Another newbie thread--Hi yall!

Hey all,
Another new guy, so wet behind the ears I squeak when I walk
I'll throw some thoughts on this thread as I get started on this journey, and ask some questions, and maybe even help someone else along the way!

My name is Mike, and most folks on the internet call me Skeet, so either is fine.
My story is probably familiar, but basically...I've been a computer programmer (PLCs in an industrial environment and Microsoft Certified network engineer) and electronic technician. 13 years Navy, several years offshore on rigs doing ROVs, and other stuff. Spent 11 years driving all over the country fixing and starting up lumber mills, so do stranger to drivning...just not like this

Signed up at a local tech college here for CDL A training, will start in a day or two. Cost is 3400.00, length is 4 1/2 weeks.

A friend of mine recently went through here and is working in Texas for Werener .. been a big help with info. I applied online wirth Werener. they said they don't do CDL training like that..but out've the blue, this Instructor from the school called ME and said Werener called HIM and gave him my info... Hmmm... so that's what I've decided to do at this point...


Had a class B license years ago in FLA and maybe that will help me some...but obviously have a ways to go....

Have had the school CDL materials for 3 weeks now, and have studying that and reading here (wonderful for new folk like me!!)

Anyways... thought I'd stop lurking and introduce myself and I'll be talking at yall later, as things progress!
Thanks again to all the posters here -- very educational- in more ways than ONE sometimes! LOL

Skeet

 

Welcome Skeet! I am in the same boat as you! Well kinda, finally got all signed up for school today and I start on Monday. Hope to be hired on with someone in about 3 weeks. So when I get done with school I can head out. Got pre hired with 3 companys Werner being one of them. Look forward to sharing experiances with ya in the future! Good luck!!

 

Welcome to the forum Skeet! You'll find that becoming a member here is one of the best moves you've made as a newbie. There is absolutely nothing about trucking and how to survive as a trucker that you can't learn from the drivers here on this board that are willing to share their literally thousands of years worth of experience.

Check out www.cristcdl.com if you haven't already.

 

Sitting in the corner at Bristol...dude, you're killing me! Six weeks to Daytona...I need my fix!

 

Thanks and good luck to YOU as well!
I'm still researching companies, and asked Doug (Instructor) should I start that applications process, or should I wait and run these by him as we go...
I've done a bunch of initial paperwork, school applications, they ran my MV report of course, and he said there's plenty of time, and he'd give me some help based on HIS experience with different companies...so no prehires yet.

Again -- thanks and good luck, and hopefully will bump into ya down the road somewhere!
Skeet

 

Thank you! I will check that link out...

Yeah...been reading all over here and then of course started jumping to YouTube to follow AT and others, and everyone here is a gold mine...not only of knowlege, but support as well... VERY glad to be here!
Be talkin at ya later!
Skeet

 

Just wondering if you learned to drive the ROV's in the Navy? I worked with the EOD tech's in MD. Anyway welcome and read alot of material here from people that have gone through what you're trying to do. Most will say never believe a recruiter and I'm a strong advocate of finding a job for yourself. I believe you should set your goals high and work down. It seems that every new driver here does it the other way and they end up at the bottom feeders because it's easier. Personally I want to know I did everything I could before I start working to enhance my career. That's what it is a career and you can plan what you want before you start.

 

Oh...meant to ask you... what's the bike in your avatar pix? I'm into the two wheelers myself... '75 Harley ElectraGlide and a Kawi Vulcan 900 at the moment...
Rubber side down, Biker
Skeet

 

Thanks for the advice! Am already finding out I've done some things maybe wrong...or...not the best way.... got laid off in early Dec and have been moving faster than I should maybe...we'll see...

ROV's? Yeah... Navy... Mine Nuetralization System on minesweepers for years, Persian Gulf 1, etc....

Best, and thanks again... need all the pointers I can get
Skeet

 

Hi and welcome from Sacramento, CA (at least right now - LOL) I'm also on the new side both to the forum and trucking. I'll be starting school on the 31st and will be teaming w/my husband who is already doing his training. Looking forward to following your journey

PS - we also ride - ours are 1500 Vulcan Classics - his is an 03' mine is an 04'