Thoughts On Newbie Starting In Winter

I’m looking at starting with CFI school at Crowder around the first of October. That would put me with a trainer around the first of November which would put me in my own truck at the beginning of December.

would it be better to wait until early spring to avoid the worst of the winter just starting out or should I just jump right in?

Jump right in, no reason to wait. Winters not as bad as some people think. We generally don't drive if it's too dangerous.

That's a personal preference. The winter can be a scary time for new drivers. Good companies allow their drivers to decide whether or not they feel comfortable driving in hazardous conditions. Prime's slogan is "you're the captain of your ship". Meaning we decide when we think conditions are too hazardous to continue driving. I imagine CFI has a similar policy.

A seasoned driver might be able to continue in conditions that a new driver is not comfortable with. I'm sure CFI will take your lack of experience into consideration as you go through your first winter.

Jump in. At CFI safety is number 1, if you're not safe, shut down.

Winter i think would be the best time to start. A trainer who can lend judgement while are learning.

Winter is a good time to start, I wish I would have had my trainer with the first few times I encountered winter weather.

I would advise on getting started anytime. Winter is only one season, and it's probably not as bad as you may imagine in your head right now as a perspective driver. I started my driving with CRST during the winter months and survived, so you can make it, too! It can be a challenge but many days out here are a challenge all by themselves.

Personally, I prefer the cold months! Why? There's less traffic, no bugs on the windshield, no sweating, much less construction, and the scenery always looks different with snow on it.

If the weather gets too gnarly, stop and park. It's as simple as that. The company and the customer would rather have the load arrive late and intact over never and in the ditch. I have never had any pushback by anyone in dispatch after I send in a message of, "The roads/wind/traffic is getting too dangerous for me. I'll keep you updated once I'm rolling again."

I would advise on getting started anytime. Winter is only one season, and it's probably not as bad as you may imagine in your head right now as a perspective driver. I started my driving with CRST during the winter months and survived, so you can make it, too! It can be a challenge but many days out here are a challenge all by themselves.

Personally, I prefer the cold months! Why? There's less traffic, no bugs on the windshield, no sweating, much less construction, and the scenery always looks different with snow on it.

If the weather gets too gnarly, stop and park. It's as simple as that. The company and the customer would rather have the load arrive late and intact over never and in the ditch. I have never had any pushback by anyone in dispatch after I send in a message of, "The roads/wind/traffic is getting too dangerous for me. I'll keep you updated once I'm rolling again."

^THIS for sure.^

If I tell my FM I'm going to be delayed because of snow, I get a response back saying "if the roads are bad shut down!"

I started in the winter. Went solo right smack in the middle of January. I got real friendly with the truck stop tv’s (sales models) to check weather.

GO FOR IT!