Starting A New Career Path? Long Time Wanted
Topic 29438 | Page 1
Unfortunately, most companies will not let you bobtail home very far if at all. CRST is pretty much all team driving you never truly go "solo" with them and will constantly need to share the small space with someone.
Bobtail:
"Bobtailing" means you are driving a tractor without a trailer attached.
Have you tried CFI? Our traing is 3 weeks of free school, pas your CDL then paid orientation, then either home for up to 7 days or out with a trainer. Our current time with trainer is 21 days unless more is needed. Then upgrade to a truck that is 3 years old or newer.
You go home with truck and trailer and there is a Pilot in Crossville you could park at for hometime.
At CFI your traing is free. Stay for one year and owe nothing.
Time out with trainer is dispatched as solo, you do all the driving, backing and work. You are paid 29 CPM during this time. Trainer shows you how and is in the passenger seat while you're driving.
Once you upgrade, you will start at 35 CPM. By the time you reach one year you will be at 41 CPM. Solo drivers average about 2500 miles per week.
In case it wasn't obvious, I am 100% biased to CFI.
Best of luck to you.
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.
CPM:
Cents Per Mile
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.
Welcome aboard Orian, and thanks for introducing yourself to us. Trucking is a major adjustment to anyone's life. I'd say it's a no go on CRST. You said this...
crst seems nice if I can go solo after my 240 training hours. Being with another human in a small space is scary
CRST is a company that dispatches team loads. Therefore you are paired up with a total stranger as your "partner." Given what you have indicated that is just not a good fit for you. Don't try to force your way into this career by taking the path with the most resistance. Make it a little easier on yourself by going somewhere that will allow you to be a solo driver. Just about every major trucking company is hiring out of your area. You have a lot of options. Don't limit yourself to just a few options.
Your first year will be tough. That is just a fact. Don't add some additional troubles into the mix.
You should also look at Millis Transfer. They have a school in Cartersville, GA, just north of Atlanta. I personally think they have one of the best programs out there for getting your CDL. 3 weeks unpaid school, you do have to pay $500 up front plus another $2000 or so taken out via payroll deduction, then 15K miles out with a trainer.
Once you are with a trainer you earn .43/mile for all miles, even when trainer is driving. Within a month of starting school you will be grossing well over $1000/wk.
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 guess I’m looking for helpful ways to bash this worry and anxiety over what I hope is gonna be the fulfillment of my boyhood dreams.
Honestly, I don't think you can bash your worries or anxieties about getting into this career. Getting started in a new trucking career is a commitment. A big one at that. It will be something you will have to settle in your heart and mind before you take off for orientation. I used to compare it to riding a bull for the first time. Anybody that tries that knows they are in for a huge conflict that they are going to struggle with for a time before they get the hang of it. If they want to be a bull rider, they make a commitment to see it through no matter how difficult it gets. That doesn't mean they don't experience anxiety or fear and disappointment. They just push their way through it until they've reached their goal.
Let me share with you my personal experience. I had a lot of trouble getting started, and I think my experience can be somewhat helpful to others. I went to three different company orientations where I got rejected for one reason or another. It was a pathetic way to get started. I had made up my mind that I was not going to be demoralized by the people who didn't think I had what it took to do this job. I persevered until somebody gave me a shot. Once I got my opportunity there was no looking back. I applied myself diligently to the things that I thought would make me a successful truck driver. I learned the rules. In fact I mastered the log book regulations because I saw in them the path to being able to outperform my peers at this. Trucking is all about competition. It takes a competitive mindset to understand how you rise to the top in this career.
Top Tier Drivers make their way in this career. They rise to the top and succeed based on their performance. Everything about trucking is performance based. We don't get paid for being on the clock. We get paid for getting the job done. We get paid by how many productive miles we can produce for our employer. We get to measure out our own pay level by being more productive or less productive. The folks who recognize the uniqueness of this opportunity will strive to work at their highest levels and they reap the highest reward. It is really great to be recognized for your efforts and your accomplishments. Very few jobs offer that kind of satisfaction.
You will have to make a big commitment to this career. If you let your fears and anxiety control your decision making you will not make it as an over the road truck driver. We face new challenges daily. Even after years of being on the road you will be surprised by things that happen. That's why I stress the commitment. Set yourself and resolve that you will see it through. Make that commitment and carry out your plans. Don't look back. There is a rewarding career ahead if you stay the course.
Over The Road:
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.
SAP:
Substance Abuse Professional
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
Howdy, Robin Hood / Orian~!!
Welcome to TT as the others have said, and I as well, adore this site, LoL~!
Big Scott's suggestion to look into CFI sure holds water; I'd check into that. Click here
As mentioned, CRST is a GREAT company, but being team .. will be a nolle on bringing the truck home; trailer or not.
Millis, as Greg stated, is also someone to look into.
Did you use our 'one and done' application? Millis will be submitted if you click this link below.
Prime is an excellent company, yet they tend to be 'choosy' with applicants, as they CAN be.
There's no 'country' lingo that I don't know, btw... hahahaha!
Wish you well, and don't be a stranger!!
~ Anne ~
ps: for fun, in case you didn't find these yet: (and make SURE to read Brett's book...FREE, right here!)
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
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.
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.
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.
Have you tried CFI? Our traing is 3 weeks of free school, pas your CDL then paid orientation, then either home for up to 7 days or out with a trainer. Our current time with trainer is 21 days unless more is needed. Then upgrade to a truck that is 3 years old or newer.
