Question from a complete newbie.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by generationxray, Feb 19, 2020.

  1. Jeca0408

    Jeca0408 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 18, 2020
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    You gotta be 21 to apply for CDL. As far as I know.
     
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  3. Odin's Rabid Dog

    Odin's Rabid Dog Heavy Load Member

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    May 6, 2018
    NW MT
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    I drive what the load requires. I prefer driving 500-600 miles a day, but that doesn't always make sense. It depends on the load schedule.

    Right now, I'm just starting on the return leg of a trip from Washington state to east central Florida and back. And when I say return, I mean the load was rejected due to being late, through no fault of mine, some error above my pay grade. So I'm spending 2 weeks hauling the same load 6,000 miles.

    Atypical.

    But you learn to smile through it.
     
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  4. Paul Chamberlin

    Paul Chamberlin Bobtail Member

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    Aug 6, 2018
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    Every week is different for most OTR that’s what makes it fun. Being flexible on home time and willing to stay out a few weekends really expands you opportunities and income (and is less stressful)
    If your someone that needs to be in a bowling league or home every weekend look for dedicated jobs or regional otr.
     
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  5. Paul Chamberlin

    Paul Chamberlin Bobtail Member

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    Aug 6, 2018
    Highway
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    Are you independent or company driver? I’m getting set up to go completely independent and was wondering who takes the loss on that? I’m guessing there’s some sort of rejection insurance or something.
     
  6. Odin's Rabid Dog

    Odin's Rabid Dog Heavy Load Member

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    May 6, 2018
    NW MT
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    I'm a company driver, but I've been wondering that, too.
     
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  7. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    Sep 10, 2010
    Flint, MI
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    You would be wrong.
    Have to be 21 to drive interstate loads, but you can get one at a lower age and run intrastate.
     
  8. Wasted Thyme

    Wasted Thyme Road Train Member

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    Jan 27, 2020
    GOAT watching
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    and if it is in CA you can do just as many miles up and down the state as if you were driving interstate across country. SMH. Really needs to be rethought.
     
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  9. RockinChair

    RockinChair Road Train Member

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    Feb 19, 2012
    CC, TX
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    Because they're going to ask - or tell - you something they don't want to have put in writing and archived in a computer somewhere.

    Unless it is a condition of employment for you to have a cell phone and give them the number, I would tell them that you don't have one. Make them communicate through the satellite, where everything is on the record.
     
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  10. Odin's Rabid Dog

    Odin's Rabid Dog Heavy Load Member

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    May 6, 2018
    NW MT
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    Or record your calls. <shrug>

    Subject to local laws, of course. I had never recorded a phone call in my life until I started driving for my pay.
     
  11. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Mar 5, 2016
    White County, Arkansas
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    As far as "Making them" they want one thing if the situation means the driver is fired. Truck is to be at the yard first. Companies do not fire drivers far from home often anymore. Its been known to be done.

    Anything you can do to force a electronic record of messaging is a very good.

    As far as recording, cell phone on speaker and a second camera with audio date and time etc records everything. It is not a direct phone recording.
     
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