New CDL class A with lots of questions

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Truckingdaytrader, Dec 29, 2022.

  1. 2Tap

    2Tap Medium Load Member

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    Whatever you do, i want to hear about the first time a kid pumps his arm at you! Good luck and glad you found your way.
     
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  3. Truckingdaytrader

    Truckingdaytrader Light Load Member

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    Anyone know how there guys are to start with? What do you guys think about team driving? I am skeptical about it...
    Screenshot_20230225_184622_Chrome.jpg
     
  4. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    SW Georgia
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    Western Express? Team driving? o_O

    Personally.....I think you're FAR BETTER off with one of the carriers recommended earlier.

    Western Express is well known as being a "second chance" carrier....for people/drivers with criminal histories, and/or less-than-perfect driving records.

    Thus--some of your classmates at orientation will have some "colorful" histories....some, ver-ry colorful. :eek:

    ~~~~~~~~

    CDL driving, in my opinion, is tough enough (especially for a beginner) with the limited space in a "sleeper" cab...for one person--never mind 2 people.

    Plus, with team driving, you'll have to sleep in a moving truck with someone else driving that you usually don't know well, and aren't fully familiar with how well (or not) they really drive. Basically--you're putting your own life in a stranger's hands.

    Sounds pretty cool, huh? :rolleyes:

    Suggestion: prove your mettle as a solo driver, first--then later, drive with a teammate (if you think you want to) who has done the same....and you have some solid previous CDL experience to offer said teammate (and vice-versa).

    Given the calibre of some Western Express recruits....I certainly would not recommend/condone team driving there...o_O

    --Lual
     
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  5. Truckingdaytrader

    Truckingdaytrader Light Load Member

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    Yea, that's what I thought. I don't want to team drive but I definitely don't want to with someone I don't know or trust.
     
  6. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    SW Georgia
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    On the other hand--team driving does indeed have its place.

    For example: married couples (especially those who are both experienced CDL drivers) can really do well financially, as team drivers.

    Depending on the carrier and the freight in question--married couples who team drive together....if they bank/invest their incomes, and manage their money wisely....can retire before long.

    Recall that I eluded to/mentioned this same concept in one of my first posts....to you.

    It's amazing :eek: what some teams can make in a year. :D

    --Lual
     
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  7. Truckingdaytrader

    Truckingdaytrader Light Load Member

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    Dec 27, 2022
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    Trust me... it would be perfect but my wife HATES driving. She just got her license about a year or so ago and she doesn't drive our tiny little Chevy Spark EV unless she absolutely has to. She also can't see well enough to drive at night, which may just be a glasses issue... so there's that. If things were different we would be all over it. It would be easy for us because we live in an RV and are use to living together in small quarters. We also love being on the road together... but I do the driving.
     
  8. insipidtoast

    insipidtoast Heavy Load Member

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    Nov 22, 2016
    Planet Earth
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    Maybe you should search for jobs based in Hawaii.
     
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  9. Truckingdaytrader

    Truckingdaytrader Light Load Member

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    Dec 27, 2022
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    Naw, I couldn't live there. Too isolated. Too expensive. Too far from family, not that I am close now. But what is a 5 hour flight now would probably be like 8 to 10.
    Just out of curiosity I checked and there are only 19 trucking jobs there and 3 of them are for Coke. The others are "A or B" and most pay ####. Not worth it to live in such an expensive place. I know people who have lived there and they say the fun part wears off quickly.
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2023
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  10. Truckingdaytrader

    Truckingdaytrader Light Load Member

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    WTF?!!! How is this even remotely acceptable pay in the most expensive part of the country to live in? I pointed to sign out to my wife yesterday for Five Guys Burgers & Fries that said they are paying $23 an hour! I feel like this is a total screw job by them to take advantage of new drivers. Sorry, but I'm not going to starve to work somewhere. Rediculas IMO.
     

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    Last edited: Feb 28, 2023
  11. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    SW Georgia
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    Unless you're scheduled to work for Biagi Bros--it's not a problem.

    Stay focused.

    Last time I checked--you were planning on something (later) in the tanker world.....? o_O

    --Lual
     
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