Is trucking done with me?

[BigDiesel]

Well, gee whiz Mr. Skywalker...I apologize for offending you. But with your first post calling me a liar and telling me to pull my head out of my butt, I think it was well deserved. If that is 'advice' then it seems to me that you pretty much personify what is wrong with this industry. The point I was trying to make in my previous post was that even if a driver has a great attitude and comports himself in a professional manner, he is still a trucker and gets grouped with all the negative, trashy stereotypical ones. And oh yeah, it seems to me that anyone who 'has been around here' and established a 'modicum of credibility' would know that taking a company truck into a private shop on your own dime results in immediate termination, especially under the circumstances.

Anyways, enough BS. Today was a good day, as I got my CDL back! Passed all my written tests last week, rented a truck, and passed the road test today. So soon I will be back on the road and undoubtedly living up to the "menace to the driving public" reputation that has been so deservedly bestowed upon me by some of my fellow brethen. LOL

And big thanks to everyone who found it possible to offer constructive criticism (positive and negative). I appreciate it. Maybe there is hope after all.

Good luck on getting a job, let alone an insurance carrier to accept you.....

[boneebone]

Well, gee whiz Mr. Skywalker...I apologize for offending you. But with your first post calling me a liar and telling me to pull my head out of my butt, I think it was well deserved. If that is 'advice' then it seems to me that you pretty much personify what is wrong with this industry. The point I was trying to make in my previous post was that even if a driver has a great attitude and comports himself in a professional manner, he is still a trucker and gets grouped with all the negative, trashy stereotypical ones. And oh yeah, it seems to me that anyone who 'has been around here' and established a 'modicum of credibility' would know that taking a company truck into a private shop on your own dime results in immediate termination, especially under the circumstances.

Anyways, enough BS. Today was a good day, as I got my CDL back! Passed all my written tests last week, rented a truck, and passed the road test today. So soon I will be back on the road and undoubtedly living up to the "menace to the driving public" reputation that has been so deservedly bestowed upon me by some of my fellow brethen. LOL

And big thanks to everyone who found it possible to offer constructive criticism (positive and negative). I appreciate it. Maybe there is hope after all.

Best of Luck.

[steve38]

I really didn't mean to offend anyone. Guess that guy just pushed my buttons. It's been almost 10 years to the date that I first got my CDL. Won lots of awards like skills competitions, driver of month, many safety awards. Almost a million miles OTR and no accidents. But yeah, it's gonna be hard to get a job now. And yes i know its all my own fault. My plan is to apply with local companies in person, since I think I can distinguish myself from other applicants better that way. But if I wind up joining the carnival, working the 'pop a shot' booth, and driving one of their rigs...you guys can have a hoot at my expense....LOL

[Jackrabbit379]

The fact that you got the tickets is the germane issue, not whether or not it was 1 or 3.

What do the germans got to do with it?

[Jimbpard]

What do the germans got to do with it?

Daddy, what did he say???

[Jackrabbit379]

I was hoping someone would catch that.

[Skywalker]

Well, gee whiz Mr. Skywalker...I apologize for offending you.

Sir, you did not "offend me"....I have a thicker skin than most.

But with your first post calling me a liar

I don't believe I did that, as I didn't use the word "liar". While I may have inferred that there was more to the story, than maybe met the eye....it was not my intent to call you a liar or even imply it.

and telling me to pull my head out of my butt, I think it was well deserved. If that is 'advice' then it seems to me that you pretty much personify what is wrong with this industry.

I would hate to think that is the case....I don't view myself that way, and hope no one else does.

The point I was trying to make in my previous post was that even if a driver has a great attitude and comports himself in a professional manner, he is still a trucker and gets grouped with all the negative, trashy stereotypical ones.

I can't disagree with that at all. In fact there is truth in your statement. Its a sad commentary on the state of our industry and some of the people in it.

And oh yeah, it seems to me that anyone who 'has been around here' and established a 'modicum of credibility' would know that taking a company truck into a private shop on your own dime results in immediate termination, especially under the circumstances.

That may be the case with your prior employer....and its sad that they refused to stand up behind you on the ticket. In fact it speaks volumes about how lousy they are. If their trucks are set at 62 mph and they are unwilling to certify it, then they are a bottomfeeding dirtbag outfit.

When I was with CFI, it was a company policy that if you got a ticket that stated you exceeded the speed setting on the truck, and the geography indicated you could not achieve that speed, they would at their expense dyno the truck and "certify" the speed setting to the court in your defense. The company I work for now will do the same or permit us to do an ECM drawdown on the settings....its no big deal. But if the company is worth a spit they will do it and permit the ECM dump....because its their safety record too.

Anyways, enough BS. Today was a good day, as I got my CDL back! Passed all my written tests last week, rented a truck, and passed the road test today. So soon I will be back on the road and undoubtedly living up to the "menace to the driving public" reputation that has been so deservedly bestowed upon me by some of my fellow brethen. LOL

Steve, I think the possibility exists that you took things a little too seriously.... And I guess that's fair, and your right...but considering that many people who know little about this industry come here and ask questions....sometimes some of us answer in a fashion that is not necessarily an "attack" on you, but might be better looked at as a generic warning to all regarding certain situations.

