Hello Total Newbie here-

Depending on the carrier & position (& also the job market) in question -- you may well need 2 years (or even more) of previous experience.

CAUTION: Depending on the type of freight you choose, the carrier you join, & your assigned dispatcher(s) -- you could be jumping out of the frying pan & into the fire.



For example: most 3rd-party reefer fleets pay pretty good (especially with more experience) -- but expect delivery times that are all over the clock -- so you will have NO SET SLEEP SCHEDULE. This can play havoc with your body (& of course, your driving ).

Thus -- be sure your reefer carrier teaches you how to use the "split sleeper" clock technique -- as well as PC ("personal conveyance"). You will need them BOTH.

Make no mistake -- your first year (especially) as an OTR driver will TRULY TEST YOUR METTLE.

Trucking is NOT professional tourism with pay & benefits. Many days are 12+ hours in the saddle.

Especially if you pull a "box" (i.e., dry van, or "reefer") -- expect to be treated with disrespect at some point (whether you might be a man, OR a woman) by shippers, receivers, security guards, lumpers....& even other CDL drivers.

Get used to it.

Finding safe, legal & respectable parking often will be a challenge as well. Can you sleep like a baby in a truck -- with a yard full of diesel engines running (& some right next to your cab)?

Just some food for thought....

-- L

 

On the flip side....

"He who dares -- wins"

(the motto/creed of the British SAS)

OF POSSIBLE INTEREST: I previously got into hauling fuel in part because I met & spoke at length with at least 2 women who were already doing that.

In short -- I was inspired by their obvious bravery, professionalism....& true grit.

You will also encounter others who will genuinely admire & respect you for what you do (as a big rig driver).

Truck drivers are easy to find.

TRULY GOOD truck drivers are not.

-- L

 

Hi, you mentioned you were going to CDL school on the 26th. Did you go? How was the first day? How is today going?

I think I am going to a CDL school around August, fingers crossed, but I am really looking forward to changing careers. Currently a paraprofessional that makes little money. I love driving and my close friends are CDL holders so I figured I'd give this a go.

 

By gar, I think she's got it. Great news, riches await( cough), I wouldn't be so hung up on the mechanical part, memorize it and regurgitate it on the test, but you will rarely need that with todays trucks. The biggies are, checking oil and coolant, tires and axle hubs, the things in the center of the wheel for leaks, red hose goes on the outside, don't forget to cancel the turn signal, and open the right door 1st. Schools go over things you may never encounter, but as a liability thing, I suppose they must. Backing up seems to be the biggest fear for new drivers and will take some time. Above all, stop, set the brakes, and PHYSICALLY get out and look.(GOAL) Other drivers that may be waiting will understand. Mirrors don't tell all, but I think your enthusiasm will overcome any obstacles. We're here to help, don't be shy and no question is too dumb. Good luck, and with winter waning, should be a good time for you to learn. Keep us posted, eh?

 

CAUTION: I have noticed that the job market for new(er) CDL holders has gotten especially bad...of late.

To combat this problem -- if you are currently accident &/or ticket-free, then STAY THAT WAY!!!

If you are drug-free, then stay that way. If not -- go clean, & stay there.

Also: as you test out for your CDL -- go ahead, & get ALL the relevant endorsements -- tanker, hazmat...& also doubles/triples.

Having those endorsements helps you stand out from other rookie applicants, by showing prospective employers that you are serious, & you mean business.

MORE ENDORSEMENTS = MORE OPPORTUNITIES = MORE $$$$$$$$$.




-- L

 

Don’t use 1 UNLESS IT IS NECESSARY! They will wreck your truck, could kill you as a driver. Their purpose is to prevent 1 out of control vehicle from causing a major calamity with others. I know of a trucking company near me that had a driver that got bored, and decided to run up one of those just to see what would happen. Needless to say, he got fired. JMO, he deserved to be.

 

You will only encounter a runaway ramp in only a few places, and are the "last resort". A good driver should never need one. They do a lot of damage to the truck, not to mention I'm sure some fine for using one. We have many in Colorado, Texas, not so much, and your question is valid. Couple years back, an inexperienced driver coming down a long grade, didn't understand what they were for, and figured they could just "ride it out". An important thing to know about, is brake fade. He didn't and plowed into stopped traffic killing 4 people. When brakes get hot on a downhill, the brake drums expand and the brake shoes no longer make contact. Out of adjustment makes it worse. Pulling the red and yellow buttons will do nothing. Had this driver used the runaway ramps, catastrophe would have been avoided. Driving a loaded semi requires extra attention. A loaded semi takes over a football field to stop on the level. Common sense is the key. Start descending a hill slowly, trying not to increase speed. An old timer once told me( now I'M the old timer passing on info) brakes will save you, if you save your brakes.