The New FFE Driver Academey

I will be leaving out of Atlanta for the training on the 26th. I already have my CDL and don't have to attend the first 4 days. You can't miss me, I'm 6 foot 400lbs. The bus ride will be grand, so I might rent a car. I talked to playmaker today on the phone, even having some difficulties every once in a while, he still enjoys the company for what they have given to him. FFE wasn't my first choice and it may not be the last trucking company I work for but hey, they are giving me an opportunity and I intend on doing the best I can. I currently drive dump trucks for a company that only works from March-November and it's all 1099. To make 2000 in two weeks I have to stay in my dump truck (single cab Mack CH) for about 3-4 shifts in a row which usually gets me home in time to sleep one shift and go back out for another quad. While in between jobs sometimes you get sleep, and sometimes you don't. I have worked in customer service, made good money, went home every night, had great vacation and benefits, but hated my job. This job will be exactly what you put into it. Things have changed from when our fathers were truck drivers and it may be better or may not be, regardless it's your decision at the end of the day. Trucking is like the military from what I can tell, they both have recruiters that promise you everything, money, freedom, travel, and blah blah. You don't always get the job you want, they money you hoped for, the housing you expected, or the pat on the back for doing a great job. In the end, it's up to you to decide "is this going to be my job, or a lifestyle?" I hope to see you guys in class soon and then out on the road.

 

Holy flooding Batman, we are actualy getting rain at the Lancaster yard and at the acadamy.

 

I am like you there playmaker, I drove for 10 years before but don't have my CDL anymore. I was wondering How long did it take you to get your CDL back with FFE? and what is the starting pay? also do they count past experience?

Thank you and good luck to you

 

Well I should see you down there sometime. Listen for the guy with the Aussie accent

 

I'm an Aussie and I have a hat. I'm sure I will cope

 

I'll see you on the 22nd then Edmund

 

I have a certain ammount of respect for anyone who is choosing to take the LD bus ride. Myself, I'm not about to spend 24 hours on a bus and, since FFE will reimburse me the cost of the bus ticket in my first pay check, I figured that a 2 hour flight to DFW was worth it. I'll get there without being worn out by 24 hours without a decent sleep and be ready to go on Monday morning. The hotel they are putting us up at looks fairly decent. I'm looking forward to the adventure. What other job is there where you get paid to be a tourist? Nay-sayers, I know what I'm getting into and it's better than what I'm getting out of. This should be fun!!!!

 

Riding the Hound is good training for getting used to sleeping in a moving vehicle. Good luck in class!

 

I'm sure the passengers in this morning's bus crash in PA would probably disagree with me...

 

I once took a 3 day bus trip across Australia. I'd rather hitch-hike. Which I have also done. No thank you. Riding in a bus is a lot different to having a sleeper berth in a truck. I hate LD flying for the same reason. Besides, I don't think any of us want to get used to sleeping in a moving vehicle. That could have some very bad results.