Is there a right way to get your CDL? Old Drivers & ROOKIES

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by AustinW, Jan 1, 2019.

  1. AustinW

    AustinW Bobtail Member

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    Check out my video that I pose a pretty controversial question in the topic.
    Is there a right way in getting your CDL?
    This is mainly for the older drivers, but for everyone to give their experiences on how you got your license.
     
    bullhaulerswife Thanks this.
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  3. danny23tx

    danny23tx Road Train Member

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    I went to one of these " Rent our Truck " places and they helped get my CDL . This type is unaccredited and doesn't account for much and will limit your options starting out. Went to work with a starter company and moved on after 3 months . Not the best way to start but I dont owe anyone money or stuck in a contract. I have my own Truck Trailer and run under my own numbers now.
     
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  4. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    My advice would be dated after 15 years now.

    However, I always recommend paying for your own training and making smart decisions from there on.
     
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  5. AustinW

    AustinW Bobtail Member

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    South Carolina
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    i feel the same way
     
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  6. AustinW

    AustinW Bobtail Member

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    very good advice driver.
     
  7. TravR1

    TravR1 Road Train Member

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    I went contract route and that committment is over Feb 1st. I just did the research here and found what sounded like a good company and a good fit for me. Never saw it as paying my dues. I have to work hard, but the pay is good.

    There were a lot of things I had to adapt to. I team so sleeping in a moving truck and dealing with the other guy. Also I load my own trailer. I was just patient with it and didnt make any quick decisions, before I knew it I was used to it. But driving for FFE has been lucrative for a 1st year driver. I even got paid off time for the account I am working.

    If you told me I was going to work there an extra year or two I wouldnt lose any sleep over it. I am considering other options, of course. But do not feel rushed to leave at all.
     
    Last edited: Jan 1, 2019
    AustinW Thanks this.
  8. AustinW

    AustinW Bobtail Member

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    Sometimes we have to do what we have to do. But i'll give props to you bud, cause there's no way in hell i'd be loading my own trailer after making a 500 mile run.
     
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  9. TravR1

    TravR1 Road Train Member

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    Thanks, appreciate that. But 90% of the time thats not necessary. If we have a 500-2000 mile trip we trip plan to arrive in the evening. Then we sleep parked for 8-12 hours then we start loading. I usually even have time for a couple of videos on my tablet.
     
    AustinW Thanks this.
  10. AustinW

    AustinW Bobtail Member

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    yeah that's what i was thinking. Good exercise though.
     
  11. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Try loading to the floor, making a 200 mile run to Hunts and unloading towards morning. Be moving approx 48000 twice a day. Or soda cans out of New Hamshire etc. My favorite (Not..) was dogfood out of Alpo West Allentown PA. I finally wriggled out of that time wasting BS. Turning 48 pallets into a 120 pallet monster. Such stupid. If they wanted 120 pallets, stick it in three trucks already forklift it off.
     
    AustinW Thanks this.
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