Name Any American Company That Allows At Least TWO Small Dogs

By home .. Yes some people have room in their yards or whatever. . I park my truck at a truck stop two miles away. But I know plenty of drivers who ask local businesses such as grocery stores,hotels or shopping plazas to park there.

And no, we do not conduct personal business with the trucks. I never said that. As for fuel economy, we usually have customers close to home so basically we get paid to drive to the delivery to get home. Then to the next customer to come back on the road.

I'm curious as to how many days off you are planning per month? I'm guessing you expect to come home every weekend since you said "I expect them to be serviced after every road trip"?

Yes, you asked about the dogs. Once you find a company that takes the dogs, be sure to make a list of your other demands and requirement's. Then compare.

I'd be really interested to see which company you choose.

You are getting some good advice. First look at the links G Town gave you. Also check

• Trucker's Career Guide: Choosing Your First Truck Driving Job
• Article Category: Finding The Right Truck Driving Job
• Forum Topics Tagged "Choosing A Trucking Company"
• Paid CDL Training Programs
• Trucking Company Reviews

Like others have said, hiring area and not terminal location matter. It seems you need to learn more about how this career works. As far as the truck getting serviced, the company takes care of that. They either route you to a terminal or arrange road service, usually with a T/A. Here's an example. I picked up a loaded trailer the other day and most of the lights were out. That puts the trailer out of service. I called our road service department and they sent someone to fix the problem. I went back to sleep. No sweat.

Some people live on large pieces of land and can take the truck and trailer home. Most find a local truck stop or business that will let them park there. Think big box stores. I am with CFI. I live in Charlotte NC. Until a few days ago I was planning to leave my truck at a local truck stop. Fortunately they gave me my home time load as a drop to a drop yard 10 minutes from my house. I did a happy dance. My tractor is now parked in my driveway. It's almost as big as my house. I got that trailer from someone who was parked behind a Target for their home time. I have a friend with the same company who parks his at a local business. As far as pets go, CFI has a pet policy. I know they require a $500.00 deposit, which they can payroll deduct over time. I don't know the size limit or quantity. I have seen drivers with big dogs down to the tiniest Chihuahuas.

I hope that helps. Good luck.

JVA, I read your reply to Rainys points last night. I took some time to think over my response here.

In my opinion this is not going to be the career for you. I know that you have to think of your furry friends at some point in this process. But first you need to decide if the trucking lifestyle is something you can do, or want to do.

You described what sounds like a dedicated or regional type of job. And yes it is possible for a rookie to get those types. It's just not likely. Your going to have a better shot of going OTR first. I say this because companies will want experience fir those other types. So that means you could be out on the road for 4-6 weeks at s time before you get back to your apartment. It sounds like that would be an issue for you. Again just my perception of how you responded.

Once you determine if this is a job you want and can do. Then you need to think about the life your furry pets will have on a truck. Is it the right lifestyle for them. Are they distracting to you when you drive? You can't have them for the training period, what will you do with them.

I went through the same issue with my dog, ultimately I decided it would be best for him to not join me. He needs room to run on a daily basis for hours at a time.

As a side note, I would really pay attention to the things Rainy says if your thinking of going Jim Palmer. Their training is very very similar to Primes, in which she is a trainer for.

By home .. Yes some people have room in their yards or whatever. . I park my truck at a truck stop two miles away. But I know plenty of drivers who ask local businesses such as grocery stores,hotels or shopping plazas to park there.

And no, we do not conduct personal business with the trucks. I never said that. As for fuel economy, we usually have customers close to home so basically we get paid to drive to the delivery to get home. Then to the next customer to come back on the road.

I'm curious as to how many days off you are planning per month? I'm guessing you expect to come home every weekend since you said "I expect them to be serviced after every road trip"?

Yes, you asked about the dogs. Once you find a company that takes the dogs, be sure to make a list of your other demands and requirement's. Then compare.

