Sight Seeing on 18 Wheels

Made My Pick Now Waiting

2008-11-22T11:46:00.002-05:00

I talked with Prime and they had answered some questions of mine. But when I called back the next day with more questions it took a few days for them to call me back. I was running out of time to call Swift back to hold my spot for training.

I called Swift back on Friday and he said spots had filled up, but he might be able to get me in, he was not for sure but he made it sound promising. If not I will look more into Prime and/or Werner. If everything works out ok I will start orientation with Swift on Dec 16Th. The thing I like most about Swift is that the New Boston terminal is about 45 minutes from my house. From reading other blog and forums, their are times when they have you drop the trailer in the yard, so another driver can use his time to get it to the shipper on time. Then they have you wait maybe over night for a new trailer for the next day. My hopes are then I could run home for the night and hang out at home before leaving the next day. Also they do have some local runs for MI so that would be nice to get on to also.

The Big Decision

2008-11-18T20:38:00.002-05:00

So I have been in touch with Swift and Prime. Both sound ok and have about the same training length and pay. The only difference really is one's Refer (Prime) and the other Van (Swift). My thinking is when freight gets slow, people will still need to eat right? I hope to be driving (I know I have said this before but with my two hernias putting a cramp in my style has delayed this whole adventure) by mid December. Both Swift and Prime will take me on the 16Th. What to do? The big advantage with Swift they have a terminal about 45 mins from my home?

And a Big Thanks to Craig and Diane (Heads Carolina/Tails California) for suggesting the company they work for, but at this time they are not hiring newbies from my area. But thanks for looking out and reading my blog.

Talk at ya later

Questions To Other Truckers

2008-11-08T10:41:00.003-05:00

It looks like I will not be able to start driving till the beginning of January 09. That's the date I figured on, based on my last surgery.

Anyway the question? Is it going to be difficult to find a job for a newbie with no experience and get into their training program with a trainer in the beginning of 09? Do the bigger companies (Swift, Schneider,..) always take people on? Also how slow is the freight going to be?

Anyone with insight would be greatly appreciated. My company has laid off about a dozen people in the last 2 weeks, with more to come. So I know once I go back that should be it with them, that's if they stay alive that long.

The only luck I have is bad luck so far

2008-11-02T12:54:00.002-05:00

Well all plans once again change. I now have to have hernia surgery on my left side. I'm scheduled for this week and then I'll have about six weeks of recovery, then hopefully I get to start driving.

I cant believe it and it really gets me down. I want to start driving and get those miles under my belt.

Sorry for the long wait and a short post but just have not been myself lately with everything going on, you know.

I'll try to post next week, but it looks like the end of Dec or the new year will be around the time I start driving. At least in the snow I'll be with a trainer.

I Cant Wait Any Longer

2008-09-19T09:23:00.002-04:00

I have a bad feeling this is going to be the longest month of my life waiting to get started with my new career/way of life. The sunsets at night have been so nice, I wish I was chasing them in my Big Rig.

I have today off and next week, my girlfriend had knee surgery and I needed to use up some vacation. It works out good, I need to get several things in line for trucking. Next week like I had said before I need to go to the trucking school and get some more driving (practice), I also need to go and get a few months of Allegra since I will lose my health insurance for a few months. I have been getting other things together to like: Truckers Atlas, Big Duffel Bag for all my clothes and personal items, flash light and a few other things. I don't think taking my Lap Top is a good idea but not sure, because I know its going to be tight in the truck with the trainer. I hope I get a good trainer. Is it as bad as I think it is? I hope to take my digital camera and just take notes about my days activities and then fill in the blog when it get home or have the opportunity on the road.

I hope to have more for Monday or Tuesday. Till then.

Update

2008-09-13T13:40:00.002-04:00

I know its been a while since my last post, but nothing has really been going on. Just back to work and waiting for my last day to come. I have come to believe that my last day of work will be October 17, I will plan to start Us Xpress on the 20Th. I have some vacation time in need to use up.

I plan to go to the trucking school that I went to and get some practice time in the truck doing yard and road maneuvers. Its been a while and they don't mine if you do that, also they will set up everything for me with Us Xpress.

I have been reading several other blogs and looking at the pictures on them and cant wait to do the same.

Well like I said I plan on going to the school the week of Sept. 22 and will fill you guys in then to make sure my plan is solid.

See ya.

