Profile For handloader

Before OTR I had previous experience driving rock truck and class b foodservice delivery. Harder to stop, top heavy and if loaded asymmetrical by a inconsiderate loader; potentially dangerous on side grade or unbanked turn. (already covered by others). It's how I started. I didn't die ....obviously? I didnt wreck and I learned the ropes. I just used it as a stepping stone. If you are that focused on driving you should have read your states CMV testing booklet. I would be amazed if your jurisdiction didn't allow INTRA-STATE CDL. Look it up. I used company paid training to re-enter after 20 years of other career. It's been well covered by Brett and others why this advantageous. At 20 it's a tough search for one who will do this, it's the only reason I would consider a school. I personally would never consider a company option where I paid them....anything. The early departure penalties are reasonable given the outlay of investment, but once I started driving I was keeping all of my CPM's. And I started OTR, solo and flatbed.

It's great! If I was younger without mortgage and two smallish car payments I would be setting myself up for a great lifestyle. Good luck.

I just read Old Schools arcticle, I thought it was excellent!

I am just a rookie with a older driving background, but i was pleased to be able to start flatbed (solo) after a few weeks of paid local training. i cant imagine driving a double tanker even now, with 6 months of time on the road. I wish i was that good. Its a sickening thought knowing there are those who would risk others on thier own arrogance. Every day i tell my dash cam to save video of untrained or reckless drivers who risk manslaughter charges because they cant even stick to the most basic rules of appropriate following distance, and "usually" every day i observe a driver who uses courtesy and judgement as part of his job as well. I ALWAYS try to obseve the companies the work for. I enjoy driving......a lot! Each day is a day that enforces the need for selfless professionalism, driving within your skillset is a indication of your ability to do that.

As a former manager responsible for the screening and interviewing of applicants I agree with the response that properly structured questions are critical to the safe navigation of legal hiring practices, it's why I question some companies policies of a large interviewing panel or committee.

My reaction to the situation that started the thread, "GREAT !". I am glad they are keyed on the fact that there may be a vested partner in the hiring of a new driver. I was pleased when my HR asked if they could have my wife's birthday and my anniversary info to be able to recognize the day with a card and gift card. I know that if my time and dispatch on the road conflicts with these important days then at minimum they are aware of the sacrifice my spouse makes.

I have my dmv CDL test soon, my instructor has given me lots of opportunities to wear out the testing area on the alley dock, but the goal is to nail it, one and done, no corrections. I got it twice yesterday but other times felt pretty inept. "A broken watch is correct twice a day" My concern is the lane marker furthest from the alley . Is that a fail if your tires cross it? Or points ? I asked but it's apparently not a subject for discussion. I have lots more opportunities to practice today. And each day for the next few, on Saturday the hope is to come in and hop on the DMV pad. My city driving seems ok enough , Standards are being held to a high level,and I knew that when I committed. Will be sooooo glad when this is behind me,. There are many other things to do in the training program. I don't sense the the other hires usually have to test and learn the flatbedding ropes. So I'm motivated to get it together.

Remember Robin Williams from Good Morning Vietnam? " BUT HEY..... ITS THE ARMY !". My fellow soldiers and I wore that phrase out in the late 80's. I feel your pain, not long ago a base private out of school had the only updated rough terrain (gradall, gelhl, skytrak etc) forklift license out of our national guard company. Myself and two others had to tearfully watch as he punched holes in multiple pallets. We all had our current union forklift credentials. And decades of combined experience. It didn't matter.

I am now 1 week into a hire-train-qualify program, I was fortunate to be accepted as a unlicensed candidate in a flatbed company's training program and between the forums and feedback from my fellow student, (who is a experienced CDL-A driver) it's becoming apparent we are learning stuff that's beyond anything "most" students will ever see in a training classroom. And that's just so far. Example: my fmcsr book is 6 days old and developing dog ears. After reading many of the questions posed, what would you as a current professional add to a training setting to further the science and professionalism of trucking? Even if it meant adding the necessary time to a training school or orientation program. HOS seems to be a glaring weakness out there. Susan D'so recent CSA issue gave me a chance to dig into the 2nd edition of the jj Keller handbook, it was interesting to research the replies as they posted.

My only depth of experience with manuals were decrepit farm rigs. I would give up backrubs for life to stick with the auto-shifts. You want really enjoyable shifting and vroom vroom? Get a Harley!

Hello AV,

I have been following yours and the escapeartists JPT threads with interest. I had also investigated them, i liked different aspects of their operation and the geographic assignments and was certain I had a trainee spot as a non CDL holder. I do believe they do a fairly deep overall workup on you, I thought I had great background with OLD CDLB history but after a phone call that was supposed to be the last hurdle I quickly received word that slots were being assigned to more qualified candidates. Me: Army 88M, 10 years of Clean driving record, 17 year old misdemeanor, stellar work record with continuity and refs from employment........ But 3 on job injuries in 7 years.. ( industrial maintenance and construction is a meatgrinder) the only thing my last call discussed were the medical issues. BTW i consider myself to be in a upper tier of physical conditioning. My sense about your situation is this. Ask them directly for status on the issues you are uncertain about. "Does my record meet your criteria?". Also relax and find inner peace of whatever you want to call it . It's a huge industry out there, and the forum proves it, in my case I moved on to the other option I had, it's comparing apples and oranges but they are both OTR trainee spots and I know for certain the company I signed with more closely aligns with my present and future needs. Palmer was the easiest choice training wise but I am stepping up and welcoming the other. I am very appreciative that I am being given a chance prove my worth. Keep your mind and open without the employment tunnel vision Here's to wishing you a state of "ooooo-saaaaaa"