I've been out of cdl school for about month now, great in school,40+ hours on road, passed my test with flying colors. My instructor pays me a couple bucks to come in and work with new guys in the lot. Been looking at different companies and finally found a small owner /op (9 trucks), took a 20 min. test with him, and ws offered the job. over the road--3000 mi a week 32 cents mile, driving mi-ga-fl-penn- loop most of the time. My problem is --am I really qualified? I dont really know the truck, (all the bells and whistles), never used jake (probably couldnt tell you where it is) but this guy(who doesnt drive) swears Ill be fine. Just seems like a good wy to get in trouble. any suggestions,comments jokes?

schools never teach you how to truck

doing it does teach you.....get in, put her in the big hole and learn on the fly....just like the rest of us.....

just remember to listen to those of us who have been around a day or two when we give advice!!!! beleive me it will make it easier on you

All ways respect your truck dont be afraid of it.
Use commen sense when driving

Always remember,YOUare the one driving the truck,always use your head,you drive the truck,it dosn't drive you! listen to advice. and I can't stress this enough, don't overdrive your ability. Take it really easy till you get used to the truck and the route. You'll have plenty of time later . Be careful and have fun with it. You'll never get the chance to drive "your first truck " again. All the rest of them will be just another truck!!!!!!!

Trucking is a "deep end" learning system. School just gives you a swimsuit.

__________________
----------------------------------------------------
Keep the big doors at the back!

What alot of driver do not realize that there are alot of different types of trucks out there. Semi's are the majority but you have doubles, triples, and truck and trailers. So there's no perfect driver anywhere. I'm sure you've been taught defensive driving so you can use those skills with the truck. Just take it easy dont follow too close and watch for the other guy. Don't push yourself beyong your limit and above all stay legal. We cannot over emphasize the point of staying legal. It's your record and it will follow you around so you'll want to stay clean so someday you can get the dream job. Alot of companies once they find out you'll stretch the law will ask you to take the loads that all the smart drivers have turned down so you'll need to let them know as soon as they try this that you only run legal. If they fire you for that then you have a case you can take to court if you choose to.

You'll do fine if you just think before you act. There's no magical trick to safely operate a truck. Just good defensive driving and taking care of the equipment. Let the truck work for you and not you working the truck. Good luck and have fun.

I'm sure he sees something in you that you don't......... yet.

Get a laptop and a card........ if you don't know something....... look it up on the internet or ask!........ you know there are people here who will answer....

It sounds great.........congratulations!

__________________


The definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. — Albert Einstein

Plan your trips. Have you really never delivered a load as a team with a training driver? If not, that is going to be really scary.

You will have to do sometime. If you need a phone number, I will be glad to give you my cell. The best way to learn is to just do it. I can't learn by someone standing over me. I learn from my mistakes, as will you from yours. Let me know and I will PM you my number.

__________________
Pain is weakness leaving the body.

I dunno folks ---- I'm seein' a red flag here.

Fresh outta drivin' school -- a 20 minute road test in a Big truck with all the bells and whistles to run 3,000 miles a week on a Michigan ---> Georgia ---> Florida --->Pennsylvania loop?

At .32 cents a mile, that gig sounds great for a seasoned Big truck truck driver --- BUT,
For a newBee rookie?

MAYbe, if it's to the same places every time. But if it requires trip planning to different locations all the time, while learning how to find different locations in larger cities with heavy traffic and a tight schedule --- I see a problem.

Tileguyz --- tell me you won't be pullin' a refer!

It all depends on your aptitude.
Are you a natural?
Some folks are, and that'll help a bunch.

When I first started, I ran team for about a year before I went solo, and I'm glad I ran team with a driver who knew more that I did. If I had been turned loose right outta school, I don't think I would have learned what I NEEDED to learn, as quickly as I did.

IMO, many new drivers fail because they were turned loose to run solo too soon. A team driver can be a comfort to have to help when things get confusing.
Three thousand miles a week as a steady diet right out of the box is a pretty tight schedule for a newBee in a Big truck with gadgets they're not familiar with.

My question is, would YOU put YOU in a Big truck under a similar situation?
And why put a green driver in a position many seasoned drivers would love to have?

Considering one screw-up could end your career before it even gets off the ground, I wouldn't take the chance if you don't really feel qualified to git 'er done.

Is there more to this gig than meets the eye?
It sounds like a dream opportunity.

__________________
Pontificating Dogmatist