Profile For John C.

Well, you have to start somewhere, I researched schools and company sponsored, and choose to go the route of a school, No I did not shoot my self in the foot, I feel like I made the right choice, for what my goals are.

I totally agree with PackRat.

No school, private or company sponsored teaches a student how-to be a safe and proficient truck driver. They all teach what is required to pass the CDL A tests. That’s it, nothing more.

So I put a deposit down on trucking school, starts first part of March,, I could have done it sooner, but it gets cold out here in the Boston area. I was getting overwhelmed, with all the info on trucking out there, so I said to myself, hell with it I am just going to sign up for school and take it as it comes. I know what I want, in terms of a schedule, home daily, short routes, ect. Going with a company sponsored program didn't appeal to me, I think I will have more options if I just go to trucking school. So, I am not going to get overwhelmed with things and just take it as it comes. I turn 60 in January, after a 30 plus years as a painting contractor,,, So ready for a Change!

Ohh, thats great, sounds like a perfect fit, Thats what I would like to do, LTL and dedicated routes, There is so much info out there, I am sure I will find a my place Thanks!

Welcome John!

I believe there are options for you that would reduce the amount of contiguous time driving.

Many Dedicated accounts require shorter drives, but have multiple stops throughout the route.

I was running Walmart Dedicated with Swift for 8+ years. Typically drove a maximum of 3 hours to my first stop, and from there the stops (up to 5 additional) were typically clustered within a 30-45 minute radius. Swift, Schneider, HB Hunt, US Express and other mega carriers have dedicated routes.

LTL is your other option. I know for a fact YRC will hire and train rookies. Line haul could be an option and like many dedicated accounts your drive is broken up; for example 4 hours to your drop sight, grab a new set and drive the return trip of 4 hours.

Due to a life change decision to move; I now shuttle doubles for Performance Food Group. I make 2-3 round trips per night, each trip is less than 3 hours. They are a national company and will hire and train rookies.

Please realize you can take a short break on any driving job if you need a coffee, rest room break or just get out of the cab to walk around. In fact I strongly suggest doing that for anyone trying to establish driving endurance.

I won’t bore you with all the details...point is; due to the current state of affairs in the trucking industry, rookie drivers have more options available to them now.

That said...please take a look at these links and invest some time reading the material. It will help establish a knowledge base, set realistic expectations and provide necessary training for passing the CLP exam.

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

Ask as many questions as you like. We are here to assist. Best of luck!

Thats encouraging Davy I use to love to ride my motorcycle,,, although I just sold it,,, Keeping my mind active is important, so knowing I will have to be constantly aware is a good thing.

I was a contractor for 30 plus years before starting on this career. If you were anything like the rest of the construction industry, driving kills us, so we just wanted to get it over and done with.

I find driving the truck to be much closer to riding a motorcycle. It requires constant negotiating and vigilance. My mind is constantly playing what if scenarios like on a bike, and there is a constant source of adjustments that must be made, speed control, hills, Jake brakes, curves and turns. Plus, I Know I can't out maneuver, out brake nor out accelerate a car so theres no point in even playing the traffic game.

I find it therapeutic to drive, you sit up above cars and go slow enough to take scenery coupled with the skills improvement and challenges.

Hi All I am currently debating on getting my cdl, I want to make a career change after 30 years as a painting contractor. I dont mind at all being by myself all day, but I am concerned about sitting in a truck for 8-12 hours a day. I know I can even get really frustrated while driving in a car for two hours. Is there a difference knowing you are getting paid while driving? How have any of you new or experienced truck drivers adjusted to the long hours of driving? Its my biggest concern, so it will be a decision maker for me. I will be 60 years old the end of January, so have mellowed out over the years. Thanks!

I have 11 years clean n sober. Was a contractor for 30 years. I just switched to trucking this year. Loving it. The principles of the program definitely help in making a career in this.

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

Truck Driver's Career Guide

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the feedback I just need to bite the bullet and sign up for the class, its not easy making a change after 30plus years doing the same kind of work. Congrats on 11 years Davy!

Hey you all I am considering a new career in trucking I plan on getting my CDL A. I was a painting contractor for many years and am ready to make a change. Also clean and sober 32 years, I would like to hear from other sober truckers for feedback. Or thoughts from anyone on starting a new career in trucking. I will be 60 in January. Thanks!