After Trucking School Then What?

[jdsamn158]

What can I expect After Driving School are ALL trucking Co. That bad??

I would Think that if one would work hard and the trucking co. saw that that they would

work with that driver or am i wrong in thinking that??

[Flyerfan4life]

I think you are pretty much on target with your post. Attitude in my opinion can carry you far or slam a door in your face, if you start with a company and have a good positive attitude you can do well. If you know what to expect ahead of time and prepare yourself for whats in store for you there will be less suprises. I graduated school last month and head to orientation at a company that most dont think highly of but I will draw my own opinion based on my personal experiences. Alot of people get into trucking and dont know what it is really like. You will work long hours and be away from home alot and in this economy you will have times where you will sit waiting for a load it is the nature of the beast in todays world.

[Orangetxguy]

What can I expect After Driving School ? Are ALL trucking Companies that bad?? (fixed that for you)

I would Think that if one would work hard and the trucking co. saw that that they would work with that driver or am i wrong in thinking that??


So...Now you have your CDL?

Have you interviewed with a trucking company yet? If you haven't....why are you worried??


Until you have some driving experience that proves you can drive and do your job safely and economically...unless you are thunder struck with luck...you can expect to get handed the crappy loads.


Right now the job environment is bad. Your going to need too knock on doors, not depend on internet job applications.

[LOAD IT]

What can I expect After Driving School are ALL trucking Co. That bad??

I would Think that if one would work hard and the trucking co. saw that that they would

work with that driver or am i wrong in thinking that??

If you are single and can go live in the truck. Do that, see the country, save your money and get a couple years experience with one company, do not switch/hop jobs. The MEGA carriers are going to get rid of you after about two years anyway, you will be making too much money by then, a newbie can move it cheaper. Pay attention to what you are doing out there, be careful, keep good logs and paperwork, keep your truck clean(not like a show truck), keep your appearance clean and go the extra mile for dispatch, do not jeopardize your CDL for dispatch, but if they need local work done in your area, do it. The reward will be a good paying load. As a new driver, you need to concentrate on doing your job, if you commit to a load, then it is yours. But dont commit until you plan the trip to see if it is doable, if its not doable tell them why then its back in their lap and they come to your reasonable terms. Good Luck and welcome to the brotherhood/business.

[GMAN]

You will find those who have had both good and bad experiences with most any company. Often times it is the driver who is the problem. There are some drivers who want to do things their way. It doesn't work that way in business. If you keep a good attitude then things are likely to go well for you. There are dispatchers who can also have a bad attitude. You just need to roll with things. Good communications are paramount with any carrier. Remember, a dispatcher is not a mind reader. If you get a dispatcher whom you don't get along, request a new one rather than quiting. Carriers can't always get you home when you want. I think most try to accommodate their drivers. It costs a lot of money to recruit new drivers. It is much less costly to retain those whom you already have on the payroll. Try to remain flexible with your company. As LOAD IT stated, stay with your carrier for a couple of years. It show stability and will enable to to continue to hone your skills without interruption. Any time you change jobs you will normally lose 1-2 weeks pay. There are those who hop from one job to another and are now finding it difficult to find work. Keep your MVR clean. Make sure your logs match fuel and toll receipts. If there is a question about whether you can make a pickup or delivery then talk with your dispatcher and pass on the load. There is no need to risk being shut down or having an accident for a load of freight. One way some drivers starting out get into trouble is not planning their trip. Before I start a run I get the map out and check my route. I would not rely on a GPS for routing. From what some have told me they are not always accurate. If you have a laptop then you could use mapquest to help in your planning. Some carriers will give you a route they want you to take. For the most part you will do your own trip planning. It is important to plan the most direct route. Carriers don't like to pay drivers to go out of route. I get a Rand McNally that is laminated with a spiral ring. You can find them at any truck stop. They run about $30 I believe. I usually buy mine at the end of the year when new ones come out. I bought 2 last time for $10 each. Those that are not laminated or have a ring binder won't last long. It is cheaper to buy one that will last. I only buy one about every other year. Things don't change that much. Good luck in your new venture.

[millersod215]

I think you are pretty much on target with your post. Attitude in my opinion can carry you far or slam a door in your face, if you start with a company and have a good positive attitude you can do well. If you know what to expect ahead of time and prepare yourself for whats in store for you there will be less suprises. I graduated school last month and head to orientation at a company that most dont think highly of but I will draw my own opinion based on my personal experiences. Alot of people get into trucking and dont know what it is really like. You will work long hours and be away from home alot and in this economy you will have times where you will sit waiting for a load it is the nature of the beast in todays world.

