My journey with Orange starts

Landog, I got my CDL from CDS (Commercial Drivers School) in Port Orchard. It was a 3 week class. 160 hours. I would recommend them to anybody. They have classes in Tacoma and Auburn also. The school in Tacoma is near the West side of McCord AFB right off S Tacoma Wy next to I-5. I like the school a lot. The instructors were great and very knowledgable.

In our class, we started with 12. After the first couple days, we were down to only 10. 1 failed a drug test and the other decided it was not for him. A couple guys did the night shift for class. So we got a lot of drive time. At the Tacoma branch, they have about 20-30 in a class I was told. They also have more instructors.

I looked at Bates also. Always a line to get started. 6 month program.

Passed my state test on the 1st try. 100% pre trip, 100% backing. 94% driving. Tester said I grinded gears often. Which I did.

It really makes no difference at a OC or a drop lot. This Pac NW fleet thing we are doing now, if you lived in Portland, you could be home every other night. I have been home, 1- 2 nights a week in the last 2 weeks. That does not include my reset at home.

Any other questions, ask away.

Best of luck.

 

I started CDL school in March. Done in April. Started with SNI in July. That was my thinking also. Get some time under my belt before winter set in. Good plan. Glad I did it that way.

I did not chain at all last winter. I come close a couple time. Granted last winter in the W11 was pretty mild. No complaints. I did run in to snow several times. On Donner Pass, in the whole state of WY and cabbage. I missed the big snow sometimes by a day or two. Lucky I guess.

Couple times they wanted to route me through 395 headed to So Cal or AZ. I just took I-5 to missed the forecasted 1-2 ft of snow in the E Sierra's. Only added a hundred miles or two or so, but saved a time of time and headaches.

Thank you and your Dad for your service. My Son in Law is in the AF at Travis now.

Warhippy can give you more info for the Military side of things with SNI that includes Paperwork, pay, ect.

 

238 miles yesterday. After delivery in Tacoma, went back to Sumner to P/U relay to deliver at 06:30 this AM.

Today all I have been doing is day drivers loads. Sumner to Tacoma (live load)to Sumner to Kent (D/H) to Sumner to Fife (live load) to Sumner. This last load in Fife have been here for 4 hours and they are still deck loading it. These guys take an hour for lunch. Lucky me.

I may end up with 70 miles today and out of my 14. Awesome.....

Start TAH tomorrow.

 

dtcscout- they did say I could running with those codes, but since it only took a couple hours and I had the time might as well get them fixed.

New pre assignment is to DH 5 miles to Puyallup for a live load of water headed 195 miles to Grandview.

On Crossroads, another pre assignment shows that I will DH 52 miles to Moxee and then head 195 miles to Portland for my D/H tomorrow. That preassignment has not got to the truck yet.

While I was off, my DBL changed jobs and went to AB dedicated as a DBL. I know they are trying to build that route. Mostly WA and OR and 1 stop in ID. They are going to be running 4 axle trailers. Most loads are going to be near 94K. Mostly live unloads. Trailers will be pre loaded.

So I got a new DBL. Will stop in at the OC tomorrow to talk with him.

 

459 miles today. No MT's at Grandview so I BT 55 miles to Hermiston and headed back the 102 miles to Moxee. Made my delivery in Portland and headed back to the OC for the night.

Pre assignment is to DH to Hermiston for a D/H and head back to Portland. About 370 miles tomorrow.