Getting Hired After Orientation
Topic 9795 | Page 1
Also, to make matters worse, my employer's equipment only features automatic Volvo D13 day cabs. Therefore I need training to operate a manual. Not sure if this would be an issue. But our trailers are 53 feet.
that might be an issue because unless you did your cdl road tests in a manual you (should) have a restriction on your cdl limiting you to automatics only.
I don't know the policy but I imagine you could probably just retest in a manual and they'll remove the restriction. As far as getting trained just to learn a truck's manual I have no idea, watch 600 million youtube videos maybe? Perhaps a private school might have a smaller scale course just for this.
I personally (at the moment) want to drive an automatic but I'm willing to learn manual so I am not limited, but if I'm ever given the choice I would go with automatic. Lot less you have to worry about and focus on. Just shift into gear and go, none of that shift into low gear, dbl clutch or float gears , high and low gears... uggh so much to think about. I know after some time it becomes 2nd nature but until then, that is that much less attention you have on the road making you that much more of a bad driver. Like I said though I'll still learn manual I just have a preference if given a choice.
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.
Float Gears:
An expression used to describe someone who is shifting gears without using the clutch at all. Drivers are taught to "Double Clutch" or press and release the clutch twice for each gear shift. If you're floating gears it means you're simply shifting without using the clutch at all.
Day Cab:
A tractor which does not have a sleeper berth attached to it. Normally used for local routes where drivers go home every night.
that might be an issue because unless you did your cdl road tests in a manual you (should) have a restriction on your cdl limiting you to automatics only.
I think it is unlikely that you have any kind of restriction on your license since you have had it for several years now. That restriction is a fairly new thing that some states are putting into place.
Hrothgar, I don't think you are going to have a huge problem with this. So many of the large carriers are going to all automatic fleets right now that it is highly likely that you could end up in an automatic.
I think Melton is still using standard transmissions for the most part, but if that is where you want to go I would just be upfront with your recruiter and tell them, "hey I've been driving an automatic Volvo for a couple of years now, and I may need a trainer who can help me sharpen up my shifting skills while I am with them." It shouldn't take you too long to get the hang of shifting those gears - it's not like you are having to learn to double clutch , and personally I think I could teach you how to float the gears in a matter of about fifteen or twenty minutes. Once you get the basics down, then it is just the practice that will help you smooth it all out so that you can do it proficiently.
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.
Float The Gears:
An expression used to describe someone who is shifting gears without using the clutch at all. Drivers are taught to "Double Clutch" or press and release the clutch twice for each gear shift. If you're floating gears it means you're simply shifting without using the clutch at all.
Double Clutch:
To engage and then disengage the clutch twice for every gear change.
When double clutching you will push in the clutch, take the gearshift out of gear, release the clutch, press the clutch in again, shift the gearshift into the next gear, then release the clutch.
This is done on standard transmissions which do not have synchronizers in them, like those found in almost all Class A trucks.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Hey guys, I really appreciate the comments. The reason I want to learn how to drive a standard is so one day when I find a better company to drive for (hopefully) I won't be limited, or have to go into a training phase. Also, I don't believe my state (NC) puts a restriction for transmission type. Thanks a lot guys!
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Hi, guys and gals. I'm new to Trucking Truth and love it. I have found great information and am very thankful.
I have a question that has probably been discussed a million times, but hoping someone can shed some light.
I currently work at a company as a local delivery driver but I would like to go OTR. I did not attend a school; I got my CDL through my employer. However I have some issues. I'm worried that after orientation/training, a company will decide not to hire me. That would leave me unemployed, when I could've just stayed with my current company. I'm trying to weigh out the risk.
I've had my Class A CDL for about 2 years. Within my first year, I had a minor accident in a commercial vehicle which involved me backing into a moving vehicle. Very unfortunate. I was not ticketed, no tow trucks were involved and no initial injuries reported. I haven't heard anything about it from my company since.
I spoke with a recruiter at Melton and she said I was invited to orientation and to ride with a trainer. I know this doesn't guarantee employment.
What are the chances that I get turned down?
Also, to make matters worse, my employer's equipment only features automatic Volvo D13 day cabs. Therefore I need training to operate a manual. Not sure if this would be an issue. But our trailers are 53 feet.
I have no criminal convictions. I have no moving violations since 2009. Never any traffic convictions.
Thanks!!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Day Cab:
A tractor which does not have a sleeper berth attached to it. Normally used for local routes where drivers go home every night.