Hello all, looks like I will be joining the community

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by bluetone, Jul 22, 2021.

  1. bluetone

    bluetone Bobtail Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2021
    Messages:
    6
    Thanks Received:
    7
    0
    I got my CDL license a few years ago when I lived in Chicago, but never actually became a driver (other career opps trumped it). Now I'm in NJ and prepping to take my CDL knowledge test as soon as I can schedule it. I spoke with a recruiter from Schneider and will likely join their apprenticeship program where they provide the training over 5 weeks, then send me home to take the test in NJ. pointed at a dedicated Target job nearby. I've been lurking this forum for a while, picking up tips and whatnot around all subjects covered. I have so many questions, but I'll continue to do my own research to answer them. This is a career change for me, Covid has decimated my old job (management consultant/trainer) so I'm motivated to get busy with something new. I'm no spring chicken at 62 yrs. old, but I'm reasonably fit (6'8" 220lbs), hoping I can fit comfortably in the Freightliner cab! I love driving, I'm originally from Texas and driving is a way of life down there. I'm also mechanically inclined, I restored old cars for years. This will be a huge lifestyle change for me, but I feel ready for a change. I've always had a bit of wanderlust. I recognize that this is a very difficult job, but I'm ok with that and ready to pay my dues. Anyway, glad to be here!
     
  2. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    May 25, 2017
    Messages:
    13,562
    Thanks Received:
    34,821
    Location:
    under a shade tree
    0
    welcome, good luck, post when something is on your mind.

    i am retired, i still have "some" advice to freely give, or you can pay me a Snickers bar each time.

    luck to you
     
    austinmike and MACK E-6 Thank this.
  3. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2005
    Messages:
    48,721
    Thanks Received:
    224,899
    Location:
    Baltimore, MD
    0
    Welcome aboard, and feel free to jump in anytime if you have a question. :)

    And don’t for one second feel like you’re the first “seasoned citizen” to make a start in this job. I’ve seen many in my years of service to this community.
     
  4. aussiejosh

    aussiejosh Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2009
    Messages:
    4,709
    Thanks Received:
    5,409
    Location:
    Airlie Beach QLd
    0
    I'm sure you'll be fine, the main thing is watch those corners when your making a right hand turn with a 53' trailer behind you, and allow plenty of room. As a trailer has much more tracking compared to a 4 wheeler.
     
  5. Val_Caldera

    Val_Caldera Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Apr 2, 2021
    Messages:
    2,569
    Thanks Received:
    7,935
    Location:
    TARHEEL
    0
    WELCOME ABOARD!!
    You'll Do WELL!!
    CHEERS!!
     
  6. austinmike

    austinmike Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2011
    Messages:
    11,317
    Thanks Received:
    98,316
    Location:
    Missouri
    0
    What part of Texas are you from ?
     
  7. bluetone

    bluetone Bobtail Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2021
    Messages:
    6
    Thanks Received:
    7
    0
    Grew up in Longview, lived in Dallas for 20 years after school.
     
  8. Six9GS

    Six9GS Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2012
    Messages:
    1,473
    Thanks Received:
    3,695
    Location:
    Yuma, AZ
    0
    I was 59 when I started. Age isn't an issue with being a driver. And, sounds like you have a personality that this will work for you. Many that try to be a driver simply don't have the personality traits needed. Enjoying driving and having a bit of wanderlust are good traits for this occupation. I wish you luck! I also enjoy driving and have some gypsy, wanderlust, DNA it seems. I've come to accept I'm basically addicted to this OTR stuff. Not ready for OTR Anonymous!!!