Help a trucker wannabe out!

I know your choices are limited but I would not recommend you going without a trainer. Maybe keep putting out some apps and see if anybody else picks you up. I guess it would be better than nothing, but I would really recommend you go with a trainer. There is so much out there that trucking school doesn't cover. Like I said keep putting out your applications and see if you can find something else between now and then.

 

You have my word sammycat! I'm in this for the long haul and you all have been, and will be there with me!

 

I hear what you're saying chompi and I do have many other apps in but not getting much feedback as of yet.

Now I know I'm a newbie and seat time is what I need to "perfect" my skills but....I did spend a month straight OTR before school and I did everything (D&H, sliding tandems, inspections etc) but drive. (Except I did have to put that 53' puppy in 3 holes that she couldn't and she had 8 months under her belt)...hehe

I observed SO MUCH out there. Watched so many other drivers in truck stops and on the road. Talked with as many that would give me the time of day at every stop. I really learned a lot as that's the best way for me to learn...to OBSERVE. I even fixed a few things to keep us rolling along between stops.

I know I can handle the rig and in truth, the one thing I found in school is, I did far better when I didn't have someone barking commands at me. Now does that mean I'm a "driver"?? NOPE! But I will be and you can bet I'll take it as easy as necessary until I am.

But I am extremely comfortable in the rig and I know I'll pick up and perfect the "mechanics" of it pretty quick. The advantage I see here is, I'll get that much more time on the road before having to deal with winter (as I've never seen how these puppies handle in snow). So I like the idea of "easing" into that as it starts to fall.

Truthfully, I'm worried less about driving the truck than I am about learning all the logistics involved with pick up and delivery, trip packs, Transflows and getting paid etc...etc. I've "seen" all that but never done any of it. I know how to scale at CATS.

Although I feel it may be better to have a "brain to pick" for a while. Truthfully, I've been pretty much self taught at everything I've done in life so I feel I'll be OK.

SAFETY is my NUMBER ONE PRIORITY so perhaps folks will be passing me by out there. That's fine with me. Slow and steady wins the race IMHO. PLUS...I have all you fine folks to help guide me as I learn. I'm sure there will be many questions I'll be shooting to you all as I go.

 

I have to say buddy, I think you should go with the one that grabs you first. Now I know we've both had some REALLY good advice from the more learned folks here about going to the "better" carriers we both deserve and honestly, I can't disagree with the logic of that.

But being that I was told just yesterday by Western Express (of all bottom feeders ) that they can't even accept my app because they have so many and I should "call them at the end of the month" just to apply, I have to wonder just how flooded this market is with folks trying to get in??

 

LOL...Naaaaaa...I've seen your driving buddy!!

I'll see you coming from a mile or two away!

 

The mechanics of the truck really aren't going to be your downfall. Making money the first six months is going to be the difference of having gone with a trainer or not! You guys are going to spend all your time trying to figure everything out instead of driving and making money. Plus you will be double clutching the rest of your career. School also didn't teach you guys the ins and outs of getting in and out of these big cities. You are going to crap your pants going down Cabbage for the first time by yourself! If at all possible you can avoid not going without a trainer I would do so. You guys have come a long way so far and I would hate to see you go down hill from here. (in the ice and snow sideways)lol (sorry couldn't resist!)

 

Geezzz chompi, all this time you've been such a big help and now I'm sensing all these negative waves man....LOL

Ummm....figuring what out? Be specific please.

Double clutching? LOL...we had OLD school instructors my friend. Sure they taught us double clutching to pass the test but the first guy I got in the truck with (Rich) had to remember how to do it...LOL I spent the last 2-1/2 weeks running around the yard floating them. Now don't get me wrong here, I'm by NO means a pro (even at DC) but I will be one day

Now, the ins and outs of the cities? I won't argue the school didn't do much for that but that month on the road sure did. I spent most of my time telling my friend how to get her butt around in them. Denver, Huston, New York and a bunch more come to mind. Do I have a lot to learn? You betcha! But I will.

Cabbage?? What be that??

I already addressed the snow thing and the truth is, if I had a trainer, he'd be gone before the snow flies anyway...no? So how could he help? If it can be done "by descrption", please describe it. I'm here to learn.

The biggest thing I don't like about being alone in my truck??? Sliding those tamdems!! It's SO much easier with two...LOL I just hope I get a fair amount of air slides.