Originally Posted by Wedge

Well, I'm finally beginning my journey to get my CDL and start a career as a professional truck driver. My classes at the truck driving school begin on the Monday the 18th.

Before I get bombarded with all those who will recommend a different line of work, let me tell you about my background.

I retired from engineering in 2004 and started a small construction company which I continued to operate up through the spring of 2010. Due to the poor economic condition of the construction industry, my wife and I decided that it was time to get rid of the big house in New England, and head south. With the kids grown and on their own, we had no need for a large home, so we settled in what is commonly called an active adult community. The new house is completely paid for, and there's plenty of room for us, and plenty of room in case the kids want to drop by. The relocation just made good financial sense.

Although we need to continue working, our financial requirements are lower than most. My wife was able to continue in the medical field, but I still need something to do.

Time for a flashback.........

Back in the late 70's, I worked for a company that sold and installed industrial sewing machine equipment. So on many occasions, the company needed to lease trucks in order to deliver equipment. Most of the time we rented straights, but sometimes we needed a semi. That's where I got the bug for driving, and where i first learned how to drive small semi trailers. The tractors were Ford 9000 day cabs w/18 speed transmission. I got elected to drive because I was the resident clutch head. The job installing the sewing machines wasn't the best, but I always looked forward to driving the trucks. It was the best part of the job.

Ever since those days, I've always enjoyed the times when I've needed to rent a truck. I rented a straight to move us down south. I enjoyed every mile.

So I decided that pursuing a career in Big Tuck Trucking is the way I want to go. I know enough about the time away from home, change in life style. It's not going to be a problem. There will be a big learning curve in the first year, but it's a new career right? Everybody has to start at the bottom and work their way up.

I will post about my progress as I go through the 21 days of CDL training. I look forward to and invite your comments as I begin this journey. It'll be fun.

Thanks to all in advance!

Wedge

I commend you Wedge , and look forward to your posts

Hope it works out exactly the way you envisioned

Originally Posted by banjer picker

I commend you Wedge , and look forward to your posts

Hope it works out exactly the way you envisioned

I thank you most kindly.

It's my intention to share as much information on the training as possible so as to be helpful to those who follow.

Early on, I had intended to sign on with Millis Transfer. They offered company paid CDL training associated with the well known signed agreement that states you must remain in their employ for 12 months or the entire cost of the training will be due upon your departure.

I know that every veteran driver out there will urge you to avoid indentured arrangements when it comes to CDL training. However, because their training facility was located near my home, and the drivers that I had been in contact with at the terminal seemed positive on Millis, I figured why not give it a shot. I was very enticed by the "no money out of pocket" approach to getting a license. And besides, what's the worst thing that could happen? I 'd be out 5 grand .

But in order for Millis to begin training you, their program requires that you obtain (on your own) a CDL learners permit from your home state, and pass a DOT physical. That sounded reasonable to me.

So the first thing I decided to do is to see if someone as old as me could pass a DOT physical. Having been in the construction business over the past 6 years I did tend to stay in decent shape and not too terribly overweight. I contacted a physician in my home town that performs DOT physicals and scheduled an appointment.

The DOT is comprised primarily of checking your vital statistics (BP, heartrate, vision, physical dexterity, drug test, etc,). They will want a your full medical history. Be sure to be straight forward and honest when you fill out the long form. If you withhold any information, you're taking a big risk. You will have more than one physical during the initial employment process, and the background checks are quite thorough. Not disclosing information on your DOT long form is grounds for dismissal. It doesn't matter if it's harmless information. That's not the point. It's the fact that your where dishonest and tried to hide something. You can read in any training thread on this forum and you will find examples of students being sent home because they didn't disclose all their medical information. So remember, be honest when you fill out your DOT long form.

So to make a long story short, the doctor performs the physical and I passed. Needless to say I was pretty happy on the way home.

Now I knew that becoming a professional truck driver was within my reach. I just wanted it to happen faster.

So much for tonight. I'll be back tomorrow.

-Wedge

Wedge
Sounds good so far! How long does your training last? What do you all have to do?

Thanks for the background info on what you have been doing!!!

Nice beginning here my friend and I look forward to traveling along with you on your new journey. You've been a HUGE support to me on mine and I only hope I can be for you as well buddy.

God Bless and God Speed...

Are Ya READY!!! LOL

Originally Posted by sammycat

Wedge
Sounds good so far! How long does your training last? What do you all have to do?

Thanks for the background info on what you have been doing!!!

Hi Sammycat! Glad you found my thread. I wasn't certain if the link worked or not. I did that with one eye open last night.

Driver training covers a span of 21 days, but their program is designed for 15 business days, using Saturdays as a back-up. If needed, they can extend classes for an additional 5 days should weather play a factor or additional training be required.

Yahoo!

Wedge
Thanks for that! Do you think you will be able to chronicle each day like AT did with his training? I think for newbies it's nice, especially since you are going with a different company. Good to see what the advantages and disadvantages are of longer vs shorter training etc. Where (unless I missed it in your posts???) are you doing the training? (location) sorry coffee has not kicked in I think......
LOL weather yeah forgot about that this time of year...sigh. Looks like snow here today in Western NY state. Suppose to get ''snow mixed with rain'' next week but '' no accumulation except in the higher elevations.''