Hair Follicle VS. Urine

What's new how's Prime going?

Michael,

I am in the PSD phase just waiting for a flatbed trainer, but spending a TON of time on the practice pad WATCHING backing.

Maybe today I'll get to drive?

Check the diaries section for all the details.

Rob.

Michael, do you read the Diaries section of Trucking Truth? That's where you can follow Rob's journey.

Don’t go until you’re sure you are clean. I know of a few ppl who somehow did some hocus pocus and got a clean test. I know of plenty more who seemed “shocked” that the test found x or y in their system.

So I've continued with the straight/box truck company and am now applying to a school in PA. Just waiting to see if I get approved for funding. I just celebrated 10.5 months sober so everything should definitely be out of my system now. I'm so stoked and excited. I'm also nervous and all that to. I'm going to a cheaper school called Shelly. What companies are good to start driving with?

Don’t go until you’re sure you are clean. I know of a few ppl who somehow did some hocus pocus and got a clean test. I know of plenty more who seemed “shocked” that the test found x or y in their system.

So I've continued with the straight/box truck company and am now applying to a school in PA. Just waiting to see if I get approved for funding. I just celebrated 10.5 months sober so everything should definitely be out of my system now. I'm so stoked and excited. I'm also nervous and all that to. I'm going to a cheaper school called Shelly. What companies are good to start driving with?

Don’t go until you’re sure you are clean. I know of a few ppl who somehow did some hocus pocus and got a clean test. I know of plenty more who seemed “shocked” that the test found x or y in their system.

Huge congrats on your sobriety ~!!!! That's KUDOS worthy, for sure. Feels GOOD to know you can pass ANY and ALL tests they can throw your way, doesn't it?!?!? That in itself is a pat on the back moment...forever!

Any reason you want to go to a private school, paid partially or not, in lieu of company paid training? (Does your straight/box driving job offer further education, in obtaining your CDL? MANY do. . . )

Have you seen THESE links?

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

And furthermore:

Paid CDL Training Programs

Apply For Paid CDL Training

Trucking Company Reviews

Again, CONGRATS~!!! (Can't make that word do the balloons and whatnot like Facebook, sorry!)

PLEASE start a thread of your own, and keep us in the loop; ask questions, and BE ONE with this wonderful website, along your journey! You've got ME following, good sir!

~ Anne ~

So I've continued with the straight/box truck company and am now applying to a school in PA. Just waiting to see if I get approved for funding. I just celebrated 10.5 months sober so everything should definitely be out of my system now. I'm so stoked and excited. I'm also nervous and all that to. I'm going to a cheaper school called Shelly. What companies are good to start driving with?

Don’t go until you’re sure you are clean. I know of a few ppl who somehow did some hocus pocus and got a clean test. I know of plenty more who seemed “shocked” that the test found x or y in their system.

Congrats on your 10.5 months - you should be good to go on any substance testing.

In some cases - it's EASIER as someone with ZERO EXPERIENCE to get a hire on one of the "big big boys that do training" (Prime/etc.) with NO CDL. With ZERO EXPERIENCE - you are still going to have to go through THE VERY SAME THING that people with NO CDL have to go through (minus the CDL Road Tests for licensing). Some companies I talked to, when I was thinking (again) of "jumping in" - wanted me to DOWNGRADE MY CDL and go through the WHOLE PROCESS AGAIN. So the CDL I worked very hard for (and have kept clean for over a decade now), is VIRTUALLY WORTHLESS in the "big scheme" of getting a hire with a company that takes "trainees".

"Cheaper is not always LESS EXPENSIVE" - with some of theses CDL Schools giving you ONLY THE MINIMUM REQUIRED TO GET YOU THROUGH A ROAD TEST (CDL Mills). Some (most) larger companies don't even consider these guys to be "accredited" (even though there is no actual LEGAL standard for accreditation - only some organizations that claim they are "accreditation" - but which companies ACTUALLY CONSIDER THEM TO BE - IS ENTIRELY ANOTHER STORY.