Endorsements

2008-08-14T09:56:00.003-04:00

Since I have been off work I have been studying the CDL manual to take my Hazmat and Tanker. At school they told us to go and get endorsements because you just never know what may come up, a new job or load and be prepared so you can keep on trucking. I went about 3 weeks ago and got fingerprinted and was cleared by the US government that I am not a threat to the US, that's good to know, right. So I went Monday and took my tests, not knowing how in depth they were going to get with the questions, I must have read the CDL book a dozen times. Some of the info in that book for me any way would take months for me to memorize, like whats reportable or not, what can and cant be stored together or stacked. I know that I will have books to reference while on the road. So thinking that they were going to be real in depth on the test questions, they were mostly general questions some in depth but most were just common and general questions that were in the book. I ended up passing the Hazmat and Tanker on the first try, yay. Then when I went up to the counter to get me license and the lady said did I want to take my double and triple trailer test to have all my endorsements. I had not really studied that section just looked if over once really quickly before hand and started to read it while waiting at SOS. I figured I would try it and see what happens. I missed it by one question. It was one of those questions if you read into it you are going to get it wrong, you know what I mean (maybe its just me). So they told me to take it again and I passed with no problems.
So I now have all three of my endorsement, and can drive near anything, so I hope it helps me out when out on the road and can pull different loads to keep me moving, Also once I get my year experience and start looking for local jobs I will have more job opportunities available.

Talk at ya later.

Joke of the Day

2008-08-08T08:48:00.002-04:00

I have to share this email with you all, it made me laugh.

-----A trucker who came into a truck stop cafe and placed his order. He said, 'I want three flat tires, a pair of headlights and a pair of running boards.'The brand new blonde waitress, not wanting to appear stupid, went to the kitchen and said to the cook, 'This guy out there just ordered three flat tires, a pair of headlights and a pair of running Boards. What does he think this place is, an auto parts store?''No,' the cook said. 'Three flat tires mean three pancakes, a pair of headlights is two eggs sunny side up, and running boards are 2 slices of crisp bacon. 'Oh, OK!' said the blonde. She thought about it for a moment and then spooned up a bowl of beans and gave it to the customer. The trucker asked, 'What are the beans for Blondie?I LOVE THIS ONE..........She replied, 'I thought while you were waiting for the flat tires, headlights and running boards, you might as well gas up!-------

Zip, thats my plan once I start driving. I want to try to share as much of the job as I can to fellow want to be's. I am new to it all so I am hoping that seeing it for the first time will be a plus to relay it through this blog.

I go back to work on Wednesday the 13th, still a little sore but think I will make it. It will be interesting when I go back and then turn my two weeks notice in. I have a bad feeling that they are going to make me wait 2 months before I can leave. We shall see.

Later and thanks for the posts, once driving I hope for more since people will have questions, request or comments.

Still Waiting, But Getting Closer

2008-07-31T09:02:00.003-04:00

Well I have two weeks left before going back to work. Once back i will let them know I'm leaving i have a feeling that they will want me to stay for about two months to train someone on my machine. So that puts me starting with US Xpress in mid October. Which is not so bad i guess, the leaves will be changing in the region i will be in and hopefully snow with my trainer for some pointers from him on how to handle the truck in the bad winter weather.

I really want to get my site going, with pictures and comments of the days events, instead of this boring stuff. I really like reading the other sites that are already posting with pictures and comments and hope that mine is going to be just as interesting to read and I can get some daily readers.

Well if anybody is reading please leave a comment or two so i now what is going on or if you like the site.

Thanks, John

The Delay

2008-07-01T09:32:00.003-04:00

Well got the scheduled date for hernia surgery, July 3. I want to get the hernia fixed, so I can set up my start date and start counting the miles. Their are some good local jobs and they all want at least 1 year experience so I need to get rolling.

How have things been out there, the miles good, the weather and so on..

Later

Update

2008-06-20T15:07:00.005-04:00

Well things have not gone the way I had planned. I got injured at work in the beginning of June right after my test, possible hernia. I have gone to the clinic several times for check ups and they keep putting me on lite duty. I have also gone and seen my family Dr and he is sending me to see a hernia specialist. Hope it is just a ligament sprain that will heal over time. I will know more Monday the main reason for the pain. I just wish I would get better so i can start with my driving career. That's all for now.

