Starting A New Path.. Could Use Some Wisdom

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Old Soul, Jul 21, 2012.

  1. Old Soul

    Old Soul Bobtail Member

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    Jul 20, 2012
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    Okay.. Ill try to make this short and to the point.. I resigned my position overseas in April of this year.. I had been working within the Defense industry since 1996.. I spent two years in Afghanistan and a last year in Kuwait.. Ive been trying to transfer to a position here in the states.. but its just not happening.. So I have decided to take up driving.. I have family members who drive, and most recently spent a little time working with an uncle in New Mexico hauling hay in a Cab Over.. I had mentioned to him that I was thinking about getting my CDL and taking up driving.. So I tagged along to get a little bit of an understanding..

    In the military I have always worked with heavy equipment.. I was a Track Vehicle Mechanic in the Army.. As a civilian, I worked for Caterpillar for a few years.. then on to a program for the Marine Corps that required us to drive a 36 Ton amphibious vehicle.. Then since 2008.. I was a Field Service Representative with the MRAP programs. Driving and repairing those vehicles..

    I passed all the written tests, medical and have my CDL Permit here in California.. I did all the extra endorsments (Hazmat, Doubles/Tripples & Tanks) also.. Im just kind of stuck now with finding someone to help me with the inspection part and the driving test.. I heard that there are some local owner operators that have large lots to practice and ride with.. Then let you use there truck to take the test at the DMV.. My question is.. Is there any that you all would recommend?? I live in the Chino, California area..

    Thank you in advance
     
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  3. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

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    well the other question is do you have a job lined up
    all the big guys want to see a certificate from a school these days
    insurance co bs but that is the way it is
     
    WorldofTransportation Thanks this.
  4. WorldofTransportation

    WorldofTransportation Heavy Load Member

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    What transam pete said .. Its crap but its how it is.. When I was 21 I had my cdl and 6 months experience with a small company and about 85k miles under my belt (we ran teams and ran fairly hard) after 6 months my team partner (was a great guy but) I caught him smoking a joint in Weatherford Texas at 5 am at the petro.. We were 100 miles from the yard... So I got back in talked to the owner (he was aware of it I guess) he said he was glad I told him because he had to do randoms before long and didn't want to send someone who would fail.. So I quit... Went to about 15 companies.. all of them wanted the school.. so I went.. came out and was in the training program for 4 days before my trainer called and told them I was ready to go..

    Good luck but this trucking is upside down right now.
     
  5. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    I would go about it the right way if I were in your shoes. Things have changed a lot in trucking in most companies mandate you go through an accredited school now before they will hire you. Hell, I can't even get a job driving and I've been doing it for 16 years! Problem is I have been out of it for two years and now any company I go to wants me to take a refresher course at a school to the tune of $2500,00!

    If you don't have the funds available or can't do the loan thing just go to a company that does their own schooling. Central Refrigerated is a very good company and they have their own schooling program. They will pay for everything including your transportation to them, meals, lodging etc...

    You were in the military so you know that going about it right the first time will pay off in the long run! Shortcuts just lead to bloody feet!

    Thanks for your service man....

    If you need anything just holler!
     
  6. FozzyNOK

    FozzyNOK Road Train Member

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    I agree pretty much with what has been said. Do some research on what you want to do and who you may want to drive for, contact them for what then require and want in an new driver. They can usually give you some of the training schools who's training they will accept. Training schools get a rather bad rap, but they are a necessary part these days to at least insure that the drivers get SOME training. Look at it this way, when you were in the military would you have wanted to be surrounded by people who trained themselves? It would be chaos.
     
  7. FLATBED

    FLATBED Road Train Member

    As all the above noted , its the CERTIFICATE from a REPUTIBLE training school thats the deal maker now days when your starting out. I have to run all prospective hires by my insurance company and that is 1 thing they are STRICT on (TRAINING CERTIFICATE )
     
  8. Old Soul

    Old Soul Bobtail Member

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    Jul 20, 2012
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    I appreciate it fellas.. Thats some good information.. Its slightly discouraging.. but than again.. sometimes its the fight in the game that I tend to like.. Ill be sure to check on some of these schools that have some sort of in training. Once again.. I do appreciate the info and knowledge..
     
  9. Wooly Rhino

    Wooly Rhino Road Train Member

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    The training should be covered by your VA benefits. If not a Pell Grant will. Go to a community college.

    The things take 4 weeks and hey, its college. Hit on a cheerleader.:biggrin_25519:
     
  10. RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    The previous posters mention what is required by MAJOR carriers . You don't want to go to them anyway . Ask those recommending school what percentage of CDL mill graduates are still in the industry a year later.Ask whaat the 90% turnover for these carriers means.All a school does is qualify you to pass the tests to get a CDL . Don't waste your time and money on a CDL mill.some states will give a CDL to veyerans with a military transport license. Some small employers will accept and appreciate tour military experience.
    I knew a person from Rhode Island that was in the National Guard and got a military license without ever being in a truck . The state just handed him a CDL A . My employer at the time hired him and he didn't even know how to hook up glad hands.
    Couldn't you stay with your uncle in NM , get the CDL there , then transfer it ?
    An O/O's time is valuable . I have have seen many newbies request help from O/O's here but have yet to see it happen.
     
  11. vinsanity

    vinsanity Road Train Member

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    Whether or not a person is still in the industry after a year has nothing to do with whether they went to a CDL school or not. Some people just find they are not cut out for this work. The OP has previous experience with heavy equipment so he probably already knows he will like it.

    Also, there is no reason to stay away from major carriers. It all depends on what you want to do.

    I went to a CDL mill and have worked for two major carriers. I've been happy so far. I'm going on three years now.
     
    Sam Hell Thanks this.
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