Update On My Trucking Journey

I received my 2 year Medical card yesterday. Woohoo! That was a major accomplishment for me.. missing a limb and all 😉 I have been talking with a CFI recruiter for weeks now. She’s supposed to talk with safety today about getting my SPE certificate done and my driving test with DOT. Hopefully I’ll be able to leave for Joplin around the 11th. I can’t wait for this new adventure for me back on the road and get started again.

Does anyone know other companies that offer refresher programs with automatic trucks other than CFI?

Best thing I’ve read this week, Forrest! Immensely happy for you!

Awesome news - best of luck to you going forward...

Rick

Forrest, congratulations on your accomplishment! And good luck going forward. Schneider might have something for you, might be worth a phone call.

BTW, what limb are you missing? I'm assuming it might be the left foot which would still let you drive an auto?

Yes I’m missing my left leg. I was hit head on by a big truck in 2008

The only thing about Schneider is that they want me to be able to climb in the trailer from the ground with my prosthetic on. That is very difficult.

I saw that KLLM offers a refresher. I just know that CFI is a great company and I’m having a hard time not going with them as my first choice 😩😩😩

The only thing about Schneider is that they want me to be able to climb in the trailer from the ground with my prosthetic on. That is very difficult.

As long as difficult, is not IMPOSSIBLE.

At some point, you're going to have to get in & out of a box from the ground. I believe most companies are going to require this as part of agility testing. Would be even worse with most top-load tankers (food grade), as you have to climb up and verify the closure & seal numbers.

It's not an unreasonable request, and as you've come this far already - YOU CAN DO IT.

Best wishes and keep us posted on how you progress...

Rick

Forrest, you are an interesting story. You have my utmost respect, sir. We used to joke in training that one of the great advantages of an auto was we could still drive if we lost our left leg. But what you are doing is no joke. You are a seriously determined man.

BTW, you could always carry a small ladder with you for getting in and out of trailers. Many of the flat-bedders carry one.

Forrest, you are an interesting story. You have my utmost respect, sir. We used to joke in training that one of the great advantages of an auto was we could still drive if we lost our left leg. But what you are doing is no joke. You are a seriously determined man.

BTW, you could always carry a small ladder with you for getting in and out of trailers. Many of the flat-bedders carry one.

Thank you! I am determined to drive a big truck again. I have thought about bringing a ladder with me. I’ve gone through many many scenarios in my mind. If I could just get started it would be so much easier with on the job training. I could figure out different ways of doing things that makes it easier for me.