TEST DAY

2008-06-03T17:54:00.002-04:00

Well, I had my test today at 2:30pm and my nerves and traffic did not cooperate with me or so I though. I PASSED. It was pretty easy but like the instructors say don't let your nerves get the best of you and they did a little bit but made it thought it. I got the certificate and going Wednesday to Secretary of state to get my new CDL A with Air Brakes license. I also set up a date with US Xpress for the 23 of June. I will need to but my 2 weeks notice in soon. They are not going to be happy.

Well I will keep everyone posted on how things go.

Day 20 The Last Day of Class

2008-06-03T17:44:00.002-04:00

6-01-08

What a great day, the weather and the sound of a diesel truck humming through town with me in control. We were on the road for half the day and then made it back to the yard for the last time practicing yard maneuvers. The rest of your class was scheduled to test today all of them past, makes me feel good because we were all at the same level. It was nice to finish with class but at the same time I looked forward to the weekends for training and seeing friends I made in class. I will miss the good times we had and with the instructors. I highly recommend going to that school for training. Tomorrow is test day

Days 16, 17, 18 and 19

2008-05-31T17:32:00.001-04:00

I know it's been a few weeks. I have definitely been slacking on my part. I've been extremely busy between work, school and just doing other things around to prepare for US Xpress. I will just start with Day 16 of class. Our first day on the road, it was great the feeling of being behind the wheel of an 18 wheeler going through turns, double clutching, making right-hand and left-hand turns is a great feeling. There are three of us in the group, so a lot more road time. We start out by taking turns just going around the block doing four right-hand turns, coming back to the school, and switching out drivers. After lunch we were supposed to be doing the same thing four right-hand turns back to school switch out drivers. But we are told by our instructor that we were doing so well that we actually ended up doing left-hand turns with right-hand turns and going around the city.

On Day 17 we are to start doing left-hand turns and right-hand turns, we actually got to go on the highway for a little. The highway is mostly just keep it straight check your bridge heights and watching your merge lane, the real action is in the city, turning and dealing with other cars and making sure they stop behind their white lines, watching the traffic lights, turn and approaching intersections with major caution. I do notice now that there is a lot of idiots out their and I really think about it from the truckers end and what the trucker is doing and why they are slowing down or turning from that lane or setting up for red lights and doing all this while having to downshift.

Everything was going good though, the three of us were doing excellent with our double clutching, downshifting, and breaking, right-hand and left-hand turns, merging on and off the highway. I'm definitely pleased with my decision on going this route to pursue a dream I have always had.

Day 18 we made sure that our main instructor mentioned to a part-time instructor that we have been doing day 3 and 4 training, that we have already done the right-hand, left-hand, highway and so on. But the instructor said that he sticks to the book and that we would be doing these basic maneuvers. It wasn't so bad we had to go through downtown Mount Clemens in the local area; we got to see a few different things. We got bridge heights railroad tracks, left and right-hand, Michigan lefts, merge lanes and so on, so it wasn't so bad of a day, it was kind of relaxed. He let us make our own decisions on turns, in all it was a good learning.

Day 19 which is today we got our scheduled times for our test dates mine Monday, June 2 at 2:30 p.m. Today we got to go down to the track in Detroit to see where we will be going to test. Also drive around downtown practicing maneuvers. I'm excited to get it over, with saying that we only have one more day of class which is tomorrow and basically going on the road for little bit just to hone in on some final skills and then jump in the yard for the second half of the day to do our regular yard maneuvers.

I'm still trying to figure out things I need for US express before I turn my two weeks notice in at my prior job. I talked to different recruiters there, some told me the same things and others told me differently. My main recruiter hasn't called me back which is really starting to bug me. Trying to get the proper requirements before I commit. Monday my plan is going in talking to my recruiter at this training school and having him call down there on a speakerphone with me and go over every single question and/or thing that I've been told by them to verify that all information is correct. I would really like to start getting down there in the next two or three weeks I know my original plan was to go after the Fourth of July but I'm looking maybe into the last week of June. I want to get down there while my skills are still fresh and everything’s good.

I also want to get on the road so I can start doing this blog a little bit better so I can actually have pictures, showing where I have been and where I traveled through and so on and keep that regular daily log of my travels. So tomorrow's the last day of class and Monday is my test date so check back for more updates.

