Help ???

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by BigJohn1965, Aug 7, 2019.

  1. BigJohn1965

    BigJohn1965 Bobtail Member

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    I attended a trucking school in the springtime of 2019, I received my CDL, A class with air brakes license.

    I really have no interest in spending 4-6 weeks with another guy in a double sleeper over the road. Are there any companies that will do day training for 4-6 weeks, or until they are comfortable with you driving on your own?

    Thank you,
    BigJohn
     
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  2. SteveScott

    SteveScott Road Train Member

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    Not that I know of. You would have to find a local carrier willing to take new drivers. Kind of a rare thing to find.
     
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  3. ShortBusKid

    ShortBusKid Heavy Load Member

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    I’ve noticed a lot of training ads for local companies around my city. If you don’t want to go OTR that may be an option. Usually requires physical labor along with driving though. I think Watkins Shepard used to turn new drivers loose on their own but I believe they are owned by Schneider now so things have probably changed
     
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  4. FlaSwampRat

    FlaSwampRat Road Train Member

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    There are all kinds of ltl and beverage/food service companies that do training. XPO, R&L, Estes (I think), Southeastern, beer distributors, McLane, us foods, etc.
     
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  5. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    It's part of paying dues. That time comes and goes.
     
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  6. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    That 4-6 week in truck is the hardest part of training. It's not to bad, you basically drive and sleep. Maybe like others said, you can find local job that will train also. If not it's not that bad 4-6 goes by fast. Most trainers get the new trucks.
     
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  7. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Nope. It's been shoved down throats for years. You will have to put up. Or find a tiny local outfit.

    I know of two that will put me back to work without all of that when the time comes here in Arkansas only because I have a history of good work with them.

    Even if it did stick me into training, it will become apparent and obvious within a few hours I have a handle on what I am doing.

    Now you as a New CDL holder do not get to be assigned a tractor trailer alone and sent off into the wild. There are many things about the USA you will need to be taught and also taught the "Company way"

    It happens to all of us. Even more so in the last decade. I trained my spouse for 12 weeks, but that was checking off FFE's trainer book I had to follow. We were a full team in 2 weeks and she did fine. A few pop up issues now and then but she gave me no reason to have a problem.

    She even experienced a real world jackknife of a tractor kind on ice I helped her get through it, but my number three through 7 fell into the canyon off the interstate and are considered total losses that day.

    This is not the Marines etc but when you bunk with another trainer in the same truck there are very obvious rules that are expected of both of you. And some that may not be so such as cleaning and disinfecting the cab for the health and welfare of the two of you in a space smaller than most bathrooms.

    You are the one who wanted to be a trucker. Well here you are. picked a hell of a line of work didnt ya? =)

    Good luck.
     
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  8. aramil248

    aramil248 Road Train Member

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    But don't most trucking schools have companies that hire drivers who graduate from the school? I thought that's part of some of their job to help you find employment. I'm probably wrong though
     
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  9. starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    Find your job old school style, forget there is such a thing as an internet.
    Go to any out fit that you see that runs local trucks, any kind that will get you in the door, dump trucks what ever, and apply in person. It worked for 100 years and still does if you present your self like you may make a hand, and look respectable, someone will hire you.
     
  10. FlaSwampRat

    FlaSwampRat Road Train Member

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    I have had two truck driving jobs for gigantic companies my whole life (UPS,Coca cola) and have never spent the night in a truck. I linehaul now and I sleep in a hotel, if you don't want to live in the truck with someone else there are plenty of options.