(another) In school, looking for the "right" company to team with...

Hang in there and keep checking back with them if you haven't heard back from some of these companies. Keep in mind that they get thousands of calls everyday so its a lot to keep up with!

Diceman, don't get to far ahead of yourself. I would wait until you get issued a truck before buying too much stuff!

 

A few bits of advice from a novice/mildly experienced driver....don't put a video game system in your truck until you've been a driver for a LONG while. You really need to understand how much rest you need. I'm an avid gamer at home. I like gaming, and it's not uncommon to get into a game and wast HOURS. This is simply something that you CANNOT do in a truck. You'll end up being a danger because you're not getting enough rest. I'd just stick with that laptop. You can use the wifi to get online, and it works fine as a dvd player. Also, I used a 12v cooler when I was on the road before, and it worked great! I even kept milk in it, and I like my milk COLD. You don't need a 5000w inverter to live on the road.

Also, before you become a full on nomad, you might want to talk to some people, namely an accountant and the DMV. By not have a permanent residence, you will cause yourself issues. You'll need to use your parents or someone that you can trust. Reason I say trust is you W2 will have to go somewhere, and you'll need a state of residence for taxes. As for you CDL and the DMV, you'll need to prove residence every time you renew your CDL, and I'll tell you, it's a royal pain in the rump to do this when you DO have a permanent residence. Just some things to consider.

 

NFE...thanks for the advice. I guess I should have been more clear about my plans. I was definitely planning on having residence address while traveling on the road for just the reasons you mentioned. My best friend Vic who is a 12 year truck driver also mentioned some of the points you brought up. So I am covered on that front...however it is some companies that like you to reside somewhere within the areas you will be covering as I see could be an issue. In any case as it turns out non of this will be an issue since I have decided as of last night on a company and because of the one I chose I will be going forward with my plan to move to your neck of the woods to live with my best friend Vic in Gallatin. I will get my TN residency and Drivers License before I apply to become a driver. I am copying and pasting my post I made on another topic board and will PM you with it which will fill you in on the details.

As far as my comments on all the goodies....it was really meant not to be taken seriously. Although I hope to eventually have nice things in my truck....I'm in no rush. Like you said I need to focus hard on learning my craft in that first year especially. But there are those few things that are practical to have in the beginning....like a tablet or laptop for communicating to family and friends and for a bit of entertainment when you have the time and like you said doesn't affect your needed rest.....and a 12v cooler and lunchbox warmer so you don't have to eat out all the time and eat more healthy.

Hopefully that additional info shows that I'm on the right path to being a very successful and safe driver which is and always will be my primary goal

The Diceman

 

Well, I believe we've come to a decision. We finished school last week, and I believe we're going with USX. I've been talking with our recruiter from there, and we're progressing with the paperwork. In Craig's words, I feel they're a better fit for us.

I'm thinking of doing a blog or keep a thread running on here, but I'm kinda lazy with that kind of thing. So, I'm not sure. I want to do something to document our experiences. We'll see.

Have fun, be safe, and keep it between the lines!

 

Sweet man! Congrats!

Definitely start up a thread! If not for the forum do it for yourselves. Later on in life you'll love to look back at how it all started. Personally though I like the threads on peoples journey to rising up through the industry. Not only are they interesting but they really help the other new drivers and give them a better perspective as to what to expect out there besides what their recruiter tells them. Also I am sure USX gives bonuses for new drivers you send their way and this would be a really good way to kind of be like a recruiter (but an honest one) to make a little extra $$$ and help people out with a job.

Good luck, wish you the best and stay safe!

 

Wish you Well NotFastEnuff!!
You will be Fast Enuff in no time at all!
I am sure Craig gave you great advice. VERY smart fella! Definitely post and share your progress. It is so good to see others do well and thrive in this industry.

 

kennesaw will team you with another driver if needed