New CDL, LOTS of questions

The concensus seems to state that Roehl, epes, central refrig, schneider, and prime are the top five (though flawed) starter companies. I arrive at this list after a buttload of research but others may argue. The definitely do not bother with list is crst, cr england, and werner (and many say stevens but due to high tuition which doesn't apply to you). Dont let that license go stale and apply to several or all (maybe even the bad list if need be). Depending on the level of certification and reputation of the school that you attended, you may be faced with some passing you over for the more lucrative tuition paying slaves.
truckingtruth.com offers some discriptions and ratings of these major players but seems to go easy on all of them as far as bad reputations go. Good luck, I'm soon to be in the same boat as you are and hope I've studied wisely.

 

Hi Reroll,

I'm in the same boat. I got my CDL a month ago and decided to wait til the new years to start my job search. My main issue is making sure that my blood pressure is within normal range when I set up a time to attend orientation. I got on a blood pressure med a few days ago and I have an appt in two weeks to go over my blood test results. Wish me luck.

 

ugh, denver. hope you dont often have to go west when coming off home time during the winter.
your backing deficincies are common. the only way to learn is to keep doing it. now that you have the cdl, keep in mind that there are no point deductions for getting out of the truck. get out and look 50 times if you need to (ok thats an exaggeration, but...). make sure to let your trainer know youd like to practice backing when possible. also ask the trainer to show you how to chain properly, so once youre on your own you are comfortable with the possibility of having to do it. its fairly easy to teach, and to learn, but not easy to just "figure out" on your own.

for the most part you are overly concerned about the physical. if you can pass the dot physical, you can pass 95% of the companies' physicals. there are some which require some lifting ability demonstrated, but even most of those are fairly easy.

if you can live partly out of cans and boxes for food, you may get away with under 100 per week. if you go to fast food most of the time, you may end up with a $200 bill per week or even more, depending on your eating habits. buy a cooler immediately, also a lunch box oven. they will cut down on your expenses immensely. you should be able to be comfortable as a solo driver on 100 per week, less if you wanna be super frugal.

i hear good things about may. i liked usa truck, but they were my first company...my experience with them is quite old. i hear good things about millis. i hear horrible things about england and crst. mixed to the bad side on swift and werner, schneider about even mix good/bad, transam about even mix.

good luck with the new career.

 

+1 pokerhound pretty much said what needed to be said...

 

Anarcrothe, when you know you will be going to get your physical done, layoff the salt for several days, layoff the caffeine the morning of, and (I have heard but cannot verify) take 4 aspirin.

I've found that eating an unusual amount of salt (Chinese food, pizza or using the shaker more than usual) drives my normal 114/72 BP up into the 135/90 range.

 

Navajo and prime inc in denver, infact right across the road from each other.

 

take your time backing dont worry bout anyone or if they are laughing they all been there remember the trailer turn the opisit of the wheel

 

Good idea...try Navajo, would be my first choice.
Companies with terminals in Denver would benefit you.

Watkins & Shepard
Mesilla Valley Transportation

 

Stevens may not allow you in taking BP medication. My inlaws were turned down there for it!