Lil'Red Ridinghood's Journey Into The Forest Of Trucking
Topic 31226 | Page 4
It'll be interesting to find out what other training companies tell you. I know for a fact that Prime requires you to have CDL before they train you in their 40,000 mile TNT program. From what I understand, training companies must be listed here: https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/cdlapprovedschools.html - regardless of what FMCSA says.
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.
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
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.TNT:
Trainer-N-Trainee
Prime Inc has their own CDL training program and it's divided into two phases - PSD and TNT.
The PSD (Prime Student Driver) phase is where you'll get your permit and then go on the road for 10,000 miles with a trainer. When you come back you'll get your CDL license and enter the TNT phase.
The TNT phase is the second phase of training where you'll go on the road with an experienced driver for 30,000 miles of team driving. You'll receive 14¢ per mile ($700 per week guaranteed) during this phase. Once you're finished with TNT training you will be assigned a truck to run solo.
It'll be interesting to find out what other training companies tell you. I know for a fact that Prime requires you to have CDL before they train you in their 40,000 mile TNT program. From what I understand, training companies must be listed here: https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/cdlapprovedschools.html - regardless of what FMCSA says.
Garth you are 100% right. I started another thread in here about the DOL vs FMCSA. WA is not budging, and does not plan to budge either. But hey, at least I got my 5 minutes of euphoria before talking with WA DOL.
What will be interesting is how WA responds to the new bills being proposed by the feds currently, which at least look like they will make things easier. I don't think those will apply to me though. I plan on being behind the wheel long before congress can pass something, let alone WA deciding what to do about it.
There are carriers with terminals in WA; this may be how I go. And if not I'll see if I can get one to sponsor my tuition at a school.
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.
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.
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
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.HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.TNT:
Trainer-N-Trainee
Prime Inc has their own CDL training program and it's divided into two phases - PSD and TNT.
The PSD (Prime Student Driver) phase is where you'll get your permit and then go on the road for 10,000 miles with a trainer. When you come back you'll get your CDL license and enter the TNT phase.
The TNT phase is the second phase of training where you'll go on the road with an experienced driver for 30,000 miles of team driving. You'll receive 14¢ per mile ($700 per week guaranteed) during this phase. Once you're finished with TNT training you will be assigned a truck to run solo.
Got my 2-year DOT certificate, wooohoo! NOW it is pedal to the metal. NOW I can call employers and so forth.
This is really really happening.
CONGRATS, m'lady!
Don't forget the 'Monday Mandate.' Make SURE (if you go private schooling) they are on the accredited list.... 160 hours! We still suggest company paid, but...
Best TO ya! 2 year card; great stuff!!!
~ Anne ~
Here's the link, oops! FMCSA / ELDT Mandate, 02/07/2022 ...
Shantiwa (Truckin'Mama) went to a 132 hour school on her own, and I'm still wondering if that didn't hem her up; sure hope not. Just .. go over this with a fine toothed comb, and seriously; GO COMPANY PAID!
Good advice for sure Anne! And thanks for the congrats! This was my big IF. For others reading--I am aware that carriers may have stricter med requirements, and am prepared to work with that.
Yes, accredited schools are an important point. In WA you will not get a CDL unless it passes theirs, which is stricter than FMCSA. No learning on the farm and having your uncle take you to the test in his truck here. Not for the last several decades at least.
But for the states that allow that, checking the FMCSA database will definitely be a must. As soon as one is allowed to do so. I had a message in to them; WA DOL sent their info from them to me, but I could not log in. Hopefully us minions can peek soon.
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.
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.
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.
Good to see YOU, back in the hunt, m'lady.
Always wishing you the best!
~ Anne ~
ps; Ever consider MOVING?!?
Good to see YOU, back in the hunt, m'lady.
Always wishing you the best!
~ Anne ~
Thanks so much Anne! :)
ps; Ever consider MOVING?!?
We have talked about it, but we love our place. :)
Just in case anyone thought I had dropped off completely... :)
Had some non-trucking related life-stuff to take care of. Talking with Prime, Swift & LTI right now.
Will let you know how it all shakes out. 
