Profile For BuckeyeCowboy

Hey guys and gals,

Thanks for the all the information. I was already going to do the sleeping bag thing. I bought one earlier this year with the express purpose of going with a trainer. I am taking a small pillow (couch end pillow, small square one....believe it or not really comfortable. I can fit that into the bag my sleeping bag came in. Rest of the stuff will have to fit in the 26 in duffle bag I bought online from Sears. As far as entertainment, I don't plan on having much down time. I figure I will be too tired most of the time to worry about that, but I am a crossword/puzzle junkie. I has an app on my smartphone for that, or I can buy a few books of them. They are paperback and real light. Everything else I believe I will have room for. Thanks for the advice on here. You all stay safe.

There is nothing that says that I can't have a Louisville Slugger as a tire thumper and head basher if I need it to double as such. :)

Harry, I too am diabetic and on the pill. My surgar is about what yours is. If you haven't gotten your medical card they will issue you a one year as opposed to two years. I have been through 2 dot physicals for school etc and have passed them all just by being on medicine and really controlling my diet. You shouldn't have issues there.

As far as Prime goes, don't know much about them. Recruiter came and spoke to us at school, but he was an o/o and talked more about himself and how much he made than what it is like to drive for the company. Sorry I cant be of more help. God bless.

Before you all think, man this question has been asked. Give me a chance to explain why I am asking. There was an excellent article written about what I should pack to trucking school, but I have not seen one on here for orientation and training. I will be in 1 week of orientation and 8 weeks of training with 4 days of home time in between. I received a very basic packing list from my company that includes: paperwork, types of clothes, and Motorcarrier's Atlas, but it doesn't really cover too much besides that. What is the best type or size of duffle do I want to bring. Here is my tentative list:

Paperwork (ss card, birth certificate, med card, cdl, clipboard, ruler, pens etc) I have a grey metal clipboard that opens at top that can hold paperwork

1 weeks worth of clothes (pants, shorts, socks, underware, etc.) Leatherman on my belt. Seasonal Clothes (jacket, gloves, etc.) Tennis shoes Steel Toed boots Shower Shoes 2 Towels (on company list) Toiletries Laundry bag, soap and dryer sheets My cell phone and cell phone charger Motorcarriers Atlas Meds Basic food items (granola bars, cans of beanie weenies, etc.) Thermos cup for coffee Leather work gloves.

Is there anything I am leaving off or any food recommendations that don't require a microwave or fridge as company don't allow them? Any help would be appreciated.

In school I have driving Freightliners Cascadias and Columbias, Ford Aeromaxes, and International day cabs. I also drove a few Sterlings. In my humble opinion I like the dashboard set up of the Internationals and have seen the inside of one of my company's Prostars and it seemed a bit small compared to the Freightliners. The Kenworth T200 (my uncles truck) has a heck of a lot of room. The 660s and any of the long extended hoods are smaller inside from what others have told me. I am going to a company that has Internationals and Freightliners. I will be okay with either, honestly. I'm not putting in a microwave, TV, etc., but my wife will be with me, so just need a bed big enough for both of us. I have never seen the inside of a Peterbilt, Mack, or Volvo. So, I can't speak to those.

I have lost 50 pounds since January just by watching portion sizes and not drinking pop every day.

I have been asked for the my W-2s several times just to verify employment. They usually only ask if your company has moved, changed phone numbers, or went out of business. Like a few that I worked for has.

Thanks guys.

Hey all. Sorry it has been a while. So, I tested August 6th and passed pretrip and manuervers but fadd road. I coasted out of gear too long. So, in Ohio since I passed first two all I had to do was pass the road portion and so on August 15, 2013 I fulfilled my dream of bdcoming a truck driver. I am so excited. Alot of hard work, dedication, and prayer went into this. I graduated school with a 96% average and I have doubles/triples, hazmat, and tanker endorsements. I appreciate everyones encouragement and will be posting in general section about training. Oh yeah headed to Shaffer on Sept. 3rd.

Congrats man. I knew you could do it. I test August 6th. Hopefully, I will be writing the same thing you are. Do you have any idea who you will be working for yet?