Packing List for Students

Sounds like a plan to me Pegasus!

 

Did anyone suggest a cell phone yet? It helps to stay in touch with loved ones, which makes the transition of being away from home easier to cope with. There's also the obvious bonus of its emergency handiness.

 

One thing I have not seen here is a bluetooth headset!

 

About two months ago, when I started my research into trucking (want to go in with eyes open) an O/O friend of mine linked me to this forum, which I quickly bookmarked, and then just as quickly forgot about (all apologies!)

I just registered here this evening, and have just finished reading through this entire thread! (hence the title)

As you'll see by my post, not only is it my first, but I'm still a "wannabe" since, even though I'm technically still "employed", I've been having trouble getting hours since November and even went over a month (February to March) with no hours at all! This is of course what led me to the unemployment office, and subsequently, the WIA program (Workforce Investment Act) I'm still "jumping through hoops", to lock down the funding that will pay for my TDS, although I've already talked to the school and am very happy with them.

I guess, because of my brother (former trucker), I already knew where I wanted to end up, and in my research, I just worked backwards from there (where do I get training, how do I pay for it...) and I have the advantage that he also used to be a training driver as well...

However, I've found this thread invaluable as it had given me more to think about as I move forward and, as I've been finding, the more I learn, the more questions I have.

On topic, I want to thank Rollover for "The List" which I have copy/pasted into Word, and don't believe I will have any problem outfitting.

However...the one thing that scares me, is about money. As my working has been sporadic (I only have 4 days right now, for May) and when I finally do start at my TDS, I will have to either turn down hours (which will kill my UI eligibility) or separate from the company, I will almost certainly be going into this, without two nickles to rub together.

I'm not as worried about food as others, as I'm 5'11, 140# soaking wet and don't require much (when I lived on the streets, I got by eating every other day for less than $20.00)

Just tonight, my brother called me and, as we talked he said "Call them!" (the trucking company) and my only objection, as anyone with any military experience knows, is that of "my recruiter lied to me too"...I don't want to be merely placated, or told what they think I want to hear. I say this because, TDS aside, when I go off to their "training academy", I will most certainly have to separate from my company, and I don't know that they will pay me, during this "academy"

Any "recent" pumpkin academy drivers out there, that can tell me the truth about their academy, and also, if it's true that they don't allow inverters?

I can live without food, but I have to have my internet!

I'm sorry for such a long post (mostly backstory) and want to thank all the contributors to this thread for the wealth of information, things to think about, and new questions you all are inspiring in me!

 

You might want to post a new thread that's states questions for academy employees yada yada... Since this thread is some something totally different.

 

Yeah, I'll look for the proper area to post that in as well, though the tie in with this thread is still relevant (the money issues)

 

Wow so much info to absorb in!!! : I am even now dreaming backing up a truck and my classes have not even started yet lolz

 

Trainer told me to bring about what you mentioned then we would be back 3 days when I get my truck and shop will help me set it up.. He spent about $1400 for what he needed inc. appliances. Sound about right?
I paid for my own CDL trainig and have no experience but CDL with 2 yr med card. No background issues whatsoever. Retired homebuilder. Got hired by a local reefer company- 90 co drivers 70 O/O. 350.00 while with their trainer then .34 to start. New Kenworth 660 average sleeper. My refrig microwave TV. 14-16 days out, 3000 miles/week avg. home 3-5 days. Terminal 15 minutes from my home. I think it's a good deal. Thoughts?
Gregor65

 

Because we don't want to see rookies driving down the road talking on the phone! lol