Location:
Bronx, NY
Driving Status:
Considering A Career
Social Link:
Good day folks.
Just a simple dude who's finally come to realization that I'm ready for a change in careers. I've been in the luxury retail field for quite some time now, and I am ready for something else. For a while now I couldn't figure out how or what I wanted to do, and then one day I saw a truck going down the street and said that's it. I can drive a truck. Now the funny part about that is I don't have a regular class D license, so I'm working on that. Recently got my permit, but hey a start is a start. You have to remember that I'm from Bronx, NY where a license is not a necessity to get around. I've been reading and doing a lot of research about trucking, and decided that it would be best to go to a company sponsored school since a lot of companies require that 160HRS of drive time before considered. Also, I just rather give my lady the money I would've used for school. That way she's not struggling while I'm out of state training.
Anyway, I enjoy all the information I've gotten from here. Thanks again!
Posted: 7 years, 5 months ago
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Hi Steve
Thank you for the advice. I'm literally starting from the bottom. I'm from NYC and living here you don't need a drivers license so I'm working on that first. Once I get all of that, and get comfortable driving (giving myself a year), my next step will be trucking school. I'm just doing a lot of research now because Years go by quick. I may think I have time, but in reality I don't.
Thank you again sir.
Evan, that Schneider location in Carlisle, PA is top-notch. The people there are fantastic. I was with Schneider my first two years and that OC was my favorite.
I only left Schneider because I found a company that could give me the same miles (I.e. Pay) and get me home weekly. This company requires experience, but I'd have stayed with SNI otherwise and would go back if the situation were right for it.
Good luck!
Posted: 7 years, 5 months ago
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I will definitely consider that. Didn't think about it.
Thanks again.
You are getting your license now but not getting a job til next year? Do you realize your training will not be accepted and you will probably have to jump unnecessary hurdles than getting hired right out of school? The school certificate is only good for so long...then companies usually choose to put you through the same training over again. You might want to consider leaving early. :(
Posted: 7 years, 5 months ago
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Thank you. Makes a lot of sense when you think about it that way. Very excited to be honest with you.
No worries, there are just a lot of new people who get all worried about if there is a terminal that will be near them. Don't be. A drop yard would be far more worthwhile to look into. The company I work for has a single terminal. It is in Amherst, WI. I live in Clarksville, TN. In Clarksville we do have a receiver we deliver to routinely as well as a drop yard. Since the drop yard is next to the industrial park, I will park my truck there after delivering. I live on the opposite side of town and it is a good 30 min drive. If I have a load that I am taking home to sit on for home time then I park at the WalMart near my house. If I am bobtailing in, then I park my truck at my home.
Actually having a terminal near you can be counter productive. The company may want you to park the truck at the terminal during home time. What if it is a 90 min drive away? The only real advantage is if you have minor maintenance that needs done, you can get it done during home time.
I hope this helps.
Posted: 7 years, 5 months ago
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Thanks a lot man.
I am super hyped to do something different. Really tired of the self entitlement of the people and field I work it. I've been battling with finding something that I do not mind doing until I retire, and it feels really good knowing that I've found it.
Don't worry about what is near you as far as training facilities and terminals. You won't be at one long enough to make much difference. As you have already stated you are going to go to a private school to get your CDL. The only thing you are going to do at a terminal is orientation week and final processing to go solo. The rest of the time you will be out on the road. This isn't like a local job, or the '9-5' type jobs you are used to. Your truck IS your workplace and your home. You can go months without going near a terminal. Unless I need to go by my companies terminal for something, I don't make a habit of going there.
Posted: 7 years, 5 months ago
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I wish I could man. We're about to have our second child, so I doubt that will happen. All I've been doing is research on companies. I see Schneider has a training center in PA. But, I still have a lot of time to decide which company I would like to go with. We shall see what happens. I know by next year I want to be heading out to training though.
I'm from NJ and once you get OTR you will see tons of places with such a low cost of living you will want to get out.
Heck...take her with h you, get rid of the apartmeny and cut the overhead. I live on my truck and pocket a bunch of savings ;)
Posted: 7 years, 5 months ago
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Hey Partick.
Thank you fro the input. I feel my lady is mentally preparing herself for me being away for a bit. I think she's finally starting to see the bigger picture of it. We want to move out of NYC for many reasons, and I feel trucking will provide that. I am just ready for change man. Coming on this site and watching Youtube videos is really preparing me mentally some what.
I appreciate the input.
Thank you again.
Pretty much resign yourself to being away from family 1-3 months initially. Not saying you won't get a chance to go home during training; however, I wouldn't make plans on it. Other than your week for orientation and final processing after training, you will probably not be at a terminal. Although having a terminal near your home can be a luxury, it is far from required. This can be a very tough lifestyle to adjust to. Just remember to keep your eye on the prize. Successful completion of your rookie year. After your first year many opportunities will open up to do what you want to do. The first year is all about getting experience, sacrifice, and paying your dues. How well that first year goes is entirely up to you.
Drive Safe and God Speed
Posted: 7 years, 5 months ago
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Thank you Rainy D.
I already told my lady that I won't be here for a few months due to being OTR. She seems to be finally preparing herself mentally. I also told her I will save up three months worth of rent so she doesn't have to worry about. Just tired of the 9-5 job. Being from NYC you kind of grow tired of being around people. I'm a Virgo, so I really enjoy my alone time. Figure trucking would be the perfect job for that.
Thank you again.
Hi. You usually don't need a terminal near your home to work at a company. Some company training like Prime entails actually going OTR right after orientation, so you drive coast to coast. You basically get thrown into the lifestyle right away.
Others might do classroom training first, but if you are getting into trucking, you will most likely do OTR for a year unless you find a regional position. Many companies offer Northeast regional and the pay is better but it can be harder for a rookie for many reasons.
Posted: 7 years, 5 months ago
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Good Afternoon Folks,
I am in the process of getting my CDL through a private school, and was wondering what would be the best company to go to with a terminal near NY? Through my research, I am not finding many companies with an OC or training center near NY.
I don't have a problem going away to train, but if I can stay close, I would rather do that since I have a family.
Thank you in advance.
Best, Evan
Posted: 7 years, 5 months ago
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Best Company Question
I'm well aware of that. Been doing a lot of research so I'm aware of the one year clean driving record. All it due time, I am not rushing anything. I am still pretty young, so in due time. Like I said earlier, I am from NYC, you don't need a license to move around here. Never thought I would want one, until I decided I want to leave NYC and most recently decided that I want to get into trucking. I am in no rush. I have a decent job, so I have the time to focus on what's needed before I make those steps.
I appreciate all of the input though.