Help a trucker wannabe out!

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by OpenRoadGuy, Jun 2, 2010.

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  1. OpenRoadGuy

    OpenRoadGuy Light Load Member

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    There are some things I believe I have control over, and that's one of them. I know many will disagree, but my attitude has brought me no accidents with the 15 years of driving I've had so far. :biggrin_25525:

    In either case, I don't want to argue that point since it's not the direction I'd like to see the thread move in. Suffice it to say, I take learning to drive a truck well, and driving a truck safely very seriously. I'm not going to be the type to drive while half falling asleep, as an example.
     
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  3. walleye

    walleye Road Train Member

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    Here's a little secret,....

    Some local companies may hire you and train you to drive,...

    Many of the beer,liquor,soda,food,..ext..type companies will train someone that has good customer service skills and or a background in sales,....

    That's how I found local work and have stayed at it,...
     
  4. OpenRoadGuy

    OpenRoadGuy Light Load Member

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    WallEye, by local does that basically mean I stay around the same general area and get more hometime? Or could that just mean a smaller company for OTR? I'd assume a little of both, but just curious.

    Did you drive reginally, locally for deliveries, or OTR?
     
  5. walleye

    walleye Road Train Member

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    Local means home every night with your family,...Using your own shower and sleeping in your own bed,......
     
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  6. walleye

    walleye Road Train Member

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    I'm a city p/d driver for a ltl freight company,.........
     
  7. RAILSPLITTER

    RAILSPLITTER Medium Load Member

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    I went to U.S.T.D.S. (driving school) for about a month, then spent two months with a trainer aboard a USX truck (U.S. Xpress, that is) before upgrading to solo. That was in '96. And the previous poster is correct: the best you can do is concentrate on the job and avoid dangerous situations... there are plenty of 'em out there, especially in bad weather. Get that book I mentioned, and you'll be ahead of the curve when it comes to driving school. Just remember that real hands never stop learning, especially in this industry... at first, I was kind of overwhelmed because there's so much to know, but it all eventually fell into place, and, YES, I am out there by choice. It's not the best occupation for those with wives and children, but it's not the worst either, and for confirmed bachelors like me it's all PAID TOURISM. Here's my last tip for the evening, as I'm off to visit my elderly mom in the hospital... This is how you say "PAID TOURIST" en espanol: "TURISTA PAGADO..." Some go with "COMMERCIAL SIGHTSEER"---I'm a "PAID TOURIST" man, 10? "Adios!"
     
  8. OpenRoadGuy

    OpenRoadGuy Light Load Member

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    Thanks again, Rail Splitter. I'm gonna get that book, it looks like it will have a wealth of information, and allow me the opportunity to go into this new career with a bit of knowledge.
     
  9. Landstar2206

    Landstar2206 Light Load Member

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    Like I said, Dont count your chickens before they hatch! :biggrin_25522:
     
  10. OpenRoadGuy

    OpenRoadGuy Light Load Member

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    Since today is my day off, I've been researching this potential career change (obviously). I found something really interesting.

    Schneider seems to have a good reputation and seems to be a good company to work for. I didn't think they would consider hiring those fresh out of driving school, but it appears they have a list of preferred driving schools. Interestingly enough, one of them is Northampton Community College, who has an accredited Driver program with training to pass the CDL (obviously).

    Upon graduation, I could than apply for a job with Schneider. Anybody think this would be a good/bad idea? What's really cool is Northampton has a campus right in my county so I wouldn't have to drive far to train! They require 240 hours of training, I wonder how long you get for training each day?
     
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  11. Landstar2206

    Landstar2206 Light Load Member

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    Get 3 months experience and then go work for melton hauling flatbed...Flatbed is nice because you never have to load or unload of course...The only part of flatbed is the hassle of strapping,tarping,booming down the load etc in the summer time and in the winter time.You make more money hauling flatbed.
     
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