FNG In MD Looking For Driving Info
Topic 29787 | Page 5
I guess I shall be more specific to clear any confusion here.
I fully understand that you need to have training to acquire a CDL-A license, and I am in no way trying to get around that.
In Maryland, where I live, in February of 2022 there was a change to the rules on getting a CLP. You now have to have ELDT (Entry Level Driver Training) before you can take the exams for your Learners permit. As we can all imagine, those not in the process of getting their CDL would not know this unless they worked at a training center. You cannot any longer in MD, just show up to take your written exam for your CLP without having this ELDT. I am still trying to get a hold of people who can explain to me what this is and what it entails and whether this is something that needs to be done online or in person or could be either. This ELDT was NOT a requirement when I got my CLP last year. The schools I have reached out to won't give me a direct answer for obvious reasons, they want you to enroll. The people at the MVA have no clue because well what do they have a clue about lol.
I was able to track down a "provider" registry list for my area a little while ago on the FMCSA website and will be going down the list until I get someone who returns an email or answers the phone. I will update the thread as I find information so if anyone coming behind me is facing the same situation in their state they have an idea of what is going on.
Thanks for your time and reply.
Is ABF still putting folks through training? It is my understanding they have a hub close to me in Baltimore.....?
As for the CLP, it is different now than it was last year. When I got it last year, I just showed up to my scheduled date at the MVA with my DOT physical card, and my ID documents they wanted to verify identity etc, and took my exams and left with my CLP. There was not a training requirement of any kind prior to February of this year when they instituted the change. This is the part that confuses me now. So you can't get a CLP in MD now without going to school?
Not too much has really changed, you should still be able to go and take all your permit tests except the hazmat. The entry level training requirement is a certificate verifying you completed the required minimum of 160 hrs training. A training course/test is now required to be completed prior to taking the Hazmat test at the DMV. Most schools and company training programs provide it, if not, there are some accredited ones online. Upon completion of the Hazmat course, your info will be submitted to the FMCSA and your state DMV which will allow you to take the test.
I did a 6 week training program with ABF Freight, we were given the Hazmat course and test week 4, I went to fIngerprint place then DMV for Hazmat test the following weekend. Didn’t road test with state until entire 6 week training was done
It's a CDL that requires an accredited training program, not a CLP. CLP is still the same where you show up, take the tests, and receive your CLP.
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.
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
CSA:
Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
The CSA is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicle
FMCSA:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The FMCSA was established within the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000. Their primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.
What Does The FMCSA Do?
- Commercial Drivers' Licenses
- Data and Analysis
- Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
- Research and Technology
- Safety Assistance
- Support and Information Sharing
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
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.Fm:
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.DMV:
Department of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The state agency that handles everything related to your driver's licences, including testing, issuance, transfers, and revocation.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
CLP:
Commercial Learner's Permit
Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.
Is ABF still putting folks through training? It is my understanding they have a hub close to me in Baltimore.....?
Yes, ABF is still offering training. In fact, the Baltimore terminal is also a training terminal. It will all depend on if that terminal is hiring. You can find out if they are hiring and then fill out an application online at jobs.abf.com
The hiring process takes a bit, its not rushed by recruiters like the big OTR companies. It took 2 or so weeks before I heard anything and then got an interview with my terminal manager shortly after. Things moved pretty quick after interview.
I kept a daily log of my training experience over in the diary section. There’s more info there and it will give you a general idea of what to expect if you care to read through it
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Perfect Thanks for the info. I will look through your log starting today when I have downtime at school. Much appreciate the feedback.
Is ABF still putting folks through training? It is my understanding they have a hub close to me in Baltimore.....?
Yes, ABF is still offering training. In fact, the Baltimore terminal is also a training terminal. It will all depend on if that terminal is hiring. You can find out if they are hiring and then fill out an application online at jobs.abf.com
The hiring process takes a bit, its not rushed by recruiters like the big OTR companies. It took 2 or so weeks before I heard anything and then got an interview with my terminal manager shortly after. Things moved pretty quick after interview.
I kept a daily log of my training experience over in the diary section. There’s more info there and it will give you a general idea of what to expect if you care to read through it
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Alright so to update the thread. I heard back from one of the eldt approved schools in my area and was fortunate enough to come across someone helpful. The eldt is a new requirement to test for the license not for the clp. So I will be going to the MVA in the next day or so to pick up a study manual and will begin looking for a clinic to do a dot physical for me. This school has very affordable training and classes are one on one and then they take you and a truck to the mva to test when you have done your hours etc.
So the process begins again 😎
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
CLP:
Commercial Learner's Permit
Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.
Why not attend company sponsored training where you will have a job offer at the successful completion of training? Sign a contract for 9 months to 14 months and the training is free. Time goes by quickly out here.
Company Sponsored Training:
A Company-Sponsored Training Program is a school that is owned and operated by a trucking company.
The schooling often requires little or no money up front. Instead of paying up-front tuition you will sign an agreement to work for the company for a specified amount of time after graduation, usually around a year, at a slightly lower rate of pay in order to pay for the training.
If you choose to quit working for the company before your year is up, they will normally require you to pay back a prorated amount of money for the schooling. The amount you pay back will be comparable to what you would have paid if you went to an independently owned school.
Company-sponsored training can be an excellent way to get your career underway if you can't afford the tuition up front for private schooling.
