Profile For Cactus Mo~

he went flying down that off ramp so fast I about had a heart attack

It's interesting you say that because it reminded me of something I had intended to mention.

When you're getting ready to move over and exit, look ahead to make sure you have a safe way out in case you can't make the exit ramp. A couple of times over the years I moved over to take the exit and couldn't get slowed down to a speed I was comfortable with before hitting the ramp so I never hit the ramp. I continued straight onto the shoulder of the highway, accelerated, blended back in and kept going. Went up to the next exit and turned around - no harm done. Could I have made it safely off the ramp? Probably. But probably isn't good enough. It would have been too dangerous to attempt.

Split second decisions like that are tough to make if you let your ego get in the way or you base your decisions on wishful thinking. It's a little embarrassing to miss an exit ramp as a professional driver but it's a lot better than wrecking. And as much as I would have liked to think I could have managed to make it around those ramps safely, the truth is I really wasn't sure and I'm not the type to say, "Oh I'm sure it will be fine" and go for it. If I'm not sure and it's too risky then I simply didn't do it.

I agree that you have to be alert and make those kind of decisions at a split moments notice. This student I was referring to was just joy riding and thought it was funny. I didn't think it was so fun and neither did the instructor.

When I was in school last year it seemed every instructor was different. One instructor would get upset if we slowed down or downshifted before we were completely in the turn lane the others seemed to not care one way or the other as long as it was done safely. So I got used to waiting until my trailer cleared the lane and then start my downshifting and slowing down. I also think that some things to consider would be the area you are in. I currently live in Oregon by the coast and the Interstates are completely different from those in South Carolina or Georgia so reading signs is a major plus and pay attention to everything! Common Sense plays in here.. I remember a student we had.. funny but scary story.. he was driving along on the interstate and the instructor had told him to take such and such exit well he went flying down that off ramp so fast I about had a heart attack and I think the instructor did too. Lets just say it was a while before he was allowed back on the interstate.

Well I have been accept to a school and before I divulge which one I will wait until my husband and I get paid to make a final decision. I have a tentative date of Sept 29 I have been at this once before but life got in the way. I am very confident that I can do this! I am so ready to test for my CDL Permit its not even funny but I have been told not to. My physical is still good but I was told they probably will do a new one. I am only planning on doing the required endorsements (for now) but that may change throughout school. I know that there is some negative regarding this company but I had to find something that would work for ME. I have checked many many offers. I have researched until I could no more. I will let everyone know how it goes . Please go and like my page on Facebook so that you be sure to get all of my updates. https://www.facebook.com/truckdrivindiva73

I liked FFE Academy, but my preference was Celadon's school. They had not contacted me. However, they immediately sent me a Confirmation Letter and accepted me right away. I also prefer to begin my career with hauling dry van instead of temperature controller van.

Basically, Celadon was quicker in their replies to my application. FFE still wanted some more documents. Celadon has a terminal in my hometown while KLLM/FFE doesn't and Celadon has more customers in my hometown. That means that they bring freight to my hometown.

There are more advantages over FFE Academy:

1. Celadon pays for three meals a day while FFE provides two meals a day.

2. Celadon does not charge any administration fees.

3. Celadon pays the CDL Test while FFE requires me to bring $70 for the CDL Test.

4. Quality Drivers have a Self-Paced Program. The minimum of school training is three week; however, if someone needs three months to pass their CDL Test, they will give that time. FFE will send you home if you don't pass the CDL Test. I am not planning to take that long, but I like this approach.

5. I have never been in Laredo, TX. This is a chance to explore this place.

Yesterday, I got my Class A Licence. In Texas, I need to have the Class A Driver's Licence before I am eligible for the CDL testing.

In order to get the Class B you just need to pass the Texas Special Requirement Test. It is a test similar to the Rules and Regulations Exam from the TruckingTruth High Road Practice Tests, but for Texans.

