Starting the new career!

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Steel Maverick, Apr 14, 2015.

  1. Steel Maverick

    Steel Maverick Light Load Member

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    Feb 8, 2015
    SoCal
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  3. kball1964

    kball1964 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 31, 2015
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    "I did not attend a standard '160 hour' CDL school, so I have had to eliminate a few companies from the pool. TWT, TransSystems and Wil-Trans have a strict requirement about the 160 hour school."

    If you dont mind me asking, which school did you go to? Im in So Cal as well and am in the same position..........
     
  4. Steel Maverick

    Steel Maverick Light Load Member

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    Feb 8, 2015
    SoCal
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    Americas Truck Driving School in Corona. I studied for the permit on my own. They really only work on backing skills, the pre trip inspection and some city driving. You can get a few hours with the 10 speed for a little extra. They did a good job getting me ready to pass the DMV test the first time. Only $1500. Not a bad alternative from the $4k to $6k schools I was considering.
     
  5. kball1964

    kball1964 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 31, 2015
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    Exact place where I am doing it, just started yesterday, lol. Interesting little program they have going on. Im over in South Orange County and am exploring all the options I may or may not have once I get my CDL.
     
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  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Start submitting applications now; don't have to wait. How many hours is your school?
     
  7. kball1964

    kball1964 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 31, 2015
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    Its not a whole heck of a lot. 20 in the yard, plus another 4 on the 10 speed, plus whatever time spent at home studying for the tests. Im actually contemplating trying to get some more training behind the wheel and am unsure as to how to go about it without having to go with one of the cattle call companies like CR England, Swift, etc etc. The transition is tough financially and fortunately I am still able to do this right now and keep my current job up until I make the decision where I am going to go.
     
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  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Here's a few companies to apply with & they offer additional training and a job.

    KKW Trucking
    DSW Trucking
    Earl Henderson Trucking(website not up to date;they do have a training facility)
    James H. Clark & Son
    Reddaway (maybe-it's local though)
    Safer Transportation(they have several terminals; one in Tarzania)
    Celadon

    Submit some applications and see what happens.
     
    kball1964 Thanks this.
  9. kball1964

    kball1964 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 31, 2015
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    Sweet, thanks a bunch for the info, I will look into them. I am just going to feel THAT much more comfortable getting out on the road with more (and as much as possible) training/experience that I can, as I am sure you and others who have some mileage under their belts would like to see us have. I read so much crap and horror stories on the net, and it gets a little intimidating at times. Im sure Ill be fine, I just want to make sure that I am not any sort of a problem or a danger to myself or others on the road.
     
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  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Many new drivers overthink it. Keep in mind, it's only a driving job and not a scientific expedition to Mars. You'll be fine; just slow & easy. Trucking is a great career & I surely don't regret it at all. My niche was long haul & was happy to leave the local jobs to those that want that, because I wanted no part of it. Take care, you'll have a job in a few days.
     
  11. Steel Maverick

    Steel Maverick Light Load Member

    103
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    Feb 8, 2015
    SoCal
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    They give you enough to get your CDL. Sure there will be a few companies that won't even talk to you without the '160 hour' certificate. Not a big deal. I have spoken to many companies that are ok with the school and several that don't care what kind of school you went to. Money and time was my concern so paying 1/3 of what the other schools cost was worth it to me. Sitting in a truck watching other students grind gears 6 hours a day didn't seem like a great way to get '80 road hours'. Or spending $5000. Your first company will train you on the fine art of truck driving. The CDL school is only there to help you pass your DMV test. You definitely DO NOT have to go to one of the MEGA carriers.
     
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