Day 15

2008-05-17T16:47:00.002-04:00

While today was our last day in the yard. Tomorrow is our first day on the road. I can't believe that the road is finally here, seems like we have been in the yard forever going in circles and circles. Today in the yard most of my maneuvers were very good, a little bit of trouble alley docking here and there but overall still passing with a three or a two. I think every body's nerves are maybe up a little bit because of the road tomorrow, some had trouble where they usually don't. But overall the instructor said every body's doing very well and should have no problems passing the test.

They had a new class starting today, they were in the classroom going through all the TIP questions, at their break times they would come out and watch us doing our maneuvers. I think back to when we were standing out there taking our breaks from the classroom and watching the other class do all their maneuvers thinking how am I going to drive this truck around this yard and how the hell am I going to dock this thing. While those times are behind us now, now the big thing is how the hell am I going to drive this thing around the town. I guess the answer will be tomorrow, can't wait to start learning double clutching and seeing how these things actually runs on actual pavement, with actual soccer moms, Sunday drivers and all the other great things out on the road.

Day 13 and 14 of class

2008-05-12T23:30:00.002-04:00

Saturday started out with yard maneuvers, typical alley docking, in line backing, forward stop and right-hand turn. It seems like a lot to keep doing the same yard maneuvers over and over, but like I said before I can see the importance of it once we get out into the real world. The whole class which now is seven of us have definitely come a long way in the yard since day one. Not really a whole lot of action for Saturday just round and round circle circle.

Now Sunday was a completely different story, the weather was nasty, cold and rainy and it felt like fall time in Michigan. But one upside to Sunday was that we actually did mock yard testing, we were pointed as if we were taking a real test for the actual state inspectors. Most of the class was scoring anywhere from an average of three to six points in the yard, you're allowed nine on the test to pass. Our instructor said that everybody should pass with no problems, he does not see anything that the state would be able to point us, nine or higher. I believe my first trip was two points and my next three trips were three points each.

Next Saturday is our last yard maneuver day, Sunday is the road adventure, are class is small enough so that we will divide into three students for one truck and four for the other. We will mostly be doing just right-hand turns going around the block, back to the school swapping drivers are proceeding on to make more right-hand turns. Also will be the whole new method of learning to double clutch, the instructors say mostly in the real world we will actually be floating not even using the clutch besides to take off and go into reverse. This will be something completely new to me so I am very anxious to get in the trunk and start driving and to learn it. We will have a total of four weekends driving on the last weekend which could be our last and final day we will go downtown to see the test yard where we are going to actually test and for the state inspectors. Our final day of class will be June 1, then the following week we will be assigned our test times with the state inspectors. So in the meantime I will keep practicing and memorizing my pre-trip, I feel very comfortable with all my yard maneuvers and I hope that the shifting and the actual driving of the truck goes good for me.

I'm very anxious to start with US Xpress to get on the road to see if this is something I am actually meant to do. Having class just on the weekends really gets you anxious, it's pretty much all I think about during the week, is getting back to class and practicing and practicing.

While I will keep you all posted and let you know next weekend how the actual driving went.

Day 11 & 12 Of Class

2008-05-10T06:41:00.001-04:00

I know its been awhile since my last post, but nothing new at school has been different. We spent all day Saturday and Sunday doing the whole yard course. We would start were the last student left their alley dock, pull out and into a hard right to get inside the forward stop cones, then proceed past the forward stop and into the in-line backing past the cones and then into the right hand turn. Everything would be finished off with the old famous alley dock. It was at times boring but I do know and understand how important all this is and the have as much practice as possible before the real world.

We are done to 7 of us now in class and we are all doing really well. Maybe 1 or 2 are have trouble sometimes but its not anything that they cant fix or know what they did wrong. As long as you know what you are doing wrong, shows that you have the concept, just need to hold the left or right just a touch longer or shorter. I think we will all pass the test by the state and we will all be headed to or pre-hire companies.

Well I have class today and believe we are doing the same yard course again, but with a twist. They are going to mock point us as if we were actually taking the state test. This will let everyone know where they stand with their points for the test.

Class - Day 9 & 10

2008-04-28T18:09:00.003-04:00

Well as we left off I was blowing out the far wall every time alley docking and was very frustrated at myself. I don't know how but Saturday it all came back to me. The instructor divided myself and three others from the class and set us up on the other side of the yard, as he stayed on the other side of the yard with the rest of the class and helped them out, visiting every now and then though. It was great experience we were set up close to the dock both in pull ups and distance out from the dock. We also did setups for each other and got to see how different we all see a perfect setup. After a while we started the setups a little off, so we would have to correct the setup in reverse and then get on the bend in time for the alley dock. Great practice and confidence builder. I cant wait for the big road or so I think I so.

