Recent CDL Grad In Kentucky, Looking For Knowledge.

Topic 28893 | Page 1

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Matt S.'s Comment
member avatar

Hey all!

Currently, I just got my CDL a week early, still have a week left on my CDL school here in southern Kentucky.

Basically it's this, I understand that getting my CDL was a step, I am now a rookie, and getting better and learning the small things will be the biggest part of my next few years. I'm currently interested in running flatbed.

Here is a brief history before I started my journey. I've been in manufacturing most of my life, except for a brief couple of years in Information Technology. I learned a lot during that time, realized that I loved working on my own computers, or own equipment, but hated dealing with the public. If you've ever tried to explain how to shut down a computer to someone who's well, not all there at 3 oclock in the morning over the phone, well... I've been there, I've also ****ed off a company CEO because I followed a work instruction to a tee on backing up important servers for it to fail. Needless to say... Didn't care for it. I never seriously entertained becoming a truck driver, because when I grew up, (mid 90s, early 00s) it was sort of a frowned upon profession. (won't get into pushing kids into going into massive debt for useless degrees) But growing up, I'm sure a lot of you might understand, Smokey and the Bandit was one of my favorite movies, wasn't for the trans am (Which was saaahhhhwweeeeettt) but it was that truck that caught my attention. I originally wanted to be a truck driver. It wasn't until I became a Yard Jockey at my last place of business that my original dream resurfaced. Unfortunately that job took a bad turn during this cursed year and it was sort of a blessing in disguise. So Here I am.

I enjoy working out in the world, not under some roof. My question to you folks is this, I'm currently deciding between Boyd Brothers, and Maverick. I am not stuck on those two, but I'm looking for a company that 1. provides good training. (I'm not interested in a week of OTR training, because even my instructors would tell you, one month in school doesn't prepare you to be a truck driver, just gets most people past their CDL exam) 2. I'm not even concerned about being home every week, I'm a single fella, who while I've not given up, doesn't have a wife and kids to worry about. 3. Really wants to get that crucial experience in this industry, learn the small things, mainly how to keep those wheels moving and my bank account fatter than grinding at a factory.

THanks in advance to any help that is provided!

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.

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.

OWI:

Operating While Intoxicated

Banks's Comment
member avatar

I haven't heard anything about Boyd brothers so I can't comment on them, but Maverick has great training and there have been some diaries here with extensive information as to what to expect.

There are also some other companies that do flatbed that you can look at. TMC, Melton, Prime, Roehl, Western Express and Knight are just some of the companies that offer training and flatbed. I'd say apply to all of them and talk to a recruiter to find out more information.

good-luck.gif

Matt S.'s Comment
member avatar

Thank you,

I'm currently waiting for my orientation date with Maverick Transport.

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