Starting School
Topic 21088 | Page 1
Definitely good luck to you as you begin down this exciting new path.
Good luck. We'll be here for you if you need help.
Starting week number 3 and so far so good. The first 2 weeks were on pre trip and troubleshooting, service (as a driver), and the basics of the mechanics of a tractor and trailer. This week we started with tips and strategies for driving in adverse conditions. 8 more weeks until im on the range in a truck putting practice to theory.
Johnnie Mac congrats on starting cdl school. I am in the same boat you where in trying to make the decision to get into trucking. I have been researching every place possible. I get a great amount of information but, the negative is more than the positive. Did you encounter this and if so how did you get through all of the negative talk out there? I just get tired of the people talking about how bad trucking is. My goal is to start cdl school in May. Thanks for any positive words about the trucking industry.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Johnnie Mac congrats on starting cdl school. I am in the same boat you where in trying to make the decision to get into trucking. I have been researching every place possible. I get a great amount of information but, the negative is more than the positive. Did you encounter this and if so how did you get through all of the negative talk out there? I just get tired of the people talking about how bad trucking is. My goal is to start cdl school in May. Thanks for any positive words about the trucking industry.
Honestly alot of the negative i heard was mainly from people that had crazy expectations or seemed like they were just looking for a regular job. From what i found most private schools seem to operate the same and the company sponsored programs i looked into were all more or less the same. My advice is if you want to do it then do it. Also hang around on these forums and just read the experianced drivers here are very helpful and will offer guidance... And give you an honest look into the industry. They have helped me a ton with making a decision.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Anything new to report?
Finished with my 10 weeks of classroom time and have been out on the range for 3 weeks now. So far i have done straight line and offset backing and im picking up the skills pretty good. Not that hard once you start to understand how the trailer reacts to steering inputs. Im getting close only 2 months left.
Hey there Johnnie Mac, congrats on your decision and progress so far. I must ask though if you can describe abot more about the training program you are attending. If my math is correct, this is a 21 week course? Is that full time, or part time on nights/weekends?
Abot? Geez, that should have said 'a bit more' lol.... i wonder sometimes if ill ever get used to writing on my phone. Good Grief.
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I would like to thank everyone on this site for the honest assessments of this career. After 2 years of deliberation and a solid 8 months of stalking TT threads i have decided to take the plunge. I will be attending allstate carrers in Baltimore and about 6 months from now i will have a cdl and be on my way. Ive already sent out some apps and am on my way to getting some pre hire letters. Wish me luck
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
Pre Hire:
What Exactly Is A Pre-Hire Letter?
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
A Pre-Hire Letter Is Not A Guarantee Of Employment
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.