Sunday we had a different instructor that we never had before, he taught us right hand turn and what else, more alley docking. The right hand turn has to be the easiest maneuver in the yard. We pulled out of the alley dock, went around for the right hand turn setup and then into the setup for the alley dock. Did the right hand turn with no problems and docked every time. It was a pretty laid back day, the whole class is getting it down and making the instructors look good. The one thing I need to do more is trust the bend and let the trailer walk into the dock, I sometimes have the tendency of over working the wheel and not being patient enough. It will come to me with more practice.

Next week is all four yard maneuvers alley docking, right hand turn, forward stop and straight line backing, cant wait. Its nice to be in the truck for a while doing different maneuvers all at one time.

Till next weekend.

Day 7 & 8

2008-04-22T18:06:00.003-04:00

All I can say is 90 degree alley docking.

We started Saturday with class room theory of docking, then out to the yard. It seemed easy at first, maybe because the instructor was walking with the truck telling you what to do and when. Then after a while you were on your own, I started to get the hang of it, no major mishaps that one or two pull ups couldn't fix. I left that day feeling good about docking, then came Sunday. We had a different instructor and his training is a lot more aggressive, but I don't mind that. He went over the same things on the board and he added some pointers, out to the yard. I was doing really well and was the last one to dock before lunch, nailed it perfect no pull up. But after lunch was a completely different story. I couldn't back up to save my ass. I was all over the place, then started to get really frustrated and that just made things worse. The instructor said I was doing fine, I was still getting it with one or two pull ups, but I wanted to do better. Maybe I'm just being too hard on myself, but I have always been like that when I can't get something right. Then I start to think maybe this is not for me, then my wonderful, supportive girlfriend reminds me that it is my first weekend ever alley docking and that I am being too hard on myself and that I can do this and get down alley docking, God I love her.

I still have been thinking a lot about alley docking and it is driving me insane. I want to practice more but have to wait to this weekend. So hopefully this weekend it will come back to me and things will be better.

Till then.

Day 6

2008-04-18T10:48:00.002-04:00

Sorry its been a while since last post but I've been really busy and studying the pre-trip.

The day started out with some class room lessons on straight line backing up the truck. Where to put your hands and which way to move the wheel when the trailer moves out of sight or you start to see to much trailer. You really have no idea how long the trailer is, till you are sitting their looking at the mirrors and the trailer is all the way back their and then you see the trailer move one way or the other and have to correct it. It was good practice and we spent all day doing the forward stop and straight line backing maneuvers. I was very comfortable doing both maneuvers.

Next weekend is alley docking cant wait.

5th day

2008-04-12T16:38:00.002-04:00

Today was going over pre-trip. Went through it once with the instructor and then by ourselves. After lunch did the in cab and at the end of the day the instructor unhooked and then hooked the trailer. Its alot to remember but doing it every day, I believe it will be second nature in no time.
It doesn't help my cold that today it was barely 40 degrees, windy and raining. O well that's trucking right or maybe that's just Michigan. Sorry so short I'm tired and not feeling good, need to rest up for tomorrow. We are doing straight forward and back tomorrow. Later

TIP

2008-04-12T16:31:00.002-04:00

Well I took my TIP test Friday and passed the general info on my first try. The air brakes and combo took me two tries. It was pretty easy, I think the reason I didn't pass them on the first try, I was in a hurry and not reading the questions all the way. I recommend taking your time and re-reading the questions and taking your time. O another thing is and this is not an excuse, I came down with a sinus infection and have a congested head and headaches, does not make for the best test taking experience. Trust Me. The most important thing is I got me TIP and know where I made the mistakes.

Make Up Day 3&4

2008-04-08T18:25:00.002-04:00

Well today was my make up class to go over the TIP questions and let me just tell you it was more like recruiter city. They had four different recruiters scheduled for today, so I asked the instructor what is going on. I took today off of work for the TIP review and I have to sit here and listen to all the recruiters go over their sales pitch, he said they were not all suppose to be here today, likely two canceled and the other two were quick and easy. Actually the one was from the company I pre hired with. Lets see if everything the school and the recruiters has told me holds true, if not I'm sure I will let you know.

