OK talked to recruiter today and I am all set to start on the 30th!! I have started reading a book I got from library about trucking and found lots of great info for a newbie to tractor trailer driving. If any one is interested it is called "Bumper to Bumper- the complete guide to tractor trailer operations". Only problem is it is making me want to drive so I can put this knowledge to practical use! Oh well only a little over a week to go.

Hey earthbrown, quick question, do the rigs they give to company drivers have a tv or a way to hook one up?

I think I might look into Central myself, I have been pre-approved for Werner, CRE and FFE and not really looking forward to going to work with either of those companies, but will if I have to, to get the experiance...I also have apps into Interstate, Roehl,KLLM & Knight...

Any others I missed???

After I grab some experiance, I am looking at going to Crete, Gordon or Marten... And will never do a truck lease with anyone!!!!!

I like that Central has their own school, and from what I have read seems to be a decent company, better then CRE,Werner and FFE and gets you some good miles..

Hopefully Central will accept me and I can get out in a truck soon...I have been out of work for about a year due to a tablesaw accident that left me with a stumpy thumb, but 3 surgeries later and alot of healing and PT, I am back to 99.99% and ready to get working again...

Other then my out of work for a year, I am a clean guy, no drugs, felonies, 1 recent speeding ticket for 9 over limit (74 in a 65) and no DUI's etc...

So wish me luck and I turn in the app for Central tomorrow, and god willing, I will get on with someone better then the bottom of the barrel that already pre-hired me...

Just so the newbies know, yes, most trucks have a place for a small 13" TV. I do suggest that if you put one in, make sure it's not going anywhere. I've had them fall out because the strap let loose.
I'm sure that book you read had a lot of great information in it, glad your so interested in the industry. Just remember, life on the road isn't always easy, not always something you can put in a book.
Good luck with wherever you may go, all the big companies are about the same, you are just a number to them. Keep your nose clean, make sure you leave any company on good terms, and NEVER lease a truck, if you want a truck, BUY one. Lease programs are nothing but headaches.

Just wanted to say thanks for the info BigSugarDaddy74. Good info on the strapping it down, guess its kinda like being on a boat. Yes I know that a book can not prepare you for everything, just trying to get as ready as possible so when I do start it will be a little easier. This forum has helped out tremendously as well.

I started back with Central about 2 weeks ago. I left before for personal reasons but in any case. You new guys coming in. I read where you are under the impression that you can fire your trainer well yes you can but keep in mind that it works both ways. I was a trainer before I left and there was a couple of new hires that got sent home because they didn't have what it takes and were unsafe and I wouldn't hesitate in doing it again. It's not being a hard *ss. If an upgrade went out and had a wreck and killed someone then the 1st thing they do is go back and talk with the trainer and more than likely he/she would lose their job. And I wouldn't want that following me around the rest of my life. So if your trainer seems kinda hard on certain points, try and understand where they are coming from. They have 24 days to teach basic survival skills to you and thats what it amounts to out here is SURVIVAL. My opinion its nowhere near enuff time. I'm not saying there aren't some crappy trainers here but every company has them.. It was mentioned that o/o//lease are only out for the miles or atleast some of them. I guess. I wouldn't know cause I'm company driver and been down the o/o road a few times and I haven't looked back. You wouldn't believe how hard it is in keepin a woman in shopping money. Central does have its good points and bad but to me theres more good then bad. Its all on what you make of it and what BS you can tolerate. So good luck to you. I'm out of the Irving terminal. My handle is CookieMonster.

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We'll have peace when the Arabs learn to love their children more than they hate us-- Author unknown

How are the volvo trucks that central uses, I have done some research and they use volvo 670's which are 61" sleepers!!! Is the bunk small and hard to sleep in? Is there enough storage for all your stuff and is there a place to sit a large laptop or will I have to bring a TV tray to set up my computer for watching TV and etc...

Laptop will be the Dell XPS M2010...

volvos good and spacious....

Twin bed on bottom, single top bunk.... very easily suitable for team and single operation.

There is a slide out desk for computer use, I built a laptop stand, and only use the sliding desk when I am watching DVD's in the back.

Get a 300-400 watt inverter, any more and you will need to wire it to the battery(+) and ground it on one of the interior bolts, I like seat bolts for this.

I took my TV out a few months ago, cause I did not really use it.


K

thanks earthbrown,

I was given a 1500watt inverter my parents used when they were trucking to run all their stuff with, but I could just run 1 400watt for my fridge and 1 400 watt for my computer and satillite reciever box and I would not have to worry about wiring the large inverter up...That sounds like a plan...

I am gonna be solo, so it shouldn't be too bad then huh... Thats good to hear, And once I get out there I will figure out the small details...

I have to have TV to go to sleep and have to watch my shows or I would go insane quickly...I will not be able to build on my prerunner truck, ride my dirtbike or do alot of things I normally do while out on the road, so I have to have my TV and internet...

thanks again

Was supposed to head out from Oregon this weekend but the recruiter is dicking me around. I had some questions that I emailed to him and he won't respond. I don't know, maybe the questions are something he doesn't want to answer in an email. Maybe he's just a screw up. Who knows. Either way, it doesn't sit well with me when getting a straight answer to a few questions is this much of a hassle. So, I'm back to square one of looking for a company.