New Members - Introduce Yourself

[Snapper]

OK, Guess I will. My name is Bill and I grew up in Western, PA (outside of Aliquippa). Currently living in Battle Creek, MI where I landed back in 1972 after leaving the service. (just came for a visit with a service buddy and broke down. I have been a driver since 1968 even though I've tried to stop a few times. My wife came on the truck with me about 3 years ago and we do just fine teaming together. I'm a motorcycle road racer (not quite retired) and have been racing bikes since I was in the service. I'm a mechanic, a computer nutcase, a photographer, a shooter (thats where the "Snapper" came from) and a surly old fart. I don't like the direction trucking has gone, and the kind of drivers I see and hear on the CB. I try to set an example most often, but I'm not certain many drivers notice. However I hace an open mind, and am glad to share any experience I can. I'm looking forward to the day when some of the "Pups" out there start to realize that we need to be looking out for each other, showing each other some respect and curtesy. And thats why I poked my nose in here. Looking forward to spending some quality time with you all. Occasionally.

[Gunstra]

Hello all...

I am currently in a training class at C1 Professional in Indianapolis, IN. I have my cdl permit so far (-hazmat, will do later after classes). I am going to be going to work for PAM Transport if everything works out ok (?).

Anyway I just wanted to introduce myself, I married for the 3rd time, have 2 kids at home (5 & 11 - both girls), I have been married now for 6+ years. I have 3 children with an ex (or two? or three? hehehe).

I have been in the technical field all my life, working on computers, self employed in the internet biz and retail computer store, as well as my last job was working on Epson printers.

I decided to go with the trucking industry when my wife and kids got on my nerves too much (actually I am just kidding), I really decided to go with this industry because I love to travel, I love to see the sights and I have yet to be in all 48 states. Plus I obvisiously will enjoy the raise from $22,000 a year to $38,000+.

Anyway, now that all of you are asleep (WAKE UP), I will stop boring you and start posting some of my real questions in the proper forum headings.

[gaheartbreaker]

hey, everyone! my name is rebekiah (a.k.a. "North Ga. Heartbreaker"). although i do not drive a big truck, (partly because i am not old enough to drive one yet...), i do love riding in 'em with my uncle, brother, and my best friend.
i am 19 years old. besides riding in big trucks, i enjoy riding motorcycles and going whitewater rafting. i have no kids...just a spoiled rotten 2 1/2 month-old nephew at my house.
god bless all the truckers, because He knows, without truckers, our country wouldn't be what it is today. 8)

[spiritualquest]

I am Debbi and have had my A license since 2001. Retired from the Navy less than 7 months ago and have been working the B side of the class mainly to lose some weight. I just applied with a couple of companies for Class A driving.

I have been married for 20 plus years and have a great family. I Love to travel and love to drive.

[rigidsporty]

Hello all... Name's Tim, 35 years old, single w/ no rugrats. I live in the giant metropolis of Doyle, TN (don't blink) which is approx. 20 miles south of I40 between Nashville and Knoxville. I always wanted to get into trucking but could never afford school so I did what most do... I went to work in a factory. Well that abruptly ended this past April (2005) when my job (and the rest of the plant) went to Honduras. So good ole' Uncle Sam is picking up the tab for school. I start at Transportation Training Center in Lebanon, TN Nov. 28 2005. I stumbled on this site while looking up truck driving jobs online.

