Newbie Questions
Topic 28663 | Page 1
You’ve certainly come to the right place. The pros will be along in short order.
Absolutely not, in fact if you go with the large company for your first year or two you will be discouraged greatly from any kind of maintenance. You will have to learn the basics of the truck but other than that you will turn the truck in for mechanics to do the work and you just give them the symptoms of the problem.
It does require some common sense.
They do this because there are many things that can have very similar symptoms but very different causes and drivers trying to diagnose that can often lead to rabbit holes and expenses
Hi,
First post here so please bear with me. I've been thinking more and more about dropping my current career (musician) and going into trucking. Just wondering some things. I've some reading here getting an idea for different options. I'm 48 years old, 2 kids (10 and 19) wife is now working at home full time so I have the opportunity to make the switch.
I'm curious, does trucking require a mechanically inclined type person?? because that's not me.
Can someone tell me specifically which guides to start with here? I'm pretty sure I will go with a company that will train me versus the trucking school.
Thank You
Hi,
First post here so please bear with me. I've been thinking more and more about dropping my current career (musician) and going into trucking. Just wondering some things. I've some reading here getting an idea for different options. I'm 48 years old, 2 kids (10 and 19) wife is now working at home full time so I have the opportunity to make the switch.
I'm curious, does trucking require a mechanically inclined type person?? because that's not me.
Can someone tell me specifically which guides to start with here? I'm pretty sure I will go with a company that will train me versus the trucking school.
Thank You
Welcome to TT, Eric~!
Yessir, paid CDL training is definitely THE way to go~!!! The application on this site (when you are ready) will bounce your app out to MANY fine companies, all at once, and leave YOU to choose!
A good read, for starters: Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving
And follow up with: Paid CDL Training Programs
And when you are ready to 'get down to it:' High Road CDL Training Program
Wish you well, good sir~!
Keep us posted, for sure... and the pros /veteran drivers WILL chime in, more... for sure.
Anne :)
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.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
I'm new cant answer your question. But I'm am sure the experience on the road can inspire your music alot.
You don’t need to know how to work on a Diesel engine or really the mechanics of the engine. You will need to be able to learn some things as to how your brakes work (part of the CDL exam). And they’ll teach you things about the truck in school also. But it’s pretty basic stuff that you’ll need to know in order to do a complete and proper pre-trip.
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.
My company has 24hr mechanics and a road assist department (imagine AAA for cars) that can help with mechanical issues. We also have a maintenance class that teaches you stuff like changing light bulbs, reattaching things, and other stuff i would just confuse you on. but the resources are available. when all else fails.. just take it to a mechanic.
My rule is if I can't fix it with a screwdriver, socket set, hammer, duct tape, or electrical tape i dont need to worry about it.
No major company will ever require you to do maintenance. That being said it can be helpful to learn some basic stuff like changing a light bulb or wrapping a loose connection with tape to get to the shop down the road.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
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Hi,
First post here so please bear with me. I've been thinking more and more about dropping my current career (musician) and going into trucking. Just wondering some things. I've some reading here getting an idea for different options. I'm 48 years old, 2 kids (10 and 19) wife is now working at home full time so I have the opportunity to make the switch.
I'm curious, does trucking require a mechanically inclined type person?? because that's not me.
Can someone tell me specifically which guides to start with here? I'm pretty sure I will go with a company that will train me versus the trucking school.
Thank You