I'd be really interested to see which company you choose.

I don't know all the little"logistics" things about trucking just yet. I don't have a whole bunch of demands but the dog policy thing is the most important over the LONG run. I am pretty flexible about most other matters. OK, even if I were to go home ONLY one weekend a month, I would still have to park my company truck "somewhere" and then drive my car, personal gear and little dogs home. I just hope my car battery doesn't go dead over the weeks-long work session from long-term not running OR I could just hire a cab (that allows two small caged pets) to take me to and from work and leave my (paid for free and clear) car at home (with a lockable cover on it) with the battery taken out, put on my back patio on a trickle charger. I would expect that the companies all have this truck parking "protocol" worked out for "whenever" drivers get off work even if it is only once a month. I will study more of Brett's reading stuff but experience will still be my best teacher when all is said and done. There are a number of ropes to learn in this job I am well aware of. I won't have my dogs with me in the beginning anyway or even want to be bothered with them starting out. A new driver's plate will be plenty full of things to deal with as it is. Certainly a soldier can't have pets in basic training for the same reason. I feel a greenhorn trucker's first year will be a sort of "boot camp": all pain, all train, all snow and rain, all discipline, no fun. Come to think of it, I could even start out with a no-pets company then transfer over to another (pet-friendly) company about a year down the road. Seasoned drivers with good records can often cut their own ticket as to whom to work for. I will get the driving job down pat first before worrying about the dogs. The dogs can very well be pet-sit at my brother's place while I am training and getting initial work experience.

You are getting some good advice. First look at the links G Town gave you. Also check

• Trucker's Career Guide: Choosing Your First Truck Driving Job
• Article Category: Finding The Right Truck Driving Job
• Forum Topics Tagged "Choosing A Trucking Company"
• Paid CDL Training Programs
• Trucking Company Reviews

Like others have said, hiring area and not terminal location matter. It seems you need to learn more about how this career works. As far as the truck getting serviced, the company takes care of that. They either route you to a terminal or arrange road service, usually with a T/A. Here's an example. I picked up a loaded trailer the other day and most of the lights were out. That puts the trailer out of service. I called our road service department and they sent someone to fix the problem. I went back to sleep. No sweat.

Some people live on large pieces of land and can take the truck and trailer home. Most find a local truck stop or business that will let them park there. Think big box stores. I am with CFI. I live in Charlotte NC. Until a few days ago I was planning to leave my truck at a local truck stop. Fortunately they gave me my home time load as a drop to a drop yard 10 minutes from my house. I did a happy dance. My tractor is now parked in my driveway. It's almost as big as my house. I got that trailer from someone who was parked behind a Target for their home time. I have a friend with the same company who parks his at a local business. As far as pets go, CFI has a pet policy. I know they require a $500.00 deposit, which they can payroll deduct over time. I don't know the size limit or quantity. I have seen drivers with big dogs down to the tiniest Chihuahuas.

I hope that helps. Good luck.

I am sure "where to park the truck" on those precious few days off will be of little worry to me. It was always my assumption that companies own or lease the real estate for this very purpose. Railroads, for example, often own or lease the train rolling stock that runs on their own tracks and own the land property as well: right-of-way, yards, buildings and terminals as well. Railroad vehicles are generally parked on the railroad's own property when not in service. The difference is that truck companies, unlike RRs, don't own the actual roads they operate on usually but one might think they usually lease or own the various buildings and lots (land) for their business use and their vehicular equipment.

JVA, I read your reply to Rainys points last night. I took some time to think over my response here.

In my opinion this is not going to be the career for you. I know that you have to think of your furry friends at some point in this process. But first you need to decide if the trucking lifestyle is something you can do, or want to do.

You described what sounds like a dedicated or regional type of job. And yes it is possible for a rookie to get those types. It's just not likely. Your going to have a better shot of going OTR first. I say this because companies will want experience fir those other types. So that means you could be out on the road for 4-6 weeks at s time before you get back to your apartment. It sounds like that would be an issue for you. Again just my perception of how you responded.