[Angel]

Hi my names Kim I'm married and I came across the site while looking around for info on trucking industry , because my husband has decided to make a change .
We have 1 daughter who's 16 months old and 2 step kids both grown a girl 20 and boy 19 they are living in MI doing their own things.
We live in Georgia in a hick town with nothing that you could really call a good job any where you look .We have 2 cats 3 dogs . I'm a stay at home mom right now . I write poetry and I'm trying to learn some web design .
My favorite colors are Purple and Black Fave music is Country and 80's rock Fave movies Comedy's , Action , and Some Dramas Fave book anything that ain't got Barney associated with it lol
Fave quote
Live today like theirs no tomorrow .
And that's all I can think of right now anything else guess you can ask me about . Thank you for letting me be here . Kim

[midnightrider]

Well might as well introduce myself. My name is Jimmy I am married and have 4 kids, which only 3 of them live with me,they are 11,10,9, and 7 years of age all are girls. I am getting ready to start school on the 31st, good thing I am not superstitious. I found this board while searching about trucking schools and have been lurking around for awhile and decided to sign up.

I have been wanting to drive for awhile now but was waiting till I thought the kids were old enough to understand why daddy was gone I feel they are now old enough.

So that is alittle about me I am not one that is good at writing stuff but if you were to meet me face to face I can talk for hours on end

[jegzus]

Well the name is Justin, I live in the Pocono's of Pennsylvania and I am 21 years old. I have grown up in the trucking business, and have been a driver since. All of my jobs have revolved around driving some sort of truck.I enjoy driving and hunting/fishing, I also am a computer nut. I was recently married and love spending time with my new wife.That's about it!Have a nice day.

[whodat54321]

crud! almost 100 posts and I don't bother to introduce myself?

My name's Raymond Berry, 41, widower, from El Cajon, CA.
Drove for FedEx about 12 years ago, but even making what seemed
like good money then ($9.50/hr part-time), the company and I
parted ways when those checks began shrinking too much.

Floated around from job to job for a few years, wound up on the
temp circuit for a time until I landed where I am now, janitoring in
a bowling center, about 8 years ago. Worked my way up to supervisor,
but the pay isn't great, and SoCal is getting too expensive for me.

Always wanted to try OTR driving, as I have no roots to speak of now.
I have found the forums here very informative, and the regular posters
that currently drive and the o/o's very straightforward and practical about
the realities of this business, and the pitfalls and common mistakes that
drivers make getting into this segment of the transportation industry.

I am taking my time getting prepared for this shift in careers, as I know
now it will involve major lifestyle changes, much more discipline while
on the road, and informed choices in deciding where to work and the
inevitable compromises that are involved as a rookie driver. I expect to
take around 3 years to pay my dues in this business and save up some
cash to get my financial affairs in the black. I may consider the o/o side
of the business if I feel it I can manage both driving and be a business
owner at the same time, but right now I feel that's for later, much later.

I will probably look at getting my physical, class a permits, and DHS
stuff out of the way in November 2008, and then hunt around the local
schools and see who charges what. Although the local ROP program here
offers 'free' training (with a lab fee, probably to pay for the fuel and
maintenance of the training vehicle), the course is 36 weeks, which I
feel is excessive. I learned to drive a straight truck at FedEx in 2 weeks.
Although I am fully aware that the 'paid' or 'sponsored' training has it's
drawbacks, it may be a reasonable option for me. I already subsist on
around 13k a year, so paying my loan back should be rather easy, even
on newbie pay scales. I will not contact a recruiter until after I have the
permits, physical, and DHS stuff done. This way, once I have begun to
put my own cash into this effort, I will go full-on into this to make it past
the rookie season with some carrier.

My father also drove professionally, but in prisoner transport, so it's kind
of like the OTR lifestyle, except transporting human cargo. His career
came to a tragic end near Flagstaff, AZ when his vehicle hit black ice and
went over an embankment. His partner and the prisoner were killed, and
he suffered a closed head injury from which he didn't fully recover, and
died a few years later. This keeps me very aware of the dangers and
risks of this business, and I have a pretty good idea of what I am getting
into. Not for the squeamish or those who like low-risk lifestyles.

edit: note the start date change. it's my opinion from the experiences
of other posters, that my time on the temporary circuit may not qualify
as 'verifyable' employment. Even though it's been almost 8 years. No
thanks to the 9/11 idiots, it appears that it will be a bit longer before I can
realisticly make this jump as trouble free as I would like. Well, maybe the
world will be a bit of a better place by then, maybe not. I have learned
much during my short stay here, and will drop in from time to time to
keep my ear to the ground on this industry. i guess an overused quote
from Woodrow Wilson would be an appropriate closer:

PERSISTANCE
Nothing can take the place of persistance
Education alone will not. The world is full of educated derelicts.
Talent will not. There are scores of unsucessful men with talent.
Persistance and patience alone are omnipitent.

