CDL in hand... Now What ? Decision time, that's what...

Not that surprising really. Things would have had to go perfectly in order to get into the 20 Feb orientation. Too much paperwork and too many different organizations involved. So now it looks like I'll start on 27 Feb. That's OK - gives me more time to get ready. I am checking with my CDL school to see if they'll let me have a couple hours driving a truck next week. Just to keep the muscle memory fresh

 

Went to look at the gravel parking area near the lumber mill. Plenty of room to park and turn around, hidden from view on a side road, no perimeter fence but cables and locks between posts on the entrance. 1/4 mile to US-1, 11 miles from home and 11 miles from I-95.

The owner just has to check with his insurance and make sure it's ok.

I'll go check out the old dairy farm tomorrow.

 

Roehl will issue you either Air Cuff Lock or a Steering Lock to secure your truck during hometime.

 

Excellent. Thanks for that info

 

It could work. Gravel road to get in and a tight driveway entrance but once inside, there is plenty of room to pull in and back into a nice parking area. Would not want to try it with a load but MT would be OK. And the price is right

Good to have options.

 

First, Notarps packing list for students pretty much covers it.

When you train, your a visitor in someone else's home and are assigned the top bunk, and maybe some storage space. You must pack light.

Here's my list:

• Bedding: Sleeping bag, pillow, 2 twin sheets. Use the sleeping bag as a blanket, 1 sheet for the mattress and 1 as a cover.
• Undergarments for 2 weeks, changing daily: t shirts, socks underwear.
• Jeans and sweatshirts (or equiv) that can last for 2 weeks. You won't be changing these daily. Don't bring sweat pants unless you sleep in them.
• Sleeping attire like basketball shorts. In case you need to exit the truck in an emergency. Roehl might require you do that.
• Work shoes or boots, oil resistant soles, steel toe.
• Bathroom/ Shower bag contains toiletries, soap etc. Mine is about 12" x 12" x 12" w/ a shoulder strap. I can even carry clothing in it.
• Flip flops for taking shower
• Prescription meds if applicable
• mesh bag for dirty laundry
• laundry detergent
• Soft briefcase for you paperwork, DOT long form, etc. I brought my laptop. Keep entertainment to minimum.
• Winter coat, hat, gloves
• work gloves
• safety vest
• Light coat****** I have a Carhart hooded sweat shirt that zips up that I use as a light coat. It doesn't take up too much space. You will most likely run into warmer temps during your training.

Expect to do laundry in 2 weeks, either at a TS or company terminal. The company terminal will most likely be free. At a TS you'll pay $2 per load.

I'm sure I forgot something.


Also, you will end up eating where your trainer eats. Do the best you can with that. It's not forever.



If I think of anything else, I'll chime in.

 

Wedge, thanks very much for taking the time to type the list. Very helpful !!

Perpetual.

 

Still waiting on the official scheduling of my orientation. Some paperwork issues have laid some speed bumps in the path ahead. I am currently weighing some alternatives. More later as the situation gains clarity.

Be safe.

Perpetual.

 

Keep us posted perpetual!!

 

Hate to say this 'cause Comcar has their headquarters a few miles from my house BUT all they're subsidiaries are some of the lowest paying in the industry. Who pays a company driver like 20cpm Deadhead in 2012. Give you a guess?