Starting A Trucking Career In Winter

Rolling Thunder,

Yeah I was betting that most of those accidents were preventable by slowing down even more than you THINK you have to. I was driving in a pickup with little weight in back and I put some sandbags back there to weigh it down. Of course it helped when accelerating from a stop, but I was thinking that it wouldn't make one iota of difference if you're going too fast because if fully loaded semis are sliding off the road, then anybody can; ice is ice. But yes, crawling along safely is infinitely better than the alternative! :)

AJ,

That's a pretty good list of companies. Whenever I'm in the eastern part of the U.S. I always see Old Dominion. Seems like you're looking to do regional or dedicated? I've got it narrowed down to a handful as well, but I'm thinking it's true what some experienced drivers are saying, that a good dispatcher is more important than a "good" company. I know this to be the case in the limo business.

Rolling Thunder,

Yeah I was betting that most of those accidents were preventable by slowing down even more than you THINK you have to. I was driving in a pickup with little weight in back and I put some sandbags back there to weigh it down. Of course it helped when accelerating from a stop, but I was thinking that it wouldn't make one iota of difference if you're going too fast because if fully loaded semis are sliding off the road, then anybody can; ice is ice. But yes, crawling along safely is infinitely better than the alternative! :)

Yeah, I could see occasionally some dummy coming along and losing it right next to you, nothing you can do there but brace, cuss and pray. In fact, when I see one rollin up on me, I let off and let him (or her) by as quick as possible then reestablish my comfortable separation distances... And un-clinch.

That's good to know. Ill definitely remember that... and to un clinch! So far this website has been amazing and everyone's replies have been great. I'll be infinitely better prepared by the time I get out there.

If you start in October you will get little or no experience in the snow while you're on the road with a trainer. So if you were hoping to learn more about winter driving from someone sitting right next to you, October might be a bit early to get started. So I'd say all else being equal, the safer of the two options would be to wait until the spring so you can get some experience under your belt before the bad weather hits. Now keep in mind, nobody feels comfortable about the idea of driving a big rig in the snow their first winter. Not even I was thrilled about that. If you're not paralyzed by fear at the thought of driving in the snow then I wouldn't let that affect your decision too much. If you find yourself trembling in fear at even the site of a snowflake decoration then wait until spring.

You also have your financial situation of course. If you have the luxury of waiting until spring, that would be nice, assuming you can keep yourself busy and enjoy yourself between now and then.

Thanks Daniel B,

Actually it's November that I plan on starting CDL school. Probably Sage Trucking School in Colorado or Wyoming. It's 4 to 5 weeks I think I read, and that way I figure I'll be starting in December with a trainer. But no, I'm not going to let it affect my decision too much. I'd rather get out there sooner rather than later mainly cause I can't wait to get out there. But September and October I'll stay put in my current job and save some money so I can be a little more comfortable while I'm in training.