Advice On How To Get The Best Training Possible

Hi guys,

I've been using Trucking Truth for about a year now. I used the Highroad program to get a class B permit last October with interest in gaining entry into the Lineman/outdoor electrical industry. I met with some contractors and they put me on a wait list and recommended I get a class A CDL. So in February I upgraded my permit to a class A and started working with a local trucking school (here in Massachusetts) taking private lessons to get a class A CDL. While in training at the school I realized that getting a class A CDL would open more opportunities than just potential entry into the lineman field. I started researching trucking jobs and realized that the pay is pretty good and the idea of living out on the road has a sort of adventure appeal to me.

I've been reading a lot of diaries of people who went through various trucking schools. And enjoyed these play by play perspectives. So the point I'm at now is I'm interesting in putting myself through that "first year" that everyone talks about to get experience and just plunge into the field.

As of August 15th 2020 I have gained my class A CDL but I did it in a 32 foot trailer. So I have the license but the truth is I have zero experience pulling a 53 foot trailer. My question what company do you think I could join up with and get a maximum level of high quality training. I've looked into Prime but I'm concerned that if I go right into TNT that I wouldn't get the quality backing training that I believe I need to succeed. I'm single with no kids I can go OTR for 2 or 3 years to gain experience without it affecting really anyone but me.

Anyways I've been reading the forum for awhile and you guys seem like you enjoy helping prospective truckers so any advice you can give is appreciated.

In summary - what do you think is the best route for me to take with zero experience driving a 53 foot trailer?

Thanks

Best of luck to you. Looking forward to your updates.

Hi guys,

I've been using Trucking Truth for about a year now. I used the Highroad program to get a class B permit last October with interest in gaining entry into the Lineman/outdoor electrical industry. I met with some contractors and they put me on a wait list and recommended I get a class A CDL. So in February I upgraded my permit to a class A and started working with a local trucking school (here in Massachusetts) taking private lessons to get a class A CDL. While in training at the school I realized that getting a class A CDL would open more opportunities than just potential entry into the lineman field. I started researching trucking jobs and realized that the pay is pretty good and the idea of living out on the road has a sort of adventure appeal to me.

I've been reading a lot of diaries of people who went through various trucking schools. And enjoyed these play by play perspectives. So the point I'm at now is I'm interesting in putting myself through that "first year" that everyone talks about to get experience and just plunge into the field.

As of August 15th 2020 I have gained my class A CDL but I did it in a 32 foot trailer. So I have the license but the truth is I have zero experience pulling a 53 foot trailer. My question what company do you think I could join up with and get a maximum level of high quality training. I've looked into Prime but I'm concerned that if I go right into TNT that I wouldn't get the quality backing training that I believe I need to succeed. I'm single with no kids I can go OTR for 2 or 3 years to gain experience without it affecting really anyone but me.

Anyways I've been reading the forum for awhile and you guys seem like you enjoy helping prospective truckers so any advice you can give is appreciated.

In summary - what do you think is the best route for me to take with zero experience driving a 53 foot trailer?

Thanks

Only in a 32? Well, there are plenty of companies that will hire you and train you right. The backing can be a hit or miss. I struggled when I first began and it took a while before I could understand the advanced level of correcting.

When you choose a company ask them about their trainers and years of experience they have. I would not opt for anyone with less than 10 years experience if you can.

I learned to back more with my second trainer than my first. But honestly both didn’t teach me nearly as good as I taught myself once I got solo. So you’ll just need a good trainer and take all the knowledge you can get and once solo practice backing in the yard everyday. That’s truly how you become good at backing, practice.

That's good advice about making sure to opt with an experienced trainer. From what I can gather from reading other threads there are great trainers and not so great trainers and landing a great trainer is crucial.

Anyways like I mentioned I'm just sort of exploring trucking as a potential career. I think for my personal situation I wouldn't be able to make it happen for another few months - using that time to minimize my monthly budget (cheaper housing maybe pay off car) and tie up any loose ends.

As a trainer of TNT at Prime.. I am confused by this statement

"I've looked into Prime but I'm concerned that if I go right into TNT that I wouldn't get the quality backing training that I believe I need to succeed. "

Prime has the longest training period (60,000 team miles for you coming in with a CDL), that I know of. So if you are concerned that going into training right away is an issue.... Then what and where do you propose? You have a CDL. The training is to refine your skills, give you practice and teach you the company methods. Some companies will put you with a trainer for 1 to 4 weeks and that is it. TNT at Prime will take at least 3 to 4 months in comparison.

