Machinist Going Trucker

This is an intro post/school review with a couple questions at the end. I'm a 30 y/o Marine vet that's been a specialized machinist for 5 years till I got layed off earlier this year. I decided that getting my CDL would allow me to experience a new trade, see the country, and allow me to choose where I want to move to call my new home. My step father owns a diesel shop so he as well as my mom are very supportive of this transition.

I'm going to PA pride in NW PA. The first week of instruction was very good, allowing me to get my general knowledge, combo, and air brakes knowledge tests passed on my first attempt. They accidentally scheduled us a week early and didn't have trucks for us this week, so I brushed up on doubles/triples and tanker and successfully passed both tests my first attempt today. Tomorrow I apply for my TWIC card.

The company that I have the most interest in is Schneider as an OTR bulk driver. They seam to be the only company that has both a veterans apprenticeship and bulk w/ Hazmat for rookie drivers.

I'm curious if peoples experience with either the vet apprenticeship and/or bulk OTR with Schneider.

Thanks for any feedback Keith

Hi Keith, I’ve been an OTR bulk driver with Schneider for a little over four years now; I don’t know anything about the vet apprenticeship program, however. And, thank you for your service. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have. -Pete

Thanks Pete. My biggest concern really is the expectation of wearing full gear (bibs, jacket, helmet, respirator, and helmet) in 100° weather. While it's certainly doable, I feel the absolute sweaty mess one would become makes attentiveness suffer, therefore actually increasing the risk of safety. I'm curious as to whether the control is in the hands of the driver to balance PPE and being comfortable enough you don't risk something like passing out due to overheating or just general cognitive deterioration.

Hi Keith, I’ve been an OTR bulk driver with Schneider for a little over four years now; I don’t know anything about the vet apprenticeship program, however. And, thank you for your service. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have. -Pete

Check your state but some states allow you to convert your military license to a cdl.

I never drove anything more than stake beds and vans 10 years ago so that isn't applicable to me, but it's definitely something people who have been out less than a year to keep in mind.

Check your state but some states allow you to convert your military license to a cdl.

First, the respirator… Only once in the 4+ years I’ve been working have a ever had to put on a respirator, and that was a full face respirator that I had to sign out and put on specifically for one job. I sat there in the cab wearing the respirator while I was getting loaded. The respirator was to protect me from the vapors of the chemical they were putting into my trailer. When I made the delivery I don’t remember if I was escorted to a waiting room or again stayed in the cabin during the offload, but I did not offload the chemical myself. Chemicals that toxic, you won’t get to touch. The plant’s and refinery’s staff will offload the really toxic inhalation hazardous chemicals for you. The respirator is there for you in case there’s some sort of emergency at the plant or refinery.

The chemical suit, worn on a semi-regular basis, can get hot. However I’ve never felt like I was going to pass out or near any loss of cognitive function. My only issue had been sweating profusely, with the perspiration dripping onto my safety glasses; I fixed that problem by wearing a bandanna under my hardhat, which I do now all the time anyway because it’s more comfortable. After offloads I’ve made wearing the chemical suit, before I drive off I’ll step into the back of my cab and strip down, changing into a clean, dry set of clothes. Because everything I’ve had on under the suit gets saturated with perspiration.

In summary, the respirator is a non-issue, as is the chemical suit. In the wintertime, the chemical suit is a bonus to have. The jacket, because it doesn’t breathe, traps your body heat, helping keep you warm.

Thanks for the answer. It was the only thing I was worried about and I'll definitely be keeping more sets of clothes for changing.

First, the respirator… Only once in the 4+ years I’ve been working have a ever had to put on a respirator, and that was a full face respirator that I had to sign out and put on specifically for one job. I sat there in the cab wearing the respirator while I was getting loaded. The respirator was to protect me from the vapors of the chemical they were putting into my trailer. When I made the delivery I don’t remember if I was escorted to a waiting room or again stayed in the cabin during the offload, but I did not offload the chemical myself. Chemicals that toxic, you won’t get to touch. The plant’s and refinery’s staff will offload the really toxic inhalation hazardous chemicals for you. The respirator is there for you in case there’s some sort of emergency at the plant or refinery.

The chemical suit, worn on a semi-regular basis, can get hot. However I’ve never felt like I was going to pass out or near any loss of cognitive function. My only issue had been sweating profusely, with the perspiration dripping onto my safety glasses; I fixed that problem by wearing a bandanna under my hardhat, which I do now all the time anyway because it’s more comfortable. After offloads I’ve made wearing the chemical suit, before I drive off I’ll step into the back of my cab and strip down, changing into a clean, dry set of clothes. Because everything I’ve had on under the suit gets saturated with perspiration.

In summary, the respirator is a non-issue, as is the chemical suit. In the wintertime, the chemical suit is a bonus to have. The jacket, because it doesn’t breathe, traps your body heat, helping keep you warm.