Don't take this the wrong way, but what you think you "know" about truckdriving in school, is in no way, shape, or form what you're about to experience. My advice would be don't go in to it with very many expectations, take what you're recruiter says with a grain of salt, they'll paint the picture as rosie as they can to get drivers in the door, not saying you have to go in to this with a bad attitude, but keep an open mind. The stresses of life on the road can be tough at times, when you're ready to go home, don't get your hopes up that your company is ready to send you home. Either way, i'm not going to list all the things to think about, because i don't want to come off negatively, i've been driving a truck for 6 years now, and am just getting to the point of being happy with my career. Go to orientation, take it all in, don't act like you have a "know it all" attitude, listen to your trainer, listen to other experienced drivers as you go, and most of all listen to yourself and make YOUR OWN decissions, you're the driver and the choice is yours. Good luck, and make the best of it.

[Flyerfan4life]

Thanks for the advice ! I most definitely am not a know it all I am a student driver. I have alot of friends who drive and I spoke to many of them long before I went to school.They told me quite a bit and I have spent alot of time talking to drivers at truck stops etc. I am in sponge mode and will be for a long time trying to absorb all I can because I respect the profession.I am at orientation now and so far things are going well.

[millersod215]

Well good luck with it Flyerfan, but like I said, and not to say that my word, or the words of any others on here are golden, but take out of trucking what you want to get from it. As with any profession, you're going to have your naysayers, but it is ten fold in the driving profession, make opinions on what you see, and not from others have observed. Just because 10 guys are bitching on the yard while you're at orientation, does not mean that you will run in to the same problems. Guys like that you just have to take with a grain of salt, I was that guy at one time in my career, and you probably will be too, but learn to grow out of that and make your judgements on what you see, and take the aspects of the job that you enjoy and put them first on a daily basis. My biggest thing to say is don't let the negativity from a thousand drivers drag you down, it's tough out there right now, everyone knows that, but if you set realistic goals I believe you, or anyone else on this board can achieve them, set forth a number, whether it be 35,000, or 40,000 and work towards that goal, just because one guy tells you he's making a thousand a week with his carrier shouldn't implant it in your mind that you need to jump ship and go try something new, give your carrier an honest effort and see how they treat you, treat them with respect and do your job well on a daily basis. Best of luck in your new adventure.

[Flyerfan4life]

Well good luck with it Flyerfan, but like I said, and not to say that my word, or the words of any others on here are golden, but take out of trucking what you want to get from it. As with any profession, you're going to have your naysayers, but it is ten fold in the driving profession, make opinions on what you see, and not from others have observed. Just because 10 guys are bitching on the yard while you're at orientation, does not mean that you will run in to the same problems. Guys like that you just have to take with a grain of salt, I was that guy at one time in my career, and you probably will be too, but learn to grow out of that and make your judgements on what you see, and take the aspects of the job that you enjoy and put them first on a daily basis. My biggest thing to say is don't let the negativity from a thousand drivers drag you down, it's tough out there right now, everyone knows that, but if you set realistic goals I believe you, or anyone else on this board can achieve them, set forth a number, whether it be 35,000, or 40,000 and work towards that goal, just because one guy tells you he's making a thousand a week with his carrier shouldn't implant it in your mind that you need to jump ship and go try something new, give your carrier an honest effort and see how they treat you, treat them with respect and do your job well on a daily basis. Best of luck in your new adventure.

Thanks for the words of experience I surely apprecite it. I met my trainer today and he seems like a decent guy I will do what he tells me and try and get myself goog enough to get my upgrade after my 35 days out. Even after that I realize it will be a learning experience for me. I think we head out on the road Thursday or Friday.I will keep in touch here best I can. Have a good one

[millersod215]

Flyerfan, who are u going to work for, i might have missed it in previous posts, but you never know what information others on here might have for you before you embark on your journey. Enjoy yourself and take it all in, i find myself listening to the CB some nights and just listening where people are going and the stories they have to tell, believe me it's a different world out there, I run a lot of nights and it's weird sometimes to sit back and realize you're the only person out there and that you haven't seen a truck or car for miles at a time. Anyway, i'm babbling on, but really just take it all in and stay positive, enjoy the sites, the sounds, and everything that has to do with your new career. Best of luck and keep an update on here, if not for everyone else, but for yourself so you can look back and see how far you made it.

[Flyerfan4life]

Flyerfan, who are u going to work for, i might have missed it in previous posts, but you never know what information others on here might have for you before you embark on your journey. Enjoy yourself and take it all in, i find myself listening to the CB some nights and just listening where people are going and the stories they have to tell, believe me it's a different world out there, I run a lot of nights and it's weird sometimes to sit back and realize you're the only person out there and that you haven't seen a truck or car for miles at a time. Anyway, i'm babbling on, but really just take it all in and stay positive, enjoy the sites, the sounds, and everything that has to do with your new career. Best of luck and keep an update on here, if not for everyone else, but for yourself so you can look back and see how far you made it.

I am with Covenant Transport and they have treated me very well and the drivers I have spoke to have been real nice and positive.I have a cool trainer and think we will get along good for the next 35 to 40 days. We will be in an 09 Freightliner and we will Not be running team out the gate he is going to train me from the passenger seat like it should be. I know alot of folks are negative about this company but So far I am happy to be given this oppurtunity and will do my best.

