New Starter From Across The Pond

Hi all....I've been reading and researching the hell out of truck driving, mainly from this web site which has been an excellent resource. Thank you to Brett and the rest of you guys for giving me so much food for thought.

My own introduction to the forum is that I'm married to a home sick American and have come over the pond from England (the old country) and I've settled here at the grand old age of 55. I do wonder if there are any ex-pats driving trucks out there?

I'm currently working in a car dealership up here in Michigan and have done so for the past two years that I've been here. Its just not me and I'm looking forward to discovering the new world and seeing all the sights that I know are out there and have been talked about on here. I can also drive on your side of the road now....without thinking about it I might add.

Just an off the cuff question.....does anybody take well behaved pets on board your trucks? I wouldn't think so, but there is no harm in asking. I have a 9 year old boarder collie, but it would be no big deal if I couldn't take her.

My only concern on driving is the winter months and driving in the snow and ice. I did have an excellent reply to this question and I'm glad I'm starting school for my CDL in a weeks time. This would give me spring and summer to get used to driving the big rigs before winter gets here. Those blizzards and weird storm fronts where having are something else.

I would like to start my own blog for the folks back in the UK and I have a camera at the ready to help, as I do like photography. I'm excited about my new venture and discovering this beautiful country....Yep.....over the road life style is definitely for me. Any suggestions or information you think I might like to hear, please let me know. Heres to the next chapter of my life....which begins at 55 you know.

I'm counting myself in on following your journey. :)

...subscribed

Hey Mick, welcome to trucking and to the forum! There are a lot of drivers who carry their pets with them, and it's a great way to go. The deal on this is that you've got to make sure you get on with a company that allows you to do that. Some companies allow it and then there are others that don't go for it, usually you can find out on their web sites, but if there's a question about it you could always check with a recruiter on the phone and they'd be able to tell you. Oh, and your Border Collie would love getting to see the country at your side.

Hey Mick, welcome to trucking and to the forum! There are a lot of drivers who carry their pets with them, and it's a great way to go. The deal on this is that you've got to make sure you get on with a company that allows you to do that. Some companies allow it and then there are others that don't go for it, usually you can find out on their web sites, but if there's a question about it you could always check with a recruiter on the phone and they'd be able to tell you. Oh, and your Border Collie would love getting to see the country at your side.

I was also wondering about this same thing I have a 4 yr old Weener dog she loves to ride.. but again no big deal if she's not allowed my hubby is great with her. I have been doing some research but maybe I am not looking in the right place on the web..

Thanks Old School for your encouraging reply. I would love to take my boarder collie (Lucy). But we will have to see what trucking company I end up with. I wish you the best of luck Little Carolina with your own pet.

Same to you AJ with your own future plans

Welcome! I have a welch aquantence (sp??lol) he use to do Heavy haul over in England. He is in Canada now driving Ice roads. Driving in the winter aint so bad as long as you take it slow and pay attention.

Welcome! I have a welch aquantence (sp??lol) he use to do Heavy haul over in England. He is in Canada now driving Ice roads. Driving in the winter aint so bad as long as you take it slow and pay attention.

Hi Pebbles, thank you for your reply.....I feel that I've started to belong and I haven't even started training yet LOL

Your Welsh friend is welcome to the ice roads in the frozen north. Although I am hoping to get Canada as part of my experience of driving in North America. At least I'm aware of another person from across the pond that has made it in truck driving ;-)

Welcome aboard Mick.

One of the first requirements is that you've had a U.S. driver's license for a full year. I don't believe it's a government requirement but from what I've seen it appears to be a pretty universal company policy. So hopefully you've had a U.S. license for at least one year.

The very best place to start your research is our Trucker's Career Guide. Read through every last bit of that and you'll learn a ton about the trucking industry and what it takes to get your career underway.

Welcome aboard Mick.

One of the first requirements is that you've had a U.S. driver's license for a full year. I don't believe it's a government requirement but from what I've seen it appears to be a pretty universal company policy. So hopefully you've had a U.S. license for at least one year.

The very best place to start your research is our Trucker's Career Guide. Read through every last bit of that and you'll learn a ton about the trucking industry and what it takes to get your career underway.

Thanks Brett, I always welcome your comments on any of the forum. Thankfully I have had a U.S. Drivers License for nearly two years now. I had my license checked out by my trucking school last week and they don't have a problem with it.

I'm still reading your web site and discovering new stuff that I've missed. Its become my bible as there is allot of negative forums out there, mainly aimed at companies to be fair, but if you didn't get the balance (and truth) it could potentially put people off.