Very much wanting to become a driver (but have a unique question - please read!)

Ralffers, I don't know how I missed this thread earlier, but I just want to chime in here for a moment.

Several years ago, a friend of mine decided he wanted to get his CDL. This man had some learning disabilities and never graduated high school... but he wasn't stupid. He just didn't learn in the same way as most of us.

So we plotted out a course of action and went to work. He attended a non-company sponsored school and when he had trouble comprehending the material, he'd stop by my house in the evening and we'd review it together. Sometimes it involved no more than sketching out a concept. Other times, it meant breaking down complicated ideas into smaller, more manageable plans and then linking them together.

Yes, he worked harder than most during his training, but he passed all his tests -- including hazmat -- on the first attempt. And he's been driving over eight years now, all accident-free (knock on wood!).

Personally, I think you're gonna be fine. Everyone has limitations, it's just that some are more obvious than others... and we each have to work with what we have. You understand the extend of your physical limitations and, to this point, have learned to compensate sufficiently to allow you to participate in not just everyday activities, but some physically extreme ones as well. There is no reason for me to believe that you cannot handle a commercial vehicle as well.

Unfortunately, you may have to work hard to convince many companies to hire you, but there is little doubt that the company that does will get an exceptionally committed and hard-working driver.

Go for it!

 

Ralffers, I too have to chime in here to let you know that yeah some companies will see you as a 'liability' but your determination and the fact that you did get your medical card will get you there. Stay away from the cdl mills look into a community college (sage tractor trailer driving school) I know conway will hire you right out of scool and they have a driver apprentice program (at least here in plainfield in), linehaul would be good for you (terminal to terminal).
I did the otr thing for almost 2 yrs and you don't make $$$ when you are sitting at someones dock (for hours and at times-days), I drive for old dominion linehaul, and am doing quite well, being a woman, that is not an easy feat at times as those converter dollys are very heavy (1500-2000lbs) my determination got me here and I get the job done, I found that most yard jockey jobs require 1-2yrs commercial driving experience but they are there if you know where to find them.
Good luck with your journey, you will have fun- I am still having fun at OD, just glad my otr days are gone.

 

From what you have said there is no reason for you not to pursue a career in trucking. If you can handle it go through a good truck school and that will get you started. The training and education will open doors for you and many of the schools have placement services. As I said before, I'm new to driving but been around trucks for many years as a mechanic. You might want to check with some companies and relate your situation to them and see what they say, personally as long as you can do the job I see no reason why you wouldn't make it and do just fine.
One thing though, things are slowing down now because of the economy so it may be a little harder to get an entry position but if you knock on enough doors you will make it. I was talking to my partner about you and he said it sounds like you have more drive and determination than most people in the industry, good luck and keep us informed.

 

Sounds like you'll definitely be able to handle it Ralffers! You'll find someone that will put you in the seat. It may take some time but you are motivated, and that is very important!

 

I drive down thru Chicago all the time, Maybe sometime we can meet up and I can take you on a short run, It May change or mind on driving or make you want to drive all the more, for me I love it
as far as chains go, I do NO West Coast or East coast, but nearly everywhere in between, but as far west is to Denver CO, No mountians, I go to Georgia alot and as far down as OK, Tenn, KY, OH, IN, IL MI. Home every weekend also.
Keep me posted and maybe you can ride on one trip, You would need 20 bucks or so for personal spending, a sleeping bag and a change of cloths and personals. I drive what is called a Condo, it has a bunk in it over my bed so you would have a place to sleep. It would be out and back the next day most likely. If you want to go out once, No problem, PM me and also No Smoking in my truck! do not like the odor!

David

 

Wiseguywireless & Ralffers - since Ralffers does not have enough posts to send/receive pm's from other members, please feel free to pass them through myself, cyber, or any of the other mods. We'd be happy to help!

 

That works for me... Thanks