As stated above, you will still learn more by going solo and will nowhere be near perfect. It will take a whole year to feel comfortable with backing and trip planning.

I also want to point out... I started training with 18 mos experience. Every student told Prime I am efficient and patient. One flat out told them "I had the best trainer in all of Prime. I knew almost everything when I went solo". I have helped mold several great and productive drivers, including having trained a few on this forum. If the student doesn't have the drive to succeed, the trainer is helpless. Now that I have 5 years, I am in fact better at training but I know drivers who have been training 10+ years who suck at it. A good trainer will find answers for you even if they don't know. Years of experience does not make someone want to teach or make them a good trainer. In addition..expecting a trainer with 10 years experience is ridiculous. You are eliminating drivers like me who are new enough to understand your fear and concerns yet experienced enough to teach.

Compassion, dedication, encouragement, understanding and patience does. I swear I need to make a "how to be a good trainer" video.

If you have Prime specific questions.. I am here.

Hi Kearsey,

That wasn't intended to be a comment against Prime's training or Prime trainers. I'm trying to express a concern in my own training to get a class A CDL which is that I never hauled a 53 foot trailer. I trained with a good trucking school and enjoyed the experience but I learned to pull 32 foot trailers. So it's the same license but there's a big difference.

So what do you think? How many people have you trained? Any of them have a similar background as what I'm describing? Do you spend time with your trainees working on backing and alley docking? From your perspective do you think someone who never drove a 53 foot trailer could gain the skills necessary to succeed in 60000 team miles?

Prime is currently the company I am leaning toward. I would just have to get a Hazmat endorsement, a TWIC card and a passport and then hypothetically I would be ready to go. As I stated in my last post - financially it may be better if I keep the job I have now for a few more months until my car is paid off and maybe change my housing situation so that my monthly costs can be as low as possible.

Any thoughts and advice are appreciated. Its an exciting career prospect.

Although I learned and obtained my CDL using a 53' I pulled a 28' out of school. I did that every day I worked except for once doing a 33'. After a year and a half I decided to move on and had no issue getting hired where I am now with a 53'. The backing took me about a month to get to where I was as confident as I was with the 28'. Its the same concept just reacts differently. As others said your biggest hurdle will be your stale class A. Use this link to Apply For Truck Driving Jobs and see if anybody is willing to take you. If they're unable to they may tell you what you need to do (schooling, refresher, etc) to be eligible for hire. Don't focus too much on what you expect of the trainer. It doesnt matter the company or how long they've been driving. Some are great, others may be just looking at it due to increased pay. Either way just hunker down and make it through training.

Jeremy... The point of training IS to get the practice. Most people come from a school with very little driving and backing experience. I have had 7 students. 3 had only local school experience. The others had gone over the road with the permit in prime training.

You are over thinking this. I had no trailer experience at all nor manual transmission driving. Yet here I am. Just apply yourself. I am uploading a video tonight about trainers. I have other videos about trainer expectations. Check them out.

Believe it or not in many ways that 33’ trailer is harder to back than a 53’. The shorter the trailer the faster it reacts and steering input is touchier. Any company that hites you will work on all aspects with you.

Kearsey has hit many important points and I totally agree in her statements. Quit overthinking this.

I will add this about trainers. Alot of lease operaters I hear skim on backing practice because they are paying for the fuel. I would hate to see that happen to you or anyone else. Most companies will not have many 10+ year experienced trainers. There will be some, but with volume of trainees there are far more trainers with less experience than that.

I have 7 years experience and have been certified as a trainer. The idea of a 10+ year experience would exclude me also. I have trained cops for 25 years in all vehicle ops for law enforcement as well as a couple truck drivers. It can be done, just go in having faith in the company and trainer, unless presented with facts to the opposite.

We look forward to hearing more about your journey.

Okay, thanks guys - all good advice. I guess one last question which is - how long before a CDL A goes "stale"? If I sat on the license for 8 months to get my money in better order would that disqualify me from Prime?

Kearsey I'll be sure to look for your video about trainers.

Thanks