Profile For Richard W.

Wondering about some good websites to search or items. Such as thumpers gloves etc. Just wondering there's any trust worthy sites out there.

If you can find a Harbor Freight Tools store, you can get most of the stuff at the best price. Skip the baseball bat thumper. A 2lb ball pein hammer does much more. Work gloves from nearly anywhere. Get a Vice Grip type pliers, and a multi-bit screwdriver just 'cause.

Many places require a class 2 safety vest. Walmart that one. In four month's driving, one place required a hard hat. (The better ones are $13. Wouldn't hurt. Lol)

I don't think you need web sites for most of the stuff. Or even truck stops. I shopped Walmart, Harbor Tools and Lowes for the stuff I didn't already have.

Good luck!

Thanks and I have Harbor freight 20 mins from me. Guess I'll hit them up or a few things that a rookie may need. Already have a hard hat and and a class 2 vest and jacket. Being a ex tow truck driver some things I still have but not all.

Wondering about some good websites to search or items. Such as thumpers gloves etc. Just wondering there's any trust worthy sites out there.

Ok guys and gals just wondering what some o you may take with you over the road. Examples clothes, food,extra shoes ,maps cash. But are some other things one would need. Not wants but everyday needs. Thanks Richard

Richard, you will be okay. There's going to be some folks who won't hire you, but those things are so old that you will be able to find employment.

Go through our Truck Driver's Career Guide, and start trying your hand at our High Road Training Program. Jump back in here with more questions as they arise.

There is a ton of valuable information available to you here - take advantage of it.

Old School

Already been using the the High Road Training. I like it more then the book that the Virginia Dmv gave me. I know I stiil need to refer to my book as some state and local sty may differ somewhat. And the site is the best thing I've found for help. And looking around I found some of my questions have already been covered. So why beat a dead horse. And if I have more question which I'm sure I will I will ask. Thanks for the input

Been doing some reading and saw that it's harder a felon to get hired. I have 2 felonies # 1 was a bad check back in the late 80 early 90. # 2 Driving with a suspended lic. 3 time in a certain amount of time back in 2000. Will this stop me from being hired ? I've had a clean lic since I got it back in late 2000. Thanks Richard

Bob, I'm starting a new career in trucking. Here are just a few reasons #1 Shenandoah county just cut our hrs to 29 hrs a week. Why you may ask easy they don't have to me bennifits. #2 My wife is very supportive of this as driving a big rid is something I have always wanted to do. #3 I'll be able to provide more for my four boys and family. I must admit I took of offense to your post. If your not interested in a driving job why post such a negative post. I have had mgmt job for restraints and security companies and the stress was unreal. I have also drove a tow truck in Cleaterwater Fl. And miss it a lot but I want something and more rewarding this is why I'm going trucking. Thank Richard W.

I can only speak for my company which is Prime, buy the upfront fee is typically to cover the permit licensing fees and the medical exams. As for the pre-trip, yes you are basically right on everything it encompasses, the routine is a little long on a semi. My company gave me an outline for everything I had to learn, and also there's good pre-trip info on this website. As for the backing, the only experience I have backing a combination vehicle is with this 48 foot split axle flatbed, but I drove a 28 foot straight truck before this and I can tell you the length alone makes a huge difference.

Thanks for the reply. I've have at times when driving the tow truck had to pull a 2 car trailer when going to actuation. I'm guess a 45 is a 45 anyway you look at it. Slow and steady is what I was told by my mentor. Eye's on the trailer and your back up helper at all times. And have one hand gesture for stop. Was also told always always be aware of what is around you. When in doubt find a safe area to park get out and look at where you need to be. I'm guessing some of these simple but effective ways would stand true for a big rig ?

Studying for my CDL learners permit for Virginia were I live. I've looked at some of the companies on this site. and noticed some have a up front fee. What is this or for and is that out off my pocket ? As for my driving experience I drove a International T4700 28' jerr dann bed tow truck for 8 years in Florida. Now this isn't the same as a big rig I'm sure but would backing be the same as having a car on the wheel left ? We did a daily inspection of our truck all fluids steering components brakes cables etc. Would this be the same as the pre trip inspection?

Thanks for any info Richard