Hello from Lakeland, FL.

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by DRandi, Jan 7, 2023.

  1. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Rowland is:
    • 12 months verifiable experience
     
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  3. DRandi

    DRandi Bobtail Member

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    I didn't start out making that much! Yeah I know hard shift and starting over, but mental sanity must count for something too right? I figure if trucking don't work out I can always go back to it. I own the tools, hell I could make half the payment on new loaded 389 with what I spent in Snap-On tools. Strap-on as it is affectionately called by mechanics. My dealer even has a joke on his truck about it. Second step up says "After this step it's consensual!" lol Any who I figure if I make it to becoming a O/O I got probably half the tools already and understand how machinery works to bring as a asset.

    David
     
  4. Opus

    Opus Road Train Member

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    @Chinatown, You're a good guy and you've helped hundreds here. I don't think you're helping now.
    Read the dude's whole thing.
    He doesn't belong here.

    And to the dude.......it doesn't mean we're 'special' and you're not, it just means that it's a real specific occupation and lifestyle.
    Please don't do this.
    Good luck either way.
     
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    73,405
    165,178
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
  6. Opus

    Opus Road Train Member

    18,849
    115,719
    Dec 18, 2011
    South GA
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    F### it, I can always be a truck driver.......sure, man. Best wishes
     
  7. DRandi

    DRandi Bobtail Member

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    I have read a bunch of your posts here and have that as question already. Also took the advice of not worrying about what CDL school first and instead find a company that seems like a good fit first. Then see what school they hire from.

    Plus already printer out the entire Florida CDL book. Started reading DOT commercial regulation law, How ELD's work. Personal conveyance, and federal motor carrier rules and regulations. Any other info I should be looking at?

    I plan on getting tanker, hazmat, and manual trans, and possibly doubles endorsements. I can drive manual trans cars and small machinery fine. I know how double clutching works. I would imagine a truck is not much different other than learning the specific pattern of the trans and when to split gears. Read about the two positions of the clutch pedal already. Clutch to the floor engages clutch brake because of the retained spinning mass of the trans.

    David.
     
  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    73,405
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    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Not everyone can; lots of hoops to jump through to even get started.
     
  9. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    @DRandi --

    As a newly-minted CDL holder--you will probably not really do any better than the above-mentioned DOT Foods.

    Why?

    • Well, they take (based on the info in their website, anyway) on & train/coach new CDL grads;
    • Their website shows you have several different shifts available, for a MUCH BETTER work/life balance, than most other CDL jobs--check 'em out: Truck Driver Job Types | Drive For Dot | Dot Transportation, Inc. (drivefordti.com)
    • On a lot of deliveries, DOT drivers get priority--so you'd be dealing much less with "lumpers";
    • You may well have a choice of taking the rig home for hometime--or leaving it at the nearest terminal (which isn't that far away); and/or they may even have a dropyard or two in/near the Lakeland area, for you to use for your hometime.

    Now, for the BAD news--since DOT is such a desirable carrier to work for--they can be pretty choosey.

    Most applicants get turned away.

    Thus--all the other suggestions above are indeed good ones, to have as alternatives.

    --Lual
     
  10. Concorde

    Concorde Road Train Member

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    West Melbourne Florida
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    You looking to drive local home every night or otr gone for weeks and months at a time?

    I’m from Melbourne and recommend Sage truck driving school..through Indian River State College. Price used to be just a little north of $5k. Of course you qualify for in state tuition costs.
    It usually takes 1 month start to finish there and is worth the commute or just get a motel.. It’s intense and you will be studying every night. They are also one on one training..no bs.

    Don’t sign up for company training if you can afford it upfront.
     
  11. DRandi

    DRandi Bobtail Member

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    I could be wrong cause things don't always translate with how it seems what you type vs how text comes across. My impression of your last post seems like your interpreting that I'm slighting or looking down upon being a trucker. If that is how you interpret it then allow me correct as that is not the meaning of my post at all. I understand that it takes a special devotion and skill set to do it and that's my point. That if I fail because I don't have the necessary skills it's not a end of the world oh my god how am I going to feed myself. It's also not the first second, or even third time I've packed up my tools and moved 700 miles away to start over.

    Just like 80% of new truck drivers leave the industry before their first year. The attrition rate is the same for mechanics. So how are you going to know if your cut out for it without trying? Same, just different.

    If I'm misinterpreting please correct me.

    David.
     
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