Profile For Mothman

Yeah... 123 / 234 is pretty clever. Thanks.

So quick update... I made some flash cards. This info in particular was hard for me to log away because I had no visual reference in my head to attach it to... if that makes any sense.

I made a flash card for each possible version of vehicle/psi/brake setup. And now that I've been looking them over, something actually clicked as a visual for me to reference in my head. (The paragraph in the CDL book didn't click with me)

So now I can say "brakes applied or not" and cross reference that (visually in my head) with "vehicle type" or "psi" and tell you the other.

I know this is a strange "small item" that someone else might just remember with no issue. But now I can also remember it.

Yeah, that's the prep test on which I failed those specific questions.

I'm using that and I agree it's the best out there... better than the DMVs offered stuff... better than the one recommended by my recruiter in their prep packet, etc. — totally agree with you. They actually knew about this site and were glad I was using it.

I know I'll eventually get it, because I'm getting all the other stuff. Just thought "maybe" this specific PSI part, someone had a random "teaching tip" they may have used in addition to basic memorization. An additional association of some kind I guess.

Like I said, I'm sure I'll eventually get it. Just thought I'd ask in case anyone else had a similar issue remembering these and had a tip.

Guess I need to make some flash cards and hammer it in my brain.

I'm training for my CDL permit and for some reason my brain can't remember the correct PSI for single vs combination, with vs without service breaks applied, etc. etc.

I understand the cut-in / cut-out numbers, etc. (anything that is different enough from each other) But the ones that are close in number are throwing me off. I'll think I have it memorized, then I fail the online practice tests questions.

Now I'm thinking of making flash cards at this point so I can hammer the information in. BUT... I also thought I might ask you all if you have any memory tips or anything that helped you remember them for testing.

Any clever things like "I before E" sayings out there for this topic?

Thanks!

Just wanted to follow up so if anyone had the same question I had about work history.

I've talked to a driver agent with Driver Solutions that works with PAM and (at least in my circumstance) it is not an issue. So they've processed me through everything and all I need now is my physical and my permit and then I'll be off to training. ;)

Congrats!

It's funny how some people approach this career - like they are just going into a new fast food restaurant for another average job that can be done by any average person. All they think they really need is the license, so they can get started - merely a formality!

Believe it or not, I just got rejected by my first choice simply based on "recent" work history. The recruiter basically implied I needed to go flip burgers for 24 months then reapply if I was still interested. So maybe some companies are pushing this mentality from the inside out.

On the other hand, I'm a 42 year old that knows the career he wants at this point in life and I'm studying and reading everything I can. This site is a great help. Not only in training, testing, etc. but also in all the diaries and information provided.

Brett, thank you for offering this to the industry.

A little background information:

Two years ago I lost my wife, then became ill and could not work. It took a year for everything to get properly diagnosed and for me to recover.

At this point I decided my life was turned upside down enough, it was in a good place to mentally work on myself and research what I wanted to do as a new direction for my life.

My question is this:

Will not having a "verifiable work history" for the last two years prevent me from moving forward with PAM?

Since I do not have a CDL, I'll need a company that offers training. I'm trying to prevent wasting anyone's time by applying if the circumstances aren't able to be considered.

I have no criminal history, a great driving record, solid work history (prior to becoming ill), with personal and professional references available if needed.

Truth is, if that two year break hadn't happened, I'd still be active in the tech industry and not looking to change careers in the first place.

Thank you for your time.

I'm going to assume that since you are posting here, that you have read though the Company-Sponsored Training Reviews here on this site.

I'm kind of in the same boat. I have a list of things that are requirements and things others may care about, that I don't. I'm in the final stages of my decision process and I'm one of those people that needs to really consider "all the things" before jumping in.

I think of personal written online reviews like "yelp reviews" where people (mostly) only take the time to post a review when they want to complain. I find ignoring those and moving on to facts instead have been more reliable (to me anyway). That and I check sites like Glassdoor that will give you some additional details about the CEOs and things like how they treat people in office positions, etc. Which I think can say something about how the company operates as a whole.

So take the list I posted above, make a pros and cons list of the info shown. Pick your top 3 from that list, then double check the info that is important on the company's main website (to make sure policies haven't changed recently)... then search these forums for info posted by those who actually work for those companies.

Sometimes more can be learned by reading stories from first hand accounts in here than will ever be "written" in a direct review/complaint.

When you feel that your list of the top choices is solid enough, reach out to recruiters and actually discuss your needs, your concerns, etc.

I think (from my research) that the process of weeding the list down, then handling additional questions and concerns directly with the company has helped me feel comfortable and taken away the "overwhelm" of information in the process. It has also allowed me to talk to family/friends in the business and I was shocked by how they all have a buddy that drives for "XYZ Company" and is willing to visit with me.

And I think you posting questions like this one are good also. Though I think if you can narrow it down, then tailor the question to the specific top choices, you might get better returns from members. (This is based on me lurking here for a while while doing my own research) When you can mention a company in question it's like a moth to a flame of forum members related to that company jumping in. ;)

Lastly, I'd say "do what financially works for your current position" more than worrying about what they will pay you a year down the road. I'm of the opinion that someone looking for the career and trucking lifestyle (as vs. someone chasing the money), that from everything I've read, it all evens out years down the road anyway. If you pay your dues, do a good job, live the lifestyle, that you will be rewarded (within the company or with a future opportunity)... maybe I'm in the mindset of "instead of planning for my trucking career long goals, I'm planing for what fits me now, knowing in the long run I can adjust when it no longer fits my needs"

I didn't expect to be so long winded here, but that's my 2¢ anyway regarding the process. I apologize I don't have a direct answer to the "best for you" but I hope it may help. Good luck!

Hope you get to feeling better. Sounds horrible.