"On my way to be a Trucker"

Ricky'sRig · Feb 16, 2021

Dockbumper said: ↑

1) During your first year, Inexperience will slow you down in several ways. Trip Planning and Map reading/ Navigation skills in general. Getting efficently between point A and point B. It takes time to learn those skills. If you go the wrong direction, and you will, it is usually not as simple as a quick u turn to get back where you belong. Close Quarters driving in Cities, navigating right and left turns at intersections with lots of traffic. During your first 6 months or so, your Backing Skills are going to suck and it may take you quite some time getting that 53 foot trailer into the hole. There are some pretty tight backing situations across this Country. Learning to manage your DOT Clock. When to start, when to stop, where to park.

2) Most of the large Carriers run late model well maintained equipment. It is in their best interest to have reliable equipment on the road. Remember....they make money by picking up and delivering freight. Breakdowns are very costly, they want to avoid them as much as the drivers do.

3) Your loads will be sent to you electronically. These companies will give you adequate time to pick up and deliver your loads. We are governed by strict hours of service out here. They know how much time you have to drive and how long it takes to get there. You need to keep up communication on your end through your Qualcomm or other communication device. Send dispatch updates if you are held up at a Shipper or Receiver. Keep them updated on your ETA/ PTA. Try to keep all communication electronically, not with phone calls. If you are asked to do something or go somewhere by your dispatcher on the phone, say OK, Send it to me on the Qualcomm and I'll be on my way.

One last piece of advice. When you get to school, steer clear of the douchebags that will inevitably show up for class. Follow instructions. Speak when spoken to. There is a lot of stuff to cover in a short amount of time. These instructors do this every week. They know who is serious about school and who is not. The losers usually get weeded out quickly. It is fast paced and can get frustrating at times. Roll with it. CDL School teaches you JUST ENOUGH to pass your CDL exam and get your License. It DOES NOT teach you to be a Truck Driver. Good luck to you!
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Yeah lot of douchebags;
All the inputs I am getting ; I still need to put in perspective.
Right now I have finished PTI learning & my drive & backing classes are in process.
I am expecting road test next month.
The plan is to get CDL start driving & complete additional courses needed . If Time permits go back to Truck college which gives diploma. That will be a challenge for time & money.
If in power I want to rewrite CDL rules for students & Schools haha my wish ;North American truck association ; are you listening?
Thanks

Northeast Hillbilly · Feb 16, 2021

Ricky'sRig said: ↑

Hey Guys;

I am in process of learning CDL; have few questions as this is my first time trying to get in this industry & want to understand procedures & get homework done before I start applying for jobs.

1. What are the on & off duty regulations & pay structure system; where can I find a guide print?
2. How do I organize step by step procedures for me to get on road & have steady income?
3. I am leaving behind construction industry for truck; will I be able to multiply income by picking more shifts & doing long hauls ( I am based in Ontario, Canada).

Will appreciate your help.

Regards,
Ricky
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Stay in construction. Or get a job doing heavy haul for construction outfits.

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