Soon-to-be CDL Student

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by WakeUpTheEchoes, Jan 18, 2020.

  1. Snow Hater

    Snow Hater Medium Load Member

    480
    972
    Dec 26, 2019
    0
    Kathy did say that because I'm in Tx that the job would be with FFE. Apparently I wouldn't be able to go with KLLM.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. TravR1

    TravR1 Road Train Member

    3,691
    9,511
    Nov 9, 2017
    TX
    0
    I heard the Lancaster school was only going to train FFE guys. But it was just a rumor when I heard it. Looks like they finally went that way.

    The KLLM school is in Jackson MS. Its a huge terminal/campus. Been there once to drive an FFE tractor back to Lancaster that got fixed there.

    My assumption is reason they did that was students go into the terminal area and talk to drivers over there. Then a lot of people want FFE. KLLM school in Jackson MS doesnt service FFE. Thats my guess anyway. My class a lot of people switched over by the end of driving school.
     
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2020
    Coffey Thanks this.
  4. Snow Hater

    Snow Hater Medium Load Member

    480
    972
    Dec 26, 2019
    0
    I just took the tests to get my CLP last week. Try taking the practice tests before you study. Youll probably pass a few. Much of the subject matter is common sense.

    Download the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook. Study Sections 1, 2, 3 and 14. Section 14 is not on the practice tests here or any other site that has Tx practice tests. Be very familiar with what is in Section 14. That test will be the one you are likely to fail as it is specific information, not common sense. The rest of them are similar to the practice tests.

    Good luck.
     
  5. WakeUpTheEchoes

    WakeUpTheEchoes Light Load Member

    156
    165
    Jan 17, 2020
    Irving, TX
    0
    Thanks a bunch for the info. I do pretty well on tests, but the things that have to actually be learned and memorized, I’ll make and focus on that material.
     
  6. WakeUpTheEchoes

    WakeUpTheEchoes Light Load Member

    156
    165
    Jan 17, 2020
    Irving, TX
    0
    I had a job in 2017 that was loading and unloading trucks. Some of them were 26’ box trucks. Now, I know that’s not the same as a 53’ trailer with tractor, but I feel confident that since I was able to teach myself how to back those box trucks up to a dock, maneuvering through a congested yard, I can learn to back up anything on wheels. I feel confident that i’ll Pick it up quickly.
     
  7. TravR1

    TravR1 Road Train Member

    3,691
    9,511
    Nov 9, 2017
    TX
    0
    Well both straight trucks and combination trucks are in reverse when backing up. So youll have some experience there. But thats about the only thing similiar.
     
    WakeUpTheEchoes Thanks this.
  8. WakeUpTheEchoes

    WakeUpTheEchoes Light Load Member

    156
    165
    Jan 17, 2020
    Irving, TX
    0
    Totally get that the physics involved are a world apart. My point has to do with the similarity in that it involves using mirrors in both instances, following a spotter, or maybe not having a spotter available, and being unfamiliar with doing it at the outset. I learned one when I began having never operated such a vehicle before. Same thing with a tractor and 53’ trailer...never operated one before, but I will learn to back it up correctly.
     
    TravR1 Thanks this.
  9. TravR1

    TravR1 Road Train Member

    3,691
    9,511
    Nov 9, 2017
    TX
    0
    Whats hard about a combination truck is you are only using 1 mirror most of the time, the otherside will be blind.

    Another tricky part is you have to start getting the truck before your trailer is lined up straight with the parking spot. And you need to set up your back so you have enough room to get it straight.

    Youll see what I mean when you start doing it. I hope you have a good trainer but mostly ita going to be you just practicing.

    Spotters are nice to have but sometimes theyll give you directions you wont understand or theyll just tell you to do something that's just wrong. So use caution with spotters you don't know.
     
    WakeUpTheEchoes Thanks this.
  10. WakeUpTheEchoes

    WakeUpTheEchoes Light Load Member

    156
    165
    Jan 17, 2020
    Irving, TX
    0
    Thanks for the tips. I know from experience that a spotter doesn’t work well if he/she is not proficient in backing up the vehicle being operated.
     
  11. WakeUpTheEchoes

    WakeUpTheEchoes Light Load Member

    156
    165
    Jan 17, 2020
    Irving, TX
    0
    Just curious...
    So if a driver comes out of school and gets hired on but isn’t real great yet at bucking up. Said driver goes through whatever training period with his/her new company, but still could use some more time learning to back up.
    Is this where said driver should insist on more training time? If not, what happens when he/she is making a delivery and just can’t get the trailer into the spot it needs to be?
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.