~Lil'Red
Just a little note for those pondering the High Road Training program, and perhaps wondering if the verbiage and questions would differ from their own state. Perhaps you are also wondering if this training program is any good? If it works?
Well--just took my general knowledge pre-test at the school. I got 48 out of 50 questions right. The two I got wrong? My own fault. It works folks. This is a killer course, AND it's FREE! Take it. You won't regret it.
Lil'Red
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Just in case anyone thought I had dropped off completely... :)
Had some non-trucking related life-stuff to take care of. Talking with Prime, Swift & LTI right now.
Will let you know how it all shakes out.
~Lil'Red
Just a little note for those pondering the High Road Training program, and perhaps wondering if the verbiage and questions would differ from their own state. Perhaps you are also wondering if this training program is any good? If it works?
Well--just took my general knowledge pre-test at the school. I got 48 out of 50 questions right. The two I got wrong? My own fault. It works folks. This is a killer course, AND it's FREE! Take it. You won't regret it.
Lil'Red
YAY !! KUDOS !! CONGRATS !!!
Awesome, m'lady. Knew you could & knew you would. Yep, I got my permit 2x ... from the stuff right here, before I was official!
Proud of ya, for sure. What school 'did' you go with?
Any future plans, now ?!?!? Prime, Swift, (and idk who LTI is..) ?!?
Best wishes, however it plays out!! It's moving FORWARD!
~ Anne ~
ps: Glad you worked out your 'conundrums' in life!!!! :)
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
YAY !! KUDOS !! CONGRATS !!!
Awesome, m'lady. Knew you could & knew you would. Yep, I got my permit 2x ... from the stuff right here, before I was official!
Proud of ya, for sure. What school 'did' you go with?
Thanks Anne, a local private school. It would be too long waiting for the state laws to change. I want to have some time behind the wheel before the snows hit.
Any future plans, now ?!?!? Prime, Swift, (and idk who LTI is..) ?!?
Best wishes, however it plays out!! It's moving FORWARD!
~ Anne ~
Thanks for the good wishes! 
I have not done any further search at this time, LTI and Prime wants me to apply when I am close to taking the driving test. I want to see where that goes before using the multi-application in here.
LTI is a fairly large PNW carrier with a sizeable presence in Canada and Alaska. They do box, reefer , tanker, and flatbed, which is great for some variety. They also do local, dedicated, regional , western states and lower 48, in addition to Canada and Alaska. They have two local divisions, LTL and Milk trucks.
ps: Glad you worked out your 'conundrums' in life!!!! :)
The conundrums came when trying to figure out how to do the paid school with the non-trucking related life-plans I already had, and how to work with the state laws regarding schools. I am glad for the extra research though, I am much better prepared this way.
I'm a firm believer in the 5 P's.... Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. I actually need to do it, or I'm stressed out beyond belief. I've always been this way. Doesn't mean I cannot handle life's curves, I just want to plan as much as humanly possible. I have come to crave that lower stress level.
Also, congrats on your permit Anne--or should I say CDL? Lil'Red
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.
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.
LTL:
Less Than Truckload
Refers to carriers that make a lot of smaller pickups and deliveries for multiple customers as opposed to hauling one big load of freight for one customer. This type of hauling is normally done by companies with terminals scattered throughout the country where freight is sorted before being moved on to its destination.
LTL carriers include:
- FedEx Freight
- Con-way
- YRC Freight
- UPS
- Old Dominion
- Estes
- Yellow-Roadway
- ABF Freight
- R+L Carrier
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
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CONGRATS, m'lady!
Don't forget the 'Monday Mandate.' Make SURE (if you go private schooling) they are on the accredited list.... 160 hours! We still suggest company paid, but...
Best TO ya! 2 year card; great stuff!!!
~ Anne ~
Here's the link, oops! FMCSA / ELDT Mandate, 02/07/2022 ...
Shantiwa (Truckin'Mama) went to a 132 hour school on her own, and I'm still wondering if that didn't hem her up; sure hope not. Just .. go over this with a fine toothed comb, and seriously; GO COMPANY PAID!
Apply For Paid CDL Training
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
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.
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.