Trying To Narrow Down Schools
Topic 27533 | Page 2
Donna I am doing it ...yah baby!! I have got to get to where I can take the hit for no income for a month...mid March til first if April. Wish I could go noooowwww 😂😁 So do you think it's too early to send in those apps since I can't leave immediately,or should I wait??
I think you can begin to send out applications by 3rd week of Feb. Like Donna said, you will get quick responses once you apply and more attention from recruiters. My only suggestion is do not put all of your eggs in one basket. Wait until you have several invitations to attend Paid CDL Training Programs and then do some research to determine the better fit.
If you haven't already, invest quality time reviewing and studying these links. Use this time to effectively prepare...set reasonable expectations, and begin building your knowledge base.
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
Good luck!
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Donna I am doing it ...yah baby!! I have got to get to where I can take the hit for no income for a month...mid March til first if April. Wish I could go noooowwww 😂😁 So do you think it's too early to send in those apps since I can't leave immediately,or should I wait??
Deidre,
I plan to start orientation with Prime in Springfield on March 23, in the flat bed division.
I filled out but did not submit my Prime application, but got a call from a recruiter. With Prime you need to begin orientation within 30 days from the date you submit your application. I will submit my formal application on February 23 in order to start March 23.
I plan to have my CLP (Missouri) and all endorsements other than passenger/school bus by the time I apply to Prime. Prime requires tanker endorsement for all drivers. In order to do get your CLP you need to get 1) your DOT Medical Certificate and 2) TSA hazmat threat assessment clearance (only if getting Hazmat endorsement). I got my DOT physical done at a Minute Clinic in CVS Pharmacy. It's $109.
https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/hazmat-endorsement
DOT Physical Locations Georgia
I may apply to TMC and Roehl, but most likely will choose Prime based upon my own preferences, and if they accept me.
If your schedule works out to start orientation at Prime on March 23, it would be nice to already know someone before I show up.
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
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
CLP:
Commercial Learner's Permit
Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.
Rob wrote...
I may apply to TMC and Roehl, but most likely will choose Prime based upon my own preferences, and if they accept me.
Companies regularly reject candidates for numerous reasons and apply these reasons without notice, at their discretion.
This is why it’s recommended to apply to multiple companies and be prepared to choose from one that actually chooses you.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
Thank you G-Town with info on the time frame!! I will do as you suggest and apply to multiple companies. Is an invitation a job offer? Rather, what exactly is orientation? 🐢 Protege... I hope to get on with Prime as well and I will be submitting an app to Roehl too. I'm still researching other companies. I just want to get somewhere where I can go everywhere. Not sure about TMC aren't they flatbed? Ain't no way I can lift a 100lb soaking wet tarp over my head 😳😳😂😂 Maybe we'll land at the same place!?!!
BMI:
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI provides a reasonable estimate of body fat. The BMI's biggest weakness is that it doesn't consider individual factors such as bone or muscle mass. BMI may:
- Underestimate body fat for older adults or other people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat for people who are very muscular and physically fit
It's quite common, especially for men, to fall into the "overweight" category if you happen to be stronger than average. If you're pretty strong but in good shape then pay no attention.
Deidre,
See the links below to Prime's and Roehl's orientation:
I would also check out the diaries section of this forum, which has detailed experiences about many of the training programs.
As far as flatbed at TMC, the link above has a video and pdf of their essential job functions. In addition to lifting, if you don't like heights, probably not your best option.
And, although I don't know her, Half Pint on this forum was a 5'1" woman who did flatbed for a while. I'm sure she can chime in about the feasibility.
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.
Diedre wonders...
Is an invitation a job offer? Rather, what exactly is orientation?
This really is a good question. There's often bus rides involved, which sounds like "employed", but not yet.
My experience is with Swift, but the idea should hold for most companies. The bottom line is, at Swift, that you start earning your paycheck on the third day of a three day "Orientation". The first two days are briefings/classes on company operation & policies, more testing (drug, background, and probably a quick road test) and you could be sent home (with a bus ticket) if you don't pass muster there. But that invite to the terminal means you have a job, if all goes well.
Should you be offered a slot in the company's Paid CDL Training Program, at that point you all but have a job, providing you get the CDL, etc.
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.
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.
Thank you Errol V. I understand now👍
At prime u are not employed until u get your CDL.
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.
Donna points out:
At prime u are not employed until u get your CDL.
This is true. Except for the part of my answer about going to a Paid CDL Training Program, The trip direct to Orientation is for CDL holders only. So the "employed" last day is for experienced drivers or those new hires who just got their CDL at a qualified school ((and they do have a CDL!
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.New Reply:
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Donna I am doing it ...yah baby!! I have got to get to where I can take the hit for no income for a month...mid March til first if April. Wish I could go noooowwww 😂😁 So do you think it's too early to send in those apps since I can't leave immediately,or should I wait??
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.