Profile For Just Nate

Hello all. My name is Nate and I am from Columbus Ohio. I'm in CDL school and haven't started driving anything yet. Driving and being on the open road is something that I've always loved doing. I have a few family members that were truck drivers and always considered it when I was growing up. As a young adult I drove box trucks for a little bit, but being stupid I crashed one, and fortunately, nobody or anything besides the bumper got hurt. A few years have gone by and I'm a little older now and more responsible. I've never really been afraid of driving. I have chronic PTSD. Now that I am getting ready to drive, I find myself being slightly terrified of the trucks and the thought of potentially hurting someone. I'm now as cautious of a driver as can be, and I don't take any risks, but for some reason find myself thinking about the old accident and am developing a fear of the trucks before I even get in them, both for their size, and their potential to hurt others. I am determined to overcome this fear, and make a career out of doing something that could potentially be so rewarding for both me and my family. I was wondering if anybody has ever been in a similar situation, could offer any advice, or just any experience. Thank you for whoever took the time to read and respond to this.

Hello all. I am starting driving school a week from today and I am very eager to get started training and learning. I have driven 26 foot box trucks before, but have no experience driving anything the size of a semi or anything with a trailer before. I'm very excited and eager to get started. Is there anything anyone could suggest that I can start doing now to make sure I am as prepared as possible for when school starts? I want to start doing anything I can now to make sure I'm as prepared as possible for tests as well as for when I get to the yard. Thank you all for your time and I appreciate any advice you all would be willing to provide.

Hello all. I'm looking at getting my class A CDL in January of 2024. I'm trying to consider if a job in this industry is right for me and my family. My girlfriend and I just got engaged and will be planning our wedding for the same year. Considering I am going to be fresh in my marriage, home time is very important to me, as I am sure it is important to all who work in the industry. I've been looking up jobs in the area to see what is available and what I can expect (I live in Columbus Ohio for reference). I know for example that Dollar General has local and regional routes and is openly hiring new drivers. I know that starting out in long haul trucking is often recommended, but is it possible to start your career working local or regional routes? Money is not an issue, so I am not as worried about signing a contract with a company to pay off the cost of the CDL program. Thank you to anyone willing to take the time to answer my question and share your advice; I very much appreciate it.