Be safe on the roads, even in your 4 wheeler. Too many lives are
needlessly wasted on them every year because of carelessness.

[Night Ranger]

Quick intro: My name is Darrell and I just retired from the Air Force in May 2005 (21 years). Worked as a police dispatcher for AZ DPS for 6 months and hated it (boring and chained to a desk!). I've always wanted to drive big rigs so I'm in AIT's 6 month program in Tucson,AZ. Work as a substitute teacher during the day and go to truck driver school all night. Pre-hired with Central Refrigerated and start with them on Dec 5th. Can't wait!

This site is the best source of info I've come across concerning the trucking industry. Thanks and keep up the great work. Have fun!

[nonuttin]

Hey all, Name's John. Working on my second or third career here (and I'm kinda thinking I finally found what it is I want to do when I grow up!). Just completed Western Truck School in W. Sacramento, CA. Got my Class A yesterday. Finished (I'm told) 1st in class. How 'bout that, 31 years after high school I make valadictorian! (uh...spelling?)

Can't recommend much for the school in terms of equipment (trucks kept breaking down) or cleanliness (it was fly season in W. Sac), but they do seem to be the best in the area, several of the instructors are very good, and two in particular are GREAT. Those two are truly good guys who know their stuff and better yet, know how to teach that stuff to others.

Have a possible gig set up with Sherman Bros. in Oregon. Wanna go flatbedding. Wish me luck...

PS, great site!

[CGull]

Greetings;
My name is Joe and I found this site while trying to get my ducks lined up for a career change.

I spent 20 years in the military. I retired in 1994. At present, I am a Paramedic, but in plain English, I am just sick of sick people!
During my 20 years in the military, I moved to a location approximately every 2 years. Quite frankly, after 11 years of retirement, I still find it difficult to stay in one place very long. My wife and I moved here from Texas, yet, I have moved within Florida 4 times.

I grew up in the Boston area and moved to Florida, well, because I had never been here. The weather is great but the climate sucks!

Right now, I am just trying to gather information on the trucking industry, what it is like and if I would like it. I am weighing the pros and cons of going to school myself or finding a company sponsored school.
At any rate, I am suffering from some career change anxiety. I feel once the decisions are made everything will work out.

Thanks for all you input into this site. It has helped allot.

Kind Regards
CGull

[Big_Dippin]

Hello,

My name is David and I'm 24 years old. I've been wanting a career in trucking for as long as I can remember. I don't know why. From the info I gather from most people here, I must be crazy. I work in the airline industry. I'm a supervisor that makes about 30K a year. I've been in the industry for almost 6 years. I just can't stand this job and now seems like the right time to move on. Especially with the airline industry looking so bleek.
I'm a fairly large man, about 320 so I'm trying to drop some pounds before going to truck driving school.

[Goss29]

Hello my name is Jason.I am 29.I will be starting class for Schneider National on the 27th.Can anyone tell me what its like to drive 11 western?

[blazer]

Hello all, I just started my new trucking career recently at age 55 after the steel mill were I worked for the last 29 years abruptly closed. I've been married for 32 years and was interested in a local driving job. Went to truck driving school and kept hitting a blank wall with the job market(no truck driving experience) until I applied at the place I'm at now were the terminal manager is a graduate from the same trucking school! He hired me on the spot! I was out a few weeks with a trainer and now I'm on my own and doing fine!

TO all newbies, don't give up, you'll find your niche!

