I'm going to school for Crst in Iowa. Need advice and info.

I started out there. Wasn't too bad just doesn't pay very much. If you're on contract with them I'd work the contract out, keep your nose clean, and move on to a higher paying company when your contract is up.

Equipment was ok and dispatch was usually reasonable.

 

Do you really want to run team with someone who only has as much experience as you. Trusting a stranger with your life.

 

it is just the first stage of the rest of your career
get trained move on
worry about miles pay equipment later

 

I'm glad your asking.

Life sucks out on the road, always has and it is what you make of it so always try to be positve. It is dangerous and can be tiring but OTR is one of the easiest thing to do compared to other things. YOU WILL meet idiots and ***holes but just ignore it all and remain positive.

Miles?

I don't know, I don't like the miles mentality and you will quickly understand why.

Eventually you won't worry about the equipment, a truck is a truck is a truck. AS long as you use your training and inspect it each trip, and get things fixed ASAP, you'll be alright.

Just a few other things, the first and foremost is a profession for many of us, we hate people thinking its a job so try to be professional. Learn as much as you can, go learn the Smith System (look it up) and learn as much as you can, like what things like bridge laws are and how to figure out axle weights. Don't be afraid of asking questions no matter how stupid someone says they are.

Remember this - getting a CDL is easy. Driving sometimes is challenging so don't take it personal if you can't drive a truck, it does take some skill but not everyone can do it right. Most don't and carry bad car driving habits into their new career (learn the smith system).

AND most important thing to learn, you will face one issue in your life with this stuff, it is people telling you what to do, and many times they have some right to do so but when it comes to operating the truck, remember that you are a CDL holder which means you are the person who is in charge of driving that truck when you are in the driver's seat, your "trainer" (mentor??) or company can't tell you to illegally log your hours, to do something improper or illegal or against company policy.

Good luck

 

Lol, that's an interesting way of looking at it.
I would suggest trying to drive for a company that will let you run solo.

 

It seemed like such a good idea...