Profile For JJ

I know the geometry is the same regardless of transmission. Maybe it’s just the difference between a Freightliner and a Volvo and not the transmission. Having attended the same school as OP if they’re running the same truck fleet, I’m just saying he may need time getting adjusted before the road test. I had issues getting a feel for the freightliner(auto) truck over the Volvo, being speed control. Either too fast or too slow in the auto truck. Plus you need to remember chocks for air brake test on an auto. Under hood variations for pre trip. Experienced drivers already know what to do but the school curriculum is a lot to take in for the amount of time. There isn’t really much room for mistakes at the DMV

I would like JJ to explain the difference in backing a manual vs an automatic, too. I never encountered a difference in geometry with either type. In my observations, backing is backing.

Property management companies would love to take on your house. It's minimal work on their end. Having worked in this field single family homes are easy especially if its owner occupied and just needs periodic check ups.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

The house sitting & Air B&B are probably not for me. A security system is a must and todays systems being more than just burglar alarms should be able to alert to something like a furnace outage. Perhaps it's more of a property management company question although one small house might not be worth their while. BK is correct in that I should be able to get back periodically. It's really just a question of peace of mind knowing that if something happens when I am hundreds of miles away, I have someone to call upon to get it taken care of. The local security system company might know of someone. My lawn guy is not close by and our local post office likely does not have the personal level of service that Laura's does!

Brad

I decided on automatic for all my road rides but learned most backing maneuvers in a manual. There is no entry level job that pays enough for me to think about shifting while moving a vehicle this big, especially during the road test where free wheeling and throttle consistency is important. Plus most carriers are switching to automatics due to costs so it's not like a job will be hard to find. You can always have the auto restriction removed later down the line.

If you do switch to automatic make sure you do it soon. Idk what trucks they're running in Buffalo but NTTS Syracuse autos are Freightliner and manual are Volvos. They take time getting used to for maneuvers. It took me a good 2 weeks to get offset after going from a manual Volvo to an auto Freightliner. My see side and parallel was still hit or miss during the road test. I could do it perfect in the Volvo.

I obtained my Class A CDL not too long ago. Due to some personal problems, I couldn't jump into driving full time. I'm going back to school to complete my degree but I am exploring the possibility of driving part time when I'm not in school. I was in the talks with Swift and a few other smaller regional carriers that were happy to take me on knowing my situation.

I'm asking since recruiters don't always tell the full truth. My questions for anybody who has driven or drives part-time: - how consistent are miles working PT? Does the industry generally use PT drivers as spot fillers? - are there issues getting back home on time regardless FT/PT?

I would be working weekends, possibly a weekday or two - then full time during breaks. Obviously school takes priority over the job, so I can't risk any possibility of being stuck out on the road. Having no experience in trucking, I don't know what to expect. Hoping some of the veteran drivers can shine some light on this. Trying to decide if I should pursue the trucking industry or just take a sales associate job for now.