Other than that is was a pretty mellow day. Went over questions from the TIP for a few hours and then went over some of the instructors actual experiences on the road from his career. We also watch a video on how to keep your cool on the road when all the soccer moms cut you off or the idiots trying to multi-task when driving. Also how in some cities it can get dangers when people want to steal your cargo or the whole rig and to be very aware of your surroundings at all times and don't fall for the pranks of the burglars.

Well that's all till Friday when I go to the SOS office for my TIP test.

If anyone has a question and or comments, please feel free to email me at anytime, would like to hear from a least someone so I am not doing this just for me.

Later

Day Two of Class

2008-04-06T17:01:00.000-04:00

Today started out with watching an academy award winning video. It was about fatigue, eating right, whistle blower hot line and logs. It was actually an ok video to watch, it makes you think that you can get out of shape real quick sitting on your but all day and not exercising. I would like to plan on walking when the weather is good or a least parking by a Cabela’s, Gander Mountain or even Best Buy to walk around and look. I know that when I feel fatigue come on that I will not chance it, I can’t believe that some drivers just keep pushing on and on, what they are thinking.

Then we took a short test about the CDL licenses it was open book, it was 54 questions but it felt like 100’s. The book that contained all the answers had to have been written by a lawyer for sure. It had all that 302.44 of sub 1234 of part ABC or something like that.

Then after lunch it was on to maps and routing. That was fun and a piece of cake, I can see myself keeping good notes for that days route and more importantly the route to get to a certain dock, so the next time I have to go their and it was tricky I will have my handy little notes to get my there.

We watched the other class drive in the yard for a little bit. They were doing straight, forward and back, right turns and 90 degree docking, some of the guys had it and some did not. It makes me wonder if I will get it or not, I hope so. It looked harder then it probably is?

Well I have my make up class Tuesday about the TIP and then on Friday I will take my TIP test with the SOS. Hope all goes well. I will fill everyone in on Wednesday how the make up class was. Hope someone is reading this?

First Day of Class

2008-04-05T19:28:00.002-04:00

Well today was my first class and over all, it went well. First half of the morning we went over log books and the 11/14, 10 and 60/70 hour rules. It is all starting to make since to me, after reading all the info from Pumpkindriver.com. If you ever get the chance to go on that site and just search for hours and ask questions, it will help in the long run, trust me I did and very grateful for it.

The second half we talked a little more about logs and got into some of the things we will see in real trucker life on the road like docks,shippers,and of course 4x4. What to do if the dock is indoors (use a flash shinning back at you to see where your going, I learned that from once again Pumpkindriver.com) and you cant see where your going when backing in. We were shown over heads of how to straight backup and making right hand turns. Some of it is kind of making me nervous especially when were out side on break and the other class is driving in the lot.

I talked to the instructor and he has a new class starting on Monday and they will be covering everything I missed from the previous weekend on Tuesday, so I am going to use a personal day at work and sit in on his class. The info I missed was about obtaining my Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) and will be good that I can sit in so I can learn about the TIP and then take the test that Friday and have that out of the way too. We need the TIP for when we go on the road which he said that would be on May 18th, yikes.

Tomorrow he said we are going to touch on pre-trip and do some mapping and routing. Sounds like fun and cant wait. Well I will let you know how it goes tomorrow.

Not How I Wanted To Start Out

2008-03-31T17:06:00.004-04:00

Well I was to start class over the weekend but had a family thing happen that took me out of town. I had mentioned it to the school before hand, that this may happen and they mentioned missing the first weekend was ok, since it mostly consisted of getting your DOT and drug test. That's why I got all of that out of the way previously just to be on the safe side, glad I did.

I really wanted to be in class and start learning, I just hope this week doesn't drag on so I can actually start learning the big truck this weekend.

Sorry for a short post, hope to have more this weekend.

Everything is in Place

2008-03-22T23:20:00.002-04:00

3-21-08
Well I heard back from USTDTS and everything is all set for a start date of March 29, 2008. I will have to stop by their next week to sign the loan papers to make that final. I received a post card from USX and called but the recruiter that was on the post card is out of town till Tuesday so I will try back then. I was told by the school that they just want to verify my personal information for my file and to put a tentative start date down on paper. I’m looking to give them a start date of July, 2nd or 3rd week, which should give me time to turn in my notice at work and get things situated around the house.

I more then likely will not have any new info till I talk to USX, so till then.

