Profile For Justin L.

Downshifting is pretty easy. Bring your RPM's down to about 1100, bump the accelerator and float into neutral, bump accelerator again to where your RPM's are around 1400-1500 and slide it into the lower gear. This whole double clutching thing is for the birds. I know some schools and trainers make you do it but it is just not right. Not to mention there is to much for a new driver to remember.

I had a good friend that got his CDL through Sage Truck Driving School and then went to Steven's. He said it was great for training but pay was not so good. I remember him talking about making more money lumping freight than he did driving. But this is normal with all the bigger companies. He done it all 10 years ago though. Best of luck to you.

Following to close it going to hurt you for awhile. That is labeled as a Careless and Imprudent Driving ticket. Which is almost as bad as a DWI. Keep pounding the keyboard and calling companies. Start with your big companies and start moving towards smaller companies. Good Luck

You will have no problem at all. Most companies will not even flinch at a 5mph over ticket. Anything 10 mph or under is considered minor. Good luck with your new career.

There is no federal regulation requiring a sleep study. The DOT Dr. must have seen something else to only issue a 6 month card. You can always go have a second opinion physical. I would say the company more than likely has it setup at 6 months that way if you leave after you get you CDL that you will not have a valid medical card. But as stated above I would be trying to get a hold of the safety department at the company. Best of luck

I've always lived by the rule of, "If I have to ask if have enough straps, I probably don't". It is always better to have to many than not enough. You can't add more straps/chains once the load falls and injures someone. But you can always take the extra few moments to over secure before. As time goes on you will learn what it takes for each load. It's always better safe than sorry.

I would strap/chain each layer on a pipe load like that myself.

A great trainer will make you or break you. I was a trainer for sometime and can tell you that we do not get enough time with some trainees. If there is anything you feel you need more help with just speak up and ask your trainer. They are there to help you learn what it needed to get you down the road as safe as you possibly can. I was taught growing up that anything you can do tired you can do awake. So when I trained it was normal for me to have a student that had been only asleep for a couple hours, I would wake them up and have them back the trailer into a spot at the truck stop. They might not have liked me at the time, but I am still in contact with everyone of them (13 drivers) and they have all said how much of a difference that it made. Just remember that the trainer is there to help teach you. They cannot help you if you don't let them know where you need help. Good luck with your training and keep it shiny side up...

P.S. ~ Remember to only drive in conditions that you yourself feel safe in. Just because someone else is comfortable doesn't mean you have to be. I have seen too many people wad a truck up over pushing themselves in a situation that they are not comfortable with.

Most places that haul home heating oil or any petroleum based products in a tanker will require experience. That being said you might look into a smaller company. Some of them are willing to train someone who they feel would fit the job. You could also look into a job driving a dump truck, cement mixer or even running a hopper bottom hauling grain. These places will normally hire someone with very little experience. Best of luck to you on finding a local job. They are hard to obtain with little experience. Most of your older (experienced) drivers will be snatching them up.