Money needed for first few weeks of training?

My son is starting CDL classes next week. When he starts his OTR training how much money should he take before his first paycheck arrives? And does the trainer usually supply him with shower credits?

PS: Surfing the forum sure helps me be less nervous about him going off into the trucking world. Thanks.

 

The most important thing he needs to learn, is budgeting his money. That being said, 100-150 per week. Shower credits will be used off the trainers card. Have him buy and carry snacks, fruit and some drinks with him on the truck. The truckstop/convenience stores are over priced. As he goes along he will learn real quick how to save money. I've been out here a very long time, my wife prepares all my food for me, I carry all my dry goods on the truck, but I do get out in a 10 day turn about twice to eat in the restaurant, more to get out of the truck then anything else. I leave my house with $50 cash and sometimes after 10 days out come home with $40. If he happens to get with a good trainer, he'll learn real quick how to live on a budget.

 

Thanks, JohnBoy. Good advice. Hope he gets a good trainer. We're on a tight budget but are glad to pay short term for hopes of long-term success. Not poor enough to get gov't help, not rich enough to be spendthrift.

 

Pack lots of bottled water and any kind of flavor packet if plain water is too boring. Saves a ton and is healthier ... also a loaf of bread, peanut butter and plastic knives will save a bunch of money. That being said, some people need more human interaction more than others, which can be as simple as eating in the restaurant simply being around other people. Shower credits should be free from the truck stop when he fuels. As for the money part, I would take at least $200, more if you can spare it, and also a credit card in good standing, for if the "oh s***" happens ... never want to leave yourself backed into any kind of corner ... Hope it goes well, would be nice to hear feedback later on how he is progressing

 

If money is tight, stock up on foods he can microwave. Microwave use is free in truckstops & CDL schools. Is he going to a private CDL school or trucking company CDL school?

Instant foods:

Ramen Noodles
Oatmeal
Beanie-Weenies
Coffee
Hot Chocolate
Soups
Use a duffle bag for foods; not a suitcase. Hard to stow a suitcase in a truck, but a duffle bag is flexible.

Use a oversized sleeping bag & pillow. Don't use sheets because when your son is driving he will want to roll up the sleeping bag and stow it so the trainer/codriver can use the bunk.

 

There are ways to make your $$$ go further on the road. He shouldn't need much if he does it right. I usually will splurge a little once or twice a week and get a good dinner or buffet. Its best to have the money with you in cash or on a card. obtaining money from a truck stop ATM is $3.95 (a joke) fee at the big truck stops atm machines.

Trainer should be able to provide team showers or one can often get a shower at a company terminal/property. If he is conservative with his money he will be fine. If he blows it quick then it can get tight.

What company is he going out with?

 

Going to reohl orientation April 14 does trainer let bring . Cooler anyone been threwRaoul l

 

lol, i am with Roehl... trainer should let him bring on some water and a basic food supply as long as they find a good place to store it. He will be out 9-14 days with his trainer if all goes well. he may also be able to get an efs advance on his fuel card if he needs it in an emergency...has to talk to Roehl about that tho. In the past they had a sign on bonus you could draw at $25/day on card or via efs check. then at 6 months that bonus is paid for. not sure if they still have that tho.

trainer at Roehl not likely to let him starve but managing your business on the road is part of training. atms at roehl terminals in gary, appleton, marshfield, ellenwood all no fee. kwik trips up north in wisconsin have no fee atm and cheep food. He should be busy driving, doing logs, paperwork, and sleeping.....lol. Roehl is good company, they won't leave people in the street.

 

how long have you been with roehl im going to national flatbeds 21 on 7 off

 

just over a year, and i train now but am in van division and run nationally. are you in orientation in gary? if so, during orientation the hammond inn has a nice breakfast and I think roehl picks up lunch and dinner. When you're with your trainer you are on your own for food. if your finances are an issue when you get on the trainers truck discuss it with him and he can offer you advice or arrange stops that can be beneficial to you. have fun, work hard, and pay attention listen.