Hello from WA

Howdy.

I'm no stranger to trucks and their drivers. The first few years of my life were spent in the cab of a semi with my step-father hauling pipe for the pipeline. After moving to my current home I didn't get the chance to go anymore. When my brother and I grew up he went off to drive otr while I stayed home taking care of mom and having kids. My brother came home and worked hauling mobile homes until a few years ago when medical issues stopped him from driving big rigs. When I was younger I wanted to drive too but having my daughter put a stop to that dream. When my son came along I had already given up long ago on any such ridiculous dreams. Now that my youngest is 16 and I blew my knee out requiring replacement surgery *and a career change* I'm finally ready for a change.

I start school on June 2nd to get my CDL A. I'm very excited but very nervous at the same time. So far I've been doing tons of studying and have passed all of the online practice tests I've tried but I'm one of those who does great until the clock starts then I draw a blank. The driving test is actually worse than that. It took 3 times before I could pass my driving test because I panicked.

Any suggestions on how to handle the driving test I would greatly appreciate the help.

I would also really appreciate any advice on what companies to start with. I've heard about Swift, USX, and Werner. I will have my CDL already so just need someone to take a chance on me. I'm also going to be getting my Tanker and HazMat endorsements.

Anything else I should think about getting?

Thank you
Katie

 

Thank you both. I really appreciate the input.

I'm in mid Western WA. I'm willing to travel a bit to the company. I can't go to far since my daughter is going to be taking my car back with her to use it while I'm gone. I'm thinking somewhere in Wa or OR.

I'm going to talk to the driving school when they do the pre-hire part about those 2 companies. Thank you.

 

Thank you. I'm thinking I want to work with van, reefer, or tanker. I'm very interested in anything on the I-5 corridor. I've done a lot of research and so far I think I will avoid Swift.

Thank you. I haven't done much research on doubles/triples. So far about the only thing I have found on youtube is backing with doubles. I'll have to research it more on it and while I'm at it I will do some more research on those companies too.

Thank you. LOL