Do it on my own

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by minirack, Jun 4, 2016.

  1. minirack

    minirack Light Load Member

    88
    115
    Jun 2, 2016
    0
    Ok so I was looking into training and getting my CDL with Roehl or tmc, leaning more towards Roehl out of the 2, I also have a buddy with a logging biz who wants me to drive for him and another small 7 truck company that does regional hauls that is interested in me. I would prefer the logging or small company but that leaves me on my own to get the CDL. I've searched and didn't find anything really so if there's another post that answers my questions I'll definitely take a look. My question tho is since I'm currently in PA but a resident of SC with SC drivers liscence, if I get my CDL permit in SC will I be able to drive in PA to practice and train? Then it will just be a matter of me finding a truck and trailer in SC to use for the road test and I can bypass all these mega companies that see you as just a piece of meat.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Riffman

    Riffman Light Load Member

    247
    191
    Nov 27, 2011
    Phoenix, az
    0
    Wherever you are taking the actual tests is where your license will be issued. Other than that, doesn't matter where you learn to drive.
     
    minirack Thanks this.
  4. minirack

    minirack Light Load Member

    88
    115
    Jun 2, 2016
    0
    Ok, wasn't sure if it would only be valid in SC or not. The logging guy has a driver with 28 years experience and a clean driving record, figured I'd be just as good or better off learning from him than some driver mill
     
  5. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

    34,017
    42,135
    Mar 5, 2016
    White County, Arkansas
    0
    You have one license. There are no other licenses period.

    You are going to have to pick a state to call home. Choose wisely.

    If you are going to run for a Logging outfit, they should have no problem giving you use of a 18 wheeler for the test however long it takes wherever it might be.

    I warn you now. Logging is a very righteous trucking. It's awesome. I would not approach this side of trucking with anything less than a Caterpiller tractor with three drives and a tag axle back there under the 5th wheel and at least 600 horse Kitty under the hood.

    Logging is a tippy load, a load that can kill you if you mash the service brakes, or tip you over a cliff trying to get to the main road after loading. It's a hoot and a lot of fun trying to get to the mill while they are still open. I think it's 5000 dollars gross to the mill give or take a thousand for a truckload. Your boss and owner of the company you run for are going to be interested in your progress.

    To heck with the megas. If you are careful and willing to absorb like a sponge I promise you that your journey into Logging will not be boring or restrictive.
     
  6. TROOPER to TRUCKER

    TROOPER to TRUCKER Anything Is Possible

    7,667
    12,715
    Dec 15, 2014
    Charlotte, NC
    0
    Good luck in SC. If you are going to test at DMV site I believe only 3 in the entire state do the testing for class A.
     
    rachi Thanks this.
  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    74,669
    169,737
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    You're doing it the hard way. Are you sure those two outfits will hire you? Will their insurance companies agree to the hiring of someone with no experience or other training?
    You're best bet is to attend a private cdl school, then go with Old Dominion as a linehaul driver. This company hires new cdl grads for linehaul in PA. With linehaul you'll get better hometime than with that regional company.
     
    Jubal3 Thanks this.
  8. minirack

    minirack Light Load Member

    88
    115
    Jun 2, 2016
    0
    I'm always happy to learn if I feel like my teacher actually knows what they're talking about. As I mentioned, the guy with 28 years and clean record seems like he would lead me in the right direction. The current tractor he has available is a Mack E7-454 with a CAT in it, 10 speed I believe. not sure of all the specs does only have 2 drive axles tho. Plenty of other logging outfits and agriculture in the area. Long term goal I'd like to get into livestock hauling. Miss my cowboy days. I used to have horses and work and transport cattle a good bit with a 1 ton dodge and gooseneck stock trailers so I know how to run smooth, tho I'm sure it's different driving a big truck, same principle applies. No sudden stops or direction changes. Just keep it smooth and easy and know that every car you see is going to pull out in front of you
     

    Attached Files:

    Lepton1 and x1Heavy Thank this.
  9. minirack

    minirack Light Load Member

    88
    115
    Jun 2, 2016
    0
    I know the logging co will.
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  10. minirack

    minirack Light Load Member

    88
    115
    Jun 2, 2016
    0
    One of them is right down the road from where my parents live.
     
    TROOPER to TRUCKER Thanks this.
  11. TROOPER to TRUCKER

    TROOPER to TRUCKER Anything Is Possible

    7,667
    12,715
    Dec 15, 2014
    Charlotte, NC
    0
    third party schools are making a killing just having their tester administer tests all while at the same time getting money from the students.
     
    minirack and Chinatown Thank this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.