Start School August 5th-September 13th. Whats My Best Options After Graduation?
Topic 26184 | Page 1
As has been suggested many times in other threads, get a toy tractor trailer and play with it. Backing is literally pushing the trailer around with the tractor driving in reverse. See how the toy trailer reacts, when moving the toy tractor around. When in school watching others back while you arent the one backing really helps you see what is going on. Those are really the best suggestions I can think of.
Sorry if the first line sounds like I'm suggesting you should read all threads here before posting, it's not meant that way.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Hey Brandon, just a few words of advice:
1. forget the money, for now. you are on step 1 out of 1000 and most people who start this career don't make it. there is so much ahead of you to focus on and learn. much of it will seem overwhelming at times. Right now, your main goal is getting that CDL. That's it. Put everything else aside.
2. everyone learns at their own pace. driving a truck is something anyone can do, but being a truck driver is not. for some, it comes naturally and they pick things up right away. others struggle and it takes time for things to click. you won't know until you get behind the wheel. take it one day at a time.
3. backing is tough for everyone. listen to your instructors. go slow. you need to develop a feel for how the trailer moves, and that takes lots of practice.
I would suggest finding a truck stop close to you. go there and watch the trucks go in and out. watch how they back. watch the mistakes as they happen. you'll be surprised how much observation can help you. when you start school, watch your fellow students. seat time is going to be precious and you will spend most of your time waiting for your turn. make the most of that time.
Good Luck! Keep us posted on your progress.
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.
I would suggest you save your money and get into a Paid CDL Training Programs. When these companies hire you, they make an investment in your success. It is best to start OTR for at least one year. This will better prepare you for that coveted local job. It is also advised that you go through our starter pack.
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
Also, read through our CDL Training Diaries. These will show you how we all had difficulties with shifting and backing. We all did it, so can you.
Best of luck to you.
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.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
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I have passed and obtained my cdl permit. I have studied and memorized pre-trip. I guess that’s the majority of it for now until I learn manual. Been studying Hazmat and tankers now.
I’m nervous about backing up as I don’t know what it feels like to drive a truck. Can anyone explain how hard it would be to catch on.
And last question. I’m not sure whats best option should I go on the road? Local? I got in this career for the better income choices. Willing to work hard and have true dedication. I’m hoping to get from making $15 or less an hour to 20-24 an hour locally or more by otr.
Advice as I’m studying but I wish I could get hands on with a truck now before school to practice.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.