Davey And CDL

Dave, in Texas they started doing that written test instead of having you go through an actual inspection, because the DPS officers kept complaining to their bosses that it was taking up way too much of their time. Texas has made it a lot easier to pass that part of the tests than most other states.

I enjoy your updates because it's bringing back memories to my training days. I remember I was soooooo excited about it and that's all I really thought about. Everywhere I went I stared at the trucks and wondered what it was going to be like. Every truck I saw on the highways I would wonder where they were from and where they were going. That was back in '93 and it seems like yesterday!

I remember our school was near an interstate and after class let out I would stand on that bridge and look down on the trucks going by. I would just about pass out with excitement and anticipation knowing that in just a few short weeks that would be me!!! It was surreal.

Sounds like things are moving along nicely for ya. Keep the updates coming!

Thanks for the replies, it makes being on this forum real nice. Yep, I have to admit I look at Semis different now, especially Tankers. I notice the placards and all. Saw one the other day slow down off the Loop and take a exit/turn at about 20 MPH. Now I understand!

OK, here is my problemo (slang in Texas for problem, actually it's a spanish word): I am trying to decide if I wish to drive a tanker in the oil field out here or continue in quest to go with a major company like Werner, Schneider, etc. The field companies would probably offer better money and I would be home very often. I have been told I'd be home each night but I don't believe one would be home EVERY night. On the other hand I have been told the work is "very dirty" and I'd "get yelled at a lot" as in A LOT. Also that I might get stuck out at a site for 2-3 days at a time once in awhile. Overtime would be good pay. For example, I might drive for 3 hrs., and then be on duty for much more moving into overtime. I would be driving on dirt roads and stay right in this area and all. With a major company Dry Van I would see more of the country (what I had in mind more), forego the "good money" but still get paid, not as hard/dirty work, and not as rough a crowd. I am not a person who cannot stand being yelled at as I just came out of working in a prison for 20 years (as a Corrections Chaplain). On the other hand I live in the oil field area and actually the language, attitudes and all are on a par or worse then what I have heard in prison. So, I know to some extent, there's no getting away from that but on the other hand do I want to jump into that and deal with that when I could go an "easier way"?

If I did this for a year in the Oil Fields (hauled water, brine, mud, etc)., it would set me up for tankers with a major company as I would already be in tankers from the start.

OH-thats one advantage right now, of going into the oil field. They need drivers so bad I am told they are taking student drivers and putting them in tankers to haul water etc., (they give orientation and initial training). SO, then I would kind of be ahead of the ball game as I would be ready to go "into tankers" with a company like Schneider, Werner. On the other hand If I was the hiring official in Schneider or Werner I would ask about my experience OTR (which would probably be nill as I have been on dirt roads in the sticks/oil fields). So it might not put me ahead anyway.

Talk to me and Thanks!

Also, Thanks Brett for the Info on the PTI in TX. Yep, I have to admit when I saw the prep pre test for PTI here at the school I knew I could pass it real easy. And I did down at DMV. the only redeeming thing about it is the teacher shared how they are going to go over it this week, not only in the class room but with a hands-on approach with the truck. So I should be adequately prepared I hope for the future.

Do I think this was the best method? No. Do I think it was easier for me? Yes. Do I recommend it, I don't think so unless one also has the hands-on instruction with the instructor and a truck.

You touched on one big concern and that is your experience in tanker won't be OTR if you stay in the state of Texas. So it may not count as any experience at all in the eyes of the OTR tanker companies. That is something you would have to verify with them. Every company has different policies.

The ultimate question I believe is about home time. If home time is the overriding factor, then you have to set yourself up to get home as often as possible. If it means taking work you don't like or will not count toward OTR then that's a compromise you might have to live with.

Thanks, Brett. Yep, looks like Oil Fields and Tanker. At least for a few months or so as a try out. I think the overriding factor as you said, at this time in my life is home time. So that makes the decision and I will live with the outcome. At least temporarily and I won't count on it being permanent at this point. However, i don't think I've made my decision yet and will continue to think this over, weigh the options and talk it over with spouse some more. Thanks and any additional input I would appreciate.

At this point all you can really do is make the decision you feel will suit you best and roll with it. You really won't know if you'll like the oil fields until you get out there and push past those first few months. And if you decide it isn't for you, there will be plenty of opportunities elsewhere. So I would say just keep your highest priorities in mind, go with your instincts, and give it your best. Hang in there at least 3-6 months with whatever decision you make to give yourself time to learn and adapt and then decide if that's where you want to be.

It's not that critical of a choice, really. It's not like you're going to be stuck there for 10 years or won't be able to go elsewhere if you so choose. So I don't think in the long run you can go wrong either way.

Oh boy, here I go back and forth but I think I have made up my mind to change it! Go with OTR for awhile instead of oil field work. Reasons are it might be good money but the type of work and environment and driving conditions isn't what I had in mind and am looking for when I thought of trucking. So that's that.

My options are this point, assuming I will finish Trucking School is: Werner (I am pre approved for Orientation), and to check out some other large companies and apply. I had in mind Crete and Conway.

School Report: Fun day! Yesterday (Monday) afternoon we were at the truck during the later part of the day and went over a PTI and related issues. To actually be beside these behemoths is really something! Today, Tuesday we were all day in the truck at a large asphalt stadium area here in Midland. Man, they must have some huge games or something cuz I haven't seen a parking lot that big in ages! Anyway, we got to get behind the wheel today and I actually backed the thing up straight and parallel parked a Semi and Trailer! We also did another exercise where you started from one spot, drove ahead cured to the left stopped. Then backed up and put it into a narrow area behind you (at the end of your curve you made). Fun, fun! I also got to go over a verbal air brakes test while in the drivers seat and etc., etc.

Lots of fun, lots of learning!

Wednesday, and another day of parallel parking and straight backing. Man, I got the parallel parking blues. Today I could not do it on my own and needed help. I can't say I have passed this portion of the driving part. Maybe tomorrow I will be able to do this. It is not as easy as it looks or maybe it is easy and I am just making it hard. Oh well, tomorrow.

Oh it's definitely tricky. And you're going to have good days and bad days. For whatever reason, no matter how long you've been a driver, you have days where you simply can't do anything right. Even after 15 years on the road I'd have days where I couldn't back that thing to save my life. Other days you can do it in your sleep.

So don't sweat it. Just one day at a time. Also, watch other people closely. It gives you an entirely different perspective on how the truck reacts to steering input and the different angles involved. You can learn a ton that way.