Profile For Falcon4Lyfe

So yes, I did finish my training in Gary and passed my CDL test. It was difficult because the my time there but I really wanted this. Just wanted to check in and let everyone know. I come back with a more detailed reply later.

Ok. Week 1 is in the books! It was pretty interesting. One thing I'll say about the training here and I'm assuming it's like this for every company, it's pretty fast paced. But if you come in with the right attitude you can learn. I've learned so much in just one week coming from not having any knowledge whatsoever about a truck. I was afraid of shifting the whole time coming here but surprisingly I picked that up the fastest. Its saddening to see some of the guys you come in with struggle and you try tour best to help them out so they can keep up but I guess it's not for everyone. This week we're working on backing. I think the thing for me to focus on right now is pre-trip. If anyone has suggestions fell free to drop them. Let's see where week 2 takes me!

Can you tell us what or how did the issues with crap come up

Basically it was DOT. I initially went for a physical in October. I'm overweight but I carry it well. Not a slob in any way. But of course the doctor only gave me a 3 month card due to not having a sleep study on record. I'm someone who had no knowledge of sleep apnea and for a moment almost gave up on pursuing this opportunity. I gave it some thought and figured it was an investment not only for this but for my life. I had no insurance through my employer so I shoveled out over 1300 bucks for the study and the cpap. To be honest, I wrestle with that thing to this day. But it is what it is. I would love if there was a more detailed forum here for cpap users because I need HELP!

Day 1 done! As all of you probably know. The 1st day is mostly paperwork. We went over company policies and the usual employee business. For people interested in Roehl, you'll have to go through the physical capacity test. Easy as long as you dont have any injuries or anything because it will show. Things got interesting when we were able to get on the simulator. It was all about shifting and learning the pattern. Pretty straight forward and I was able to get it for someone who has never driven a manual ever but my thing was how am i gonna be able to do this and keep my eyes on the road at the same time! I guess it will all come with practice. That was basically it. Tomorrow we are supposed to bobtail around the yard so I'm excited about that. If I'm able I'll update you guys and let you know how it went. Peace!

Why didn't you go for training at Roehl there outside Atlanta at the terminal?

I'm training in flatbed. Sorry, forgot to mention. They dont do that training in Conley.

Hello Trucking World! I just wanted to start this diary so I can have something to look back at to learn from whether I'm successful or not on this journey. I just arrived in Gary, Indiana from Atlanta, GA to start my training at Roehl. I'm exhausted after 10 hours and 700 miles but I'm good. If I can I will give a day by day breakdown of my journey in the hopes that it will help someone in the future as many post here did for me. A little bit about myself, I come from the cable industry. Digging holes and climbing poles for 10 years. I started out loving my job. But the industry has changed so much in terms of work and income that it became just a job to me and not a career. On top of that I have 3 sons that I support so theres that. Last year me and the mother of my kids split and they moved away. I was then left with an opportunity to change directions in life so I decided to pursue Trucking. I'm going all in so I'm focused and ready to learn. I had a couple of hiccups in applying at first, like with cpap compliance but I worked it out and I'm finally here in gary after 5 months. If anybody has any words of wisdom or experience here please share. Other than that, I'm gonna get some rest and get ready for tomorrow. Peace!