Thanks for your updates. Good luck!

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When the chips are down the buffalo is empty.

addendum the first.

The staff at Sage have called me twice so far this week, seeing how I'm doing, and if I have any prospects. In addition, as they hear about job openings locally, they've passed that info on to me. I'm sure they're passing the same info on to my classmates (those who didn't go to Werner, that is)

I just signed on with a carrier, and I'm going to orientation (assuming I pass their physical - administered locally. Smart idea, that!) on the 7th of May (It could have been the 28th of April, but certain things are getting in the way of that).

Once I pass the physical, I'll start another report - about orientation, at the very least. At that point, I'll disclose the carrier's name. Just seems premature to disclose it now, for some reason.

I'll try to keep my journal going to describe my adventures on the road, too.

One thing I recommend, if you can do it. Any carrier is going to want copies of a bunch of paperwork. Most people fax it, which is fine. I found it much more convenient - and faster - to scan it in to my computer and e-mail it. All my paperwork is right here with me, and so is the scanner. Don't have to deal with multiple trips to Kinko's or whatever to fax this or that.

Be sure to write VERY neatly on any form you have to fill out. I use a European seven (a 7 with a cross-bar ), and got a little sloppy with one. As a result, the carrier's staff thought I was saying "2002" instead of "2007". It was quickly cleared up, but it was a needless bit of confusion. If you can fill out the forms using your computer, that's the best way to go.

Even tho I can do it, I have NEVER had to parallel park in real life.

Getting your shifts synchronized is a challenge to most of us. That was the biggest one for me. But its kinda like riding a bike. Once it comes to you, you got it. Just one day bam and the hardest part is over. Heck we all still grind a gear or two once in a while.

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When you were in SAGE, were the recruiters that came to visit all large company recruiters? Or were there also local companies? Thanks
Justin

IC40Oz (that's a BIG bottle)

Only had the two show up - both from big name companies (with little bitty reputations)

To be honest, I don't think I'd have cared if 50 recruiters from all manner of carriers. I don't buy the car the salesman wants me to buy. I research and find out what I want, then I get what I want. I don't listen to recruiters.

He doesn't care if I like the job or not. He gets his commission if I get hired. After that, I can go twist in the wind. I, on the other hand, am looking for a job I'd like to keep for a few years. No recruiter is going to tell me what I want to know. Only other truckers - and as many of them as possible - from that company can tell me that.

Time for another little add-on:

I just got back from my first 2 weeks training with May Trucking. What do I find waiting for me in my messages? A query from SAGE in Henderson, asking if 1) I still have the job (I let them know as soon as I was hired) and 2) if I LIKED the job.

hard to go up from up, but man, these guys impress me

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Keep the big doors at the back!

I too went to SAGE in Batesburg-Leesville, SC. I have to say they are a good school in my book. The trainers were good and some of the techniques they taught me have come in handy from time to time out here in the real world. Of course I learned a great deal more out here on the road but they are very good at getting the basics through (which is what they're there to do, get you your cdl and some practical guidance).

rubber, I am planning on attending SAGE in Batesburg-Leesville also. Who are you driving with currently now that you are out of school?

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Guns don't kill people. People kill people.

Swift. Great group of folks there at SAGE, you'll enjoy your training. Don't let Jim get to you, he's kinda like a drill sargeant but the stuff he's picky about really does matter and I'm glad he was one of the ones that trained me. He'll make sure you get the big picture lol. And Swift is not a bad place to start contrary to many that would have you believe otherwise. I can't say they're the best, as they are the only oufit I've dealt with, but the equipment is good and the staff is very helpful (most of the time).

If you haven't already done so, go to any dmv office and get the cdl manual. Study it and if you can, go ahead and take the written test and get your permit. If you already have it when you start you might get more time on the yard practicing while the others are out getting their permit. You will still be in the classroom the first week regardless, but it will give you an advantage IMO, as they may let you start to practice shifting and backing earlier than the rest of the class.

Alright thanks for the advice. I plan on doing exactly that. If you dont mind me asking, was Swift the only company that appealed to you, or did you have others on your list?

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Guns don't kill people. People kill people.