Got My CDLI!!!! Holy Cr*p, Now What?

Topic 9374 | Page 1

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Ms. Tomboy's Comment
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Every trucker knows the feeling of passing they're CDL. Only a few short weeks and your OTR. WOW!!! Then what? And just because you have a CDL , doesn't mean your a Truck Driver!!! Right??!!!

They told us at the school, when we passed, you are now a Professional Truck Driver...LMAO!!!! I'm thinking to myself...nice way to build confidence in students, BUT...UM NO! lol

While there, I saw so many "kids" thinking this is a cake walk! They will be in shock they're first week....guaranteed! I have yet to go OTR , but have been a passenger. All they were worried about was getting a lot of miles on they're first run. Not safety or the danger's that come along with this profession. It's killing me to think that they/me will be on the road. Let me specify: I don't really want to put myself in this category, but, for them it was getting video games and new sporty cars, but for me, as long as I don't hurt anyone and can eat, I will be happy. lol.

As a passenger before, It's definitely not the glamorous life of traveling and money in your pocket.......LOL! This I know, for a fact. We had great loads, but ate peanut butter and jelly for 4 days straight. I love pb&j, but if I don't see another one for the rest of my life I wont be crying about it for sure!

They have no clue whats about to hit them, so to speak!!!!

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.

Heavy C's Comment
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That's funny because my school always said that they just help you get your license. You don't become a truck driver until you actually get out there and do it. And do it safely.
Brett Aquila's Comment
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I always thought it was odd when people would obsess about the hotel they would be staying in during training or the quality of the meals or the personality of one certain instructor they didn't like. It's like, you are aware of the fact you're supposed to be worrying about how not to kill someone as a brand new driver in an 80,000 pound rig, right? That is on your mind at least once in a while I hope.

When I was getting started in trucking I was so excited about the new life I'd be living and so concerned about being safe that nothing else mattered to me. It was all such a grand adventure and so overwhelming at the same time. A lot of fun, but a lot to think about.

Ms. Tomboy's Comment
member avatar

I always thought it was odd when people would obsess about the hotel they would be staying in during training or the quality of the meals or the personality of one certain instructor they didn't like. It's like, you are aware of the fact you're supposed to be worrying about how not to kill someone as a brand new driver in an 80,000 pound rig, right? That is on your mind at least once in a while I hope.

When I was getting started in trucking I was so excited about the new life I'd be living and so concerned about being safe that nothing else mattered to me. It was all such a grand adventure and so overwhelming at the same time. A lot of fun, but a lot to think about.

It is on my mind, ALL the time that I'm driving a 80,000 pound rig for sure! Scared but confident. I have wanted to do this since I was 15. And finally can. Love the fact I am moving forward, but will I love it out there? Will this be right for me? We will see! I am forever cautious.

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