Profile For Gerald H. AKA Doc

Barry, I believe the way the rule is, is if you go to a school that teaches you in an automatic then there will be a restriction on your license starting that you can only drive automatics. When I was going going to school for my cdl we had a guy come in for retraining because he went to a school that taught on automatics. If you were to get on with a company that only had autos then it wouldn't be a big deal but if they changed their fleet you might be in trouble.

It has been 8 weeks now since I took the job with Dot Foods. The job itself is exactly what I had expected it to be and now I get out of diapers and into big boy pants. the job is very demanding with forced dispatch but I like it that way. The hard work of unloading my own truck at this point will start paying off. Also it breaks up the time of driving. With the exception of this week there has been no down time what so ever and the down time this week is because of the holidays. I will start my new carrer as a solo driver tomorrow morning at 6 am headed for Vidalia Ga. for a drop and hook. From my understanding, drop and hooks will be the norm for me for a few weeks. After that I will be doing drop and hooks and unloading my own trailer combined. That is when the good money starts rolling in. I have learned a lot in a short period of time and still learning as I go. one of the major things I have learned is how many idiots there are on the road today. I never gave it much thought untill I was in a big rig going down the interstate at 70 mph having people cut me off within inches it seems in front of my bumper. Or haveing people pass on the right as I am turning on the on ramp to enter the interstate. I now have a new outlook on big rigs on the road and give them all the respect they deserve. I have also learned how to use the horn quite well and started a new collection of middle fingers. lol. As far as my family is concerned they are adjusting well to me not being home and I cherish the time I am at home. This company isn't like most where I am gone for 3 or 4 weeks at a time. I have been home every weekend except one sice I have started and I realy dont see that changeing to much as time goes on. To Trucking Truth I have to say thanks for all the training programs and to all the people that post on here that are full of information. It has helped me tremendously. Although I dont post much I read a lot and the information is incredible. Any ways I want to wish everyone a happy new year and safe days and nights on the road. God Bless. Doc

seems like a pretty nice tool.

cool Brian sounds like you are on your way. It won't take long for your schooling to get under way and before you know it you'll have acdl. congrats. Doc

HI Lisa, don't give up. Get on the phone and call them and just remind them that you have applied. Those folks deal with a lot of people on a daily basis. Remember that the squeaky wheel always gets the grease.

welcome Eric, as far as gong to deep, these trucks only need to have the clutch pedal depressed about 1 1/2 inches to get them to shift right. if you are going to deep you are activating the clutch brake and if that's the case it will never shift right while it's moving. these trucks can be shifted without the clutch at the right RPMs but that's not till later on with more experience. As far as stopping, I would try to go to a lower gear if you feel the truck is lugging. just start downshifting a little sooner to give your self more time to get into a lower gear. if you coast longer then the length of the tractor and trailer it's considered not being in control and you could fail your driving test for that. It takes some time getting used to it but you can do it. it just takes practice. Doc

Nice job Train. I hope all works out good for you.

Thanks to all. This isn't the ordinary driving job. I will be unloading my own trailer and that's a lot of hard work. I'm no stranger to hard work because it's what I have done my whole life. It pays very well and has a great benefit package. I will be home on most weekends and it is a very family oriented company. I can't wait to get started and I will keep T.T. posted as to how it is going. Have a great day and move safe. Doc

Brian I'm not sure how it is in your state but here in West Virginia you can't get the hazmat endorsement until you go to get your actual license. if that's the case then you have a little while to study. Then you can take the test the day you go to get your cdl. also you have to get a background check and finger printed before you can even take the test. just something to check out as it may be different in your state. Doc

I got the official call today that I am being hired at Dot foods inc. I sign all the paper work on Friday and start Monday at 8 a.m. with the orientation. I have worked long and hard to get on with this company and it finally paid off. can't wait till Monday.