Beginning the Long Awaited CDL Process

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Wedge, Oct 14, 2010.

  1. dunricky

    dunricky Bobtail Member

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    Dec 11, 2010
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    Congratz Wedge!
    I have read all 31 pages early early this morning.
    I'm 18, and have always wanted to be a truck driver. I told my friends recently about what I want to be, but I got laughed at and was told "people don't dream of being a truck driver". I guess we're all different, right? :]
    Every year, we travel up I95 North to go see family for summer, Thanksgiving and Christmas up in Rhode Island, and from where we live, it's about a 8-10 hour drive depending on traffic.

    When i was young, I would take a de-activated cell phone, and type in every single trucking company i saw, and would look them up on the internet to find out more info about them. I did that every time we took the trips. Kinda wish I still had the list lol :p

    But, my plan is, that since I wouldn't be able to drive out of state until i'm at least 21 even with a class-A CDL, my plan is to take 2 years of General Studies at a community college and then see if i'm still interested in Trucking. By that time, i'll be around 20, and will attend a private trucking school.

    That's my plan.

    But mainly, I just want to congratulate you!
     
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  3. Spacecoast

    Spacecoast Light Load Member

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    Nov 15, 2008
    Palm Bay, Fl
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    If you got the urge while you're young, grab hold of it. I only wish I would have started when I was 21. But the urge is back now that I am in my forties. Research everything now. You'll be that much knowledgeable when the time comes.
     
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  4. Wedge

    Wedge Road Train Member

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    Griffin, Georgia
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    Thanks dunricky and welcome to the forum.

    You'll have plenty of time to research companies that you are interested in. As you have probably read by now, trucking is a lifestyle not just a job. It's important that you understand that before committing yourself.

    I'll be documenting my company training as I go. There are threads by other TTR members you'll find interesting. Openroadguy and Chralb. Openroadguy works for Swift, and Chralb works for Watkins and Shepard. There's a lot of helpful and interesting information in their threads.

    So sit back, and start reading, and welcome to the forum.:biggrin_25525:
     
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  5. dunricky

    dunricky Bobtail Member

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    Dec 11, 2010
    Virginia
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    Yup, that's what I'm working on right now. I have downloaded a CDL Study Guide for Virginia, and once I get a schedule going, i'll sit down and study it until I know i'm ready.

    Yup, i'll be sure to find both of those threads.



    Now, one question I haven't found the answer to yet is this..

    After reading this whole thread, Wedge, I noticed you had gotten your CDL permit already. And that you had to sit through the classes, when you didn't necessarily need to.

    Was it cheaper that you had gotten your CDL permit before the schooling? I don't want and need money figures, but just simply was it cheaper or the same cost the school would charge you for.

    If there is no difference, I will be sure to do what you did, since I have about 2-3 years before I plan on going to trucking school.
     
    Wedge Thanks this.
  6. Spacecoast

    Spacecoast Light Load Member

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    Nov 15, 2008
    Palm Bay, Fl
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    I don't forget to read these boards. A lot of knowledge comes from the drivers on here. I have learned a lot from them.
     
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  7. American-Trucker

    American-Trucker Road Train Member

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    Charlotte, North Carolina
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    Thanks!


    Yes and No, Its almost the Exact same interior but this one has a Much better interior package. I'll show ya soon!




    American Trucker
     
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  8. sammycat

    sammycat "Oldest Hijackerette"

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    Rochester, NY
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    The decoder ring: well it worked and ORG has been found wooo hooo


    Wedge now you can use the ring and keychain for special T/S parking spots! The ones that all the drivers want............

    *laughs* yeah the OPEN SPOTS!!!
     
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  9. yukon2001

    yukon2001 Light Load Member

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    Nov 9, 2010
    MI
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    Wedge congrats. I'm looking forward to reading your threads. I know you are excited about getting out on the road. Once you get on your own will the wife be going with you as a rider?
     
    Wedge Thanks this.
  10. Wedge

    Wedge Road Train Member

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    Well, there's a reason why I had my CDL permit before I started my training, and it had nothing to do with cost.

    One company that I was very interested in was Millis Transfer. They have a terminal here in Cartersville, GA. I had a chance to stop in and talk with the drivers about the company and discovered they provided CDL training. You needed your CDL permit and a current DOT physical before you could apply. So I took the test and got my permit, passed my DOT physical, and then filled out the on line application.

    The mistake I made was that I waited too long to follow up (4 days). By then they had received hundreds of applications and they keep their classes pretty small. And apparently they only keep the most recent applications. Needless to say I was really disappointed. They told me I could re-apply but had to wait six months. So I decided to change my tactics and elected to get my CDL training through a private school, and then pick the company I wanted to work for.

    And the only advantage to having your permit before you start your CDL training is the satisfaction of knowing 99% of your fellow students are keeping TUMS in business stressing over whether or not they'll pass their tests for their permit (very satisfying, indeed). If you do try and get your permit before you enroll in a driving school, make sure you pass, otherwise you have to wait before you can re-test.

    My driving school required me to sit through the classroom portion even though I already had my permit. The state requires that each student receives a certain number of classroom hours, so I didn't get any extra seat time.

    Your permit is only good for a certain length of time, so check that out with your state's motor vehicle department.

    I believe in being prepared, I try to be the best I can be. So while you have the time, study everything you can on trucking, and be the best you can be. :biggrin_255:
     
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  11. Wedge

    Wedge Road Train Member

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    Maybe I should give it to you in case I get lost. :biggrin_2556:
     
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