[hitman]

Hello everyone. Been here a couple of weeks and thought I might as well introduce myself and tell you my story. My name is Dave. I'm originally from N.J but now live in Delaware. I'm 48, married 14 years, no children, just a bulldog and 2 cats. I am and have been working for General Motors for almost 29 years. I've been thru one plant closing 8.5 years ago, hence the move to Delaware, and I'm just plain "burned out" from working in a factory and building cars. In a year and 2 months, i'll be able to get the hell out with 30 years of credited service and take a full pension and beni's with me...as long as GM stays afloat!

At that time, I will be just shy of my 50th b/day. I could probably get by on my pension...who knows how long that will hold out...and a part time job...BUT...I see it as a great oppurtunity to get into something that I have been wanting to do for a loooooong time...drive a truck. I'm not getting any younger and you only live once...PLUS...my wife is ok with it. She's actually looking forward to traveling with me.

Soooo, the plan is to get past this last year or so at GM...get my cdl learners permit...go to truck driving school (GM has a Tuition Assistance Program for employes and retirees that will pay a big chunk of my training) and then hook up with a company...looking into Smith Transport...that I could run regional...paticularly the NE. My wife and I are also seriousally considering moving to upstate PA. We were in Tioga county this fall and fell in love with the place...particularly Wellsboro. It just so happens that Smith Transport's main terminal is about an hour south.

So, if all the planets and stars line up, that is what my future will look like. Hopefully with the grace of god and a little bit of luck, I will achieve my goal of being a truck driver some day. You have to set goals and look ahead in life because time does not stand still. I hope everyone else out there is able to achieve their goals and be happy in what they do. Best of luck to everyone getting into trucking and for those that are allready there...may you be safe and happy for many miles to come. I hope to see you out on the road some day. Type at ya later...Dave

[CaliLady]

Hello. I've been reading posts now for the last few days and decided to join.

I drive team with my hubby, for Werner, but I've been out on medical. Hopefully I'll be back on the truck by the new year.

I'm sure you can all tell what part of the country I came from. I have 2 adult kids, 1 still living at home, and 3 cats.

Looking forward to getting to know other drivers.

[cheek]

High I did not know this was here. Guess I will introduce myself. Name is Cheek. Hubby is an owner operator. We have 4 kids ages 7-16. I like camping,fishing floating anything to do with outdoors really. Live in cental Mo. in a very small town only thing here is churches and bars what a combination. I work at the local high school in special education.Umm well I think that is probelly all there is. Oh yeah I am not real good on the computer. Actully I think this thing hates me. lol

[lovedriving]

My name is Matt, I am 32, married with 2 kids. I used to be a Narcotics detective in the Denver area until the budget was cut, and my position was eliminated. :evil:

I moved to Illinois about 2 years ago, and was hoping to get a job as a cop here...HAHAHAHA... that isn't happening.

Ever since I was a kid I have been fascinated with big trucks, and I love to travel, so... Truck Driving is for me.

[TruckerChris]

Hello everyone, I'm Chris and I am 20 years old. I'm going to work for gordon on January 24th since my birthday is on the 22nd!

I'm taking my CDL test on monday and I'm not worried at all, I'm going to pass... Just hope that I get it in gear and don't roll more than the length of the truck. I don't seem to have that problem while driving at school, but I may get nervous at the dmv.

I live in Roseville, about 20 miles towards tahoe on 80 from Sacramento. I have ALWAYS wanted to drive trucks. When I was a but younger my mom and I would take the whole summer off, jump in our RV and travel the country. Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, etc. Over the three years we did it we went to almost all the states except some of the northeasterns. We stopped at all the truck stops, I collected truck magazines and looked at every truck going down the road. I can tell what kind of truck the oncoming trucks were even when I was 12! So let's just say, I LOVE TRUCKS and now, I'm going to be finally driving them!

See you on the road guys! This website rocks!