A few questions I have, starting soon

there are videos on utube about pre trips, many different ways to do as long don't forget the things that matter(tires,brakes,lugs,air leaks,steering parts) you be ok.

as far as where to go depends what you prefer, hand unloading,short runs,same roads everyday,different scenery? i always say dry van long runs are the easiest but then you may be away from home more. I've done dedicated and otr, going up and down the same road after a few yrs drives me insane but thats me, if you want to be home then thats what you would want to do. all depends on what will make you happy...or miserable.

 

Be forewarned that you might have difficulty finding work because of your age. Many outfits require a minimum of 23 years of age.

As far as pretrips go, just open the hood, start at the driver's door and work your way around. Take your list of items and tick each one off... Keep doing it til it's second nature. It's really not that hard, trust me.

Start out running dry van. I hate reefer work (long waits). Pneumatic and liquids are another animal... You'll want a bit of driving experience before tackling those. Flatbed is OK if you don't mind the exercise, though.

As far as companies go... They're all liars. Your truck will run anywhere from 61-68mph, the pay is going to be similar, and the bonuses aren't what you might think (ex: a $1000 signon bonus will be paid in $200 increments over 12 months). You'll get home when they tell you. You'll probably have a crap truck. I'd go with Schneider, personally, to start. They reimburse part of your tuition, and most all the trainers nowadays are actually experienced drivers. They never screwed with my pay or bennies during my time with them, either (about four years total). They also have a couple terminals and dropyards in GA.

The goal is to put in a year or two OTR, then find something local. Once you've done that, the pay and hours worked seems to get a tad better.

 

I prepared for and passed my pre-trip examination on 2/12/2016 by studying the CDL Manual for several weeks, watching for nearly as long the comprehensive CDL Pre-Trip Youtube Video posted by Apex, and practicing what I learned through those resources on at least one Tractor-Trailer Combination per day for almost one month. My system worked for me, and I hope your method works for you, Ramsley.

 

Is the whole thing about working otr for at least a year a general rule for New drivers? Is it possible to find regional or local work?

 

As a general rule, yes. That's because of insurance. The company I'm with uses an insurance company that requires 3 years OTR and a minimum 23 years of age.

 

Never worked otr a day. Always local ltl. Go for what you want

 

You can find local work. So many jobs right now. Only go OTR if that is what you want to do.

 

If you go with roehl, they have a terminal in Georgia, right outside Atlanta. I think they do training/orientation out of that terminal, but not positive. But you will need to be 21 before they will hire you. The good thing about roehl is they have numerous dedicated and local accounts, and you can get into them before the one year. I got into a regional gig with them after just a few months, but I did not enjoy that and went back otr. A few months later I landed a spot on a dedicated account. By dedicated, I mean a dedicated customer, not a dedicated route. I really liked the dedicated account I had. I still drove all over the country but only served one customer, so it was much lower stress and more predictable. I really don't know anything about the other companies you listed, but I do know that Schneider has a lot of dedicated accounts as well. So I would suggest either roehl or Schneider.

As far as the pretrip, don't let that scare you. I don't know what type of Cdl school you are in, but they should be working with you on that. Remember, every part has to be properly mounted, not damaged, and not leaking (if it holds air or any type of fluid).