RECENTLY GOT MY CDL. TRYING TO DECIDE ON A COMPANY....HELP! LOL
Topic 24090 | Page 3
Another question....do yall think it's a better idea to wait until the weather breaks being a new driver? Of course u have to drive in it 1 day but I wonder what are yall's thoughts on starting OUT your career in snow, ice, etc. being that you have no experience.
I want to learn in winter, so I know how when the time comes.
Yeah I was thinking that too. Just curious as to what the vets think.
I personally think it is better to learn in winter, if you learn how to handle snow and ice, you can drive during warmer days with no problem.
This is my 2nd winter driving and I still wish i had been out with a trainer for it.
Right, right. Yeah I'm looking at companies now. Thanks for that.
Also what companies besides Schneider would allow you to choose between OTR and local? Like start OTR and switch to local if I needed to? I only ask because there's a possibility my son could be coming to live w/us in the future. IF that happens then being gone 5 days a week is a no go.
Local work can be very challenging; close quarter maneuvering, numerous tight backing situations, urban congestion and multiple stops. Best to get a year of OTR experience (if you can) to hone the necessary skills.
Oh I'm definitely hitting the road 1st.
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.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
You need to start now. Most companies will consider your CDL to be "stale" after just a few months of not using it. If that happens (and it will) you are severely limiting your options as to who will hire you. The only remedy for that is to go through school again. I know this to be true because I ran into this problem when I was getting started.
You will certainly appreciate having someone with you for your first foray into the challenges of winter weather.
Old School! I was hoping you would be 1 of the people to respond lol. I've seen you give out a lot of good info during times I've lurked.......Thanks for this answer. Very appreciated.
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.
What do you mean by "a better rider policy"? ive seen "yes we have a rider policy or no we dont".
For example, Prime allows one additional person on the truck. If you are a lease op (Which MOST of us do NOT recommend), they allow 2 people.
so what do you mean by better policy?
This ad popped up today. does not seem to require driving experience, just CDL.
CDL Truck Drivers: Get $8,500 EXTRA this year - and best home time. Celadon - PA Celadon 370 reviews Read what people are saying about working here. Every 30,000 miles with Celadon you get: $1,000 cash bonus $1,000 paid home time Since full time Celadon OTR drivers average 120,000 miles a year or more, that's $8,000 in bonus money for you. Plus, a $500 transition bonus on your first check. $8,500 total! And if you drive more, you earn more.
Call Or Apply Online Today!
1CPM Raise every 120,000 miles with no cap to your pay! Extra $300 per week for trainers! Guaranteed Detention Pay! Trucks equipped with battery powered APUs , refrigerators & Inverters! BENEFITS: Paid Orientation, Medical, Dental, Vision & 401K Match, Tuition reimbursement, NEW Pet and Rider Policy - pets up to 75 pounds, On-site health clinic for drivers and families, Safety Incentive Program pays huge rewards for safe miles, QUALIFICATIONS: 21.5 years of age , Valid Class A CDL
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.
CPM:
Cents Per Mile
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.
APU:
Auxiliary Power Unit
On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.
Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.
APUs:
Auxiliary Power Unit
On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.
Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.
Hiring and pay details for new CDL holders
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.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
This topic has the following tags:
Prime Inc TMC Transportation Attending Truck Driving School Choosing A Truck Driving School Choosing A Trucking Company Paying For Truck Driving School Truck Driver Salary Winter Driving Tips
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
You need to start now. Most companies will consider your CDL to be "stale" after just a few months of not using it. If that happens (and it will) you are severely limiting your options as to who will hire you. The only remedy for that is to go through school again. I know this to be true because I ran into this problem when I was getting started.
You will certainly appreciate having someone with you for your first foray into the challenges of winter weather.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: