Profile For Christina K.

Thanks I will check it out. Good luck to you and drive safe!

Ok so I recently tried to get a job driving flatbed, but was turned away because I'm female. I want to do something different with my career and when I'm told I can't do something I want it even more. I found a company willing to give me the training for flatbed, but what I'd really like to know is am I missing something with this? I know it's different than driving a reefer, but what are some things that might challenge me with this change? I want to learn as much as I can before I ever do anything so any advice or things to be aware of before I switch would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you everyone for all the replies. I wasn't trying to put out a "horror story" just the experience I've had with this particular company. Money was an issue for me so I jumped at this opportunity since it's free up front and if you fulfill your nine month contract you can leave. I signed up for this to be a real truck driver not a wheel holder like basically I am. I was going to contact other companies, more up front companies, and see if they can help. I did my research before entering school and it backfired. I will get back out on the road, but with way more training so I can feel comfortable in that truck.

I recently acquired my CDL through a company I've come to despise. The training course was accelerated( can anyone guess who they are?). I had maybe a total of 4 days in a truck before my final test which consisted of skills in the yard. Ok great I get my CDL and get sent out into the general public feeling like I'm going to kill everyone because I don't really know what I'm doing. To me that's unacceptable and the company disagrees threatening me with a huge bill. Went OTR with a trainer that I felt was a hazard because of numerous things wrong with his truck and the lack of caring as to what I was doing behind the wheel. Yes I got off his truck. I'd like to go back, but I have 2 major issues. 1 I can't stand this company and 2 I still don't understand or know how to properly downshift. I asked the trainer I had to help me understand and downshift properly and he just said "I don't have time." I've asked the company for more training before I get another trainer and they said no. I've been told this stuff comes with time, but I like to know what I'm doing at least a little before I do it. Does anyone have any advice?

My first week of training is coming to an end. Just received my permit to start training on the trucks next week. I did a lot of research before starting the school with C R England and heard a lot of not so good stuff. I myself have not experienced the "boot camp" like atmosphere that many others say they experienced. The teacher for this first week was awesome and the staff as a whole are very nice and helpful. I guess it can be overwhelming for some people, but if this is a career that you truly want, you have to put your emotions to the side. All in all I just wanted to share because not all the information out there is true about C R England's schools or maybe the Fontana school is just better. Keep on truckin' to those of you out on the road and be safe. Hope to see you out there soon!!!!

Thank you all for the great info and feedback! My husband works on these trucks all day long and you'd think I'd retain some of his knowledge he gives me but I think I'm more of a hands on type of learner. I'm going over the chapter on air brakes over and over again. I'm sure when I physically get to see this stuff it'll click in my head. I can't wait to start this new career!!!!!!

Thank you so much Mountain Girl! Once I made the decision to do this I've tried to get and study every piece of information I can get my hands on. I'm just worried that they are going to shove so much stuff down my throat that I'll choke. My biggest problem right now is air brakes. Holy crap I get so confused! I've been passing the practice tests with most being 100%, but not air brakes. They will be the death of me!

Thanks. I've heard that they push you to lease and I'm not interested in that to start a new career. I've been looking into different schools in my area and they all want their money up front which is understandable, but since I'm unemployed at the moment funds are low.

I've wanted to get my CDL for years and now have the opportunity. I ran across C R England's driving school which they say is no money down and you get your CDL in 17 days(if you pass). I've heard from others that this is like going to boot camp and of course the recruiter isn't really going to be honest. Does anyone know much about their program? Any advice on what I should really study before starting?