Advice for a new CDL-A driver?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by TheDude95, Oct 16, 2019.

  1. TheDude95

    TheDude95 Bobtail Member

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    I was recently laid off from an office job that I'd had for over 17 years.
    A buddy of mind suggested becoming a driver...and honestly even when I was a kid it's always been something I thought would be interesting for me.

    I'm studying to get my CDL permit and found a school out on Long Island that has good rating and a good reputation (from what I've read). But then I see companies like C.R. England (mixed bag of reviews on them) that pay for training and everything.

    My plan was to get my CDL-A and then try to find an OTR job...is that realistic of me? I live in Amityville, NY.

    Any advice for me?
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
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  3. pavrom

    pavrom Road Train Member

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  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Excellent Idea for a career change. Go for it.
    If the school on Long Island is at least 160 hours, I'd go there. Get all the endorsements on our cdl while there also.
    If you prefer a trucking company cdl school and want to run coast to coast, look at Wilson Logistics and Jim Palmer Trucking. Websites look similar because both companies are owned by the same man.
    Wilson Logistics - www.wilsonlogistics.com
    Jim Palmer Trucking - www.jimpalmertrucking.com
     
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  5. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    You are going to need a bigger wallet.

    A cookie for those who figure it out he he.
     
    Hillbilly hauler and Chinatown Thank this.
  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    CFI - www.cfidrive.com hires NYC students for their school. Sometimes they send you to school in Joplin, MO or pay for private cdl school near you.
    [​IMG]
    Company-paid Tuition
    With a 12-month commitment to drive for CFI, qualified students can now receive fully paid tuition to attend driving school in Missouri. We’ll even cover your room and board for the duration of the four-week course.
     
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  7. TheDude95

    TheDude95 Bobtail Member

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    lol I’m guessing Jaws although it was Amity Island. “You’re gonna need a bigger boat”

    Amityville is the Amityville in Amityville Horror. :)

    will I need a bigger wallet making money? :)
     
    x1Heavy and firemedic2816 Thank this.
  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Take a look at Leonard's Express - www.leonardsexpress.com
    They hire from a cdl school in Farmington, NY but you live too far away for that school.
    Sometimes hires from other cdl schools.
    Best to submit an application when you start school and let them decide to hire you or not. Just phoning doesn't always work, but an application has all the info about you.
    I see their trucks pretty often running through Las Vegas.
    Leonard's Express Inc
    Local Service
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2019
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  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Last edited: Oct 17, 2019
    TheDude95 Thanks this.
  10. TheDude95

    TheDude95 Bobtail Member

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  11. TravR1

    TravR1 Road Train Member

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    Probably. I only had my debt card in my wallet for my office job.

    Now I got my debt card, 3 credit cards, a fuel card, a bunch of business cards, and 3 truck stop member cards.

    I cant even sit on the dang thing anymore. It bends my plastic and breaks the chips so the reader doesnt work. :mad:

    Not to mention your medical card, and grocery cards you might have, driver legal plan card, etc.

    If I dig deep who knows nonsense I got in there Ive forgotten about.
     
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