Waiting for Information

2008-03-22T23:19:00.001-04:00

3-18-08
Ah, the good old waiting game. I have not heard anything from anyone yet. It would be nice to hear something for some insurance. I want to hear and speak with USX to ensure I have a job waiting and I have a few questions I would like answered.

If at any time you have questions and or comments about me or this site email me, I would like to know if anybody is even reading, (did anybody hear me or am I all alone).

Sorry for a short line today but like I said still waiting.

3-19-08
Still waiting, I did leave a message for USTDTS for my recruiter hoping that he had my loan all set and pre hire was ok, he did say he was going to call me back on the Friday that I had my physical and drug test. I will let you know.

My Pre Hire and About the Training

2008-03-22T23:16:00.002-04:00

3-14-08
So my day started out by going to USTDTS and getting forms so I could go get my physical and drug test taken. While I was at the school I handed over my pre hire application for USX, filled out the paper work for the loan and completed registering. I was then all set with the school as long as I passed my physical and drug test. I went right from the school to the testing center. I was there for about an hour. I passed my physical with no problems and they had to send my drug test out for the results. I will have no problem passing that. So with my DOT card in hand I am ready to start training on March 29th.

I was told by USTDTS I will hear something from USX on the pre hire within the next couple days. Today is Saturday so I’m thinking Monday or Tuesday and it should not be a problem to get a pre hire. Once I receive my pre hire letter I will need to call them and discuss an orientation day. I should be done with training in the first week of June and I’m thinking of starting with them in July. This way I have enough time to give notice at my current job and then let the new life begin.

I said I would talk more about the school. I choose the 160hour and the weekend schedule. They have an 80 hour (it does not cover the paper work, like logs and mapping) and 160. You can go during the week (M-F/ 8:30am-4:30pm) or weekends (Saturday and Sunday 8:30am-4:30pm) depending on what length of class depends on the length of weeks, you can do the math. I’m going for 10 weekends, 16 hours in one weekend to equal 160 hours total. I will start March 29th and end in the beginning of June depending on weather we take memorial weekend off or not. They start new classes for the weekend about every 8 weeks. For the cost, it can very for the 80/160 hour and if you want to finance or pay cash. I choose to finance the training and the total was just under $6000.00.

Now when I pay the tuition back it’s going to be around $200 a month, but USX has tuition reimbursement, as long as you work for them they will pay $150 (total of $5400) to the lender for the length you are with them and you pay $50 a month. If at any time you leave USX they will stop paying the $150, you owe them nothing back and you have no comment with them, but your payment will go back to $200. Now if you pay cash USTDTS knocks off about $2000.00 of the $6,000.00. USX will then only pay up to $3400 and the $150 goes directly to you.

I really like knowing that I can walk away with this option so I’m not tied into them if I don’t like it their and want to go to a different place, almost all of the trucking companies have a tuition reimbursement program set up.

Made My Mind Up

2008-03-22T23:13:00.001-04:00

2-24-08 – 3-10-08
Well it’s been a while I no, but I have been doing a lot more research. I applied to Driver Solutions and liked what they had to offer. I reviewed all the info they sent and spoke with a recruiter their. That’s when things rubbed me the wrong way. He sounded like he was reading from a template that he and his coworkers read to every caller. The other thing was a big commitment with them to get tuition paid back, plus to be away from home for so long to train and then training on the road too. I know I am going to be gone, that’s not the problem it’s just training out of state when I can train here in my home town, less then 4 miles from my door step.

So that’s why I decided to go with US Truck Driving Training School (USTDTS) and I will tell you why. I meet with this company a few years ago when I planned on joining the trucking industry, but when I got home and presented it to who then was my wife. She thought I was out of my mind and made me throw everything in the trash. I had a good feeling about them when I left so I decided to meet with them again. Turns out I met with the same guy that I met with years ago. Good to know, guess it’s a good company to work for? Any way after going through all the scheduling, companies, money, I decided to sign up with them. They also have a pre hire with different trucking companies, so when you are finished with training and pass, you go to work for your pre hired company. Guaranteed job, that sounds too good to be true.

I plan to go on the weekends at USTDTS for my training it will be 10 weekends long, I plan to start on March 29, 2008 and I believe if everything goes well, I will be done in June. I also plan to start with my pre hired trucking company in the beginning of July so that will give my more time to see where work is heading to know if I made the right move or not.

