Future Rookie Driver From Iowa Looking For Recommendations On Choosing A Company
Topic 27900 | Page 1
Welcome to the forum Rachel. There is lots of information on this site along with very knowledgeable drivers, you've come to the right place.
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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.
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.
Welcome, Rachel.
The big dog is gonna be a big problem I'm afraid. Very few companies will allow a dog that size, and getting him/her in and out of the truck is going to be very difficult, though doable.
During the first couple of months, you'll have to leave him home because they won't allow him in the truck while you're in training. So prepare for that.
We do have a list of trucking companies that allow pets.
Seriously, with a dog that big your choice of companies will be very limited. I would search for companies that allow a dog that size, apply to all of them, and see if anyone offers you an opportunity. Then worry about making a selection if you find more than one.
Give Roehl a look. I’m from Des Moines and happy.
Mother Trucker writes:
Give Roehl a look. I’m from Des Moines and happy.
A little over 2 months ago you expressed interest in Roehl; "on my short list" is what you said. It seems like you went through their school, earned you CDL and are now a solo driver?
If so congratulations...! 
Perhaps an update is in order, and updating your driver status.
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 drive for Wilson Logistics. I've only been with the company for about 5 months so take this for what it's worth: We have no size or breed restrictions on pets and they have been pretty good to me. If I remember correctly we also have a waiting period before you can bring another heartbeat onto the truck.
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Having a hard time deciding what company would be the best fit. There are so many to choose from. And a lot of times there seems to be a discrepancy between reading the companies websites and the reviews from drivers. Thought I would ask some experts to steer me in the right direction.
I'm in Eastern/Central Iowa. I am hoping to find a company that would allow my large dog (approx. 110 lbs) to go with me. Prefer company training. I do live near a Community College that offers CDL training, but I can't pay out of pocket right now, nor could I probably get a loan. I could figure something out if I really had to but company training would be easier.
I'm not sure if I'm wanting to go OTR or look for more of a regional or dedicated route. I love the idea of travelling and seeing new places. But I also feel like I would be more comfortable starting out regional or dedicated route till I get a more experienced.
Thoughts?
Thanks for the help!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
Dedicated Route:
A driver or carrier who transports cargo between regular, prescribed routes. Normally it means a driver will be dedicated to working for one particular customer like Walmart or Home Depot and they will only haul freight for that customer. You'll often hear drivers say something like, "I'm on the Walmart dedicated account."
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
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.
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.