After looking at their website - Shelly Truck Driving School, $5,300 is BY NO MEANS A CHEAP TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL. I paid $1,900 for a local county Vo-Tech - for a NINE WEEK FULL TIME COURSE. And just because they are "a testing center" - means NOTHING. Most states use 3rd party testers - to reduce the liability of State DMV Examiners, if someone WRECKS DURING A TEST - and because they are JUST TOO BUSY to invest the time or real estate (for the yard skills portion, etc.) to do testing any more.

YOU WANT TO SEE WHERE (and IF) their claim of 90% PLACEMENT IS ACTUALLY TRUE. It's EASY to put up on a website - NOT SO EASY TO PULL OFF IN THE REAL WORLD.

Also - keep in mind that even if you FIND a company that will hire you out of this school - you NEED TO GET HIRED, usually within 60 days - otherwise your training is considered "stale".

Some schools like this - are "associated" with Trucking Companies - that is to say - the company sends THEIR APPLICANTS TO THE SCHOOL - PAYS FOR THEM - and then HIRES THEM ON COMPLETION AND PAYS FOR THE SCHOOL. Then you are "on the hook" to the company for a specific period of time/miles in order to "work off your debt". But AT LEAST YOU KNOW YOU ARE GETTING A HIRE.

There is NO SUCH THING AS FREE CDL TRAINING (unless you get a state/federal/VA grant that pays for it). If you HAVE NOT SIGNED ON THE DOTTED LINE - I URGE YOU TO RECONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS BEFORE GETTING YOURSELF IN $5,300 WORTH OF DEBT, with ZERO GUARANTEE OF GETTING HIRED.

(yes - I'm SHOUTING - because THIS IS IMPORTANT).

Which is why WE AT TT RECOMMEND that people who want to get into this vocation - avail themselves of a COMPANY THAT TRAINS IN HOUSE (Prime/Swift/etc.). You will get a WELL ROUNDED BASE OF EXPERIENCE before you take the road tests. Getting through orientation, training and licensing IS A GUARANTEE YOU WILL BE OFFERED A POSITION (that equals 100% PLACEMENT). And these guys are typically 1 year of obligated service, to "pay off" your training.

So - if you have not already committed to this school - PLEASE AVAIL YOURSELF of the "Apply For Paid CDL Training" that Anna posted in her comments. APPLY EVERYWHERE. You are in a GOOD AREA to get a hire (while I, in Fort Lauderdale, am pretty much IN THE WORST).

Don't get yourself $5,300 in debt - WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING IF YOU CAN/WILL get in somewhere afterwards.

PRIVATE CDL SCHOOLS WILL TAKE ANYONE WHO CAN PAY - that is NOT LEGALLY DISQUALIFIED FROM GETTING A CDL. It's not that they don't care - OK - they don't really. The County Program I went to - required you to bring an MVR along with your application. The director (who I still talk to 11 years later) will REJECT YOU - if your driving record is SO POOR THAT YOU WON'T GET A HIRE after completing the program. He cares enough to not want to see people "throw away" $2K and 9 weeks of their lives - to NOT GET A JOB ANYWAYS.

Seriously - from one recovering addict/alcoholic to another (12/7/2000). Congrats again on the 10.5 months - THINK THIS THROUGH. The last thing a "newcomer" needs - is to rack up debt, and still not get hired somewhere.

Best of luck - keep us posted on your progress...

