Profile For CIDRAY

Thank you, Vending Dude, for some validation; but thanks too to Brett and Old School for their sage if hard-nosed advice. It was the second week of December, temp about 28F, and we were standing around doing pre-trip and the wind was funneling through a structure I cannot describe. Anyway, very prescient of you, Old School, to pick up on thyroid - no problems there - but I was (juice) fasting, foolish I know, for about two weeks. What can I say 'cept I like a certain fit in my jeans and running in Indianapolis wasn't achieving my goal quickly enough.

I acknowledge and accept Celadon's purely business decision regarding me; hell, I've read stories on this forum of people sent packing during orientation for other offenses. What I find worrisome is what Rick said, being labeled a 'problem child,' and having this moniker follow me elsewhere - if such a blacklist exists. I have carefully considered this career/lifestyle change for over a year now, and whilst I was in school for that week I approached my training with utter seriousness and calm determination. Yep, I did lose my **** and was ill-prepared in my Salvation Army pickings; not to sound callous, but now that I have my dead friend's Carhartt gear, my hope is that the next time I should do just fine.

I was there the 2nd week of December, but left that Friday. Didn't hear about what happened with you. However, it does get cold out there. I got sick right before I left and had to be seen by medical.

Consider it a blessing Celadon let you go and go to CRE next week. Believe in yourself, stay focused, listen and follow instructions. Good luck.

Not much to say today. I didn't drive today and my trainer wants me to do my reset sooo. He did show me how to put load bars in. Other than that, bored in Kansas.

I'm currently in Pittston. Everything is going exactly as you described. Tomorrow we have live classes. Looking forward to getting started on my journey. Stay safe and keep the posts coming.

Dutch,

I just got my CDL-A and will be starting with Prime on 1/4/17 in Pittston, PA. I have Tanker and D/T endorsements. Also have passport and TWIC is in the mail. I'm seriously considering Tanker. Have you heard any positive feedback regarding Tanker division? Also, will I go straight into the TNT program??

Hey CidRay, just wondering if you needed to go to CDA with a permit already or if you could acquire it at the school. I'm still on the fence about Celadon and still doing my research. Thanks and good luck out there!

I attended the school in Indianapolis, IN and only residents of Indiana don't need a permit. Indiana residents are given the opportunity to take their permit test through Celadon.

Final Week

So I finally took my CDL exam and passed. It feels good and now I get to move forward. The next steps are 45 backing and a safe driving test. Then you attend Orientation for about 2-3 days. Once those are passed you become a Celadon employe.

The next step is to be assigned a trainer and hit the road for 10k miles.

Thanks to the entire CDA staff and I wish everyone well.

Is Joker still there? How about Jeff, a very tall skinny instructor, he didn't like me.

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Its exciting to hear from you. You sound exhausted. You can do this. Im rooting for you. Hows your clutch leg? I know you can still smile. One day at a time.

Taking things one day at a time. My leg is fine. Just anxious to take my exam. There are some good people here. We keep each other encouraged and entertained.

Get out here and get your CDL!!!!

I haven't heard of anyone called Joker. No Jeff either.

Its exciting to hear from you. You sound exhausted. You can do this. Im rooting for you. Hows your clutch leg? I know you can still smile. One day at a time.

Taking things one day at a time. My leg is fine. Just anxious to take my exam. There are some good people here. We keep each other encouraged and entertained.

Get out here and get your CDL!!!!

Week 4

This week is spent doing more skills training and driving. The staff is gauging who is ready to test. Some are and some aren't. I've met some people that have been here for almost 8 weeks.

If you're ready for testing they'll move you to a separate range to practice. You'll also drive on the routes used by the test site. You'll have 72 hours to prepare for your test. Now is the time to focus.

Also, there is greater focus on pre-trip. You've also have to preform In-Cab inspection and tug test. Those are fairly easy to learn. I'll post when I pass my exam.

Thoughts / Insight :

CDA is really trying to get people to pass the exam. The problem is a lot of people don't take it serious. There area many that make me wondwer why they are here. This course should be taken seriously.

The living arrangements are OK, but I'm tired of being here. If you come be prepared to deal with people from many backgrounds, diversity, and living habits. Some just forgot their home training. The maintenance staff does the best they can to keep the facility clean.

Unfortunately people here need extra money. Many have resorted to donating plasma at a donation center down the street. You WILL need at least $200 while you're here. If possible, save some money before you come.

Good luck to anyone who decides to attend CDA. Take advantage of the instructors and ask questions. All seem eager to help students.

More. I need more.

Sorry. Just updated........

Hey hello, I start there this Monday. I am really looking forward to it. Good luck with your studies!

Abe

Good luck!!!