Profile For Chris B.

55 and in the process. I'm reminded that with age comes wisdom. Wisdom, apparently, weighs between 20 and 30 pounds!

Been having fun with this program as well. I think my average is 95 percent over the 22% completed thus far. Question: I have no desire/need to do buses, doubles/triples... any reason to complete those to actually "finish out" the course? Neat forum/site, thanks a bunch for this site and your hard work putting it togwther and maintaining it.

Interesting conversation. I find, thru my reading, the turnover rate across the board to be somewhere around 75%. In fact one of the "selling points" from more than one recruiter has been their "lower than industry average" turnover rate. Like it's recruiter "code speak" for drivers like it here... Uh huh. There simply has to be a common thread for such high turnover and I think - from an outsiders POV - that one of the major reasons is the lifestyle this entails. I use the word "lifestyle" as an all encompassing term to include work ethic, self discipline and the like. Remember, I am 55 and have a different work mindset than a great many of today's workforce. I remember my biggest transition when I retired 15 years ago was the mindset of my co-workers I worked with. I was dumbfounded to say the least. I'm old school. For this very reason, I will be successful in this endeavor. I take great "enjoyment" in various YouTube channels out there. Some of these people simply leave me speechless. Remember, enjoyment has many connotations.

I'm not foolish enough to think that there is a diamond in anyone's rough out there. I have certain parameters I'm operating within. FWIW, home time isn't too important to me as I tend to think I will pretty much live out of the truck for a while. This suits me. Having said this, I do have a geographical area I want to be "based" out of so I am nearer to my adult children. What I haul doesn't matter too much but I don't see covered wagons or reefer in my future. Pay and bennies is important but I also realize that for the first year, it's going to suck. On the order of 10 bucks an hour. I think the focus of the first year or so - as you say - is to learn the ins and outs of the industry and the keys to becoming known as one of the go to guys with who ever I work for. I'm fortunate that I have my mil retirement and zero debt so it shouldn't suck so much. My biggest determinants are assigned equipment in that it is well maintained and equipped and at least 2500 miles a week. I like APU's and auto transmissions. I am doing my best eliminating companies who operate in the NE. I prefer not having to load or unload my trailer as well. Tanker appeals to me in this regard but I'm only now beginning research in this facet of the industry. Team operation after training is out of the question. I believe experienced highly regarded drivers are those a company will want to keep at great cost. There are more needs than drivers to fill them as you say - revolving door(s).

Your analogy of physical conditioning and diet is right on the money on so many levels.

Thank you for the advice Mr Brett. If you have any "private" thoughts please feel free to contact me at my email. I've been in contact with what seems to be most of the big carriers and get limited response. One of the frustrating things is that the recruiters never contact back. I know they are sales folk and that their push is to get as many candidates lined up as possible and that they shotgun replies out and take a wait and see approach. Sort of like we used to say in the military - "kill em all and let God sort them out". Might be that when they find out I am not doing anything until spring, it shuts them down as they have the car salesman mindset of "what's it gonna take to get you in the car today?"

Linden R, I have been working with Carter Express out of Anderson Indiana.

Well, after a few weeks of back and forth with the head of recruiting at one company I am very interested in, they've "approved" moving forward with the hiring come next spring after I grad CDL school. Everything I was asked to provide did the trick and I think that as I am articulate and serious in my day to day approach to business worked in my favor.

Next up.... Experiences with Napier in Hamilton Ohio? Thank you all. Chris

Thanx. I've kept my Ohio DL current for all these years so I'm not overly concerned with driving history as I'd be in the same boat - or cab - as the rest of the newbies as far has having a DOT driving history, or as I see it, having experience. I/we have none. I've poured over the goodies on this site and am in touch with a very interesting company I found thru this site that I hope to work for that takes on entry level drivers after CDL school. It's the verifiable work history that gives me pause as I have been retired. What are folks doing who come out of retirement? TIA

Thoughts welcome. I am living overseas after a 22 year military career. I am moving back to the USA in the spring and am beginning the search for schools and companies. I've narrowed it down to 2 schools in SW Ohio and am talking to a couple of companies. Concern I have is that I have been retired for 15 years. I am 55 rs old. I have no real verifiable work history. I have been "working" in a military commissary for 8 years as a bag boy. Basically a lumper for folks and thier groceries. Bag it, cart it and take it to the car for tips. Not a bad gig. My store director is willing to help in any way he can but my fear is no traditional work history in the sense that it cant be "clicked on" and brought up. Am I over thinking this? Thanx in advance. All other indicators are good in so muchas drug free, no record etc etc. Thanx again for your thoughts.