[millersod215]

Well like i've said in the past, just make of it what you will, if you ever get across I-10 around Tallahassee look for Pritchett Trucking, 1198, you'll be able to smell me before you see me, i'm on a dedicated trash run out of Tallahassee over towards Dothan Alabama, see if you stick with it a while you can get a sweet run like this. Anyhow, best of luck again, and be safe, winter is coming so keep your wits about you.

[Mackman]

Miller where the hell have you been??? Still pulling trash?? good to see you posting. (high jack over)

[Orangetxguy]

Miller where the hell have you been??? Still pulling trash?? good to see you posting. (high jack over)


Young Mack Dude........Where have you been hiding?? Did you get drunk and fall asleep under a log??

[sportster65]

Trucking is the best job you will ever hate. For some reason there is no middle grouund in trucking, you either love it or lothe it. I loved it, it just gets in your blood, something you cannot explain, why else would someone subject themselves to the kind of treatment the truck driver gets on a daily basis. You are correct in your thinking, your attitude as a driver is about 99% of of the game. Keep your mouthe shut, take every load, don't whine, USE COMMON SENSE, learn to get by with low wages, and you will do fine. Manipulation goes both ways, people love to be made to feel that they are awsome, treat your DBL. driver manager, or whatever like they are the smartest, and best person to work for and most of the time they will treat you good. Whenever I passed through West Memphis I always made sure to stop in and visit with my DBL and we had a good relationship. I always got good loads, almost always had a preplanned load, and rarely sat waiting for a load. I never complained no matter how much i despised the situation, and was almost never bothered, I just did my job, and they let me.

Trucking is easy and takes very little brain power, it does take common sense however. Learn the system and use it to your advantage, shut your mouth, keep the wheels turning, pick up and deliver on time and you will most likely have a job, and the miles to go with it for sometime to come.

[millersod215]

Mackman, I've been around, back and forth, here and there, however you want to look at it. I haven't posted much lately, this board has died way off since a few years ago when you and I used to post so much, but there are still some interesting topics now and then i feel like putting my 2 cents on. As far as the trash, i'm still pulling it, putting in crazy hours doing it, but it's a good paycheck right now in this crummy economy, so I can't complain, and what about you, what have you been up to lately?

[Flyerfan4life]

Quick update before I hit the sleeper for some shut eye. Things are going great with my trainer we are running an Estes load to Chicago and will have it there 3 hours early. We will put in our pta shortly so we can grab another load asap and it has been a great experience so far and my trainer says I am doing very well. I will check back in soon as possible.

[Mackman]

Young Mack Dude........Where have you been hiding?? Did you get drunk and fall asleep under a log??

Well my PC was down for 3 weeks had to send it back to the geek squad to get fixed so i didn't have a PC. All that porn findlay did it in. BTW when i get drunk i fall asleep in the back yard lol. Were my friends dump me off at the end of the night.

[Flyerfan4life]

Well things are going pretty well with my trainer and we are starting to get better miles now. I guess they make sure things are going well with a student driver before they give ya long runs. I am doing most of the night driving and actually like it. We have been thru quite a few states already including Illinois, Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennesse, Arkansas, North Carolina, Arizona, New Mexico and California. We are at the Pomona terminal and dropped our loaded trailer and are waiting for dispatch to get us rolling again.My trainer says I could test out already skill wise but still have 20 something segments or days left before the company will let me test out.I will be teaming up with an experienced driver who is with another guy waiting for a student to test out like me. At the moment I have no complaints and have been treated very well by Covenant.

[Flyerfan4life]

Well things are still going well for me. We just got back from my first trip out to California and that was quite an experience. I have never seen so many trucks pulled over by the police as in California. Arizona and New Mexico have some great scenery and better speed limits as well that 55mph limit in California is just plain stupid trucks are like sitting ducks in traffic as the 4 wheelers blaze on past ya at every angle.We are in Fort Worth Texas waiting to pick up at 9pm and take that to Illinois. Hope all is well with everyone I am so glad to be back to work. Later David

[bentstrider]

Well things are still going well for me. We just got back from my first trip out to California and that was quite an experience. I have never seen so many trucks pulled over by the police as in California. Arizona and New Mexico have some great scenery and better speed limits as well that 55mph limit in California is just plain stupid trucks are like sitting ducks in traffic as the 4 wheelers blaze on past ya at every angle.We are in Fort Worth Texas waiting to pick up at 9pm and take that to Illinois. Hope all is well with everyone I am so glad to be back to work. Later David

Well, glad you disliked your passing through here, now spread the word on how terrible it really is to the masses!!!

[millersod215]

Flyerfan, how's the progress coming along, still enjoying the road? Hopefully you'll learn the ropes before you get tossed into the winter months, continue to listen and take your time and there shouldn't be any problems.