Commercial Driver Services, Lakewood, WA.

I just completed training at Commercial Driver Services (CDS) in Lakewood, WA. I chose this school because I called Interstate, Swift, Gordon and Werner and several local companies and asked them what school they recommended in this area and they all told me that this school was the best. They trained me in dry van, tankers, doubles/triples and Hazmat. They also train dump truck, bus, and offer refresher courses. I had a great experience and was able to get my endorsements for all of the above training. I would recommend them for anyone in this area...

 

Unless you go to a trade school like Bates or a junior college program, then all you are going to learn is the bare bones basics. You will leave this school and be expected to be able to drive that big truck safely. So learn everything you can and ask for help if you can't do something good. Backing at a truck stop is totally different than backing at school. When you go to a big company they will put you with a trainer. Learn everything you can as well as you can. I had a terrible trainer at Werner and quit. I went to Swift and happen to get a very good trainer with 20 years experience. I was still lost for the first couple of weeks by myself but I was able to call my trainer and ask questions until I caught on. Learn how to plan your trip so that you don't run out of driving time before you get to your customer. Good planning is a must. Drive every minute that your trainer will let you, so you get comfortable. I have even asked other truckers at truck stops, questions so that I would know how to do something right. I have never been late picking up a load or arriving at the customer to drop. Weigh your load at the truck stop after picking it up so you don't get an overweight ticket. They can be expensive. Last but not least, you will run into alot of slobs, whiners and people that turn down loads. Don't listen to them. Be your own driver. Running 300 miles pays better than turning down a load. Just be safe, take your time and do it right and plan very good and don't be late. Hope this helps.