Once you determine if this is a job you want and can do. Then you need to think about the life your furry pets will have on a truck. Is it the right lifestyle for them. Are they distracting to you when you drive? You can't have them for the training period, what will you do with them.

I went through the same issue with my dog, ultimately I decided it would be best for him to not join me. He needs room to run on a daily basis for hours at a time.

As a side note, I would really pay attention to the things Rainy says if your thinking of going Jim Palmer. Their training is very very similar to Primes, in which she is a trainer for.

This could still possibly work for me, sir. My brother can care for my pets for some time and has agreed to do it if push were to come to shove.

That's no problem.

If my career in a rig goes over a year, then eventually, I will want the furry animals to join me on the road. Experience/seniority has its privileges, rewards, more pay, promotions, more desirable work schedules and more responsibilities.

A confirmed bachelor, I have no immediate family of my own. I know lots of truckers make their pets work out for them on the road somehow after they get seasoned on the job. Of course, many new drivers don't want their pets to get in the way until they get settled in their career path.

I think being a bachelor is ideal for a newbie trucker. Having no wife or human babies of my own is a big qualifier right off the bat.

I am very well psyched up to do the "hardship tour": 3 - to - 6 weeks a driving session away from home sweet home. I am just cooped up in my little apartment most of the time anyway and I am making no money at it.

Yes, I do indeed expect OTR work initially as a greenhorn. It seems like standard operating procedure. That may be my only option.

I am very well aware of that.

"I figure..."

"I figure..."

"I don't know but.."

"I would expect..."

"I would assume..."

"I have assumptions.."

Do you see the pattern here? you are guessing trucking is for you. Perhaps it is. And yes, life will be easier if you are not in a relationship as you start your journey cause the pressures of home life and homesickness can really throw a wrench into training and new solo careers.

You paid off your Toyota Corolla, good for you. I paid off my Mustang GT 5.0, and yes I park at the truck stop and have my car in storage with the battery disconnected. I get a cab and take the cat carrier with me. No big deal. I've also let my brother drive the car for awhile during winter.

Jim Palmer and Prime do have contracts together and Jim Palmer uses Prime terminals and drop yards.

I'm curious why you think JP will be a good fit. What do you know of them?

Please take a minute to re read your posts. Instead of asking questions that can give you information on improving your entrance into trucking you have repeatedly told us what you figured, assumed and expected.

Our insistence that you read the links comes from our experience and knowing that 95% of those who enter trucking fail. We want you to be one of the 5% who make it. It isn't easy and we know it.

One of the biggest reasons people fail is because they "figured, assumed, expected". If we can help you get past those unrealistic expectations before you even get started and provide you with accurate information, you have a much better chance as being the odds defying 5%.

See what I mean?

Good luck

It sounds like you need to learn so much more about trucking before you make this move. I spent over four years researching this before I made the move. Because of all the research I did, I have had no surprises. I am very happy with CFI and this life style. One can never be to prepared for this lifestyle. I hope you will heed the advise you get here. We have all been there and done that. Read our posts. Read training diaries. Read Brett's book. Devour everything on this site. Good luck to you.

"I figure..."

"I figure..."

"I don't know but.."

"I would expect..."

"I would assume..."

"I have assumptions.."

Do you see the pattern here? you are guessing trucking is for you. Perhaps it is. And yes, life will be easier if you are not in a relationship as you start your journey cause the pressures of home life and homesickness can really throw a wrench into training and new solo careers.

You paid off your Toyota Corolla, good for you. I paid off my Mustang GT 5.0, and yes I park at the truck stop and have my car in storage with the battery disconnected. I get a cab and take the cat carrier with me. No big deal. I've also let my brother drive the car for awhile during winter.

Jim Palmer and Prime do have contracts together and Jim Palmer uses Prime terminals and drop yards.

