June 9th, 2017 was one of the greatest days of my life! If y'all read my diary on here y'all will remember that was the day I got my career restarted with CRST Expedited out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Once I got through NADTA (North American Driver Training Academy), which is owned by CRST, I completed orientation and was then hired officially on July 6th 2017.
Before that, the 1st time I was in trucking, I didn't have the "TruckingTruth way of doin things." I was a stone cold job hopper. I would leave companies because of being terminated, resigning because I couldn't get enough hometime, or went looking for higher pay.
The 1st time I went through this I drove for 7 other companies. I had to come off the road because I had to take care of my two disabled roommates, who ultimately betrayed me and left me homeless a year and a half after I got off the road to take care of them. I never wanted to leave the road but I have a big heart and made them as my main priority instead of what I wanted to do.
I ended up letting my DOT physical lapse because all of the money I made working retail to help them out went to payin the bills. So I ended up havin to give up my CDL to help them out with the bills. I wasn't sure if I was ever goin back on the road again so I had to let it go.
After I became homeless it took me almost a full year to realize how much I missed driving over the road. As a lone wolf not bein able to trust another soul in this universe I finally pulled the trigger and got back on the road when CRST Expedited took a chance on me. I had a chance to regain my CDL and get back to the only job I was ever good at.
CRST not only took a chance on me, they helped me establish residency with a PO Box so I could receive the hard copy of my CDL. I ended up meeting my most recent co-driver and him and his wife have now allowed me to use their place for residency so I can get a checking account and hopefully rebuild my financial future. I will also be helpin them with rent and bills in return for their kindness. These following links help to explain my story:
MillionMiler24's Training Diary
My Situation Before Returning To Trucking
I want to emphasize: Please don't make the same mistakes I did the 1st time I got my CDL. Always take the advice of the moderators here at TruckingTruth. And please, for the love of the truckin gods, stick with your 1st company for ONE FULL YEAR before makin any drastic moves.
Also, NEVER lease or own a truck. The financial risk and all of the other headaches you will have are NEVER worth it.
I am living proof that miracles and second chances really do exist. I REALLY wish I had this website the 1st time I went through this industry.
July 6th, 2018 was my official 1 year anniversary with CRST Expedited and I couldn't be happier. Have I had my ups and downs with CRST? I sure have. However, I keep reminding myself why I am here, and that is to have a great life and be successful in this industry.
I am also here to serve my country in a civilian sense. Without truckers this country would totally shut down. I love this wonderful country and I love trucking. I am so glad that my anniversary with CRST is so close to our Independence Day. I consider myself so blessed to be a part of this industry and wouldn't ever leave it again.
I just want to thank Brett and all the Moderators and everyone on here for all of yall's help over the last 15 months that I have been a member on here. I love you all like family.
From the High Road CDL Training Program to all the experienced drivers and even other rookies on here, thanks for all of yall's advice. This site truly is a godsend for anyone, regardless of experience level in truckin. Please yall keep up the legendary great work on here. Rookies, when yall get the experience you seek, pass on that great advice to new drivers on here so we all can keep TruckingTruth alive forever.
I am certainly not good at writing articles, however I sure hope yall heed my advice for getting started in trucking and please stick with it no matter how bad you believe you have it. Just remind yourself why you are doin this and remember it takes commitment, tenacity, an extraordinary amount of willpower, and some brains to succeed in this industry.
Thanks so much for yall's continuing help on here!
If you'd like to stop by our forum and leave a comment for MillionMiler24 you can do so here:
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A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
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.
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
A truck drivers DAC report will contain detailed information about their job history of the last 10 years as a CDL driver (as required by the DOT).
It may also contain your criminal history, drug test results, DOT infractions and accident history. The program is strictly voluntary from a company standpoint, but most of the medium-to-large carriers will participate.
Most trucking companies use DAC reports as part of their hiring and background check process. It is extremely important that drivers verify that the information contained in it is correct, and have it fixed if it's not.
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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:
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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