Do I need CDL school? Experienced w/ Dump truck + trailer

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by quintin.payton, Aug 26, 2014.

  1. quintin.payton

    quintin.payton Bobtail Member

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    Aug 26, 2014
    Columbus Ohio
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    I have a class a cdl with tanker endorsement. However I have never actually driven a semi truck. All my experience has been driving a dump truck with trailer hauling a back hoe. I'm thinking about driving a truck and not really sure what to do. Should I go back through a school? Or try to find a company that trains their drivers?
     
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  3. Apd

    Apd Haystack

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    Jun 22, 2009
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    If you already have your cdl then there's no reason to waste money going back to school. I would find a starter company with a training program.
     
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Put you location on your profile so we know your hiring area.
    Contact Schneider Bulk and ask what they recommend. They're easy to get on with and a good company.
     
  5. lovesthedrive

    lovesthedrive R.I.P.

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    Sorrento Maine
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    If you have a B license and have the experience, it may only be a visit requirement to your DMV and get a license upgrade. As far as national companies, they will love you and probably put you on a 10 day refresher course. All a refresher course is, is to make sure you know what you are doing and have the correct mind set for pulling the 53 foot trailer. I did one with Western Express and it was only 5 days. Simple stuff like how to not eat up the time on your clock, make sure you know about using a lower gear on a hill on the way down than the gear you used to get up the hill. You will have a great time. Just dont get into a bottom feeder company.
     
  6. quintin.payton

    quintin.payton Bobtail Member

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    Aug 26, 2014
    Columbus Ohio
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    I have an A . Will do with the profile.
     
  7. quintin.payton

    quintin.payton Bobtail Member

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    Aug 26, 2014
    Columbus Ohio
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    It's not letting me update my profile from my phone. I live in Columbus Ohio
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Excellent location for tanker jobs. Here's some to check; some are pretty strict about CDL school, but if necessary, there's some cheap schools at community colleges:

    Schneider Bulk
    Superior Carriers
    Tidewater Transit
    Trimac
    CTL Transportation
    Bulkmatic
    Foodliner
    SVTN

    Ignore any "experience required" on websites when you start applying. Companies are bending their hiring rules due to the shortage of "quality" applicants.
     
  9. quintin.payton

    quintin.payton Bobtail Member

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    Aug 26, 2014
    Columbus Ohio
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    Thank you. Just off the top of your head what does the "average" rookie cdl driver earn 40k to 45k?
     
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    After your training is complete and you're running solo, should easily make $55K-$60K your first 12 months solo as hazmat/tanker driver.
     
  11. notsonewb

    notsonewb Light Load Member

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    Jul 29, 2014
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    I wouldn't nessiarly tell them u ain't drove " semi" , if you drove a large dump on semi chassis , w, manual trans air brakes ect , and large trailer with back how or other equip , ect , you have in fact drove a "combination " , if you decide you want to utilize your tank endorsement , you just need to let them know you have endorsement but no "tank" experience, , my self personally have drove both , do what you want but you could use your equipment hauling experience and go HEAVY haul , running a low boy rgn, or maybe a step ? , not sure wich would pay better ,tank may be ? Just a thought
    H one pays better , ? Just a thought ,
     
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