You go home with truck and trailer and there is a Pilot in Crossville you could park at for hometime.
At CFI your traing is free. Stay for one year and owe nothing.
Time out with trainer is dispatched as solo, you do all the driving, backing and work. You are paid 29 CPM during this time. Trainer shows you how and is in the passenger seat while you're driving.
Once you upgrade, you will start at 35 CPM. By the time you reach one year you will be at 41 CPM. Solo drivers average about 2500 miles per week.
In case it wasn't obvious, I am 100% biased to CFI.
Best of luck to you.
CFI sounds like a good company, my thing is finding a good company to stick with honestly. Stevens sounds nice but at the same time all I see are reviews about it being a training only company. I really want a company that’s easy to settle and build with, that treats employees fair enough to maintain a good relationship. I don’t think I’ve seen their application so I’ll definitely do my research, I greatly appreciate it!!
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.
CPM:
Cents Per Mile
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.
Howdy, Robin Hood / Orian~!!
Welcome to TT as the others have said, and I as well, adore this site, LoL~!
Big Scott's suggestion to look into CFI sure holds water; I'd check into that. Click here
As mentioned, CRST is a GREAT company, but being team .. will be a nolle on bringing the truck home; trailer or not.
Millis, as Greg stated, is also someone to look into.
Did you use our 'one and done' application? Millis will be submitted if you click this link below.
Prime is an excellent company, yet they tend to be 'choosy' with applicants, as they CAN be.
There's no 'country' lingo that I don't know, btw... hahahaha!
Wish you well, and don't be a stranger!!
~ Anne ~
ps: for fun, in case you didn't find these yet: (and make SURE to read Brett's book...FREE, right here!)
Thanks for the CFI referral site!!! I absolutely applied. I’ve also applied to the link that sends out my app. Funds are tight due to my current occupation and John Deere and covid not mixing very well. I’ve most definitely cast my net wide, and I’ve applied to TLD and epes as well as a few others that are well known? I try not to go off of the reviews as I think most are people who didn’t think through before jumping into it. I know trucking is a fun but challenging career and I know it’s a commitment. My deal I guess is adjusting to having all these options and trying latch on one. It’s new to have this many options, I honestly thought I’d be more restricted but it’s more open then I originally thought. Lol I’m evidently as hillbilly as they come to hear the poor guys I work with talk
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.
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.
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.
Howdy, Robin Hood / Orian~!!
Welcome to TT as the others have said, and I as well, adore this site, LoL~!
Big Scott's suggestion to look into CFI sure holds water; I'd check into that. Click here
As mentioned, CRST is a GREAT company, but being team .. will be a nolle on bringing the truck home; trailer or not.
Millis, as Greg stated, is also someone to look into.
Did you use our 'one and done' application? Millis will be submitted if you click this link below.
Prime is an excellent company, yet they tend to be 'choosy' with applicants, as they CAN be.
There's no 'country' lingo that I don't know, btw... hahahaha!
Wish you well, and don't be a stranger!!
~ Anne ~
ps: for fun, in case you didn't find these yet: (and make SURE to read Brett's book...FREE, right here!)
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
Thanks for the CFI referral site!!! I absolutely applied. I’ve also applied to the link that sends out my app. Funds are tight due to my current occupation and John Deere and covid not mixing very well. I’ve most definitely cast my net wide, and I’ve applied to TLD and epes as well as a few others that are well known? I try not to go off of the reviews as I think most are people who didn’t think through before jumping into it. I know trucking is a fun but challenging career and I know it’s a commitment. My deal I guess is adjusting to having all these options and trying latch on one. It’s new to have this many options, I honestly thought I’d be more restricted but it’s more open then I originally thought. Lol I’m evidently as hillbilly as they come to hear the poor guys I work with talk.
Always here to help .. all of usn's! (<< Yep, from one hilla to another. Wouldn't trade it for the world!)
Keep us in the loop, Orian!
I'll be following your journey; wherever it leads, in this profession!
You're welcome on the link; let us KNOW.. if you need MORE links!
~ Anne ~
ps: Stay OFF Indeed & Glassdoor ... and especially a forum that has the last word being 'report.' It's more of a 'retort' IMHO!
Ain't nary nobody gonna out hilly me! (Well, maybe PackRat, LoL~!!)
~ Anne ~
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.
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.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
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.
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So my names Orian, and I adore this site. I’ve long time waited to drive a semi, and given my current occupational hole, I’ve been given 2 months to hunt a new job. With one crash in my history, and 2 tickets, one expunged, I’ve been pre approved for stevens but crst has also given interest in me. The only dislike I have found from searching is stevens won’t let me bring my truck home, given I could park the tractor at my apartment. Or drive up to visit my mother on my times off. I’m 22, and I’m alone unless I’m at work so the being SOLO is easily in my interest, as my country attitude is odd to people I’ve met until they learn my Appalachian backwoods lingo. Prime is my goal but crst seems nice if I can go solo after my 240 training hours. Being with another human in a small space is scary, especially if they’re homophobic or if they get the road rage. Any pointers for someone that’s gonna be away from his family this long for orientation? Pointers for training? I’ve been mixing up the videos Stevens sent me but I’m honestly just anxious, or nervous, if I stay with stevens I start school the 8th of February. But I’ve also applied to a ton of other companies, mostly those listed on this great site. I guess I’m looking for helpful ways to bash this worry and anxiety over what I hope is gonna be the fulfillment of my boyhood dreams. Peace, y’all!
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.