Just A Not-so-brief Introduction.. Hello All!
Topic 29758 | Page 1
Welcome to the forum, john!
We're glad you came forward to introduce yourself, as it opens up an avenue for dialogue. Please feel free to join in the conversations and post any questions you may have.
Our starter pack is practically required reading for anyone wishing to come into the field. Check these out:
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
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.
Welcome aboard John!
I encourage you to be active in our forum. You will be amazed at what you can learn in here. You are out of the shadows now, and you know we don't bite. I want you to remember "there are no dumb questions." If you don't ask what you are wanting to know there is simply no way for us to help you with it.
We look forward to your diary. Thanks a million for introducing yourself! Hopefully some of the other lurkers will follow your example!
Welcome to the forum, john!
We're glad you came forward to introduce yourself, as it opens up an avenue for dialogue. Please feel free to join in the conversations and post any questions you may have.
Our starter pack is practically required reading for anyone wishing to come into the field. Check these out:
Thank you Turtle! I will be going through it all this weekend.
By the way, Turtle was my fathers handle.
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.
By the way, Turtle was my fathers handle.
Mine too. Long lost brother, perhaps?
Thank you Old School!
By the way, Turtle was my fathers handle.
Mine too. Long lost brother, perhaps?
Uh, upstate NY...he did spend some time up there. lol
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My name is John and yes, I am new here. Actually been lurking for about a month.
No, I am not a Truck Driver. But, I probably will be here soon. I am 46, and after COVID destroyed my business over this past year (self-employed pest control) I have been seriously considering a career change. Trucking is at the top of my list. I almost did it a few times in the past 20 years, but for one reason or another, talked myself out of it. I still may talk myself out of it, but, my wife is encouraging me to do it this time, so I actually have the support behind me. There are just a few things keeping me from leaping in, primarily care of my 14 year old son who is autistic, and I share custody with his mother, and currently he spends 12 out of 14 nights with me - and that would obviously change, though my current wife doesnt think it has to. But, that is a conversation for a different day.
I have spent the last several weeks, not studying...but watching youtube videos, reading here, researching companies, etc. Trying to educate myself (I know youtube is not actually an education). I plan on starting the process either this weekend or within the next week - getting my permit (studying for it), physical and all of that fun stuff. Slightly concerned about physical - I had a heart attack about 5 years ago. But my cardiologist said on my most recent visit that my heart is in great shape. One of the medications has given me peripheral neuropathy in my feet - we stopped that medication because he said I did not need it anymore (a blood pressure med). I still have the neuropathy, but it has eased up A LOT, and I only ever experienced it when I was relaxed.
I am not entering the field blindly, my father was a trucker for 30+ years. I have been with him on the road a few times...he was regional NE. I have been with him in NYC (which I hope I never do). I have been with him while broken down on the PA turnpike.
Anyways, I have already decided which company I want to pursue. I have alternates as well. I am hoping for CFI. I just feel it is the best fit. And if you have been around these forums, I think everyone here knows whom I hope will be my trainer/finisher. I know it is all a long shot - but, in a perfect scenario - I am hoping it works out.
If/when I make the leap, which I anticipate the next week - I will be posting in the diaries section, and I am entertaining the idea of expanding on it even after training. I just wanted to introduce myself.
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.