Welcome

I don't get down to this site very often but I thought I could pass on some information you all might use. I can remember how excited I was and I wish someone had told me a few tips. But that's been way back in the mid 1970's. But still doesn't matter all that much. I'm sure you all have thousands of questions about school, companies, and just driving. I'll help with want I've done and maybe that might help. Just keep in mind these are only my suggestions and use what you like.

Picking your schools takes a little research too. Some of the larger companies will train you and get your CDL for you and then you sign a contract to work for to pay back the schooling. I will not say one way or another because that type of school just may work out for you. Just remember nothing is free and you will pay back for that school. If you're fired then they may bring a legal suit against you for reimbursement. The majority of the drivers here seem to think that a community college is the best way. Any way you go just make sure it's a good school and has the right number of hours so the companies will honor the school.

The first step I'd take is making a list of what I want. Sit down and make it out to include must have, nice to have, and very lucky to have. What type of driving do you want to do? Do you want flatbeds, refer trucks, box trucks, and so on? Do you want long haul, dedicated runs, LTL runs. drop and hook, and so on? Do you want union or non union?

What kind of pay do you like? Do you want mileage, percentage, or hourly? What do you expect to be paid empty, broke down, or waiting to get loaded? Each type always sounds good until you really get to the bottom of it all then it all comes out about the same.

Then of course you want to know about your home time. How long is you trips going to be. Are you going to be flipped all around the terminal not knowing where you're going that night? You'll want to know what the pay is for different runs and make sure if it's low you don't get stuck with them all the time.

What king of benefits are you looking for? You may be single now but if it's a great job you may have a spouse later on. Medical, is it an PPO or HMO? PPO's are much better. Is the cost way too much? Plus does it pay 80% and you pay20%? Is it with a good company? The dental is different. The co-pay are different so you'll need to match the companies with others. Are vacations set up about the same? first year nothing, then 1 year until 5 years then it's two weeks, after 10 years it goes to 3 weeks, after 20 very few are around so they give 4 weeks.

Then it's very important to look into that company's retirement plan. Some companies have more than just one plan. Mine had 3. The point here is to look ahead and get the maximum out of the company with the lowest of your investment. A lot times the company will invest up to 6% of your base if you invest 4%.

When looking for a company ask a few drivers from that company how it is and how many have made it to retirement. Do a lot of your own research and get a good picture of the company. I would use a laptop.

There's three ways to look for a driving job. Go see then, call them, and fill an on-line application on line and send it to them. I suggest you use all three. When you find a company you like go see them. Of course they will most likely tell you they only take applications on-line. That's fine. You're there and ask them some questions. If they say we only hire with experience then you ask them do they know a company that might give you a shot so you can build experience to come over to them. What ever you do just do not apply on-line and forget it. Keep in mind these letter of pre-approval do not mean all that much. They surely do not guarantee you a job.


You all are making life changing moves hear and always remember in this line of work the more you put into it the more your get out. If your record is not clean check it out completely and find out if there will be any snags. Do not listen to recruiters about this subject because all the want is you to go through school. That's the attitude with the schools also. They could care less once you finish your school and your on your way to work. The school has completed it's mission and got you a CDL. They have taken drivers money knowing this driver had no chance of getting hire because of his record but the failed to say a word so they could collect their payment. Your drivers are going to be the ones you can trust. If you get the same answer from a few drivers then you know it's right.

Good Luck to all of you. This is a great site to help you along. I don't mind you PM'ing me once you get enough post. I'll try to find out your answer but please do you research before you come to me.