Profile For Hoofinit

More! (and I'm just going to renumber every post)

1. You're just going to have to deal with the fact that you're going to be teacher's pet.

2. They don't have an issue that you're female, you're smart and cute, you WILL be teacher's pet. (He might be right...but still.)

3. Most truckers stop at some place you can get groceries that is NOT a truck stop once in a while. Some might even let you use fridge space while you're training with them.

4. See that guy? (crotch rocket rider swerving around people and driving on the line between cars) He's going to get killed someday. Don't be next to him when it happens if you can avoid it. Know where he is. Don't react emotionally like hubby would (I refused to roll down the window so my husband could yell at the guy, and he's known for generally being an a-hole back to people who **** him off when he's in a car).

5. Don't change the phone plan until after you've been out there for a while. We have enough data you'll survive, even if both of us are still using it (we keep hoping somebody will run decent cable internet out here and use a wi-fi hotspot for now).

6. Don't eat fish in the truck. Don't open fish in the truck. Don't bring the can opener back in the truck after opening fish. Don't bring your mouth back into the truck until you rinse it out after eating fish. (He hates fish, I eat tuna salad quite a bit, and that is something that wouldn't require refrigeration)

Older Newbie, we ride motorcycles as well. Hubby just drilled holes in his baffle to make it louder so hopefully people can hear him better. I rode a little 49cc scooter when we lived in town, but we're now on a road where everybody goes 70 and me on a little scooter going 40 makes my husband nervous for some reason. My next-size-up motorcycle is getting a windshield in the shop right now (and a new chain and sprockets) because I don't like it when the wind grabs my head and turns it if I dare veer from facing straight forward.

Thanks for all of the great tips and a good laugh, too. I'm leaving for training this weekend and can use all the help I can get! I loved the one about directions on the window with a dry erase pen. Good luck to you if you decide to take the plunge.

As someone who was raised by a waitress, it is a stressful, demanding job. I'm happy for her and the kids. The money will help to give her a little break even for a short time. God bless him for a selfless act. I would like to think the best of people in this world before jumping to conclusions.

I currently drive a straight truck, and have my DOT medical card. Have had it for 5 years. Every time I get my exam, they comment on my blood pressure being elevated, but i pass anyway. Are trucking companies more rigorous when it comes to this? I don't know what my numbers are, and not sure if it's something I should be worried about. I haven't seen a doctor or anything about it.

Elevated blood is usually not something to worry about. There is something called "white coat" syndrome where your BP rises around doctors. I get that myself. You should have an idea of what your BP runs so not to worry. You can get a BP machine that goes on the wrist to monitor it yourself. BP Friday fluctuates throughout the day so it will vary. In the trucking business, really any stressful work, it's really important to know where you stand with your health. It could mean your life or the lives of those around you.

Hi all. I don't know if this is the right place to ask this so if it's not I apologize. My husband begins the CDL training with Knight on Monday. I am trying to budget and can't find an answer to his pay. I know he gets the $400 a week but is that for the first 4-6 weeks that he is in the training? Once he starts the 30K miles how and what is the pay? I just need to budget correctly to pay the bills. I appreciate you taking the time to answer me!

Find out from him how much he will get a mile. That will determine his rate of pay. It's doubtful it will be consistent pay. You can also go on the company website to see what the starting get pay is for new drivers. Good luck.

Wow! Awesome tips. Thanks so much for posting. I would add, when your walking to and from your truck, keep your heap up and watch your surroundings at all times. Most people become victims because they are unaware of there surroundings. The attacker typically targets easy prey, they don't want a fight. Another thing to add, if you put your keys on a Keychain stick, they become a weapon you can utilize in your defense. Always aim for the three vital areas, thoat, eyes and groin.

This is, admittedly, a bit off-topic. I've never driven anything with more than four wheels. I'm not training to be a driver, but I do have a few questions about the industry.

I'm making software for delivery recipients that collects the hourly GPS logs from trucks and estimates when the delivery will arrive. The idea's to coordinate things better; we're trying to minimize wasted time drivers spend waiting at customers.

We have a solid algorithm - trucking is generally reliable - but we're having trouble predicting occasional delays. On, say, a 1- or 2- day run, what would delay a load on the scale of hours? We can get weather and traffic data, but what else is there? How could we predict delays? Any knowledge, experience, or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Also, how would drivers feel about software like this?

Oops! Didnt mean to submit without a comment. I think what your creating will be fabulous if its used for most deliveries. The waiting game is a common one in the industry. Often times communication between disbatch and driver is the issue. Disbatch says dont deliver until XYZ time and day and the driver may be there hours or a day or two in advance. Hence the waiting game begins. I hope to see your program in use in the very near future.

I concur with SunshineMelly. Going to school or learning from books is one thing, out on the road is a whole other situation. This is why the turnover rate in trucking is so large. 105% I think I heard. If you have never been on the road with a trucker then your going to learn really fast that life is totally different then sitting at home, school or having a regular job. Good luck and keep us posted!

Good luck tomorrow on the test. Keep us posted on how you do. Happy trucking!

Cynthia, Try another company. In fact, call up a few and interview them. Don't stop at just one. There are so many out there. You didn't mention which company you spoke with but try Prime, Con-way Schnieder. A lot of company's pay for your schooling. This website has tons of info on it including CDL training program for permit testing. I have been studying it and find its the best one to really learn the material. Dont get discouraged. The trucking industry has a ton of jobs and they need drivers. Good luck and keep us posted. Happy Trucking, Maggie

Yes, We are all awaiting to hear about what happened. Do tell!