OL' Broke Down Door Kicker Startin Out needin knowledge

Ranger,
1st: If you can do a school without committing to a company (Swift, Werner etc) you'll be better off. As a ex-GI myself, my private school was paid for by the VA. Look into it. Many offer shortened schools for military drivers, since you are already well aware of weights, air loss etc.

2nd: If you have to get the license from a company school, there are many who will take you. They really like ex-GI's (discipline), and your background in Army driving will help.

Pal
USAF ret

 

Welcome home from Iraq brother,i did mine in 03.We had the OLD M818's lol,but now since replaced with M915A4's with 5spd Auto Allison's and a older rebuilt Cummins.

Good luck in your search

 

I believe with this attitude, coupled with your life experiences, you will likely have a whole lot less problems than most of the guys that will be in your class. Good luck, and keep us posted.



(Can't help you out with any personal knowledge of USA, but like you said, EVERY company has negative stuff with it.)

 

On a side issue, don't count (finacially) on your OTR trainer releasing you early from his truck. Think of it from his view. He has you for 4-6 weeks depending on the company. If your a slow learning slug, he doesn't get many miles and has to run the truck as a solo. If you are (as I suspect) someone learns very quickly, then he can take longer runs and let you absorb some miles to make more money. Once he trusts you, that is. Or he could release you early and get a slug for the next trainee.... which one do you think most truckers would choose?

Any boss with an "advanced apprentice" will use that person to make more money. It's the nature of all business. And any OTR trainer or experienced trucker will run his rig as a business.

FYI: I now work at Ft Lewis on the Left Behind Equipment program. The bases love to hire Vets, check it out.

PS: My favorite military rig is the Hemmt/PLS combo.... Now you know for certain that I'm insane...

 

I run a HEMMT Wrecker,its in my pics...lol..i love that pig

 

Fun buggers, ain't they?

 

OMG the HETS are the worse,all fiberglass bodies...absolutly HUGE,so a nice easy target.Although the trailers were cool haulin the tanks,all 54 wheels turned.Parkin em is a breeze..lol

 

Most important:

Thanks for your service!