In order to turn Class C into Class A, I need to pass Texas Special Requirement Test and the Combination Vehicle Test.

Class A allows me to drive private Combination Vehicles, but not Commercial Combination Vehicle or any other Commercial Truck.

This is the last post in this thread. I have another thread where I will write down my reports as soon my training begins.

I am by no means trying to discourage you from Celadon however I have been there and from what I hear nothing has changed so please be prepared to wait quite a while. Things were so disorganized there it was unbelievable. And you do realize the team obligation?

I have been talking to Dart Transit for their school and employment. Does anyone know anything about them?

is it a full CDL school or just OTR training? Dart from what I hear is a good company!

Anyone got information or experience with schools in Oregon?

What part of Oregon? Portland has a few very good ones. Elite, Western Pacific, and IITR all of them accept WIA funding or WorkSource Oregon. They do not provide housing or food though. These are some of the best I would say.

Quality Drivers (Celadon) contacted me and confirmed that they accept me for school. I am going to start probably 8 September, 2014.

What happened to FFE? and yes KLLM did take them over.

Ok. So ive been at quality drivers for almost 3 weeks now. I have experienced the exact same thing this place is very unorganized and its now 2 years into its opening. The only difference now is the 50 dollar gift card thing has stopped due to ppl cashing in for liquor and ruining the hotels. The dorms are built and ready but there are still ppl all over town in hotels. I have no experience on even shifting so ill be here awhile. I have a long road but anyone coming here with no experience is not a good idea. Id like to know is it worth the hassel?

I will be perfectly honest here without trying to bash.. I was there in May of 2013 I was also promised the 3-4 weeks of training and then out with a trainer. Nope! I kept waiting while all of my classmates and newer classmates passed me by.. I asked instructors and directors what I was doing wrong.. I was scoring high on everything I did.. no answer. Then the female instructor informs me I am up next to test .. I was so freaking excited (mind you at this point it had been 9 weeks). well to my dismay it never freaking happened!! I was bummed.. went back to the hotel .. I missed home, my husband everything! I was angry that I had been lied to. Not only that but I was out of cash and broke! I went back to the office the following morning and requested a bus ticket home; that was the last I wanted to do with Celadon! Our class was probably the most supportive of the classes I had seen there. We helped each other, supported each other and rooted for each other! The rest of them were there to party, get drunk and be stupid! It is so sad that the hotel (Quality Inn Greenfield) Had done so much to make us feel at home that it was ruined by these brain dead losers no offense.. I went there to learn a trade and I was really good at it! I left simply because I couldnt afford it anymore. But heads are high I am going back to another school and getting this done.. its time for me to live my dream!

I think no matter what course you go through, your potential employers could do a more involved test, so consider that too. I don't have to worry about it, but if I did, I wouldn't leave anything to chance.

Have you checked with Celadon? When I was there I noticed how layed back and quick to forgive they were as long as you dont have a dirty UA now.. there were tons of guys who had issues in the past and they waived it.. all they do is a UA and they look at each case individually.. its worth talking to them. If I remember right they talked about no felonies in the past 3 years we did not do fingerprinting unless you were hazmat it was a simple background check form and then of course DMV check and then the UA for the physical and regular physical checking bp, eyes, height, weight, and joints then you go into a little room the doc asks about your medical history and signs the paperwork and your back to class in about 2 days you get your medical card and start testing at the DMV It was really easy there and they didnt make anyone feel bad about your past..

This may be what I am looking for.. Location is Moscow, Idaho which is pretty close to Spokane, WA I have been beating my head against a wall trying to find a company training that will accept my location I have a few questions for you.. What are the upfront costs? What is Utah's requirements for licensing (such as if a female has been married and divorced) ? What is included in the cost (Physical, meals, hotel, transportation)? I would appreciate some feedback and I enjoyed reading your experience and look forward to more.. and the guy failed an open book test could he not read?