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couple questions/advice needed for a newbie

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by that1skunk, Jul 1, 2012.

  1. Jul 1, 2012 #1
    that1skunk

    that1skunk Bobtail Member

    1
    0
    Jul 1, 2012
    Nebraska
    0
    I guess Ill just start out by explaining my situation. I was hired on a construction/land scaping company with the agreement I would get my CDL. Before there I had driven a FL70 straight truck rated at 26k, so no CDL was needed. I took my written tests at the DMV for a class A, and passed them. Well, we got busy and never had any time for me to get practice in, so one day, my boss just asked me to go take the class B test with the FL70 that they also had, but this one was rated at 33k - so I did and passed. That was a few weeks ago. Now, thinking about it, could I have just thrown a trailer rated at over 10k LBS on the back of the FL70 and got my class A? The only reason I can see why that wouldnt work, is because the trailer does not have air brakes - does it matter if the trailer has air brakes or not? The truck does (I passed the air brake test already obviously). So Im wondering, could I just go take another driving test with an FL70 hooked to a trailer rated at 25,900 with electric brakes and get my class A? I do still have my class A learners permit and it is still valid.

    Now for maybe a bit of advice - Ive been with this company since feburary of this year and so far I like it for the most part, but the pay sucks. Now that I have a CDL/if I go get the A, is it a pretty bad thing to do on my part to just go to another company, after they helped get the CDL, etc? I see quite a few local postings of people hiring local (I cant do OTR...Id like to, but Im getting married next year and have a lot of things going on right now I need to be here for, as much as Ive always wanted to go OTR) CDL drivers that would pay quite a bit more. Should I just stop being a baby and tough it out, eventually they gotta pay me decent, right? Or do I just say the heck with it and go where the money is?

    I hope this is in the right section, I was kind of unsure where to post it. Thanks everyone.
     
    that1skunk, Jul 1, 2012
    that1skunk, Jul 1, 2012
    #1
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  3. Jul 1, 2012 #2
    RizenPhoenix

    RizenPhoenix Road Train Member

    1,371
    830
    Oct 31, 2008
    Santa Cruz, CA
    0
    Call the DMV and ask them.
     
    RizenPhoenix, Jul 1, 2012
    RizenPhoenix, Jul 1, 2012
    #2
  4. Jul 1, 2012 #3
    devildawg89

    devildawg89 Light Load Member

    169
    43
    Jul 1, 2012
    I am everywhere. I drive a truck.
    0

    If you got your class A CDL, in my opinion would trump the class B licenses. Just because you are getting married in a short amount of time stop you from doing what you want to do, but if I were you, I would keep the constant communication open with the wife-to-be to get her thoughts. Even though, you are not married yet, but it lets her know, you keep the communication going between the two of you, and that is vitally important, and it will make her appreciate you more, by asking her, after all, you are planning on spending the rest of your life with this woman. It could not hurt to ask her for her opinion, perhaps, you might get an answer you were not expecting, but at least you will know. Hope this helps. Best of luck to you.
     
    devildawg89, Jul 1, 2012
    devildawg89, Jul 1, 2012
    #3
  5. Jul 1, 2012 #4
    Moe Rhonic

    Moe Rhonic Light Load Member

    212
    52
    May 3, 2012
    Des Plaines, Il
    0
    I do believe it would make a difference if the trailer doesn't have air brakes, as that would change how you are operating the vehicle as a whole, which is what the inspector would be looking at.

    As for the second part, yeah, that would be pretty shady, but maybe once you get your CDL A, you could negotiate a better salary with your current employer. If he won't budge, then he can hardly blame you for looking elsewhere.
     
    Moe Rhonic, Jul 1, 2012
    Moe Rhonic, Jul 1, 2012
    #4
  7. Jul 1, 2012 #5
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,670
    12,211
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    Yeah Pardner, trailer needs to have air brakes. And go ahead and better yourself, you're not using your employer anymore than he is using you.
     
    Allow Me., Jul 1, 2012
    Allow Me., Jul 1, 2012
    #5
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