What Did You Do Before Becoming A Truck Driver?
Topic 7924 | Page 42
I am just starting out but the job I left was a merchandiser for Pepsi. It was a terrible job. Back breaking work for just a little over minimum wage. We used to get unlimited overtime which made up for the low pay but since covid all that overtime ended. I've been struggling just to keep myself off the street since.
Slinging 12 packs, pulling pallets taller than me with broken hand jacks, dealing with rude customers and even ruder store mangers...it was awful.
Getting my cdl has been a life changer and I am absolutely grateful for the job I have right now. I haven't done much yet but I am already loving it. Looking forward to hopefully a long career.
Welcome to Trucking Truth, Robert B. ~!!
You should start a thread, about YOU, btw ... :) Seems that's what Kearsey's ex was doing, merchandising for them; Banks is driving for them now, after Fed Ex. (Pepsi, that is!)
Just curious; who'd you end up going with ?!?!
Best wishes, anyhow !!!
~ 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.
Long time reader, first time posting...
I've read through most of this thread in the past few days. Crazy to hear what everyone has done in the past. I just put in my resignation letter today after 9.5 years teaching middle school math. My last day in the classroom will be Dec 22. I start the GYCDL program at Roehl up in Gary on January 3rd. Super excited for this next chapter and all the huge changes to come. I plan to be on the national flatbed fleet once I finish my training.
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.
Long time reader, first time posting...
I've read through most of this thread in the past few days. Crazy to hear what everyone has done in the past. I just put in my resignation letter today after 9.5 years teaching middle school math. My last day in the classroom will be Dec 22. I start the GYCDL program at Roehl up in Gary on January 3rd. Super excited for this next chapter and all the huge changes to come. I plan to be on the national flatbed fleet once I finish my training.
Hi, Diesel Diz & welcome to Trucking Truth!!
Hopefully you will share your experience in the 'Diaries' section; but until then, ask away! Jump in the discussions and the guys & gals of the road will be happy to help; even start your own topic!
Best wishes;
~ Anne ~
ps: Be sure to check out all our study guides, during the holidays!!
High Road CDL Training Program
- Pre-Trip Inspection Study Guide
- Daniel's Pre-Trip Inspection
- Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist
- Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Questions
Pre-trip Inspection:
A pre-trip inspection is a thorough inspection of the truck completed before driving for the first time each day.
Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect their vehicles. Federal and state inspectors also may inspect your vehicles. If they judge a vehicle to be unsafe, they will put it “out of service” until it is repaired.
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.
Good luck. Diesel Diz. I was trained in Marshfield, and am very grateful to Roehl for all I have learnt.
On 11/30 I finish my 13 year career as a Mercedes-Benz service advisor and on 12/1 I start training at Old Dominion. I was pretty much over dealing with the customers (some nice, some entitled) and the sales that’s involved. I can’t wait to hit the road!
I was a Petroleum Engineer for 38 years and retired for 5 years. Hoping to go OTR in January 2022.
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.
Hi there, I'm a new member and I'd like to introduce myself a bit better.
Before starting my driving career, I was a technician in a rug cleaning company. I know it sounds awkward but I was fed up by picking up and delivering rugs and carpets. Four years ago I decided I wanted to try something else as the industry I was working in was dying. A friend of mine recommended that I start my career as a truck driver so here I am now.
Hi there, I'm a new member and I'd like to introduce myself a bit better.
Before starting my driving career, I was a technician in a rug cleaning company. I know it sounds awkward but I was fed up by picking up and delivering rugs and carpets. Four years ago I decided I wanted to try something else as the industry I was working in was dying. A friend of mine recommended that I start my career as a truck driver so here I am now.
Howdy, Mike & Welcome to TT!
Feel free to jump in to any thread/conversation, and even start your own; telling us where you work, for how long, and how you like it; stuff like that!
Again, welcome!
~ Anne ~
Here lately, with the economy, 'or lack thereof ...' a few new folks have stopped in with questions such as this.
I figured it might be a good opportunity, to 'bounce' this topic... and have some new adds, even!
OOps, I meant 'Bump' .. y'all get my slang! It happens when you run an impromptu teenage 'day club,' sorry!
~ Anne ~
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
This topic has the following tags:
Becoming A Truck Driver Changing Careers Military Veterans In Trucking Older truck drivers Photos The Economy And Politics Truck Driving Stories
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
I am just starting out but the job I left was a merchandiser for Pepsi. It was a terrible job. Back breaking work for just a little over minimum wage. We used to get unlimited overtime which made up for the low pay but since covid all that overtime ended. I've been struggling just to keep myself off the street since.
Slinging 12 packs, pulling pallets taller than me with broken hand jacks, dealing with rude customers and even ruder store mangers...it was awful.
Getting my cdl has been a life changer and I am absolutely grateful for the job I have right now. I haven't done much yet but I am already loving it. Looking forward to hopefully a long career.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: