Headed To Swift Training This Sunday In Texas.. Finally
Topic 6216 | Page 1
Hi all... I've been reading and leerking for over 1 yr now. I feel like I know a lot of you just from your post. Quick low down, I've passed all 5 written test in Texas and I hold a CDL permit and I'm finally headed off to school this Sunday, needless to say I'm a little freaked out but excited at the same time. I'm also an ex wedding photographer of 12 yrs and I'm 39 yrs old with a pretty good head on my shoulders. I love traveling, people, life and money, in random order of course :0) lol. I don't want to ramble so here it is... any advice for winter time training or any training would be greatly appreciated. I hope to do you all proud. I've got my georgia boots and a duffle bag and I'm ready to do this. Thanks in advance, I really appreciate it. You guys are all great...
Welcome Photogirl! I went to school and have been training in Wisconsin where it is bitterly cold which is the opposite of the climate you will be in. I would tell you to take a positive can-do attitude with you. The instructors where I went to school didn't think I could pass the backing portion of the test to get my license, but I did and so did my support network. Long story short, I passed and was just hired yesterday by Roehl Transport and I'm in a hotel room as I type this waiting to hear when and where I will meet my trainer. This is the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life. Good luck and let us know how things are going during training!
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.
Another lady driver! Yipee!
Obviously, you will need warm clothing if they send you up north. Something to cover your ears & head. Warm, waterproof or water-resistant gloves. Keep your feet toasty inside those boots, wool socks are warm, cotton is cold. A jacket that does not let the wind blow through, I sometimes wear a large GoreTex rain jacket over whatever else to stop the wind, and then I've got a hood too. Like Jolie said, it's miserable cold here in Wisconsin already this year, so be prepared.
If you don't fully understand something, ask questions.
HAVE FUN!
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Thanks everyone I'm super excited 
I did however just received news that I'm accepted at Millis and KLLM. Do any of you have a preference? Now, I'm all kinds of confused about which company to choose.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
I would get prehire letters from as many companies as possible. Always remember recruiters are SALESPEOPLE!!!!! I would venture to say they have never held a CDL and will make their company sound like a bed of roses. Decide on the things that are most important to you and then do your homework on lots of companies. One thing I know about Millis Transfer from when I was researching companies was that they did not have any female trainers and will not allow a female to go out with a male trainer. That was this past summer so I would definitely find out if things have changed. It would be a shame to go to a company school and then not be able to go out with a trainer.
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.
Prehire:
What Exactly Is A Pre-Hire Letter?
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
A Pre-Hire Letter Is Not A Guarantee Of Employment
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
Hi all... I've been reading and leerking for over 1 yr now. I feel like I know a lot of you just from your post. Quick low down, I've passed all 5 written test in Texas and I hold a CDL permit and I'm finally headed off to school this Sunday, needless to say I'm a little freaked out but excited at the same time. I'm also an ex wedding photographer of 12 yrs and I'm 39 yrs old with a pretty good head on my shoulders. I love traveling, people, life and money, in random order of course :0) lol. I don't want to ramble so here it is... any advice for winter time training or any training would be greatly appreciated. I hope to do you all proud. I've got my georgia boots and a duffle bag and I'm ready to do this. Thanks in advance, I really appreciate it. You guys are all great...
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: