Abilene Motor Express....A New Place To Call Home

Yes out front but way too tight to tackle with a trailer. I think even a bobtail would clip curbs.

It's the typical Florida development with more emphasis placed on pretty than practical.

 

You can park at the weigh stations in FL if you can't find parking at the truck stops, rest areas or service plazas on the TPK. Have spent a few nights there in a pinch.

 

I've been really enjoying this discussion since I began CDL school, lots of good info. I have one concern however (and it may not even be true), What does training encompass for us new grads? Someone posted that you report to the school and if you're accepted, you spend a total of six months away from your family. Two months in VA at the training facility, two on the road with a trainer and two working as a team. Any truth to that? Can't be away from my family that long.

 

No, you will not be required to be away for 6 months. My husband Carl is currently in training and has been home every 3 weeks. He will be finishing up his training in the next week or so.
Abilene is a great company and treats their divers well. We are very happy with them thus far.

 

Training is 3 stages, each stage being between 2 and 4 weeks(I believe).

 

Thank you so much for the reassurance. Was staring at the ceiling last night thinking that this could blow the entire deal. Is your husband going to be able to drive his truck home for his downtime?

 

Keep reading this thread, these guys are all very knowledgeable and helpful!
Yes, you take your truck home when on home time.

 

Hello and Welcome Mrs. Carl!!!
(@RebelChick needs a few more ladies here)

Carl as in JB's trainee Carl?

 

Ha... Hey fellas, we fooled yet another one!!!

 

Training is approximately 1-3 weeks for each of the 3 stages. The time spent in each stage is dependent on the trainees progress and the trainer feeling they are ready for the next stage. Some need more, others less.

That did cause concern for me at first as i thought I would be at the mercy of the trainer who might keep me longer than necessary to rack up the miles (trainees don't get mileage pay). That wasn't the case at all as 1st stage trainer said i was ready after 1 week and 2nd stage trainer wanted to kick me off the truck after a little more than a week.

I didn't even have to do stage 3 and I actually asked to go on a NY run just for the experience before accepting my own truck. in total was on trainer's trucks for less than a month.

My only on road class A experience was just over 20 years ago when I went through CDL school in 1995.

So it really is down to how well you do during training.