I'm curious why you think JP will be a good fit. What do you know of them?

Please take a minute to re read your posts. Instead of asking questions that can give you information on improving your entrance into trucking you have repeatedly told us what you figured, assumed and expected.

Our insistence that you read the links comes from our experience and knowing that 95% of those who enter trucking fail. We want you to be one of the 5% who make it. It isn't easy and we know it.

One of the biggest reasons people fail is because they "figured, assumed, expected". If we can help you get past those unrealistic expectations before you even get started and provide you with accurate information, you have a much better chance as being the odds defying 5%.

See what I mean?

Good luck

Very good, Mrs. Rainy D.

I will indeed study all this on-line stuff. I don't have to be told that entering this field will entail major changes in my life and it is likely I won't LIKE all the changes this career brings into my life. This semi work is indeed working for a living: a job, not a Sunday park picnic or church ice cream social. It certainly can't be worse than flipping hamburgers at McDonald's for minimum wage.

The major change I am looking for is in my personal bank statements where DEPOSITS are listed every month. Larger numbers in that column will be very welcome.

My main goal in life is to get from "out of work" to "relatively richer".

What do YOU personally NOT like about trucking even though you are still going strong at it perhaps after several years?

I am sure every driver will hit things that are "not fun" in this racket sooner or later during this career.

I think the 95% who fail are mostly those who are NOT single (bachelors), wimps or spoiled brats with no work ethic.

Those with the toughness, as myself, to have entered military service and have succeeded are probably the better candidates to take the wheel of an 18-wheeler.

This is not a job for sissies, wimps or cowards.

This could have recruiting campaign appeal for American freight companies.

We are looking for a few Good Men. The Proud, the Few the American Gear-jammers.

Its true. There are good and bad trainers, drivers and attributes at every company.

I was a United States Postal Worker for 18 years ...dealing with bombs, anthrax and shoot outs. So trucking came easy to me---all except the backing and team training. I LOVE that I'm not micromanaged and pretty much am left alone. I love that if I tell dispatch I want a day off they send me where I want to go. I love we have a terminal that has a salon & day spa for me to get massages and facials. I love the freedom I craved while working in that hellish prison known as the USPS.

As far as flip flopping from day to night driving, handing the rig, being on my own, and trip planning, I adjusted well. I slept during loading/unloading instead of complaining about the length of time in a door. I took whatever truck they gave me instead of combing the yard and fantasizing about which one I wanted. And I never complained about a load. Soon I was a go to girl on my FMs board, racking in the big.miles.

I did great. And I did it by listening to Old School here about trip planning and time management. I paid attention to Errol's backing practice exercises. Did I screw up? Of course, but I took responsibility for the errors and learned from them.

What do I dislike? That I constantly seem to need to get reefer , trailer or truck repairs done. Is it constant? No but it seems that way. It seems im the only driver who fixes stuff...but it isnt true. But that is trucking. Things break. It also irritates me that appointments sometimes get screwed up. I give an ETA that is reasonable but get there and the customer is closed. That is trucking

I still get my great miles. I started Prime in near bankruptcy two years ago, and by the end of the summer I will have paid everything off, put $10,000 into my 401k and have additional in my savings. And let's just say my debt was substantial.

So IF you want that bank account to swell, read the forum lol

You can do it, but do it the smart way. And thanks for your service, but please understand, we have seen servicemen fail also.

I'm still curious. What besides the pet policy do you like about Jim Palmer?

Do you know what division you want to work in and freight you want to haul? Drive van, flatbed, reefer? Rookies are probably better off getting some experience first before tackling the surge of a tanker.

With the pets you should go for a company with APUs. . did u think of.that? I'm not sure if only APU companies have pet policies, but it is a consideration.

Terminal:

A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.

Fm:

Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager

The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.

Reefer:

A refrigerated trailer.

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

APUs:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.