Because people are denying me due to my years of not working. Last time around only CRST was willing to take me on but I didn't like the "details" that kept surfacing the closer I got to my ship date to training. The narrative kept changing. Maybe it was just the recruiter I had etc. I am reaching out to Wilson again and trying to find my way through the BS of everything receuiters promise. I have no issue doing company sponsored training if I find the right opportunity. I will have an open mind and do just exoring all of the options. If my lack of work history keeps getting me declined then I will do it on my own and drive local for a bit to get verifiable on the road time. This is something I want to do but I may not have the same opportunities others do because of my past being disabled. It's not due to a lack of desire I assure you. Trying to make due woth the cards I am playing with. Roehl, Wilson, TMC, and a few others all told me no due to lack of work history despite me having proof of being on SSDI.
Why not attend company sponsored training where you will have a job offer at the successful completion of training? Sign a contract for 9 months to 14 months and the training is free. Time goes by quickly out here.
Company Sponsored Training:
A Company-Sponsored Training Program is a school that is owned and operated by a trucking company.
The schooling often requires little or no money up front. Instead of paying up-front tuition you will sign an agreement to work for the company for a specified amount of time after graduation, usually around a year, at a slightly lower rate of pay in order to pay for the training.
If you choose to quit working for the company before your year is up, they will normally require you to pay back a prorated amount of money for the schooling. The amount you pay back will be comparable to what you would have paid if you went to an independently owned school.
Company-sponsored training can be an excellent way to get your career underway if you can't afford the tuition up front for private schooling.
Right. So you attend and pass CDL training at a private school. After completing this, you will still show employment gaps, but you'll have a shiny new CDL permit with no experience. How does that make it easier to get hired? We most always recommend company sponsored training for this reason.
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.
Company Sponsored Training:
A Company-Sponsored Training Program is a school that is owned and operated by a trucking company.
The schooling often requires little or no money up front. Instead of paying up-front tuition you will sign an agreement to work for the company for a specified amount of time after graduation, usually around a year, at a slightly lower rate of pay in order to pay for the training.
If you choose to quit working for the company before your year is up, they will normally require you to pay back a prorated amount of money for the schooling. The amount you pay back will be comparable to what you would have paid if you went to an independently owned school.
Company-sponsored training can be an excellent way to get your career underway if you can't afford the tuition up front for private schooling.
Never said it would be easier sir. Just trying to find a way. I have spoken to a couple of local companies that told me they would not have issue with my lack of work history but they don't sponsor new hires I need to get the license on my own. It's driving dump trucks but better than nothing right ? Same with local public works jobs that require a cdl?
I did not like my experience with crst last year. At the last minute they changed the entire narrative on me. So far they have been the only company to give me the ok.
Like I said before I'm open to any paid training. Looking for a new career not just a job. For just a job there's plenty of local options.
I listed all the companies that told me no already and still looking.
So I guess to answer your question what would I do with a shiny new cdl if I went to school on my own? Go drive a dump truck or local flatbed while I create work history in the Industry. That's where my thinking is at anyhow. I could very well be incorrect. I'm trying. This is not an Industry familiar to me. I use to be a fireman and had been doing that for almost 10 years before becoming disabled. I was simply reviving an old thread to pick up where I was leaving off. I'm all ears. Not trying to argue with anyone and I most definitely do not have all of the answers.
On a side note picked up the study manual from the MVA again today and will be looking for a physican locally to do the physical. This is something that will need to be done regardless of which route I take.
All I can do for now is keep down the path and see what opportunities present themselves.
If someone besides CRST is good I'm all ears. And I even reached out to CRST again yesterday to see if things are different than what they were offering last year. Waiting to hear back.
Not sure what else to say ?
Right. So you attend and pass CDL training at a private school. After completing this, you will still show employment gaps, but you'll have a shiny new CDL permit with no experience. How does that make it easier to get hired? We most always recommend company sponsored training for this reason.
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.
Company Sponsored Training:
A Company-Sponsored Training Program is a school that is owned and operated by a trucking company.
The schooling often requires little or no money up front. Instead of paying up-front tuition you will sign an agreement to work for the company for a specified amount of time after graduation, usually around a year, at a slightly lower rate of pay in order to pay for the training.
If you choose to quit working for the company before your year is up, they will normally require you to pay back a prorated amount of money for the schooling. The amount you pay back will be comparable to what you would have paid if you went to an independently owned school.
Company-sponsored training can be an excellent way to get your career underway if you can't afford the tuition up front for private schooling.
There are several companies that are not particularly picky when it comes to work history. You should be able to find another training company besides CRST willing to hire you.
Have you applied with the following companies?
CFI
Dutch Maid Logistics
PAM Transport
Witte Bros.
Dutch Maid Logistics and Witte Bros. operate their own trucking schools, while CFI and PAM Transport offer company-sponsored training at 3rd party providers.
Company-sponsored Training:
A Company-Sponsored Training Program is a school that is owned and operated by a trucking company.
The schooling often requires little or no money up front. Instead of paying up-front tuition you will sign an agreement to work for the company for a specified amount of time after graduation, usually around a year, at a slightly lower rate of pay in order to pay for the training.
If you choose to quit working for the company before your year is up, they will normally require you to pay back a prorated amount of money for the schooling. The amount you pay back will be comparable to what you would have paid if you went to an independently owned school.
Company-sponsored training can be an excellent way to get your career underway if you can't afford the tuition up front for private schooling.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
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It's a CDL that requires an accredited training program, not a CLP. CLP is still the same where you show up, take the tests, and receive your CLP.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
CSA:
Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
The CSA is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicle
FMCSA:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The FMCSA was established within the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000. Their primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.
What Does The FMCSA Do?
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
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.Fm:
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.DMV:
Department of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The state agency that handles everything related to your driver's licences, including testing, issuance, transfers, and revocation.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
CLP:
Commercial Learner's Permit
Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.