Originally Posted by Ex-Con-Trucker

As far as a private school goes, I disagree... The school I went to was straight forward, and said that their goal was to get me to the point where I could pass the state test. Once I got my CDL, their job was completed. Their goal is for you to earn your CDL. You can't truly learn to be a truck driver until you start hauling loads.

In fact, I don't think there was anything on the state test about weight distribution. Which would make sense why private school don't teach it.

Very true about the school you went to, as well as the school I went to.

However, "back in my day", we did not have the CDL yet. It was a "chauffeur's license". Why they called it that back then, who knows (or even cares).

But, as you said, the only :interest" the schools have (or had) was to get you to pass the testing, and true too, no state (I would venture to guess) tests us on weights.

I learned form a very GOOD trainer way back when. But even then, the trainer could NOT teach every scenario about scaling out the loads. So IT IS up to the new driver to ask PLENTY of questions.

The o/p here stated he "does not talk to driver's". Well this is "strike one, two and maybe three, he's out".

I can fully understand some of his not wanting to talk to other driver's, as many times driver's stretch the truth, or frankly, just don't know what they speak of.

But to forsake a few minutes of possible help, cost him dearly, then he goes on saying the DOT cop was/is a loser. The A-Typical rant of a person NOT accepting responsibility for his actions, and needs to pass off responsibility to others.

He (the o/p) HAD BETTER WAKE UP, to asking for help from others. Until then, he is doomed to repeat his mistakes, as his "learning curve", is one of ignorance towards asking for help.

Originally Posted by Exrayman4000

The average school lasts 3 weeks. There is no way to teach you all you need to know in that time. The system simply is not set up that way.

NO the average school that Cheap Arse ignorant 4 wheelers are willing to pay for is 3 weeks....real schools are 8+ weeks and 300+ hours






American Trucker

Originally Posted by Raiderfanatic

I would think all trucks...at least most...should have a air suspension gauge. Maybe your trailer doesn't but mark your truck gauge when your drives are scaled correctly. Least that way you know or will be fairly close on how much weight you have on your drives.

The mega-carriers don't prder trucks with air suspension guages. They know the calibre of help that they hire wouldn't be able to use something as complex as that so they save the $50 fee.

Originally Posted by Exrayman4000

The average school lasts 3 weeks. There is no way to teach you all you need to know in that time. The system simply is not set up that way.

I beg to differ with that statement.

The "average" here in my state, is "up to" 6 months for one school. I think an "average" for a real school (CDL Mill or not) is 6 weeks. 3 weeks may be for the "quickie, wham bam thank you ma'am", fly by nights.

Originally Posted by Exrayman4000

I agree. I spoke with another company driver the other day. As we spoke I noticed his tractor did not have the 2012 IFTA decals on it. I expressed the serious need to get them. He just blew me off about it. I stood there shaking my head as I wondered how long it will take for a sharp eyed DOT cop to notice.

That's funny. I had kept an eye on mine, (time frame), informed the company it would expire soon, had the new one, 1 day before!!! (it expired)