Hello from Central Cal

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by Aimstraight, Mar 11, 2013.

  1. Mar 11, 2013 #1
    Aimstraight

    Aimstraight Light Load Member

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    Mar 11, 2013
    Central CA
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    First off thank you to all the contributors of this site. It's been an invaluable resource to me as I consider a move into trucking. I am currently looking at a private CDL school local to me. The school is accredited and PTDI certified. Tuition will be paid with VA benefits. I'm satisfied with the instructor/student ratio and the tractors used for training. (These were all things I knew to check for thanks to this site btw.)

    The one issue I haven't been able to find an answer for, is this. The trailers the school uses are all pups. The reason they gave is that the DMV prefers to test with pups due to a limited lot size where the test is conducted. As far as getting my CDL is concerned this doesn't bother me. But what I am wondering is this. What happens when I show up to my first job orientation and am asked to do a road test pulling a 53 foot trailer for the first time. How concerned should I be about this?

    Any and all feed back is welcome. Thanks again!
     
    Aimstraight, Mar 11, 2013
    Aimstraight, Mar 11, 2013
    #1
    bullhaulerswife Thanks this.
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  3. Mar 11, 2013 #2
    dca

    dca Road Train Member

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    Howdy, took my test at the DMV in Sacramento with a 53, yes, most companies do a road test in a 53 before a hire, it's the same principle but obviously longer in need of a bit more space. I'd be concerned too.. imo, it may take some practice unless you can see the difference
     
    dca, Mar 11, 2013
    dca, Mar 11, 2013
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    d o g Thanks this.
  4. Mar 11, 2013 #3
    superpet39

    superpet39 Road Train Member

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    It's a lot harder to back a 27' pup than it is a 53....... So backing wouldn't be a problem for you....... Driving on the other hand driving a 53 is a lot more complicated than a 27 , you have to plan for every thing. I shouldn't say complicated I should just say You have a lot more trailer to deal with
     
    superpet39, Mar 11, 2013
    superpet39, Mar 11, 2013
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    d o g Thanks this.
  5. Mar 11, 2013 #4
    critters

    critters <b>Late For Dinner</b>

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    welcome,Good Luck with school.
     
    critters, Mar 11, 2013
    critters, Mar 11, 2013
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    d o g Thanks this.
  7. Mar 11, 2013 #5
    superpet39

    superpet39 Road Train Member

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    Jan 27, 2013
    Bay Area California
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    You dont need to be TOO concerned, it WOULD be nice if you can practice on a 48' or 53'er atleast once.... but i wouldnt really worry. The first time i drove a 53 was for a road test for UPS freight, and i was SUPER NERVOUS.............
    for a SPLIT SECOND....

    Then i just reminded myself "you'll need to take all the room you can take on turns and you'll be fine"...... got offered a job same day- minutes after the road test:biggrin_25525:.......................... You'll be fine!

    Good luck on school
     
    superpet39, Mar 11, 2013
    superpet39, Mar 11, 2013
    #5
    Aimstraight and d o g Thank this.
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