Hey hey, everybody! Sunday I go to orientation! What!? I can't believe its finally here. Time for me to hit the open road, see the country, and see how many people I know are shocked when they see me hauling ass in an eighteen wheeler.
I can't say it's all good excitement though. I'm really nervous about how my kids and wife are going to react me being gone all the time. I'm nervous about my trainer being a complete tool. I'm worried about how much money I'm going to make. I don't know. I feel like this is the first day of elementary school, and I'm worried that I'm gonna wet myself (No, that didn't happen. And if it did, I wouldn't tell you people… ok I would). I know everything is going to work itself out, but that doesn't change the fact that my teeth are grinding in my sleep because I'm stressed about the situation.
So on Sunday, I head out to East Dallas to do all the typical orientation stuff. What does that entail? I don't know. I'm assuming a bunch of boring videos. I really hope they spice it up and throw in some "World's Most Horrifying Semi Crashes 2," but its probably going to be a bunch of company stuff. A physical is definitely going to happen. "Turn your head and cough there, son." But other than that, I'm going in completely blind.
After orientation is done, my cousin/team-mate and I hop into a truck and go out with our trainer. Once again, I hope he isn't a tool. We're going to fight off snow, heat, sleet, rain, hail, and swine flu. Were going to be the baddest truckers on the road today.
I think I'm gonna cut this blog a little short. I'm gonna spend some time with my lady and the kiddos. After hours of heated debates with my wife, I'm going to take our laptop. What that means for you is that you're going to be able to track my journey through this wonderful career. What this means for me is that I won't be so isolated from the outside world.
See you all on the road
by TruckerMike
After months of research, a month of CDL truck driving school, and 4 months of company training, I'm going on the road as a solo company driver. Wow!
by rbradyjohnsen
Phase one CDL training is about half way over with and it's a roller coaster of emotions. Some days he loves his new trucking career, but not others.
by rbradyjohnsen
Randy and his road trainer returned to the CDL school and took advantage of some down time. There was a crazy DUI incident at the school this week.
by rbradyjohnsen
CDL training has been very tough and now Randy is about half way through. The stories are amazing and learning to drive truck is stressful as can be.
by rbradyjohnsen
Life on the road has been difficult for Randy, and having a husband that's an over the road truck driver is horrible. He's due for home time soon.
by Philosopher Paul
I'm finishing up CDL training with a trainer who screams in tirades and I've had to try to deal with it. But finally, the showdown between us occurred.
by JakeCat22
I've been on the road with my trainer and there's been a lot of ups and downs. We're learning a ton everyday, but it's not easy for me or my family.
by JakeCat22
After two weeks with my trainer, I went home for three days to relax and get ready for my company road test. If I pass, I get my own truck and run solo
by TruckerMike
CDL trainers have a vast array of personalities and techniques for training students. Here are some personality types you'll find and how to deal with each
by TruckerMike
Being a safe truck driver is never easy. Predicting what might happen next on the highway takes years to learn and is very hard to teach a new driver.
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TruckingTruth was founded by Brett Aquila (that's me!), a 15 year truck driving veteran, in January 2007. After 15 years on the road I wanted to help people understand the trucking industry and everything that came with the career and lifestyle of an over the road trucker. We'll help you make the right choices and prepare for a great start to your trucking career.
Becoming A Truck Driver is a dream we've all pondered at some point in our lives. We've all wondered if the adventure and challenges of life on the open road would suit us better than the ordinary day to day lives we've always known. At TruckingTruth we'll help you decide if trucking is right for you and help you get your career off to a great start.
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