me. I have started soaking up the info here already. I hope that I can be an encouragement to others here like you guys are.

Tinker's Comment
member avatar

Welcome! Trucking is definitely an adventure. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. There are bad days in every occupation, but the perks that come with this one more than make up for it.

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