Graduated and Got My CDL!! Now What????

You've had a cdl for 3 yrs now but have never used it? I could be wrong but you will more than likely have to do a refresher course before many carriers with accept you.

 

I had a guy go through Central with me. He already has a CDL but hasn't used it in a while. Central made him go through the whole course, except he wasn't required to do the Utah State CDL testing. Still had to prove competency to the testers, though.

 

As far as I'm aware, he signed the same contract and will end up paying the same amount as the rest of us. $3000 total, company pays 1/2 after a year.

I live near the terminal, so they didn't have to provide lodging or transportation for me and I'm paying the same as everyone else, so it wouldn't surprise me if they did the same for him.

 

What have you been doing for the last three years?

There are local companies that you could have worked for. It would have been route work making deliveries.

Being young it can be hard for a company to insure you but I know some guys that end up driving a straight truck until they get some experience.

 

Sorry to hijack the thread but was wondering if Armellini is all driver unload?

Danny being in the beautiful city of LA I would look into Swift, Knight, or US Xpress. They all have terminals in the Inland Empire. Having a terminal close to home is key. Research all three companies' pay, benefits, etc. I know USX isn't bad for team driving if that's what you want to do. I watch the Jade and Jon show on Youtube and they are husband/wife team from Tennessee who run a tour between TN and southern California. Pretty nice gig if you can land something like that.

 

A driver from Florida had a thread about Armellini Express and said it's driver unload. The route he was on had 3 drivers in the truck & he said some routes have 2 drivers. I think Windy Hill Transportation uses 2 drivers.

 

I was an OTR driver for 30 years and now comfortably retired as of Sep. last year. I made it work for me. Could have chosen, and had the opportunities and qualifications to pursue, helicopter mechanic on helos for Petroleum Helicopters working the oil rigs in the Gulf or Merchant Seaman with Sealift Command. Almost went with Sealift Command about 8 years ago, but decided to finish the trucking career. Sealift Command had some openings in Singapore I liked; didn't want the stateside openings. The little wifey refused to move to Singapore even though she's Chinese and would have fit right in. Most of those seaman leave their families in the states, but I didn't want to do that. My point is, whatever hand you're dealt, just make it work in your best interest even though it may not be the most appealing choice.

 

You ever heard the phrase 'individual results may vary'??? Just because it didn't work for you,, well, never mind.