Howdy Y'all! It's been a little while since I've paid a visit, so quick recap: I'm 28, baby on the way, and been in a PTDI course at a local college for about 15 weeks now. It's a 20 week course, so the big test is sneaking up. I've got a bout 40 hours of driving time (we drive with a local company that's hooked up with the college.)

Coming up this next week: Saftey Symposium, and the infamous skid pad.

After that, we buckle down for 15 hours of range/driving with the instructors just prepping for the test.

I'm not regretting going into a 20 week program at all. The thought of getting everything down in a 3 week dash, with all the regulations, just downright scares me. I feel like I've absorbed a lot more with the slower pace.

Anywho, I've got a couple companies interested at the moment and thought I'd drop their names here to see what y'all think.

1)Warner
2)US Xpress (Rumor is they're all automatics)
3)Davis Transport (Flatbed, 48 states, 4 weeks out)
4)Swift (They'd be interested in zombies, if they could drive)

There are a couple companies that run regional near here I like, such as NTB, and Roehl has a Great Lakes regional run. There's also a possibility the contractor that works with the college may open to hiring students again. They run the mail for the USPS with very tight schedules, but it's local.

What am I looking for? I'm not sure yet. I've been training on 48' vans, but I'm not opposed to flatbed or tanks. What I'm hoping for is something that will at least get me home weekly. The wifey and I decided I should stay a student until the baby arrives around April 1st, but we know that I'm going have to pay my dues on the road for about a year after that.

Anyone make the jump into trucking with a family on the way?

My advice would be you took your time with school I would do the same with finding a company. You are not going to get the hometime you want with Werner or USX. The others I don't know about, but you said Davis was 4 weeks out. Trucking is rough on the homelife and with a new born on the way that will put some stress on you. There are flat bed companies that can get you home weekly. I know of a couple, but don't think they hire in The Great lakes Region. (one does, but you have to have 6 months exp.) TMC claims to get most of their drivers in on the weekends, but I have talked with many that said it didn't happen. I know this is not much help to you, but just keep digging and something will turn up. Good luck to you!

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My childhood dream of becoming a truck driver turned into a nightmare!

Thanks Notarps! I'll keep on researching. One way or the other, we'll get there.

Man, it's hard to believe there's only three weeks to go. Yesterday, I and a small group of students went to the Skid Pad up here in Marshall, Mi. Whooo weee! Press in the clutch, release the brakes, and that tractor spins. Waves of water everywhere (or at least that's what it seems like).

I hope I never have that trailer come around on me. I know what to do now, but it sure is a scary sight.

Newbie - If I may ask, where do you live?

Michigan.

Saginaw. Are you the Cheryl in my class? Wait, no, I see you are in PA, yes?

I'm not in your class, and yes I'm in PA. You may want to check with Roehl about Great Lakes Regional running flatbed. They do run freight through that area, but I couldn't tell you if it would be enough to get you home every weekend. The closer you are to one of their major freight lanes, the better the chance for you to get home.

Newbie2be, You should look into Roehl 7on 7off route to see they offer that in your home area. I know in WI you have to bring the truck back to the Term. You may have another driver that lives in your area and can slip seat at a truck stop.

So, here we are. 20 weeks in the program, and I just took my last graded class yesterday, which was a mock Third-Party test.

Inspection: 100%
Yard test: 100%
Road Test: 96%

I lost points on the road for missing parts of questions about railroad crossings with Hazmat loads, and another question about going down a mountain grade. I hit a curb or two as well, but was told that was not a failing offense, just a couple points. Overall, I did great! Whoo hooo!

On the Yard/range test I nailed everything on the first time out, even the 90 degree back! I was so thrilled!

Now to keep myself humble and cautious as I approach my real test date (the 23rd). Then, I get to choose my new employer.

congrats to ya!! glad you did so well, keep us posted on your choice of Co.s

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tip for new truckers: to err is human, to forgive is not D.O.T. policy.
"i've been working all week, and i'm tired and i dont wanna sleep and i wanna have fun... it's time for a good time!!!!" alan jackson