187 More Days Until I Become a Trucker (Few Questions)

i think work history is very important for getting a job. your work history shows a lot about your character and work ethic. i would suggest getting a job any job and hold onto it until your ready to make the switch and it will help you out.

personally i think the guard would be great for you as well, and if you can be away to drive a truck you can go to the guard. military experience even in a unrelated field is always looked at as a positive factor when considering a job applicant.

 

Yes; I'm attending United Truck Driving School here in Riverside, CA; The State should assist me and if not, I can pay upfront and have werner help me out with the rest.

For in order the state to pay i have to have a pre-hire, but That is an idea; I'll call around.

This is true information

 

What ever you decide to do, just don't jump into it. 180+ days is a great time to REALLY dig into it. Don't just lazy around the house wasting time when you could be watching videos, reading threads, headed up to a local truck stop to talk to drivers (which btw, some have CRAZY AS-S STORIES), or looking for a job in logistics. UPS / FedEx is ALWAYS hiring loaders. Good pay, usually part time, conditions are hot, but you learn quick.

Key things I think most drivers should know before going into this is how to use a pallet jack, crown, electric pallet jack, fork lift (for somethings), up / down stacking pallets, understand the basics of receiving, and able to handle heavy awkward shaped boxes by yourself. These things are something you will most likely run into when you get into this career. Maybe not so much as OTR, but local you will.

 

I've been reading this thread and realized that every single person that has replied hans basically told you the same thing. Get a job for employment history. Listen to latern he's giving you some awesome advice.

When you go to a fast food establisment don't go untill about 0900. The first hour or 2 that they are open is pretty hectic. But when you do go do not just ask one of the employees for an application. Ask to sleek with the manager and when the manager walks up YOU be the first to extend your hand to shake theirs. Your a man so don't give them a ##### hand shake. Make it firm but don't crush their hand. If its a woman do the same. Just because its a female doesn't mean you adjust your firmness of he hand shake. While gut shaking their hand look them square in the ye and introduce yourself. Say something along the lines of "hello my name is.... I am here to fill out an application" now once you get a call back and set up an interview show up 15 minutes early. Don't show up 5 mind before and deffinately don't be late if you are just go a head and call them and cancel the interview because your not going to be hired. During the interview give straight foreward answers. Try not to say um a lot if you can help it. Because when I gave interviews if someone said um after every question I asked I got annoyed with it. Silense is better than um. But really don't be nervous because the manager isnt going condemn you to hell if you don't answer something right. Just sell yourself the best interviews I ever had the people could sell themselves really well.

Good luck man just remeber don't be a ##### your a MAN

 

Yes; I have a Forklift License here in California; I'm prepared for that

After moving 18+ times in my life I think i have a 'grip' on how to handle boxes and awkward shaped objects, but there will be a shap or a size i have yet to pick up

Thanks for the Advice!