Profile For Dan E.

Well, being from wv I want dancing hillbillies once I graduate :)

I wish there were a "like" feature for posts like this.

We use dancin' hillbillies, dogs and bananas for our "like" button around here!!

I wish there were a "like" feature for posts like this.

Awesome job Johnny. Haven't posted in your training thread but have been reading it and pulling for you all the way. I don't know **** about trucking but Something tells me your perseverance will come in handy down the road. i bet many people that passed it on the first try never wanted it like you did. Be safe and keep posting please.

I don't believe it says anywhere on your license, "Class A CDL in 'x' tries". Great job. Congrats!

Hi Richard I am also from WV (Beckley area) and am considering accepting an invitation for company sponsored training with TMC. If flatbed interests you and the thought of being home most weekends take a look at them. You should get some good feedback on this board for all your questions. Good luck!

TMC is also my first choice. I am approved to start company sponsored training on 2/20 but sadly I think I am going to have to withdraw for now. My blood pressure at times is still a little too high and the risk of quitting a paying job only to be sent home with nothing is a little too much risk for me right now. I hope once I get my blood pressure consistently in check and have my medical card and permit that they will still approve my application. Please let us know how things go for you and I wish you the best of luck.

I keep seeing a theme of TMC passing on people. What's up with that?

Crunch time and decisions to make.

I got my CLP on Wednesday - I already had a USDOT Med Card and I used the High Road materials to study. So - check that off the list.

TMC passed on me based on the driving record for now.

Maverick - Approved and on the waitlist for orientation. I initially chose Regional Flatbed, but because their focus is Temp Controlled - I offered to go that route if it gets me to orientation sooner and my foot in the door. Nothing says I can't switch fleets later on down the road. Maverick definitely pays the best for rookie drivers. The orientation being one big interview still makes me nervous to leave a job for no guarantee. But high risk, high reward. Should know by the 16th if I get to go orientation at the end of January.

Roehl - Interview went well and was invited to start the hiring process. They offered me Midwest Regional right away. Though I'm concerned if they'll honor that or still have me running further and longer, but just at a lower CPM. Submitted my medical questionnaire and received a call back to schedule physical and drug test. The nearest facility is 60 miles and is out of the forms. So - there will be a delay in getting it scheduled.

Witte Bros - Interview went well and was invited to their training. They're waiving their $500 admin fee for January, but I think I'm pushing it out to February to give myself time to see where things go with Maverick, but they're a viable option. They're a regional compan that runs a lot of LTL. So there's a lot of stops and unloading. The rate is a little lower than most at .26 CPM at 0-3 mos, .28 at 3-6 mos, and .31 at 6. But they also have progressive stop pay that adds up. $12.50/1st stop, $22.50/2nd stop, $32.50/3rd stop and each stop after. Recruiter (grain of salt required) says the average rookie makes the equivalent of .45 - .49 CPM and they're averaging 23-2700 miles. Trucks are 15-17 Petes and Freightliners with Fridge and Microwave provided - which would keep some expense down.

Down to these three. Now I have to decide, commit, and don't look back.

Awesome post. I also wish all of you hardworking individuals a very merry Christmas! I hope you are home for the weekend but if not, know that I for one appreciate what you do and wish you a happy holiday!

Merry Christmas everyone!

I've been lurking on this site for a few months now. I've gotten a great appreciation for the hard, honest work that you all do. I am also no longer frustrated when I get "stuck" in traffic behind a big rig.

I hope you are all able to spend the holidays with somebody that you care about. If you find yourself working, I hope you are safe and warm.

Thank you for everything you do!

Happy Holidays! Colin K.

Merry Christmas to you Pete. I will be doing a training diary once I get to school so you will have an up to date report on what to expect. Good luck to you also brother.

Good luck Dan, It'll be a while before I get to start my school (Mar. 27), but I'm rooting for you. Be sure to spend time on The High Road Training Program; I'm working through it, and am certain I'll have no problems with the written tests because of it. Merry Christmas!

Pete

Yeah I know about the grass, thanks Turtle. I have high blood pressure and I must admit I thought you were doomed after your first physical. Congrats for getting that BP down and continuing your dream. My BP is what scares me the most about leaving a job with no guarantee I can make it in the trucking industry. Love reading your training diary so please keep at it.

I don't have any experience with TMC, but I've heard that you better NOT walk on the grass! That's all I know. Good luck!

I am excited but intimidated. I have little doubt that I will complete this successfully but I know it won't be easy. I will need you guys for encouragement at times and I would love if I could find another newb going into the program with me.

I am so excited about getting started because this is what I WILL be doing for the rest of my career. Failure is not an option. Merry Christmas all and I can't wait to join you on the roadway.

Newbie question. Are there company policies about driving in wind and as to when you should shut down or not shut down or is it driver's decision?