Another newbie looking for advice in IL

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Ready4theRoad, Jul 24, 2018.

  1. Ready4theRoad

    Ready4theRoad Bobtail Member

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    I currently reside in Springfield IL and am looking to get into trucking. It's been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, and now that my kid is grown I'm ready to hit the road. My ex-hubby, who's been a driver since our daughter was born 22 yrs ago, recommend this site to me. He told me this was the best place to start my research on companies who have driver training, and to read reviews to find the best companies to apply to.

    So far the only 2 companies I have applied to are Roehl and US Xpress, and I'm considering Schneider and CFI. Roehl told me that my knee issues (osteoarthritis) may hinder me from being able to do the job, and that I will have to do a strength accessment similiar to what Amtrak had me do, which I did not pass.

    What I'm really looking for is a company who will provide me adequate, safe training; will pay from day one of training; that will pay up front for my CDL training with a 1 yr or less commitment and me paying them back if required; and if possible with a ride-along provision.

    With my knees I am able to bend and kneel, just not for long periods of time, I have to use knee pads or something "cushy" (which I would provide), and it just takes me a minute to get bk up. It's not debilitating in any way, I have learned to work with it.

    What companies can you recommend? Any reviews on the 4 companies I mentioned? Anything specific I should be asking when talking to recruiters? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated...and please, please, please don't get into pi**ing contests on my post, I welcome all advise so no need to bash each other...thx
     
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  3. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    I am a carrier of Osteoarthritis. It hit me in my 40's but not formally diagnosed and added to the pile of other specific bone situations system wide unitl late last year. The problem with me is I have the bones of a 80 year old. If I was to get hit or get into a fight I probably will break a bunch. (How they break would lead to either Pathological Failure or even more aggressive problems.

    Keeping in mind that is just one of a number keeping me from passing a DOT. Im permanently retired.

    With that said. Ordinary OTC pain relief does not do well with Arthritis and other specific degenerative pain. You lead toward stomach issues such as ulcers (Some of which are a genuine medical emergency) The other side of arthritis is narcotic pain killers at a low level. (Which I think helps along with certain arthritis medicine I take each night before bed which also increases stomach trouble) the narcotics are no longer legal around 18 wheelers and drivers who have taken them within a period of time equal to 7 times half life. For example Hydrocodone 10/325 apap, half life is 4 hours. Withdrawals begin 6 to 12 hours. It's in blood 24 hours, urine 3 to 5 days roughly and in hair past 90 days.

    So. IF you had a dentist teeth appt and had 3 days to get through the Ow (Not working at all) It should come up to about 7 days after your last dose to be clean before you are cleared to run a 18 whher again.

    Osteoarthritis never stops if you are on bad concrete plate roads, the hammering that 18 wheeler will do to you will slowly increase the problems towards the end of your working day in the shakeer box.

    I don't want to be a negative nellie or a debbie downer. I have been a medical patient so long it has become sort of it';s own work just to make sure that we can fix that can be and let the rest go.

    It absolutely does not help that Laws are being passed every so often that absolutely tightens the thumbscrews on hiring truckers, Keeping them and dealing with certain states that want to legalize drugs that are still against Federal Schedule one rules.
     
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    There's some non-cdl trucking jobs, driving box trucks and cargo vans.
    You might be successful in those jobs, delivering small packages and envelopes. Google : Courier Services Springfield, IL area
     
  5. Ready4theRoad

    Ready4theRoad Bobtail Member

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    I have had osteoarthritis for 7 yrs and have learned how to manage the pain and get around it's effects. I don't take any narcotics or OTC meds for it, the only thing I do is get the injections as needed, which they don't di much anymore either. I don't think I would have an issue driving, my issue would be more kneeling and squatting, then getting bk up. Thx for you reply, very helpful!
     
    Last edited: Jul 24, 2018
    x1Heavy Thanks this.
  6. Ready4theRoad

    Ready4theRoad Bobtail Member

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    I was more looking to get my CDL and go over the road...thx
     
  7. captwheel

    captwheel Bobtail Member

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    During CDL classes & or training will a company look unfavorable on a person that needs to wear knee pads on pretrip inspections?
     
  8. NYCNick

    NYCNick Light Load Member

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    Every recruiter I've talked to looks at my 2 year DOT card and doesn't ask another medical question.

    Have you gone in for a physical, or are you lucky enough that maybe your current doctor also can get you a DOT card? As long as the doctor says you're good to go and lets you know what to stay on top of, they shouldn't be asking any further questions.
     
  9. snowmantrucking101

    snowmantrucking101 Heavy Load Member

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    Mar 8, 2017
    Lancaster, SC USA
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    US Xpress has Autoshift Transmissions. That's your best bet.
     
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