Need A-Z Advice Please
Topic 29779 | Page 1
Should I go contract for a year and let somewhere like SWIFT pay for my tuition for my CDL’s?
That would be the best bet. You want a company to have some skin in the game. If you go in to a company with a CDL and you lose an axle like Kearsey did, they don't lose anything in letting you go. They can also retrain you if necessary because they have training measures in place. And that 5K you would pay to a school will come in handy while on the road.
Team or Solo?
I'd say solo if you don't have a teammate lined up. You need to learn how to do the job and live the lifestyle. Doing it at your own pace makes it less stressful. Teams generally earn more money, but I think the trade off is with it.
Can I bring my dog?
Varies by company. Some companies say "sure, just pay the deposit" some say "depends on weight and breed" and others say "no". Most do require some time solo before allowing a pet.
What are some good companies to work for?
All of the companies that offer training are good and pay about the same to start out. You're going to pay attention to the smaller details like the pet policy and home time. I say apply to all of them and then sort it out.
Good luck and post any other questions you may have.
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.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
Hi, Krissi and welcome!
There are loads of good reasons to get your Trading from the company that you go to work for. Take a look at the link below for information related to that.Paid CDL Training Programs
- Trucker's Career Guide: Choosing Your First Truck Driving Job
- Article Category: Finding The Right Truck Driving Job
- Forum Topics Tagged "Choosing A Trucking Company"
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.
Hi guys! I love reading all the helpful information, past experiences and funny stories. I am a 43 old female and have been in Healthcare 15yrs. I have always wanted to be a truck driver, my grandfather was a trucker for 42yrs. but I am information overload on my own, google is driving me crazy. I need answers like:
-Should I go contract for a year and let somewhere like SWIFT pay for my tuition for my CDL’s? -Team or Solo? (I don’t have anyone to team with) -Is a random team mate worth it? Can I bring my dog? -What are some good companies to work for?
Like I said, I am jot experienced but this has been a dream of mine and I just want to make sure I make an informed decision. Any help is very much appreciated.
Wish you would've heeded the advice in THIS thread, Krissi ~!! Re: the other post ~ recent!
Hope school finishes out... okay'ish! I left you a HUGE reply there....trucker or not (atm) ..been in the industry for 20 plus....and it's more than just being able to hold your lane and back a rig. That, I've learned! Not trying to being condescending at ALL. I truly wish this works out for you!!
~ Anne ~
ps: For some GREAT insight, re: Women in Trucking . . . Kearsey @ Prime
...and for MORE, Read Ms. Laura (IDMtnGal)'s posts, on here!
Best to you, fellow female.. let us know!
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.
Dm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.New Reply:
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Hi guys! I love reading all the helpful information, past experiences and funny stories. I am a 43 old female and have been in Healthcare 15yrs. I have always wanted to be a truck driver, my grandfather was a trucker for 42yrs. but I am information overload on my own, google is driving me crazy. I need answers like:
-Should I go contract for a year and let somewhere like SWIFT pay for my tuition for my CDL’s? -Team or Solo? (I don’t have anyone to team with) -Is a random team mate worth it? Can I bring my dog? -What are some good companies to work for?
Like I said, I am jot experienced but this has been a dream of mine and I just want to make sure I make an informed decision. Any help is very much appreciated.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: