Newbie FAQ

What's the best route for a guy who has a CDL and all the endorsements but hasn't driven in 15 years and now wants to get back into trucking? Will any company hire me under their 'new hire training program' without me having to go back through a CDL course?

 

Find a small company, they'll usually hire you if your CDL has been valid this whole time. With the recent medical card rules, make sure you still have a valid CDL. You'll need to show your medical card to your state. Other than that and new hours of service laws, not a whole lot has changed. You'll love the 34 hour restart and hate the lack of real split sleeper berth, and the 14 hr rule can bite you.

 

Hello, guys, sorry if someone already asked it before- When DOT at toll road checking your log book do they have right to request toll receipts to match with log book? Am I obliged to give it to them if I have them? If I do have em and refuse to give it to them can they fine me and shut me off for 8/10 hours?

 

nothing a kick to their face to take their mind off it

 

was funy this one guy at cre, was experienced trucker but a wild ###. kept talking about his shotguns and about jumping out of the truck if drama happened. cre instructors talk stuff to experienced drivers but not this guy. they let him go

 

not bc of attitude, something came up on his record

 

Thanks fortycalglock! I appreciate your feedback! I went the local route as you suggested. Still trying to get my head around the new H.O.S. rules. I took a lot for granted being a company driver with eLogs. I'm back to having to think for myself and draw lines! Safe Travels!

 

Technically speaking, when you signed up for your CDL, you pretty much gave up your rights to privacy with the DOT. Although some would argue that... it's pretty much the long and the short of it.

And you might even be able to debate it with the officer, because they LOVE confrontation, and I would just about guarantee he pulls out the microscope, gives you a full blown inspection, including logs, and will most likely find SOMETHING to put you out of service anyway.

Best bet... if you're on paper, and you are going to be running toll roads, log it like you live it. At least the toll road part of it.

As a sidenote, most starter companies nowadays have EZ Pass (toll roads). It automatically pays the toll and there is no paper

 

I was curious because I had this case in a state of Maine (Worst DOT in my opinion) about 16 years ago. If it would happen now I'd know what to do and what to say...

 

Does anyone know anything about Stevens trucking out of okc