Prime CDL Training - Springfield, MO

I passed! First time go on all 3 sections: pre-trip inspection, backing and road test. Since it's a "trifecta" on the first attempt, my first paycheck will include a $250 bonus. Pay comes out of my trainer's check for the next two months or so as we run teams, at $700/wk before taxes.

My first run with the tank loaded was just over 450 miles from Tennessee to Illinois. My trainer deadheaded us to the pick up. Got delayed at a tank wash near the Arkansas/Tennessee border for nearly a whole day... It's usually not that bad, mostly a couple hours wait time, but some places are just problematic. Tank washing is probably the worst part of the job for me because I'd obviously rather be on the road, but we do get some sleep in during these times.

They finally washed our tank, and I took over driving headed to the pickup just outside of Memphis. In order to get top-loaded, I had to back into a pretty tight spot... But I made it! Rookie skills baby! An hour and a half later, I'm checking the seals and sending my departure macro on the Qualcomm. Off we go. My trainer walked me through a few stop signs and turns, watched me merging onto the interstate, and told me I'm on my own. Lol. Boy was he happy to hit the sleeper for once.

The tank was barely full so I had to deal with a quite a bit of surge. Learning how to upshift with a loaded tanker is kind of an art, shifting only when the surge begins its retreat to the rear of the tank and vice versa. In other words, shifting after you feel the crash hit the front or rear of the tank. One also learns how to smoothly come to a complete stop when downshifting using the same techniques... Otherwise, brace yourself for the pain. Boom! And it feels like you've been rear-ended. Lol. Combining both rough up/downshifts with not breaking smoothly is guaranteed disaster!

We made it to our destination without incident. First load success! Of course I was unable to unload the tank by myself yet. It's really not rocket science, just a matter of being certified. I'm learning about the fittings and hoses, procedures for checking seals and hooking up at the customers, etc. Also getting an idea of the kind of tools I'll be needing to have on hand in the near future. All this will be covered in a 2-3 day tanker class once I upgrade to full "A" seat solo driver, which will include a list of bare minimum tools I'll need to do the job.

Unloaded in just under a couple of hours. We arrived there with less than an hour left on my driving clock, so once set to roll out, it was into the sleeper for me with my trainer driving back up towards Illinois. Surprisingly, sleeping while the truck's moving is kind of peaceful, it's the bumps that take getting used to I think. I was in and out of sleep for quite some time... I wonder what it would be like with bad surge, but hoping that won't really be an issue with an experienced driver.

So far so good. Just under 30000 miles of this(2-3 months) left to go, on my way to picking out my own truck and going solo. I might make an occasional update for anything significant in that time, but will probably go silent until pics of the new truck!

Best job I ever had. Feel free to ask me any questions, but for now, that's all folks. Until next time, wish me luck!

 

Thanks brother!

 

I've seen better days... Just kidding bro! Haha!

Changing over right now in... Mantua, Ohio. Had about an hour left on my 14 but the trainer said we should switch now.

I pulled her for around half the run headed towards Jersey from a Chicago chocolate pickup. The city's not too bad after having to navigate it a few times... but lemme not speak so soon until I see NYC action. While I'm in Jersey we should have time to hit a DMV and switch over my CDL, maybe stop by and see family if we have time and it's not too far outta the way.

Gonna try to get some rest even though it's a change in routine since I've been driving nights. He didn't want me smashing through the steep grades in PA while it's dark.

Thanks for checking on me brother. Be safe and keep em rollin'!