New Truck - No CDL - Help

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by BigBadBill, Jan 15, 2013.

  1. BigBadBill

    BigBadBill Bullishly Optimistic

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    Oct 2, 2010
    Chattanooga, TN
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    OK, so I saw a show about trucking and it looked really cool. So I decided I was going to become a trucker. So I bought a truck, got my name on the side, made some business cards up, the whole 9-yards.

    But couple issues. First, what is this whole "CDL" thing? How do I buy one of these? Is it really that necessary?

    Another issue is this think has three pedal on the floor. What is that 3rd one on the left for? I am a pretty smart guy so I know enough not to try and drive it until I figure out what that is for and how to find the gear shift. All this thing has is a stick coming from the floor. Can't seem to find how I get it into drive and reverse. This is becoming an issue because the place I bought it from wants it moved. Guess I will just call AAA if I can't get it moved. First thing I did was get my AAA card after someone telling me how expensive tow bills can be.

    While looking for freight some crazy guy asked me what type of trailer I have. WTF, told him I wasn't going to fall for that. I was going to be like everyone else and pull his trailer. He just hung-up. Do you all run into people like this that want to take advantage of you?

    Well, I'm ready to haul as soon as I can drive this thing. Maybe I can find some Youtube videos.

    Thanks
     
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  3. passingthru69

    passingthru69 Road Train Member

    Ok Bill, Time to start drinking de caff coffee I think:biggrin_25513:
    but th sad thing is, I believe there is a recent post he is copying, but just putting the words out there straight forward
     
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  4. ShortBusKid

    ShortBusKid Heavy Load Member

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    Dec 5, 2010
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    Mash left pedal to floor, slam stick around in a way until gear engages. Rinse and repeat. Call broker, $1.50 a mile anywhere any time. By the way, you'll need a monkey to ride shotgun! I'm BJ McKay and this is my best friend bear.........
     
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  5. thelushlarry

    thelushlarry Road Train Member

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    Jan 9, 2012
    glasgow ky
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    I will teach you how to drive it for $5,000.00
     
  6. vikingswen

    vikingswen Road Train Member

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    In the Stratosphere
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    Hello BBB,
    I got my CDL thingy at alittle corner shop in Memphis TN when I first came to this country. They have a little print shop in the back and they provided me with my US Dot and MC numbers as well. Last year they started doing IFTA cards and it really has been a time saver to do it all at that place. I wasn't sure either on the whole gear shifting thing so I went and got an truck with an automated transmission that does the shifting and clutching for me.

    Good luck.
     
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  7. windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

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  8. windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

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    Didn't they run team at $10/mile?
     
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  9. passingthru69

    passingthru69 Road Train Member

    Buck a mile for them,
    I know some good print shops in Bangkok.
    Now taking orders.
     
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  10. trknfool

    trknfool Bobtail Member

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    Jan 7, 2013
    Ludlow Falls Ohio
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    Don't forget you are going to need a log book if you are hauling logs. Being a new truck your log book may be in your on board computer, that thing that looks like a keyboard.
     
  11. tomkatrose

    tomkatrose Light Load Member

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    Oct 22, 2010
    Los Angeles, CA
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    OMG Bill, you too?!?! Inside tip, if you register it as an RV, you don't need one of those CDL things. And don't let brokers jerk you around about a trailer either. If you put a bunch of 4"x4"s across the back and nail a couple sheets of plywood to them, you'll have space to carry stuff and then you can get loads on U-Ship. If you do really good with them and Jared quits, you might even get on that show about real truckers... Shipping Wars!
     
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