Profile For Jeff M.

My son is age 38 has great work history, clear driving record, but terrible credit due to divorce, etc. Would this be an obstacle to getting into trucking schools that are run by trucking companies such as Swift, Pride, etc?

Thanks !

Thanks Errol. Does anyone know if the computer simulators used by some schools include driving in poor conditions?

Thanks for the great advice Errol V. You seem to give excellent input on many issues.

I have lived in Denver for over 35 yrs and I will be going to a truck company CDL training school in about 5 wks. I am a very cautious driver and have lots of experience driving passenger vehicles in snowy weather in challenging conditions including mountain roads but obviously no such experience with big rigs. I have seen countless accidents/jack knifed/rolled over trucks that attempted to drive on roads, especially mountain roads (I-70, I-25) that they never should have even tried to drive on. Any and all input/advice would be greatly appreciated so that we can all try to prevent accidents/injuries/deaths for truckers and all those on the road would. I won't be able to get training with a trainer on snow/ice roads since my training will be coming soon. Any advice in this regard? Also, I have a very good friend who plans on going into trucking in about 15 months. He has a great work history, terrible credit history (divorce, etc and will take him years to change his credit history). Are there truck companies and trucking company schools that will not consider him due to his credit history? Finally, I have known this friend for 20 yrs and we have much in common (strong work ethic, non-smokers, healthy). IF in the future we decide to try team driving with each other, any advice? We don't want to risk our friendship by trying this. Of course, one or both of us may decide that trucking and/or team driving isn't for us.... This is a great web site and forum. I will be following all the advice from Brent. Thanks and be safe everyone !!!

I've got great work history, poor credit history.......would that be a problem with trying to get into a company paid CDL training/employment?

Thanks for the reply Errol. It was very helpful and informative.

Jeff

I'm a non smoker, is it difficult to get non-smoking trainers? Also, pros and cons of solo vs team OTCdriving? Please clarify the 10 hr day driving limit (is that actual driving time only or does that include down time for getting gas/food/loading, etc?). Do the truck company schools that pay for CDL classes allow for using restroom every few hrs (I've got the 'ol 57 y.o. prostate/urination issues, not severe thank GOD). Thanks! Jeff