Well here I go again, after tons of research on line and phone I sent my application to DS today. Talked with Brian and have an agreement to go to C1 at Little Rock on Monday and I will be going to PAM out of school. This is my second time around, been down this road back in the 80's and 90's. Came off the road in 97 due to family issues(rowdy youngsters) and thought if I kept my CDL current it would not be a problem to go back. Boy was I wrong, found out there have been changes and because it's been 11 years since my last logged mile I have to go back to school. But for the same reason it's probably a good thing too been a few changes in the logging rules too I guess and probably some others. I have never worked with the Qualcom thingee and I guess some education on that can't hurt. I know from past experience that a trucking life is one that takes time to learn, it isn't for everyone that jumps into it lots of adjustments to make. The advice that's been given in these threads about learning the ropes and how to work the system is sound. One of the most attractive points about driving is the fact that you don't have someone looking over your shoulder all the time, and you get to call your own shots to a point. This aint as good as it gets but it is far from the worst it can get too. I am looking forward to getting on with training and getting the whole thing started again. See ya in Little Rock.

__________________
Being retired is cool if you're ready for it ... I'm not

thanks for the info brickman I just finished c1 in Fort Worth on the may 9 and getting picked up by a trainer on the 16. I am ready to get that 3 or 4 weeks out of the way if you have anymore info to share about the trainning weeks ahead that would be great thank you markr

Hey everybody. I just got home for the weekend. I've been out two weeks with my trainer and it is going pretty well. I logged around 2400 miles that first week. been to texas and back twice. Across the southeast up through the carolinas. It has been fun. Fortunately, Decker is true to their word and drivers get home every two weeks for the weekend. Sometimes more often if you are close to their shipping lanes. My trainer is from an area close to my home, so I was able to have my girlfriend pick me up for the weekend. Hope the next two weeks go as fast as the first.
I haven't hit anything so I think I'm doing ok. Backing still needs some help, but I showed major improvement on thursday. Think it finally clicked in my head.
Terry, Congrats on gettin through C1.
I'll post again when I finish and have my truck assignment. Till then Be safe out there.

Thanks Rico...am out my first week...started on Tuesday...already been to Pennsylvania, New York City and on our way out to LA. on a coast to coast..via Denver and Las Vegas...think we will stop in vegas for a few hours. Good luck in your travels...if you can survive the New York area...you are invincible...LOL! Yeah, backing comes slow...no where near second nature as yet...will come with practice.

WILL TELL U SHOW U DO IN VEGAS, AND WHERE U PARK THE TRUCK. SO IF I GET THERE , I HAV E A HEADS UP. IVE BEEN OUT NOW FOR 2MONTHS AND HAVE NOT GONEE WEST PAST TEX.HOPING TO HEAD WEST SOME TIME WOULD REALLY LIKE TO SEE SOME DIFFERENT STATES BEEN IN THE CAROLINAS UP AND DOWN THE EAST COAST READY FOR SOME NEW VEIWS THEN WHAT IVE BEEN SEEING . Also nice hereing from you Rico glad to here your doing will keep us up on how your doing also thanks all for the post keep them coming

Hey Brickman how long are you out for.I'm going to tonitown on the 10 of june already have my cdl. Just wondering what to expect.

im in laredo now ,and i will be tcalling this load in tonitown ,and getting a different truck .Not looking forward to it, u get paid very little while u are there and it takes a while to get out of there. Just got to know the truck now there retiring it guess thats how it goes. when you go your 1st time u could be there for couple days or a week just depends on how many they have waiting on trucks and moving on to 1st seat drivers its not the greatest place to be stuck at thats for sure gl thou see out there

Hello peoples. I'm scheduled to go to DS in ft. wayne on the 26th i'll be staying at hometown inn as well. thanks for the heads up btw about the conditions of the motel. While you were staying there (in the motel) did you have to take all of your belonging with you (fearing that someone would've stolen them). I know i will be bringing a LOT of stuff with me (microwavable foods 3 weeks worth of clothes, etc). Does anyone also happens to know if they would let you bypass the DOT physical and screen if you just took one 2 weeks ago (I went to CDI in south bend and after i paid my $100 application fee they tell me i needed a co-signer, but before i left to go there they told me which ever company offers me prehires will pay for my tuition. WHAT A LIE THAT WAS! so i left after the fisrt week) and still have all of your paperwork? Thanks again for everyones posts its been very helpful. I just wish P.A.M still pays $1000 for sign on bonus instead of $500 , but i'll take what i can right now. Also does anyone know if P.A.M has dedicated fleets around indiana? Thanks again for everyones help.

Does anyone know when you go down for your orientation if they have already done their checks.I don't want to get down there just to turn around and come back home with no job.Thanks for any and all help.

Yeah, supposedly they do a background, mvr, criminal, and a DAC (to see if u drove commercially for anyone else). they get their results in 24 hrs and then they let you know whats Companies would like to prehire you. As soon as you get there (on the first day) you sign a contract with that Co. before you start training. At least thats what i heard from previous students.