Profile For Kero

So I was in training as a Paver driver, my first job as a driver. I was hella happy and REALLY looking forward to learning all of the skills needed to do the job. This company has many different types of trucks, and I was looking forward to learning how to drive them all.

After 2 days of free driving, I felt I was ready to go out on my own. My boss told me to take a truck out and go free driving again, and when I got back, I would start my transfer training.

I got the key from the conex, went, and did a pre-trip. Then, during my pre-trip, my parking brake light was blinking at me. I didn't understand this code, so I went to ask him about it. Short answer: The passenger door was slightly open. He gets upset when I tell him I forgot to check the hydraulic fluid, and tells me pre-trips are NOT practical in the REAL WORLD of trucking because I would never get any work done if I do a pre-trip every day. I am new, and I thought he wanted this done.

I did my free driving, and I felt bad for making a mistake. SO I apologized to him for making that mistake and said I would do better.

He let me go, saying I didn't have enough "real-world experience" when he knew I was fresh out of trucking school.

Now, I am really confused... and kinda ****ed up mentally, as I dont know what I ACTUALLY did to deserve to be let go... he said after a year "check back in with me, after you get some real world experience." When I pushed, he said "it was a gut feeling he had that I wouldn't be a good fit", and "it was personal." Which I didn't understand at all.

I thought I was SUPPOSED to do a pre-trip on the trucks I drive... a pre- and post-trip ... to make sure it's safe... but clearly NOT.

So, are there other things that "are NOT practical in the REAL WORLD of trucking?" As I don't want to go through this again... I was so excited about the possibilities of trucking and all the things I would learn... but idk...

First, I want to say THANK YOU to everyone for your feedback and support. Your encouragement has meant a lot to me throughout this journey.

I officially earned my CDL with an X endorsement and am now working on my doubles and triple endorsements. I was recently hired by a paving/road construction company for my first job in the industry, and I’m hopeful that everything goes well. This is a major step forward, and I plan to build on this experience to move into Hazmat or heavy hauling in the near future.

Getting my Hazmat endorsement was a challenge for a few reasons:

1. My background in government and State Department work complicated the process.

2. The DMV was unclear on whether I needed ELDT hazmat training since my CDL school covered it but wasn't certified for that specific training. I ended up going through ELDT.com, the only trusted provider I could find that wasn’t a scam (highly recommend them).

3. My weapons charges raised concerns, but I cleared this by providing proof that they were related to my non-military government protection service.

Interestingly, my RSO status never came up when I spoke with the TSA agent about my background. When I asked, he told me that because I was non-violent and had proven my innocence on 26 of 27 charges, neither the TSA nor DHS saw it as a concern. It was a relief to hear that my past wouldn’t be an obstacle in this field.

Parole Update:

For the sixth time, I have been put up for early discharge from parole. It’s incredibly difficult for an RSO to even be considered for early discharge, and rightfully so—for those who are truly guilty. In the past, I was denied due to lacking a job, stable housing, and a few other requirements.

Now that I have a steady job and a new home and have met all my goals, I am hopeful that I’ve finally earned my discharge. If all goes well, I plan to leave the United States for good within the next two years. The prospect of starting fresh in a new country from the corruption, free from the restrictions and lies placed on me here, is something I’ve been working toward for a long time.

Through everything, I’ve learned that persistence is key, and no matter how difficult the road has been, I refuse to let my past others have created for me to define me. I'm looking forward to what’s ahead and am determined to make the most of the opportunities in front of me.

As far as the job, you'll likely get an hourly rate, which will depend on where you live; you'll be moving slowly, spreading asphalt used in repaving roads. Paychecks will be really good, but then everyone gets laid off when construction season is over, so save, or when that happens, get your OTR experience and spend a year or so you can really have options. It's road construction, drinking water, and preparing for 300° asphalt. If you don't know how to avoid heat exhaustion, then please learn. I worked next to and with these crews for two construction seasons. Before I decided, I needed a career and to make less money now so I could make more money later getting my CDL and now being a solo OTR trucker will lead me back home probably hauling milk or crude oil for $40+ an hour while you might make $21/hour in the same area. Milk is year-round, while construction is seasonal. If you can't make the sacrifice now, just keep that in mind. You got the job because no one with a CDL and better options really wants it. Sorry, I'm just being honest.

Hey, thank you very much for this. From my understanding, I will be driving a Transfer truck, a dump truck with a transfer trailer. I am happy to be able to get the driving experience, which I had no professional driving experience with before. I have a local outfit also looking at me, but they want 6 months to a year of driving experience, so my current plan is to do the paver for a season, then in the winter, do the local outfit as they said that would be ok after I have some experience.

I currently have my Hazmat and Tanker, but no one will touch me without 2+ years of driving experience at least not that I can find. Dairy isn't hiring right now. I am hoping that opens up soon, but they only hire once every 5 or 10 years when people leave.

I value honesty over all other things, thank you.