Getting back into trucking?

ELogs are not mandatory YET.

Got lucky letting your CDL Expire.

 

Somebody might hire you without taking a refresher course, but most won't.

 

You need a new DOT physical & have to register it with your CDL at the DMV. Only certain doctors allowed to give DOT physicals now that the DMV will accept.

Most companies will want a refresher course and many trucking companies offer that also.
Put your location on your profile so we know the hiring area you live in.

 

Hi peasantgirl, I got news for ya, if you got burnt out before, you'll get burnt out again, and it won't take another 7 years either. Not sure if you've dealt with this latest HOS rule, I haven't, but from what I hear on this forum, it's a PITA, and everybody takes a break at the same time, making parking a chore. Many places still use paper logs, which is a direct descendant from the '40's, which I can't believe is still acceptable in this day and age. Depending on what you decide to do, e-logs can be ok, or your worst nightmare. I've heard of people 1/2 hour from home, that were out of hours, and couldn't move the truck. Local driving, not so much. Best of luck to you, but my advice, is stay clear of trucking.

 

[QUOTE="semi" retired;4266006]Hi peasantgirl, I got news for ya, if you got burnt out before, you'll get burnt out again, and it won't take another 7 years either. Not sure if you've dealt with this latest HOS rule, I haven't, but from what I hear on this forum, it's a PITA, and everybody takes a break at the same time, making parking a chore. Many places still use paper logs, which is a direct descendant from the '40's, which I can't believe is still acceptable in this day and age. Depending on what you decide to do, e-logs can be ok, or your worst nightmare. I've heard of people 1/2 hour from home, that were out of hours, and couldn't move the truck. Local driving, not so much. Best of luck to you, but my advice, is stay clear of trucking.[/QUOTE]
Where were you last November when I got into trucking? Sure could have used that advice!

Jus' kidding, of course.

 

Hi Sky, I know, I rip on trucking a lot, just because it's so different now. Truth is, it's not that bad of a job, there's a whole lot worse. Throughout my career, I took a little time time off from trucking and came back to it. Worked on docks, did small van stuff, but always came back to trucking. If I could find the right line-haul gig, I'd probably do it again. Take care.

 

I like the e-logging. It's fast and easy, it automatically records all those completely honest duty changes that I can massage (edit) later, and the DOT inspectors, even the CHP, don't even want to look at my logs when they see my Qualcomm unit. As for trucking being worse now than earlier? I don't like that kind of thinking. "The good ol' days?" I/we were younger then, everything looked better, not just our work. Last thing. Those mandatory 30min breaks after 8hrs duty time can be annoying, but you can use them. I like to take a break, get some food, clean windows, whatever. They're mandatory, so why not just make something good happen with the time besides just sitting there waiting? I don't get that. I sit there plenty enough. To me it's the same thing - don't hit anybody, get there on time. Simple. As for the rest? I really don't care about rules because I don't cheat my logs and I believe in safe, functional equipment.