Starting out for rookies

My husband has working for almost 5 years driving big trucks. But before that, he start from scratch, in a low position. But know, he is already retired. Getting old already, Lol.

 

Does anyone know how to check if the route you are taking is a no truck route before you get there ?? I asked my company and safety said to call the local police but they don't have info. I asked the federal motor carrier, highway patrol, and dot. Im trying to find out about local directiions, not highways. I have an atlas for that. I called numbers in the atlas and they wont answer or don't know. Any advise would help. Thanks

 

As I have found out about calling police departments for traffic questions, that's a waste of time. They won't tell you anything about restricted routes, but BOY do they seem to know all about the route in question when it comes time to hand out that ticket.

Since the motor carries atlas highlights routes on the "national network" in orange, I usually look in the front to see how far off that network the state you are travelling through will let you go. I've had good luck just calling the place I am headed to and speaking with Shipping/Receiving. I guess it's happened to people but I've never had a shipping clerk give me directions in on a restricted road. They usually know how to get the trucks in and out.

 

Thats funny as hell bro, well...... did ya , and what did he say???lmao

 

Hey All

Well, I made the decision to quit a fast food job i've had for 17 years and follow a dream of driving a truck. I go to take my permit test on Saturday. Then two weeks later I will be in Millington, TN for class. This should be interesting, and very scary. Well, I have passed all of the pre cdl written tests that I can find online, and have read the IL DMV manuel a few times in the past week. is there anything else that I need to know before embarking on this new adventure.

The scaryest parts are that I have never driven a stick shift in my life. Plus backing up. If I can figure those two things out I may be ok, but that is a big if

 

Welcome Big Mut
there are TONS of threads on here for newbies-while you have the time before you go to Millingon for class-read them so you are prepared on what to bring, what to expect etc. Good luck!

 

Maybe after my 90 day hiring period is up they will pay for other things like driver assist unload, detention pay, hold-over pay...etc.

As a new driver I came into this field not knowing anything, and was hired by one of the many companies who hire students and are proffesionals at taking advantage of newbies.

you should of found out what the company pays for and doesn't pay for before signing on.

 

eastcoast- that is probably a great bit of advice, problem is for many new drivers, there are only certain companies that will take you on. Pay is one that obviously is a HUGE factor, along with home time, type of runs/miles and tractor. I am sure the huge newbie mills do what ever they can to get you sign on the line knowing most new drivers will move on or quit.

Good luck and hang in there!!!

 

im not a driver yet but i've been looking into every company that takes student drivers and hands down prime has the best training pay and best length of training with a trainer before letting you loose on your own.i've been researching and been on this website for a couple years getting as much info. as possable so when i do make the career change i'll make the right choice for me. i know these companys are called the bottom feeders but rookies gotta pay there dues so you pick the best one by doing your research and know what you get paid for as far as load assist,layover pay,detention pay,etc. thats a no brainer to find these things out before making your decision