Question about going from Dump truck w/backhoe trlr to semi

[usncporetired]

I have a class a with air brake endorsement, I have driven my own dump truck with 30' backhoe trailer for a few years but I got rid of the equipment due to it was not making enough money to pay for the equipment. My question is: I know of a local company who is hiring drivers for a Joplin, MO to Kansas City, MO run with container loads. In your opinions, do I need to go to a "shortened" version of truck driving school, or if I am used to driving a 10 speed with air brakes will my difference be in the hooking and unhooking of the trailer? I know how to hook up and unhook, air brakes, have driven a tractor a couple of times, but never formally, it was for other people. If the company will allow me to take and pass a road test, is that sufficient, or should I go to further schooling. I am very comfortable with my abilities and knowledge, but I have not "formally" worked for a semi trucking company.

[kc0iv]

I have a class a with air brake endorsement, I have driven my own dump truck with 30' backhoe trailer for a few years but I got rid of the equipment due to it was not making enough money to pay for the equipment. My question is: I know of a local company who is hiring drivers for a Joplin, MO to Kansas City, MO run with container loads. In your opinions, do I need to go to a "shortened" version of truck driving school, or if I am used to driving a 10 speed with air brakes will my difference be in the hooking and unhooking of the trailer? I know how to hook up and unhook, air brakes, have driven a tractor a couple of times, but never formally, it was for other people. If the company will allow me to take and pass a road test, is that sufficient, or should I go to further schooling. I am very comfortable with my abilities and knowledge, but I have not "formally" worked for a semi trucking company.

If you can pass the road test container are not that hard. Biggest problem you will have is being able to pull different length trailers. You'll pull anything from a 20' pup to a 53'.

Another major problem is the weight. Many containers are over-weight. I've pull Joplin, MO -- Kansas City, MO hundreds of times and many times I had to go out-of-route to by-pass the scales.

Pay wise I made pretty good money when I pulled containers. In fact the company I pulled for I made more money than I made driving OTR. It all depends on who drive for.

Also you will put in a full day pulling containers. It's real hard to meet the 14 hour rule. But most containers runs are Monday - Friday so you'll have most weekends off.

One nice thing is most are not driver assist. Just a lot of waiting time.

One other point about pulling containers is the quality of the chassis. Most won't pass a D.O.T. inspection.

kc0iv

[Mr. Ford95]

usnc, it's up to the truck companies insurance of what you need or if they will even take you on. I drive the same thing you used to, when I called around to see what else was out there, I was told that I would not need another schooling since they took "Students" but I would have to go thru the entire company training.