I Have A Few Questions About Becoming And Being A Trucker

Hello I have a few questions about this.. well more than a few sorry in advance if I ask a "stupid" question.

1. I have read many reviews here on on other websites about various trucking schools but i still can't seem to make a final decision on these 3 can you guys please tell your opinions? I like to see the ugly an the good of all to make a fair decision. -Roehls transportation, - Mills transfer, and TMC.

2. Do all different companies have their own pet policy or is more of a general rule of thumb? I have a lovely German Shepard fully trained an was curious to rather I'd be allowed to carry my buddy with me or not.

3. Also I've read alot about obesity in this job which is kinda understandable considering the job but personally is this avoidable I really don't want to get fat and get all the health issues that come with it but idk how could be avoided maybe some helpful meal suggestions ? For on the road.

4. I've never driven a manual transmission in my life is this the normal truck that will be driven for some companies? If so do they teach you how to handle it?

5. Now this is a really stupid question I suppose but when you are at a truck stop do you pay for your own fuel or does the company pay for your fuel? Showers I'd except you'd pay for yourself but also im unsure any insight would be greatly appreciated.

6. What are the best snacks to bring you on the road? An how do you go about restocking your snacks considering most parking lots aren't really good to park semis.

7. Anti theft ? Do most trucks have a anti theft system or at least some sort of safety sericuty feature? For when you're in a sketchy location?

8. Servicing do you pay for truck repairs or the company? Or even a oil change?

9. How is it sleeping in a truck is there alot of outside noise ? Or is it a nice cozy experience?

10. Do all trucks have the outlets to plug in a microwave an mini fridge? Or do some lack it?

11. How many hours should a newbie excpt in his first week solo?

12. When you get to go home do you take the truck with you? I don't think my driveway or my road can hold such a vehicle 😬

13. Are truck stop showers nasty ? I've heard many different stories or is it just a case by case experience?

14. Tolls? Do you pay toll fees or the company?

15. I've heard verzion is the best cellphone service for truck drivers is this accurate in your experience?

16. Can you get tv service in a truck? Or is this unlikely?

Thank you in advance for your answers

Jefferson, I'll try to answer your questions: 1- All 3 are very good companies. Your choice. 2- Every company has different pet policies that include breed and size restrictions. 3- If you pass a DOT physical you are usually OK. Each company might be different. 4- Most are now auto shift so don't worry. 5- Companies pay fuel, you pay for showers or use credits from fuel companies. 6- Anything that is healthy with good shelf life. 7- Lock doors, take keys with you, bungy cord inside door handles if sleeping. 8- Company pays unless you are leasing truck. 9- Unless you have sleep issues you'll sleep like a baby after a long day's work. 10- If a sleeper truck yes but not all companies allow these in their trucks. 11- It varies as does mileage depending on freight volume . 12- Some companies allow it, others don't. If so find a local secure area to park when home. 13- Most are fairly clean but some are nasty. 14- Companies almost always pay tolls. I'm sure there might be some that don't. 15- Verizon and ATT are usually the best for coverage areas and signal strength. 16- Yes. You can have Dish or Direct TV just like an RV if you want to pay for their services. Most areas of the country should have enough of a local tv station strength for you to get some tv. I hope this helps you. PHEW I'm exhausted. Good luck.

I just typed out this long answer, only to find out Navypoppop beat me to it. I'm posting it anyway

1- Only you know what you're looking for in a company. All are fine, successful companies where you can build a good career. Apply to all three and see which ones come back at you with an offer.

2- Every company is different. Some have a very liberal pet policy, some have a weight limit, and some don't allow pets at all.

3- Do you really think it's the job that makes a person obese? There are an infinite amount of truck drivers who stay in very good physical shape.

4- A company will teach you how to operate their equipment. Most are switching to automatics anyway, so it isn't as big of an issue as it used to be.

5- As a company driver, you don't pay for anything truck related. In the odd event you need to pay out of pocket for something, you will be reimbursed. Shower credits are earned for fueling, so your showers will be mostly free also.

6- Choosing your own snacks is on you. Most Walmart's are truck accessible, for shopping.

7- Some do, some don't. At Prime we have a code we must enter before the truck can be started.

8- See answer #5

9- That's going to be on an individual basis. I sleep like a baby, but wake if someone even sneezes on my truck.

10- Some do, some don't. All trucks have 12V outlets for various gadgets.

11- Varies case by case.

12 - Most of the time, you can bring the truck home with you. Or you can leave it in a nearby truck stop.

13- Some are nicer than your bathroom at home. Some are sketchy. They'll get you clean. Bring shower shoes. Always.

14- See answer #5

15- Ask 10 drivers, get 10 answers. I use AT&T, and get coverage anywhere but parts of Wyoming.

16- My digital over the air antenna will generally pick up anywhere from a handful to a few dozen channels anywhere I'm parked. I suppose most drivers might use some kind of internet based service, but I'm too cheap for that. Free is free, and works for me. I rarely watch TV anyway.

I read your questions, Jefferson, thinking I like to type long answers but I'd try to be brief with so many of them. Then I saw Navypoppopp beat me to doing that.

And then Turtle even beat me to doing that, too! So I'll just fill in some of the blank spaces:

The old saw "This is a stupid question" hardly ever works b/c the asker doesn't know the answer!! And most of what you asked has been asked and answered here before. Just not by you. We're happy to oblige.

A few more things: at the top left are three lines. Tap on thm and the Site Index pops out - your key to everything "trucking" .

Also, we have a few things set up for forum first timers:

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

From "what it's like" to CDL Test Prep. So, do not hesitate to ask your questions!