So Much Info On Here! :) Which Way To My Class A?
Topic 27132 | Page 1
Welcome!
It depends on what your priorities are. The main things you have to determine are:
1) What type of freight do you want to haul?
2) How often do you want to get home?
3) What regions of the country would you like to run?
The experience you've had in tankers doesn't mean you have to pull tankers. In fact, you might be better off pulling anything except tankers to get the feel for driving a Class A truck first.
It's really about your preferences. That's what will determine the best path for you.
Once you get your Class A, Schneider has an excellent tanker program. I'm currently in it and about to finish this week.
Thanks for the replies!
Brett, I feel like home time, regions, and what kind of freight I want to haul, are not really decisions for me to make at this point. I think I will just be at the mercy of the whole process and I am all in. Those are things I feel will come with time. I just need to learn how to drive the bigger truck. I am hoping what I have done the last 3 years, will have given me at least a few helpful skills. I do enjoy driving tanker, but you are right, I might like to drive something else. I can always go back to tanker if I want :)
Jay, I have looked into Schneider as they are in my state. I have to have my Class A already to drive for them though correct? I originally went to school for my Class A, been thinking about doing it again but have also been considering Prime or Roehl as this gives me the opportunity to get the proper license and the experience I need, along with having the job already.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
While I realize that the amount of (great) information on this site may seem overwhelming, the truth is that there are no shortcuts....no one can distill all you could know into a couple of paragraphs. I highly recommend that you take the time to read it all.....you'll be amazed at what can be learned here.
Hello to everyone willing to give advice!
I have been driving a class B fuel truck for almost 3 years. Pulling a fuel hose to fuel a truck or a fill pipe on house has gotten old and I am looking to do more. My ultimate goal would be to drive transport tanker but not sure how to get there. Obviously I need my Class A license and experience. Do I go with prime, which has a tanker division? Can I get a tanker trainer or am I going to have to start with a reefer anyway? Do I go with Roehl without a tanker division but is more local for me? I know I can't just get in a truck and drive as my experience is not with a combo, so the time I have to put in for paid CDL training is no bother to me. Even in the 3 years i have been with my current company, I am learning something new everyday. I am not questioning if this is something that I want to do, it's for sure. Just not sure which route to take. I have not had a problem getting accepted anywhere as I have a good MVR , hazmat/tanker endorsements, and some schooling/experience. ANY advice ANYONE can give me on here would be super awesome, plus I wouldn't mind getting to know some of you as I will be on the road as well and it seems there is alot of you that have great helpful trucker advice. Thank You!
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.
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
MVR:
Motor Vehicle Record
An MVR is a report of your driving history, as reported from your state Department of Motor Vehicles. Information on this report may include Drivers License information, point history, violations, convictions, and license status on your driving record.
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Yes you will need a class A for Schneider first. The good news is that if you have to go back to cdl school to get it. They will reimburse you up to $7000 @ $200 a month. With no contract to sign.
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.
Thanks Dave!!
You are correct..the info on is here is VERY overwhelming. I try to take time everyday to read at least one topic on here but working 14 hour days its not easy. That's why there is weekends right? :) I am definitely not looking for a shortcut. I went to school for my CDL for a CAREER. When hired at the current company I am at, I was told I would be trained on transport and they would help me get my Class A. Unfortunately after 3 years I am still waiting and I am not willing to wait anymore and will take matters into my own hands. No more pulling a fuel hose for this girl!! I love this forum, it has alot of info and alot of great helpful drivers on here and I will keep reading and responding whenever I can.
While I realize that the amount of (great) information on this site may seem overwhelming, the truth is that there are no shortcuts....no one can distill all you could know into a couple of paragraphs. I highly recommend that you take the time to read it all.....you'll be amazed at what can be learned here.
Hello to everyone willing to give advice!
I have been driving a class B fuel truck for almost 3 years. Pulling a fuel hose to fuel a truck or a fill pipe on house has gotten old and I am looking to do more. My ultimate goal would be to drive transport tanker but not sure how to get there. Obviously I need my Class A license and experience. Do I go with prime, which has a tanker division? Can I get a tanker trainer or am I going to have to start with a reefer anyway? Do I go with Roehl without a tanker division but is more local for me? I know I can't just get in a truck and drive as my experience is not with a combo, so the time I have to put in for paid CDL training is no bother to me. Even in the 3 years i have been with my current company, I am learning something new everyday. I am not questioning if this is something that I want to do, it's for sure. Just not sure which route to take. I have not had a problem getting accepted anywhere as I have a good MVR , hazmat/tanker endorsements, and some schooling/experience. ANY advice ANYONE can give me on here would be super awesome, plus I wouldn't mind getting to know some of you as I will be on the road as well and it seems there is alot of you that have great helpful trucker advice. Thank You!
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.
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
MVR:
Motor Vehicle Record
An MVR is a report of your driving history, as reported from your state Department of Motor Vehicles. Information on this report may include Drivers License information, point history, violations, convictions, and license status on your driving record.
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
I have checked out schneider as it is local for me. I also started at CDL school originally going for my Class A but backing was a HUGE issue as I have never backed anything but a car. After 2 weeks being stuck in the training pad just backing 5 hrs a day and still getting nowhere, I decided to go with my Class B instead. The instructor used to stand in front of the truck and just yell at me which way to turn the wheel and I didn't find this helpful at all! I needed to know what I was supposed to be looking for/at in my mirrors. I have no interest in going back to school there. Although I could not get the backing figured out there, I have been doing ALOT of reading on this site regarding backing tips and know someone with a truck and small trailer I can practice with. It's not a big rig tractor trailer, but it gives me some idea how to back something that is not just 4 wheels. I know I can get it this time :) I appreciate you taking the time to respond for Schneider. Thank You!
Yes you will need a class A for Schneider first. The good news is that if you have to go back to cdl school to get it. They will reimburse you up to $7000 @ $200 a month. With no contract to sign.
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.
Mr. Reid I understand you drove for Pride Transport. I start with the the 15 of Feb 2021. I love to hear about your experiences with them.
Dave Reid hasn't stopped by much lately, but here is a thread he did on pride transport. Its nearly 4 years old so things may have changed a little.
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Hello to everyone willing to give advice!
I have been driving a class B fuel truck for almost 3 years. Pulling a fuel hose to fuel a truck or a fill pipe on house has gotten old and I am looking to do more. My ultimate goal would be to drive transport tanker but not sure how to get there. Obviously I need my Class A license and experience. Do I go with prime, which has a tanker division? Can I get a tanker trainer or am I going to have to start with a reefer anyway? Do I go with Roehl without a tanker division but is more local for me? I know I can't just get in a truck and drive as my experience is not with a combo, so the time I have to put in for paid CDL training is no bother to me. Even in the 3 years i have been with my current company, I am learning something new everyday. I am not questioning if this is something that I want to do, it's for sure. Just not sure which route to take. I have not had a problem getting accepted anywhere as I have a good MVR , hazmat/tanker endorsements, and some schooling/experience. ANY advice ANYONE can give me on here would be super awesome, plus I wouldn't mind getting to know some of you as I will be on the road as well and it seems there is alot of you that have great helpful trucker advice. Thank You!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
MVR:
Motor Vehicle Record
An MVR is a report of your driving history, as reported from your state Department of Motor Vehicles. Information on this report may include Drivers License information, point history, violations, convictions, and license status on your driving record.
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.