Just did the Vets2Trucks program

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Speedwagon98, Aug 23, 2015.

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  1. Aug 23, 2015 #1
    Speedwagon98

    Speedwagon98 Bobtail Member

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    About 2 weeks ago, I got my CDL using the Vets2Trucks program here in Colorado. But it would seem that everyone wants more experience than I have, to get a job. About 2 years driving an M1084 5 ton truck, with a trailer, hauling dummy ammo pods for rocket launchers. Granted, this is National Guard, so weekend only with 2 weeks in the summer experience.

    Suggestions on where to find a job? I was hoping for some oilfield driving, but they all seem to want more experience, plus with crude dropping it might be a few months for them.
     
    Speedwagon98, Aug 23, 2015
    Speedwagon98, Aug 23, 2015
    #1
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  3. Aug 23, 2015 #2
    Chewy352

    Chewy352 Road Train Member

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    @Chinatown will be here soon I bet but don't rush into the first company that says yes. The better companies are the ones you don't hear about or see all the time.

    It all depends on what kind of driving you're looking for too. For otr if I could do it all again I think I'd go with earl henderson.
     
    Chewy352, Aug 23, 2015
    Chewy352, Aug 23, 2015
    #2
  4. Aug 23, 2015 #3
    Speedwagon98

    Speedwagon98 Bobtail Member

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    OTR if I have to, but I'd prefer to stay local/regional. Partly because I'm still in the Guard, and need to have my one weekend a month off thing. I also have a good sized dog at home, though I live with some friends.
     
    Speedwagon98, Aug 23, 2015
    Speedwagon98, Aug 23, 2015
    #3
  5. Aug 23, 2015 #4
    Chewy352

    Chewy352 Road Train Member

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    Look into ltl companies then and food service. Where you are in Colorado would help people guide you to a good company too.
     
    Chewy352, Aug 23, 2015
    Chewy352, Aug 23, 2015
    #4
  7. Aug 23, 2015 #5
    Speedwagon98

    Speedwagon98 Bobtail Member

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    Northern Colorado(Denver up to Cheyenne, I'm about halfway between near Greeley). If it matters, I got my tanker endorsement, and waiting for the HazMat check to finish.

    I guess I should also ask: How different is a truck manual trans vs a car? I've never driven a truck manual, but I've always driven a car manual. I can't imagine it being that different, except for having more gears.
     
    Last edited: Aug 23, 2015
    Speedwagon98, Aug 23, 2015
    Speedwagon98, Aug 23, 2015
    #5
  8. Aug 23, 2015 #7
    FlexinTarzan

    FlexinTarzan Medium Load Member

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    Friend, you are in way over your head.....I encourage you to get some actual experience driving/shifting/backing an 18-wheeler. A big trk only shifts in/out of gear when the RPM's are between 10500-11500, the clutch plays zero part in allowing you to change gears. Most CrackerJacks float gears, the only purpose of a clutch in a big trk is coming to a complete stop or beginning from a complete stop.
     
    FlexinTarzan, Aug 23, 2015
    FlexinTarzan, Aug 23, 2015
    #7
  9. Aug 23, 2015 #7
    truckon

    truckon Swamp Thing

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    Yup. Chinatown and Google will be here :)
     
    truckon, Aug 23, 2015
    truckon, Aug 23, 2015
    #7
  10. Aug 23, 2015 #8
    Chewy352

    Chewy352 Road Train Member

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    Google wishes it was as good as Chinatown
     
    Chewy352, Aug 23, 2015
    Chewy352, Aug 23, 2015
    #8
    bottomdumpin Thanks this.
  11. Aug 23, 2015 #9
    L.B.

    L.B. Third Generation Truck Driver

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    I'm assuming you got a class A CDL? So I have to ask... How did you get a CDL without shifting a truck?
     
    L.B., Aug 23, 2015
    L.B., Aug 23, 2015
    #9
  12. Aug 23, 2015 #10
    L.B.

    L.B. Third Generation Truck Driver

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    I guess I'm not familiar with the Vets2Trucks program. Did you not have to take a test? Because I've driven 5tons, 10 tons, 12ton PLS trucks with tanker trailers and they were all automatics with the exceptions of the old 2 1/2 tons we still had when I first joined in 1990.
     
    L.B., Aug 23, 2015
    L.B., Aug 23, 2015
    #10
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