Starting out for rookies

What school did you go to?

 

Florida has some good paying jobs, not many, but they're here. You just have to know where to look. Are they plentiful? No. Are most of them advertised? No. Do they exist? Yep. Several tanker companies here pay good bucks and offer decent working conditions but you better be squeaky clean with a super clean background, license, stable job history, excellent references and royal credit. They want only the best.

 

If you are asking me I went to Key Power CDL in Miami.

 

10-4! Not aware of that one. I did see a few schools offering something simila but I was afraid if I took that route I couldn't get on with the company I want, which requires graduation from a PTDI-approved school.

 

I just went to the PTDI website. All I can say is "Are you kidding me?" You're paying to learn this?

PERFORMANCE ELEMENTS AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:1. Identify, locate, read and operate each of the primary controls including those required for steering,
accelerating, shifting, braking, and parking.
2. Identify, locate, and operate each of the secondary controls including those required for control of
lights, signals, windshield wipers and washers, interior climate, engine starting and shutdown,
suspension and coupling.
3. Identify, locate, read and operate, and indicate the acceptable reading range of the various instruments
required to monitor vehicle and engine speed as well as the status of fuel, oil, air, cooling, exhaust,
and electrical and electronic systems.
4. Use information from all sources, given that instruments may malfunction or not be entirely accurate.
5. Read and understand in-cab safety systems.

 

Nope, I'm paying to get the job I want with a solid and reputable company that pays extremely well, offers exceptional benefits, gives me the home time I want, a good retirement plan, a great working environment and prefers to train newbies on the job so as not to hire people with habits not conducive to what they want in a driver. There's way more involved than what you listed.

 

Go to the organization's page for "Skill Standards for Entry-Level Tractor-Trailer Drivers."

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticizing anyone here. I'm 55 yrs old and if I have to pay to learn this:

3. Scan both sides of the road using quick glances to observe roadside activity and vehicles near you. 4. Check mirrors for hazards every few seconds, and always before changing speed or direction

Then I should not be driving a truck. In your case I think it's a great investment. At the same time I don't think I have read an ad that a PTDI approved school is a requirement.

 

I hear you. And I certainly didn't take it as criticism. Check the "Skills and Standards" page. For example, did your school teach you skid control, friction, wheel load and force dynamics? Environmental regulations affecting drivers? Procedures and differences of Level 1, 2 and 3 inspections? Regulations for hazardous cargo? Not all drivers need this. My company requires it. No, you probably won't find ads for companies requiring these things for the simple fact the best driver jobs aren't usually advertised.

 

Truck Driver Training Scholarships
This is posted on this very website we are posting on right now. It's at the bottom of this very page. OK rookies/newbies, get started.