Most Important Questions From New Drivers Threads

[Nolan533]

Nothing personal Hitman
Rick tells it like he sees it and that may not be the way it is.
I had some dealings with his kind when I was driving years ago.

[highwaytrucker0808]

grumpydad thanks that is some damm good advice im a newbie just starting out im kinda unsure what company i wanna drive for ive been doing lotsa research im glad that old time experienced truckers like yourself are here to give advice and great suggestions thanks

[Synapse to synapse]

Thank you for the wealth of information.

[TripleSix]

Originally Posted by Hitman

Don't take it personal guys. You know what you're capable of doing and not doing. Rick is alittle rough around the edges, but he's a no bs kinda guy and tells it like it is.

Is that your truck in your avatar? Got a bigger pic?

[shackhouser]

Try to go with a small local carrier. There are plenty around....
CORPORATE AMERICA is the reason we got in this jam in the first place.
Lets put them in the corner

[Baylen]

Ive heard alot as I read through this thread. I am currently in school a at tech collage for my CDL. I have been researching this for a few months while looking for jobs. My brother is a manager at a major truck brokerage (we wont get into what alot of drivers think of them). I have found there are alot of oppertunities out there for new drivers. Three of the Three companies that I finally arrived at into have pre approved my application and looking for me to respond to them. Yes in my research I have seen companies have cut pay and hours... all 3 of the ones I applied to were accepting new drivers and there drivers were still averaging over 2500 miles a week. I've also hear the rumors that alot of companies have been cutting there vet drivers pay and hiring new drivers that they can get for cheaper.. guess what companies have been doing this for years...

All in all do your research, talk to actual drivers for the companies you want to goto, and when you pick a school pick which one is going to train you the best not which one is going to rush you through. By the way the company I went with is still paying top dollar to new drivers (.35 cpm) good benefits, all the drivers ive talked to with them are happy, and they own all there property and trucks so they havnt been hit as hard by the economy.

[chirp63]

What are the laws about going into Canada with a DUI. I was turned down by Roehl a month ago and can't figureout why. My DUI was in 1992, and I don't have any tickets since 1987.

[MrMustard]

Originally Posted by chirp63

What are the laws about going into Canada with a DUI. I was turned down by Roehl a month ago and can't figureout why. My DUI was in 1992, and I don't have any tickets since 1987.

The DUI was probably why. A year ago that would have been overlooked, but these days they can be as picky as they want to be. As far as going into Canada with that on your record, I don't think that matters much. I got one back in 1986, and I cross the border all the time. The guy in the booth will ask you, "have you ever been arrested?" Just simply say "no," and you'll never hear another word about it.

[RUS7]

Originally Posted by RickG

Real truck drivers are out there doing the job getting loads where they need to be without their nose stuck in a GPS or somebody holding their hand and can back a truck to a dock or parking spot without a dozen pull ups . A very small percentage of wannabes get to be real truck drivers .

with all honesty have you not done many pull ups in your life, especially in the beginning?
i believe if you are a real truck driver no newcomer wannabe can compete with you. if you're worried, then there is a reason.

[bossman211]

Arrogance is just one of man's short comings. It is NOT a virtue anyone should aspire to have. If you think you are better than anyone you're a fool. If being so helps you to maintain then go ahead but it would serve you well to keep it to yourself.