Questions-- About becoming a trucker

Hi, mary5kids -- welcome to the forum! I'm not a driver, so I can't provide any personal answers to your questions, but many of these topics have already been addressed here at different times. So... while you're waiting for others to chime in with some answers, I'd encourage you to use the "search" function, or even return to the main menu and look at some of the threads on the individual CDL schools and trucking companies

Please understand, I do NOT want to discourage you from asking questions... but just suggesting that you might want to spend some time browsing the boards, too. There's just so much good information already here, and the more you know, the better your training experience will be!

Good luck... and be sure to keep us posted on your decision and future progress!

 

#1
$700 - $6000 depending on where you go. Community College being the best and cheapest route IMHO.

#2
Driver skills test. You do the paper for your permit.

#3
Most companies require that you ride with a trainer for a specific amount of time, it varies by company. Go back to question #2 again, you will be tested on paper and skills after training. Not difficult at all.

#4
Hours that can be driven by the driver per day.

#5
They seem hard. But they really aren't. Especially, if you're running teams. It will be much easier.

 

Have heard anything about CDI/TDI in Forsyth, Ga? Good and Bad.

 

All I can jump in on is "logs" and of course you have some eyes rolling while they sit behind the computer waiting to hear me say "run Legal" l.o.l.

Anyhow logs are easy to learn when you have a willing to learn all you can about them. Go to the regulations forum and look at the sticky threads and conversations within that forumn regarding logs and it will teach you the basics and feel free to ask. On this website you are open to ask any questions regarding logs (best to post the "log" questions in the regulations thread as I always check that) and I will or someone else will get back to you soon.

 

Welcome to the boards! There are some good threads "Have to start somewhere" and "Starting School Tomorrow" just to name 2 that describe the entire experience from start to finish. Its a heck of a roller coaster ride, but if you hang on tight its worth it in the end.

 

i started out doing team when i first started

pros: gr8 company, you can put your brains together when u need to, and teams earn a tad bit more.

cons: being around your friend all the time puts a real stain on your friendship.

one day i got so pissed off i hopped out the truck and started walking home. i forgot i was in washington state and i live in delaware. after bout a quarter mile i went back to the truck and squashed the beef

 

Thats one way to get your exercise--that woulda been a long walk there!