Raider Express Update Pt 2

One additional criteria I had was the ability to earn in excess of 70k during the first year. Why that number? Truthfully, in my past I've been blessed to earn much more, and wanted to do something different, while at the same time not wrecking my current financial picture. In other words, this figure was my minimum I felt I needed to come to this work. However, for others, this may represent a life changing opportunity with respect to compensation. If it is, there are many stories shared during the first week of how Raider did exactly that with many of the drivers. So cool to have a positive effect on people's lives.

Week 1: Day 1: From the previous experience write up, a little has changed. Day 1 is spent performing the medical first thing. It will take most of the day, and you will see some of your new classmates disappear as a result. Raider will only accept those who can pass immediately (though if unable, you just need to do whatever is required and can come back- sleep study, doctor note, etc. though it will NOT be in the same class) and that are granted a minimum period of 1 year (maximum is 2 years). You will see your class size diminish after the physical as people leave to resolve whatever was identified.

After this, you will start to cover questions in preparation to take the CDL test on Wednesday to obtain your CLP. Homework is to do the questions from a CDL prep app and take a screenshot of your score on question 239 of 240. Before assigning this, you may receive the speech of how this is training and not compensated, so while you are evaluating Raider, they are evaluating you. In other words, if you don't complete, you may be asked to leave immediately.

Day 2: Homework complete validation (we lost no one so yeah!). Continuation of CDL material review. It is quite lengthy. You will be given an app. To assist in grounding the knowledge for the combo, airbrakes tests, you are taken to a truck and given a demonstration. This is your first opportunity to touch/experience the equipment you will use. My first impression? This is a LOT smaller than I thought (was not an extended cab). This REALLY does help cement what you are learning in the app as now you have practical knowledge/experience to marry to the rote memorization you have been doing. In the afternoon, you will take a couple of quizzes to measure understanding. )1/2 of class temperature not taken, no active mask enforcement).

Day 3: There will be a study session in the morning, then another pre-test, and on to the actual tests. These are performed at Raider facility. The reason for Wednesday is that if you need to retest, there is time remaining in week to do so. Please note that while Raider has structured the ability to retest in the case of a failure, ultimately, if all tests are not completed with passing scores by Friday of the first week, you are asked to pursue on your own and come back.

Day 4: The day is spent lecturing on paper logs (for which you will now log class time to get into rhythm of doing) and on map reading. For map reading, you are given an origination and destination, then have to fill out a form that includes the relevant page numbers, nearby highways, general direction of route (NW, SE, etc.) and highways to use. Then you will determine the mileage of route. Several scenarios are given and all is reviewed in class. Time management is reinforced, as is the reminder to be on time back in class after breaks etc. as they are evaluating you the entire time. In our class, there were several needing to retest, so as of now, it is not known how many we will lose.

Day 5: I have no idea, as upon arrival, we were told to enjoy a long weekend as a result of the school performing a "deep cleaning to ensure student safety."

I'd love to thank all who have welcomed me to the community and for the help everyone has provided. This is a unique little piece of internet realestate we've come across in TruckingTruth. Hopefully, this is helpful to others eyeing RE as a possible first job. If there are specific questions, please let me know. If considering, please reach out to me for more information and I'll do my best to answer though may need to seek out the answer! :)

Thanks!

$70,000 income for year one is highly unlikely. The steep learning curve and numerous rookie mistakes will limit income the first year.

40-45k is a reasonable expectation.