Questions Before I Begin my Career

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by xRoadHog, Jun 14, 2017.

  1. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

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    Not only may WIA/WOIA pay for CDL numerous trucking companies will have Tuition Reimbursement for CDL school.

    Pick a company to work for before starting school.
     
  2. MooneyBravo

    MooneyBravo Heavy Load Member

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    There are different avenues for earning your CDL. The problem is getting hired with 0 experience. That's where the big companies come in. As long as you have a decent work record and no recent criminal charges you can sign up with all the big companies with a training program. Werner has a school. If you stay on with them for the required time, they will pay for your training. Other companies have similar programs.
    After that hurdle you will spend several weeks with a trainer (they can have anywhere from 6 months to 40 yrs exp) earning your stripes.
    Once you pass the road test you are free. I always say a CDL is a license to learn.

    Most companies have ride along policies and make provisions for a pet which will usually require a moderate insurance fee to cover any possible damage due to the pet.

    Good luck
     
  3. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

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    In my experience only about 10-25% of companies allow pets.
     
  4. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Nate, I'm concerned about your frame of mind. I'm always curious why people decide to get into trucking. And I think a lot of people seem to think that it's their "saving grace". Leave grunt job, learn trucking, live happily ever after, right ? Well, not exactly. You need to learn as much as you can about the industry BEFORE you get on board. The fact that you want to bring your girlfriend and dog along before you even know more says something. You should first get your self initiated, THEN, worry about the fiancé and doggy. Good luck.....I say this because YOU may not like the industry after a few months.
     
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  5. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    Let me just write this down.
    1. "Wants to be" a trucker.
    2. Taking gf in the truck.
    3. Throw a dog in the cab named diesel.
    4. It almost sounds like a CW song.
    5. Which part do you want to fail at first?
    I'm not trying to piss on your parade Nate but your walking into a field of land mines. This is your grandpa talking. Yep I'm that old and been bouncing down these roads for almost 40 years. Whatever path you take may luck be with you. I'll be here all day.
     
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2017
  6. Crude Truckin'

    Crude Truckin' Alien Spacecraft

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    Is your name Trucker Josh?
     
  7. MooneyBravo

    MooneyBravo Heavy Load Member

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    I agree with this driver.
    Very well said.
     
  8. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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  9. MooneyBravo

    MooneyBravo Heavy Load Member

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    Dave_in_AZ Thanks this.
  10. xRoadHog

    xRoadHog Bobtail Member

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    I understand why some of you may be concerned about my personal reasons for my desire to be a trucker, but I can assure all of you that this isn't something I just decided to do on a whim. I've been around the business before, and even have truckers in my family. My uncle Buddy was a trucker for well over a decade before he passed away 8 years ago, and my stepdad just recently became a driver himself, so I ask his advice and he helps where he can.

    I've been into this career since I was a child, watching random YouTube videos and learning as much as I can from people who have lived this life. Rest assured, my "frame of mind" is of no concern. This isn't to get out of grunt work, this isn't to live happily ever after, this is simply a young man finally deciding to take the steps he needs to do what always wanted to do.

    I appreciate that you guys are looking out for me. I'm young and may not know what I'm getting myself into, but if there's anything I'm ready for, it's the experience this career provides, because you cannot put a price on experience. Any advice I've received is appreciated, and any more advice I get will help a ton. I just want to make sure I get as much advice as I can before I decide to head out on my own. That's all.