Rick

Thank you so much for the AMAZING message! Yes it is AMAZING to know I can pass any and all tests. I will look at to starting my own thread. I have know idea how to. Unfortunately the company I currently work for does not sponsor or have a CDL training program. We are aloud to use the trucks to get our CDL-B but not A. That is why I chose a private school. Also they state may pay for my training at the private school that is way cheaper and does not require me signing another contract with a different company then who I work for which currently I don't plan on leaving but will still look at my options. I am going to start a thread to see if three people would not mind me interviewing for my application to the state. Its short and just a couple questions and does not require personal info. Just truck driver name, company name, if the company is currently hiring, if the driver had any formal training, what their current employer is looking for when they decided to fill said position, and what background checks are done for the company the current driver works with. Let me know with if any one would not mind taking some time to speak with me. Please text or call my cell at 717-475-2890.

So I've continued with the straight/box truck company and am now applying to a school in PA. Just waiting to see if I get approved for funding. I just celebrated 10.5 months sober so everything should definitely be out of my system now. I'm so stoked and excited. I'm also nervous and all that to. I'm going to a cheaper school called Shelly. What companies are good to start driving with?

Don’t go until you’re sure you are clean. I know of a few ppl who somehow did some hocus pocus and got a clean test. I know of plenty more who seemed “shocked” that the test found x or y in their system.

Huge congrats on your sobriety ~!!!! That's KUDOS worthy, for sure. Feels GOOD to know you can pass ANY and ALL tests they can throw your way, doesn't it?!?!? That in itself is a pat on the back moment...forever!

Any reason you want to go to a private school, paid partially or not, in lieu of company paid training? (Does your straight/box driving job offer further education, in obtaining your CDL? MANY do. . . )

Have you seen THESE links?

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

And furthermore:

Paid CDL Training Programs

Apply For Paid CDL Training

Trucking Company Reviews

Again, CONGRATS~!!! (Can't make that word do the balloons and whatnot like Facebook, sorry!)

PLEASE start a thread of your own, and keep us in the loop; ask questions, and BE ONE with this wonderful website, along your journey! You've got ME following, good sir!

~ Anne ~

Thank you so much for the AMAZING message! Yes it is AMAZING to know I can pass any and all tests. I will look at to starting my own thread. I have know idea how to. Unfortunately the company I currently work for does not sponsor or have a CDL training program. We are aloud to use the trucks to get our CDL-B but not A. That is why I chose a private school. Also they state may pay for my training at the private school that is way cheaper and does not require me signing another contract with a different company then who I work for which currently I don't plan on leaving but will still look at my options. I am going to start a thread to see if three people would not mind me interviewing for my application to the state. Its short and just a couple questions and does not require personal info. Just truck driver name, company name, if the company is currently hiring, if the driver had any formal training, what their current employer is looking for when they decided to fill said position, and what background checks are done for the company the current driver works with. Let me know with if any one would not mind taking some time to speak with me. Please text or call my cell at 717-475-2890.

We do things IN THE CLEAR here - that is - on our discussion threads - so that EVERYONE MAY BENEFIT from the responses.

Now I'm confused.

You have a company you are driving CLASS B for, that you can DRIVE CLASS A - if you get a Class A CDL?

Or are you looking to go "over the road" with a different company?

Just going to school and getting a Class A - does not an "experienced driver make". You will still be a green recruit.

If you are trying to get a "state grant" for school - on the prospect of job offers in the industry - NO ONE HERE can make that offer - we are ALL EMPLOYEES (those of us who are driving).

At this point - I have ZERO IDEA what your "endgame" is here - so I really have no further advice I can offer...

Rick

Rick THANK YOU SO MUCH! I didnt know anything really about all you shared. Would it be possible for us to speak over the phone? My phone number is 717-475-2890. I apologize for making another post without seeing these. I am not use to operating on the site yet.

So I've continued with the straight/box truck company and am now applying to a school in PA. Just waiting to see if I get approved for funding. I just celebrated 10.5 months sober so everything should definitely be out of my system now. I'm so stoked and excited. I'm also nervous and all that to. I'm going to a cheaper school called Shelly. What companies are good to start driving with?

Don’t go until you’re sure you are clean. I know of a few ppl who somehow did some hocus pocus and got a clean test. I know of plenty more who seemed “shocked” that the test found x or y in their system.

