New Career ... From the beginning.

im new to trucking,would u say going refeer would be my best move or dryvan,or tanker?

 

Don't think that other driver realized just how dangerously unsafe that was to stop like that because he missed his turn.Had you been going too fast Mark you would have hit him for sure and maybe loss of life or someone taken to the hospital.Thank god you were on your toes and not tagging too close behind him.Some ppl just don't take driving that seriously.

 

Mark
so glad you are OK!!!!!
and back in the US! (where you can read the signs)

 

But. Listen to this...I was driving along with the traffic flow...4 lanes of traffic in each direction. Suddenly, the tractor trailer in front of me stopped! I couldn't believe it. He just stopped! I hit my brakes...and was sure I was going to collide. My guardian angle( you think I'm kidding?) was with me. I stopped with inches between my fender and the back end of the guy's trailer my passenger side mirror was pushed back about a foot. All the stuff on the bunks flew forward. A whole bag of pretzels emptied on the floor. When the other truck moved...I noted that he had missed his turn,,,,and rather than just go around tne block....he stopped. It was a miracle that I didn't run into him....and that a half dozen cars behind me didn't run into me. I was so glad to get back in the USA....where I can read the signs.[/QUOTE]

Things that make us say ...."Holy ####"!!!

 

Been reading your posts tonight. I also just started driving within the last year. I am driving part time as an independent contractor for a used truck and trailer salesman. I deliver and pick up trucks and trailers for him. My route to the getting my CDL was very different than yours. I think the appeal that driving truck has for me is it is a new skill. I have been a small town police officer for almost 20 years. It was something new and it is a skill set unto itself.

At the end of the day there is also a scene of accomplishment for working hard. I usually am dirty and tired. Good luck and have fun. When things look hard just slow down.

 

I also worked a career in radio (from small market to major O&O) for 30 yrs. Loved it for 20, hated it for 10. Also retired from it over a dozen yrs ago, turned to banking, then real estate, now seriously considering trucking. Recently got a class B and began driving a school bus. I love driving, love being alone and love travel. Looking at a school here in MN that does about 160 hrs including 30hrs 1 on 1 behind the wheel with instructor and another 30 backing. Going to talk to some recruiters including Schneider. I also saw reference to Prime being a great starting point.

 

Marcus, I am the wife of a new schneider driver. I have enjoyed your thread and the opportunity to learn so much through all the post that you and all the other drivers have made. Ernie is on his first week out, and what a first week it has been for him, though not as exciting as yours. I have forwarded your thread to him so that he can see what you and all the other new drivers are experiencing out on the road. His biggest struggle is the qualcom, and trying to figure out his routes. He has experienced a cracked windshield and a two bad tires that all of which had to be replaced. Then he made that wrong turn, the one that takes you down the wrong road that you can't get out of. He was assisted by one of the local police officers that helped by blocking off intersection so that he back out. He was so very grateful that he was not ticketed, but was assisted. He was so very proud and grateful that he was able to back up, keeping everything straight and getting out of that little side street.

He has had some good days and good runs, but seems that every other day is spent waiting on his empty trailer or the load to get loaded. He is sitting this morning for his empty in Pittston Pa, which he has been waiting on since yesterday at 2PM. He was suppose to take the empty to Tunkhanncok,Pa, where he was to get a load to take to Breinigsville, Pa. With all this waiting not sure where he will actually be going now. He is to be routed back to Ohio for his home time. Sounds like home time helps the drivers to relax and regroup, giving them the opportunity to return to the roads refreshed. Thanks again for all your post, travel safe.

 

Good post Saddlebutt, a lot of newbies don't realize all the in between crap you have to deal with while out on the road. Most think you just drive from point a to b and get paid. Going to take your hubby about three months to get used to being on the road. After that he will be a little more comfortable with the day to day happenings. Also going to take a good year before he has any seniority and once he has established a good report with his dispatcher he will start getting better loads/runs. No matter what he will still have to deal with the bull, just part of the job. Make sure he never, ever says "NO" to his DM and tell him to kiss some butt. The more favors and crap he does now the more money he will make. Don't mess up though, it doesn't take much to put you at the bottom of the pile and when working for the mega-carriers that pile can be pretty big!

Hey Markus, how bout a rollin pirate radio truckin show?