Transitioning Careers At 54 - Start At The Beginning Because That's Where I Am
Topic 28786 | Page 1
You cannot itemize anything as a company driver since 2018. Claiming the Standard Deduction (which is $6000 per person) will far exceed any amount you would be saving receipts for anyway.
Due to the destruction of my current industry, for various reasons over many years, I find I have to change careers. Doing OTR seems to be a good fit for me. I have gotten my DOT medical and my SC CPL. I'm currently speaking with reps from two companies that do Class A CDL training. I like them both, but one better.
They have all of my paperwork and I'm waiting to be accepted. Hopefully, that process will be finished at the beginning of this week. This CDL Diary looks good for reading for info but also for me to get stuff out of my system. Maybe it will help when I reread it.
So, I'm at the very beginning. I've researched what I can itemize on my deductions. I have an app on my phone that will scan and read those receipts for when tax time comes. I believe I have gotten all the gear I need, boots, gloves, rain jacket, coat, etc. All ready to pack up and go. Got my paperwork organized. I've looked at many apps and chosen some for lifestyle (Pacer on iPhone to make sure I move around enough for health), Foreceipt for scanning my receipts and Hammer for 'truck' GPS for pre-planning. My electronic chargers, power banks, things like that.
Just trying to get myself organized, that's my style before I start. If anyone has additional suggestions for helpful apps I'd appreciate it.
This is my new beginning. I'll let you know what happens from here on out.
Wish you well, Joe. Yeah, CRST is team only; saw in another thread that dissuaded you. Have you used the link(s) on HERE, to apply for multiple companies, with training, yet? There are many.
Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving
- Trucker's Career Guide: Choosing Your First Truck Driving Job
- Article Category: Finding The Right Truck Driving Job
- Forum Topics Tagged "Choosing A Trucking Company"
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.
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.
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.
Well, I've been talking with three different companies, Wilson Logistics, Stevens Transport & Prime Inc. That's the order in which I like them but they all seem very good companies. I'd be happy to go to training with each of them and work for them. But Wilson is really taking its time and I'm not making in money right now. They have all my paperwork and need management buy off. I'm supposed to hear from them by tomorrow morning.
But, I can't just wait and potentially not get paid for another week or two so I've talked with Stevens and it looks like I can get in to there training this coming Monday. We'll see what Wilson says. I know they need to be careful as we will be moving an expensive tractor with expensive cargo but I have to set things up so my family can get money. I really hope Wilson works out soon. But, Stevens has a lot of good advantages too. I like them both.
This is just the lay of the land today. Tomorrow will be a whole different story I'm sure. I just need to set a definite path.
Later.
Personally, I would wait to hear back from the other two prior to jumping into training on Monday with the company that you did hear from.
I base this on lots of conversations speaking with drivers from all three companies.
That's my preference. I will wait to hear from Wilson. My finances, though, are making me make a decision this week. I can't wait forever, I have to set a deadline for myself. But, thanks for the advice.
Personally, I would wait to hear back from the other two prior to jumping into training on Monday with the company that you did hear from.
I base this on lots of conversations speaking with drivers from all three companies.
A good note to know about Stevens Transportation and their school in TN. You have to go through an additional DOT medical even if you already have one. If you have additional paperwork from your doctor, letters, etc. they have their own format and wording and require new paperwork from your doctor. Add a little additional time to get those.
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Hear anything good before the week ended, Joe?
Still following, wishing you well.
Anne ~ :)
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
A good note to know about Stevens Transportation and their school in TN. You have to go through an additional DOT medical even if you already have one. If you have additional paperwork from your doctor, letters, etc. they have their own format and wording and require new paperwork from your doctor. Add a little additional time to get those.
Many if not all companies will want you to resubmit to physical using one of their approved Doctors. It’s SOP.
Good luck!
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.New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
Due to the destruction of my current industry, for various reasons over many years, I find I have to change careers. Doing OTR seems to be a good fit for me. I have gotten my DOT medical and my SC CPL. I'm currently speaking with reps from two companies that do Class A CDL training. I like them both, but one better.
They have all of my paperwork and I'm waiting to be accepted. Hopefully, that process will be finished at the beginning of this week. This CDL Diary looks good for reading for info but also for me to get stuff out of my system. Maybe it will help when I reread it.
So, I'm at the very beginning. I've researched what I can itemize on my deductions. I have an app on my phone that will scan and read those receipts for when tax time comes. I believe I have gotten all the gear I need, boots, gloves, rain jacket, coat, etc. All ready to pack up and go. Got my paperwork organized. I've looked at many apps and chosen some for lifestyle (Pacer on iPhone to make sure I move around enough for health), Foreceipt for scanning my receipts and Hammer for 'truck' GPS for pre-planning. My electronic chargers, power banks, things like that.
Just trying to get myself organized, that's my style before I start. If anyone has additional suggestions for helpful apps I'd appreciate it.
This is my new beginning. I'll let you know what happens from here on out.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
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.
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.