Beginning the Long Awaited CDL Process

Hello Everyone.

I finally made it home!

After over 11, 000 miles, 4 weeks of training, 1 day of upgrading, and 3 days waiting for parts (with breakdown down pay), I made my first solo run from Tunnel Hill, to the rail yard in Atlanta, and then to the Ellenwood terminal. Just a short hop, but solo none the less.

The training experience went by faster than I thought it would. Once I started moving along, time seemed to fly by. I owe that to my trainer. He was relaxed and laid back, but firm when called for. In addition to refining your driving skills, he teaches you how to expedite yourself.....keep yourself moving. Time is precious and if you don't plan your trip correctly, time will work against you.

I wish my computer was functioning, for the last portion of my training. After the 75 hour mark we ran "Super Solo" which offered me more free time to document my training.

I'm home for the weekend. PTA is set for 0800 on Monday.

Oh yeah, my truck is a 2010 Volvo. 360k miles, basic USX red, with auto shift trans. That can be annoying at times, but it's great in traffic. Plenty of storage space, table/ bed, upper bunk, 1500W inverter, and a nice cubby for my TV. Kinda looks like AT's rig with the chrome sleeves over the axle hubs and lug nut covers on the front (all courtesy of the previous owner). I'll post a picture of it one of these days.


So a short break home to gather up my gear, and then it'll be time to hit the road.


That's it for now.



Thanks for reading..

-Wedge

 

I was out a little longer than normal because of the breakdown we had early on. So they elected to make my first solo trip a short one and routed me to my home terminal where I keep my car.

The Volvo I described above is my assigned tractor. I trained in a Peterbilt, but when it came time for truck assignments they offered me a Columbia, Peterbilt, or Volvo.......I grabbed the Volvo. The Peterbilt was tight on room and the Columbia was an older truck. The Volvo is a 2010 and in great shape. Someone had taken some of the cabinet hinges out of it so I had them order new ones. It took a few days but it was worth it. This truck runs great.

Basically I came home to get my gear. I could have taken more time off but I really want to get started.

Get the coffee warmed up, Sammycat. I will get dispatched to the Northeast.

 

I'm home getting my supplies together. Are you near my truck or my house?

 

Thank you, Banjer picker.