Congrats on your 10.5 months - you should be good to go on any substance testing.

Hey Rick,

I apologize, I am not the best at explaining things sometimes. So let me try again lol.

1. I currently work for a company that uses Penske Rental Trucks for deliveries. Starting at six pallet trucks and going to 12 pallet trucks. It depends on your licensing which trucks you drive. I am allowed to use the 12 pallet truck on the day I go to get my CDL-B which all I need to do is study for and take a road test here in PA. I love the company I am currently with but they are a smaller business with no more then 60 trucks and that's in full swing which for us is summer. I do not want to do OTR as I am still pretty green in recovery. I would however like to do regional where I am home on weekends if that is possible or just switch to construction dump truck driving. It just depends what I can find.

2. I am definitely a GREEN recruit lol. I have only been driving six months and box trucks are a million times diffrent then the semi's which is what I ideally want to drive. I am here for any and all feedback available. Would it be possible to speak to you over the phone? I dont have any connections hear really. My number is 717-475-2890. Thank you in advance. I apologize for the confusion.

We do things IN THE CLEAR here - that is - on our discussion threads - so that EVERYONE MAY BENEFIT from the responses.

Now I'm confused.

You have a company you are driving CLASS B for, that you can DRIVE CLASS A - if you get a Class A CDL?

Or are you looking to go "over the road" with a different company?

Just going to school and getting a Class A - does not an "experienced driver make". You will still be a green recruit.

If you are trying to get a "state grant" for school - on the prospect of job offers in the industry - NO ONE HERE can make that offer - we are ALL EMPLOYEES (those of us who are driving).

At this point - I have ZERO IDEA what your "endgame" is here - so I really have no further advice I can offer...

Rick

I'm going to go back to my original premise here.

I don't the school you are talking about going to - from adam. EVERY SCHOOL advertises "Our 150,000% Placement Rate". Unless it is a school that is DIRECTLY ASSOCIATED WITH A COMPANY - with that company using them as their SOLE TRAINING CONTRACTOR - it's likely a LOAD OF CRAP.

The ONLY.GUARANTEED.PLACEMENT - is a COMPANY SPONSORED PROGRAM - because THE COMPANY TRAINS - AND OFFERS YOU A JOB UPON COMPLETION.

Sorry - but I don't "do phone" - and you shouldn't be posting your number here "in the clear" - welcome to the world of a million spam calls/texts now. I comm with a few of the old-timers here - have been for years. But as I said - we SHARE THE INFORMATION HERE - SO EVERYONE CAN BENEFIT FROM IT. We (I) , don't do one-on-one phone consults.

Any "on-boarding" (initial training phase with a "mentor" teaching you the ropes) with a major company - is likely to be OTR initially. Then you could probably slide into a regional solo (or team if you can deal with living with another person in a walk-in closet that almost never stops moving). BUT YOU STILL HAVE TO GET IN THE DOOR. Even with the school you are thinking of attending - NO ONE IS GOING TO TAKE YOU OUT OF A 4 WEEK COURSE - throw you the keys to a $150K/40 ton rig (trailer and cargo), and wish you luck.

You are GOING TO HAVE TO TRAIN - and if you want to drive semi's - some of it is going to be OTR. So instead of going to a 4 week course with no guarantee of a prospective job - the advice we PRETTY MUCH GIVE EVERYONE - is to GO COMPANY SPONSORED TRAINING.

Anna posted a link - it will send multiple applications to multiple companies - START FROM THERE. Applying is the FIRST STEP - you don't have to commit to anything.

You should have a CLEAN LICENSE (3 years with no major speeds, suspensions, etc. and NO DUI's). 3 years of VERIFIABLE WORK HISTORY - including gaps in employment (by FMCSA Regs). No criminal record would be helpful too - or at least not recent ones.

We don't talk people into (or out of) anything here - only make suggestions based on the combined decades of experience of the members here.

Rick