Looking to change career in January, 2021

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by jonesjw, Oct 26, 2020.

  1. poongdool

    poongdool Light Load Member

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    I can ascertain what positive others have said here is true because I’ve experience it myself. I’m now on my second year. Got my license, my training, my experience at Prime. I could have made better money at them if not for the long training before they let you do the job solo. I only work solo for over 6mos. Now, I’m working for a small fleet company that gave me better deals like driving a condo not the lightweight truck which has smaller space, got a dedicated route that I like which allowed me to stop by at home every week, gets a consistent miles of 4,000 every week.
     
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  3. Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    I started School at 55. 60 now. Best decision I ever made. Love it out here!
     
  4. jonesjw

    jonesjw Bobtail Member

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    Yeah, my driver trainer was held up in New Jersey in a 10 inch snowstorm about the same time as you. Sounds like some tuff / scary conditions. Millis told us; if we don't feel safe; shut it down. No freight is worth your life (or someone else lives). Be safe!
     
  5. jonesjw

    jonesjw Bobtail Member

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    That's awesome to hear! Congrats on your career! Man, that sounds like an awesome job and definitely a tone of miles. I didn't think that many miles was even possible. Wow!
     
  6. jonesjw

    jonesjw Bobtail Member

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    Man, that's great news! I don't think you will be disappointed in your decision. I think Millis is a great choice. It's like drinking from a fire hose for an inexperienced driver, but if you stay focused, study your pre-trip paperwork at night, practice when you are not seated (behind the wheel) or doing backing maneuvers, find someone in your class who is as serious as you are; practice with them and stick with the program; you will be fine. It's like everything else in life; you get out of it what you put into it. Good luck and keep us posted!
     
  7. jonesjw

    jonesjw Bobtail Member

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    Contacted driver trainer yesterday. We will be heading out Sunday or Monday (14th or 15th). I'm not sure how much I'll be able to update during the next few weeks. I'm sure I will be worn out each night while trying to build the stamina it takes to drive / work my 11 and 14 hour clocks. Will also be trip-planning, working with shipper / receivers, learning the Qualcom system and how to communicate with dispatch properly, scanning load paperwork and sending properly, scaling loads, etc. etc. Whenever I catch a break, I will update and / or respond to the forum though. Here we go guys! Let's take this beast down!
     
  8. Kev2021

    Kev2021 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 9, 2021
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    Jonesjw, Thanks for the advice! Already been studying pre-trip by watching vids on youtube. I think I have the basics of backing down. I have been pulling our 30 ft travel trailer for 10+ years and boats for 30+ years. I know it is going to be different in a bigger truck with bigger trailer.
    Does anyone know if Millis has a state certified tester at the Eden training center? When I got my CLP the lady at DMV said the waiting list to take the Driving CDL test is 4 to 6 weeks.
     
  9. Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    That will be a huge plus. Just understanding the "mechanics" of backing a trailer will give you a big leg up. These 53 footers react much slower than travel or boat trailers. You'll catch on quick. Good luck
     
  10. jonesjw

    jonesjw Bobtail Member

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    Yes Sir. Dockbumper is right on the money. These big rigs may roll 10-12 feet before your turn of the steering wheel begins to take effect. Slower Reaction = easier correction...Just take it slow; you'll be fine!
     
  11. EEzt

    EEzt Bobtail Member

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    This thread speaks to me. I have a CDL; got it in '09. Decided not to pursue driving concerned about the recession. Instead got a degree through the GI Bill, but it hasn't worked out. Worked many office jobs. It's not for me.

    Stuck (working to unstuck myself) in Northern VA. Although I have no experience I'm getting offers. Got one offer driving up & down I-95 at .48 CPM (no experience but a veteran). Then, I'm looking to move to DFW to drive up & down I-35.

    I'm excited to leave the high COL with poor quality, high-priced homes to a more affordable area that's rapidly growing. Trucking is giving me options I wouldn't ordinarily have. So I'm looking to really immerse myself in it.

    Need more threads like this.
     
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