I had told USTDTS that I wanted to stay local or regional if possible. He said local right now is very difficult in Michigan plus I would need a least 6months of on the job training. The best regional with home time turns out to be US Xpress (USX). They are paying $0.35 a mile and you will be out 7-10 days, then home 3 days and after 6 months they will place you in a local/dedicated route if one is available. They seem to have very good benefits and equipment for a newbie starting out, guess I will find out and you will to, if anybody is even reading this. You can also visit their web site just goggle US Xpress. This will be my pre hire company.

I have to go to the school on Friday March 14 to get my paper work to take my DOT physical and drug test. Once I pass both tests then I can proceed with my application for the pre hire and loan for training. I will let you know how the whole process goes and talk more about the cost to go to USTDTS and tuition reimburse with USX.

SNI Letter

2008-03-22T23:10:00.001-04:00

2-23-2008
Well I heard from SNI and what a disappointment. I letter they sent basically said that they had more then enough qualified people then me and I would not be considered for a driving position at this time. I fell like I was rejected from Community College. Come to find out after I called, they are not hiring in the Michigan area right now, no biggy.

The Ball is Rolling

2008-03-22T21:25:00.003-04:00

2-22-2008
I have not received any information from the local trucking school and its really bumming me out. I really wanted to read up on the company, the training, the class schedule and cost, before I setup an interview and sign with them for training. Hopefully I will here something or receive something tomorrow.

I should hear from Schneider tomorrow to. When I filled out the online application, I told them to contact me on Saturday because of me work schedule. I have several questions for them and hope it will give me the right direction to go.

I real am excited to hear something from either one, to get the ball rolling or should I say the 18 wheels rolling. I believe I will take this new job and turn it in to a lifestyle. I remember when I drove a straight truck for 2 years, when we got to the job site to unload the cabinets and start the install, I had always wished I could just unload and keep on trucking to the next site. I know things will be different but the driving part will be the same I hope, because I liked it a lot.

Well I will wait to see what happens tomorrow.

The Start

2008-03-21T11:01:00.001-04:00

Just to fill you all in and thanks for stopping by.

I am not currently driving yet. I am still getting all my information together for training to get my CDL and a job. Once that is in place I plan on starting to drive in July 08. At that time the site will consist of my daily driving experiences with traffic, different docks, and 4X4’s and so on. I would also like to post a daily picture of one of those experiences. I hope it will be interesting that you will want to read and get a true feel of what it’s like on the road, remember it will all be new to me also. I am currently writing a little bit about me and my experiences as I start to get ready for training. Wish me good luck.

A look back, I am 30 years old (today’s date 2-20-2008) and have always wanted to know what’s its like to actually sit behind the wheel of an 18 wheeler. I looked into lots of different CDL training schools to get my CDL and look for local jobs. But a lot of the jobs want OTR experience, so I thought I would go to a company that has free training with them, as long as you sign a contract and stay with that company for a certain length of time. But did I want to be gone all the time or is it not that bad? So I got a date set up 5-6 years ago and sat down with one of the local training companies in my area and went over the training schedule, job availability, fees and length of training. I was married at that time and when I came home to present all the information from the school, my wife thought it was the dumpiest idea that anyone in this world could have and shot it down like it was her job. So needless to say driving was out of the question.

Well its 2008 and Michigan’s economy is in bad shape and my current job will be coming to possible end in August if we don’t land any new clients soon. I have been a residential carpenter since 1994 and liked what I did and excelled in the carpentry trade. I moved to a few different jobs, but they were all in the construction trade and the work was their and everyone was busy. Now with times how they are now its looking bad and I’m trying to prepare for the worst, losing my job.

I have been reading a lot of forums and researching different website on the trucking trade. I have spoken and requested information from the same local training facility and have scheduled a meeting/interview with them for this Saturday. I have also applied with Schneider (the Pumpkin ) in hopes that I can arrange a date for hire once I finish my CDL training or if the local training company gives my a bad feeling this weekend I can just go straight to Schneider for my training and career in June. If everything works out with the local training company, my plan would be to start weekend training in mid march or first of April, the training would last 10 weekend and class is on Saturday and Sunday from 830am – 430pm. When the 10 weeks are up in mid June I will be able to get a local job through the local training school. If not that is were Schneider will come into play. I can get my driving experience through them and then look for local jobs in my home town Detroit. The training on the weekends will let me ride out my current job as long as I can to see if things might turn around and we land the big client, future looking not good. So I wait to receive the information from the local training company and get all my questions together for Saturday to see where my future will lead.