Profile For Catherine G.

I'm 58 and just got my cdl last winter and have been driving for 3 months. I like it but must admit I have an easy job as trucking jobs go. I work for a retailer with its own fleet and just run between 2 distribution centers averaging just over 13,000 miles/month.

I never liked night driving but had no choice when I got my trucking job 3 months ago. First it took about a month just to get used to the hours, I was always a morning person.

Now I actually don't mind driving at night, maybe even like it. Obviously there is less traffic. Also you don't have the drivers that drive you crazy. The ones who cut across 3 lanes of traffic at top speed to make their exit and other stupid manuvers.

And I'm getting into AM radio and at night you can pick up plenty of stations.

I'm just starting my first trucking job this week. I'm hauling for a hardware company that has their own trucks. One of the reasons I wanted this job was because its close to home with a dedicated run and home every other day, if only for a few hours. And the pay is better than any trucking company pays. I get a good base pay (about $550/week) plus mileage and layover pay (I get paid for the inconvenience of sleeping in the truck). My instructors at CDL school said they would consider quitting their instructor jobs for the deal I got. Most new drivers for this company earn about $42k and are home every day delivering to hardware stores at night. I'll earn more because I long haul to another distribution center.

Don't be afraid to look beyond the usual companies. Check out local companies that serve a big area. Some local (NE PA) companies serve grocery stores and convenience stores in PA and neighboring states and seem to pay better than the big national carriers. Most of these type jobs are 100% touch freight which isn't for everyone but you take the bad with the good. Not all take new drivers but some do.

research, research, research

The company is going to hire me anyway, no test. They said "don't worry about it, he(the Dr) does that a lot".

Its a good job, great pay and benefits. Pay is base+ mileage+some other stuff. Its a dedicated run, home every other night, even during training. With the base pay you still get paid if you're stuck sitting somewhere due to weather or mechanical stuff etc. Even if the route is cancelled and you don't even leave the terminal you at least get the base pay.

I'm excited. New drivers just don't get these kinds of jobs.

Emmanuel,

If you're not working and collecting unemployment or if your income is low, you should be eligible for Workforce Investment Act (WIA). It's a Federal program administered through state employment offices for job training. It fully paid for my CDL including all the tests and endorsements.

I have an appointment to see my primary care Dr in 2 weeks. They're not familiar with home testing. I called the DOT doctor's office and they've never heard of home testing and will only accept a sleep clinic assessment which is out of the question.

I'm still waiting to hear from the company that hired me but it looks like I'm going to be out of a job.

I wish I knew about this before I went to CDL school.

I went for a DOT physical to start a new job and was told I have to take a sleep apnea test because of my BMI (essentially overweight). I have no insurance and they are extremely expensive. There are a couple at home tests that you can buy online that are advertised as DOT approved. Does anyone have experience with these?