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Student Concerns

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by CRON9, Aug 20, 2011.

Page 2 of 7
  1. Aug 20, 2011 #11
    CRON9

    CRON9 Light Load Member

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    Aug 20, 2011
    Statesboro, Ga
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    I need to definitely take a field trip to a truck stop and watch the more experienced and compare each truckers technique I guess and try to learn from it. I do have to say it seems to come naturally for me, but I don't want to get too comfortable or "####y" because then I won't learn.
     
    CRON9, Aug 20, 2011
    CRON9, Aug 20, 2011
    #11
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  3. Aug 20, 2011 #12
    BigJohn54

    BigJohn54 Gone, but NEVER forgotten

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    Do you know of companies that hire with a 40 hour training course?
     
    BigJohn54, Aug 20, 2011
    BigJohn54, Aug 20, 2011
    #12
  4. Aug 20, 2011 #13
    CRON9

    CRON9 Light Load Member

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    Aug 20, 2011
    Statesboro, Ga
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    My father-in-law (26 year experience) currently works for Fedex Freight and has gone over the reality of it all with me. After a year or so of experience he will have take me in, but meanwhile I am willing to put the time and hard work to get to a decent position like he is. 50k+ and weekends sounds good after a few year of experience, but I am pessimistic and always expect the worse, but in either case I up for the challenge and want to make sure I become a professional rather than just any truck driver.
     
    CRON9, Aug 20, 2011
    CRON9, Aug 20, 2011
    #13
  5. Aug 20, 2011 #14
    CRON9

    CRON9 Light Load Member

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    Statesboro, Ga
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    So what do they hire with?
     
    CRON9, Aug 20, 2011
    CRON9, Aug 20, 2011
    #14
  7. Aug 20, 2011 #15
    BigJohn54

    BigJohn54 Gone, but NEVER forgotten

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    See post 7.
     
    BigJohn54, Aug 20, 2011
    BigJohn54, Aug 20, 2011
    #15
  8. Aug 20, 2011 #16
    BigJohn54

    BigJohn54 Gone, but NEVER forgotten

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    Also see post 8. With all due respect, if your FIL has been driving 26 years he doesn't have a good feel for how the industry has changed regarding new drivers. I spent a lot of time putting that information together based on the horror stories we read evey week on this forum from new drivers who had no idea what they were in for.
     
    BigJohn54, Aug 20, 2011
    BigJohn54, Aug 20, 2011
    #16
    123456 Thanks this.
  9. Aug 20, 2011 #17
    CRON9

    CRON9 Light Load Member

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    Aug 20, 2011
    Statesboro, Ga
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    My FIL was an state examiner at this same school about 9 years ago and currently lives in Georgia. I don't plan to make a living in Florida, especially South Florida. He knows of many people who have gone through the 40 hour training and obtained decent jobs. Not sure why the owner of this school wouldn't have recommended the 160 course either? Would've been a lot more expensive. I have completed the written tests for Tankers and Hazmat as well, so why spend the extra time learning what I have already learned? With any occupation, if you show you have knowledge and responsibility the bureaucracy of 40 hrs vs 160 hrs will be a varying factor. My question is what do you recommend I should do at this time since you seem be more updated on trucking than most?
     
    CRON9, Aug 20, 2011
    CRON9, Aug 20, 2011
    #17
  10. Aug 20, 2011 #18
    CRON9

    CRON9 Light Load Member

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    Aug 20, 2011
    Statesboro, Ga
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    Ok, so what you're saying is I've wasted the $1250 I paid, and most likely I will walk away with my CDL but, will still need an 160 hr course at least? Do you know of any schools in South Florida that are recommended then? How can I go about financial aid?
     
    CRON9, Aug 20, 2011
    CRON9, Aug 20, 2011
    #18
  11. Aug 20, 2011 #19
    CRON9

    CRON9 Light Load Member

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    Aug 20, 2011
    Statesboro, Ga
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    CRON9, Aug 20, 2011
    CRON9, Aug 20, 2011
    #19
  12. Aug 20, 2011 #20
    BigJohn54

    BigJohn54 Gone, but NEVER forgotten

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    I don't consider myself an expert on anything or more updated than my peers. I wrote those 4.5 pages to cause a smart person to research and become his own expert. I add to them weekly and just thought to put the Florida part in today although it is well known. Numbers (123456) and Bigarmin88 both live down that way and are more of an expert than me.

    Just in the past week or so we have had two or three drivers that got their CDL on their own without school. Although this doesn't work we see it all the time. One of these drivers has about ten years of local experience and is still having a hard time finding work. One of these drivers posted that the companies he called wanted 160 hours of training. Most schools are 160 hours. You are the first person I have seen talk of a 40 hour training school.

    I don't intend to get in a size-measuring contest with you and I wish you nothing but the best. I am pointing out the information I am aware of to help you make informed decisions. With all due respect, you seem to have it all figured out and don't need any help, so go for it. I knew a guy just like you 32 years ago. That sucker has a lot of scars from learning the hard way! Yes, you guessed his name is John.

    If you seriously want my recommendation, it is call at least 6 trucking companies on Monday that you want to work for and see if they will take you with a 40-hour training certificate. Many make the mistake of training before finding the job. It is backasswards in this industry. You should find whom you want to work for and then get the training that will get the job you want.

    Obviously you can go about things many ways and get to where you are going. The easiest way is to set goals, make a plan, figure out how to achieve the goals and tackle it task by task.
     
    BigJohn54, Aug 20, 2011
    BigJohn54, Aug 20, 2011
    #20
    zebcohobo and Ranger70 Thank this.
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