Going OTR Training Soon!
Topic 25173 | Page 1
Jarod, congratulations on taking the next step. Everybody is going to tell you that the main thing to bring is your best attitude and effort. And I would suggest that you use this opportunity to ask lot's of questions because this is your time to soak up as much knowledge as possible. After my time with the trainer and I went solo, I can't tell you how many times I wished he was still in the truck and I could ask him for guidance. I still do.
Hello Jared, and welcome!
We've got so much information here that it's a little tricky to navigate when you're new to the website. Here's a link to a section in our WIKI pages that has a ton of information on this subject. Scroll through it and take your time. You'll find a lot of helpful information. There's also a good video in there telling about the things you'll want to have with you.
Things To Bring To CDL Training, School, And OTR
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.
Here's another link to a fun thread we had going several years ago. A new driver wanted to know what we considered to be the top 10 things to have on your truck. There's a lot of good responses in it.
Jarod, I was just thinking about what I would bring if I had a do-over. Check to see if your OTR trainer has a frig in his truck. If, not you might want to invest in a 12V cooler sooner rather than later. My trainer had one, but it wasn't big enough for 2 people. And it gets kind of expensive to buy food as you go. It can really get expensive if you have to buy food at convenience stores and truck stops. So plan ahead, go to Walmart, etc., stock up on 2 weeks worth of whatever you want that doesn't need refrigeration, throw it all in a box or bag and bring it with you. And bring a little to share with the trainer to promote a good relationship. (Or a bribe, lol).
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.
Bruce,
Awesome recommendation on the cooler, never occurred to me. I’ll definitely be asking, can’t be eating truck stop food every day lol. Appreciate all of your input, can’t wait to get the wheels turning!
Old School,
Thank you for the links! Checking them out as we speak. Very helpful, need to minimize the things I take but make sure I’m set up for success till I get into my own rig.
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Just wrapped up my CDL training with Roehl and will be heading on the road next week for 2-3wks with my trainer. Any advice from the pros and/or OTR trainers on what to bring and expect would be fantastic!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
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.