And big thanks to everyone who found it possible to offer constructive criticism (positive and negative). I appreciate it. Maybe there is hope after all.

Sir, I wish you nothing less than all the good fortune and prosperity possible in the near and far future. Take care, be safe, and let us know how things go!!

BTW....I've talked to guys who have driven for "carnivals"....and some made good money and had fun.... who knows...

[coastie]

Everyone tells me going into the military as an alternative is a death-wish, even more dangerous than driving a truck.

.

Military a death wish? mmmm More people are killed in one US City per month than US Soldier in the entire War Zone of Iraq. To tell the truth if I could have gotten back into the Military I would have, but Since my Knees are bad, Prevents that.

Anyways, enough BS. Today was a good day, as I got my CDL back! Passed all my written tests last week, rented a truck, and passed the road test today. So soon I will be back on the road and undoubtedly living up to the "menace to the driving public" reputation that has been so deservedly bestowed upon me by some of my fellow brethen. LOL

And big thanks to everyone who found it possible to offer constructive criticism (positive and negative). I appreciate it. Maybe there is hope after all.

Good Luck Steve. I not going to judge, for things do happen. For I been pulled over in the past with about the same problems, Truck only do 72, but said I was doing 77 going up a Mountain (70mph zone), or Doing 55 and claimed I was doing 68 (by same Officer 1 year apart) Or I was doing 50 yet claimed I was doing 70 (55mph zone). Last 2 i went to court and they were changed 68 in a 55 was changed to doing 55 and pay the fine, and the 70 was changed to going to fast for conditions, Fine but no points.

No Accidents speaks the loudest to me, but yes it will be a hard road back into another truck. If there is a will, there will be a way.

I wish you the best of luck, it not impossible, hard but not impossible.

[Cluggy619]

Hey everyone…I recently had my TX CDL suspended for 60 days and was subsequently fired due to two ’serious’ moving violations in a 3 year period. Unfortunately in TX, ‘suspended’ means the same as ‘revoked’ and TX DPS is telling me to get it reinstated I have to retake all written tests and road tests. I’m not even sure if I want to go to the trouble of getting the license back. Would be a bummer to spend the time and money on the CDL and then find out I cannot get a job.

I had the two 'serious' moving violations (speeding 15mph over and following too closely) in 2008 and one other for speeding 10mph over back in 2006. I have 8 years OTR experience with 3 different companies, 6 years with previous employer. No accidents, felonies or alcohol related events.

What are my chances of getting hired by a reputable company or even hired at all? Does anyone know of an OTR dry van company around Houston or Dallas that would hire someone with my record? Or should I start looking for another line of work? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Where in Texas do you live?

I ask because you can still haul water. You will probable not get with the better companies, but you can get a job.

And BTW, as cheap as traffic lawyers are, you should have gotten one instead of just paying the ticket off. If you didn't get cheap, and protected your license with a lawyer, you might have kept your job. Then again, maybe not. But a chance is always better than none.

And a tip for you from experience. When you get your next ticket, hire a lawyer to fight it.

[bentstrider]

Military a death wish? mmmm More people are killed in one US City per month than US Soldier in the entire War Zone of Iraq. To tell the truth if I could have gotten back into the Military I would have, but Since my Knees are bad, Prevents that.

Not to change subject, but I also want to make sure if I get in, that it will give me a better chance of getting into a LE career once I complete a commitment.

If not, then I may just use my existing CDL to continue driving trucks with the National Guard.
I talked to a recruiter and they said I would be promoted to E-4 once I got finished with basic because of this.


Not to mention this will be somewhat of a guilt-free way of paying for RN-education.

[GI Joe]

Don't think I'd want you as a soldier, Steve. Soldiers learn to take responsibility for their actions. You seem to want to blame it on actions of others. You screwed your CDL.


"Everyone tells me going into the military as an alternative is a death-wish, even more dangerous than driving a truck."


Shows you listen to others opinions and throw the thought out here to others, looking for us to make your decisions. Lets see, DOT's numbers say 5240 trucker deaths in 2005, 4808 in 2007. Hmmm. I found those stats in less than 5 minutes. You, chose to listen to "friends" say your chances of being killed is higher in the military. Maybe you need better friends.
DOT Puts New Rule In Place To Lower Truck Driver Fatalities

Steve, as a driver, retired army who recruited for 4 yrs, and fellow citizen, let me say, GET A LIFE AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT! I should find that Guard rctr and make sure if you go that u don't get any special promotion to E-3 or E-4 for your experience. Your experience, from what I read, blows. Giving you a promotion for it only makes you closer to E-5, where you can be in charge of soldiers. You are no where close to being in charge , leading and training soldiers. From reading your posts, you are the type of guy who'd be thrust into a leadership position way too early and cost lives. Kind of like alot of trucking company office personnel.

You're the type that has to air out his problems looking for solace, comfort from others to feel gratified. I've seen 18/19 yr old young men and women in uniform with more guts, determination and confidence than you'll ever have.

Stay where you are. I'm sure you can find a job driving a van servicing snack machines, carpets or dirty uniforms.

Do me and your nation a favor. Stay out of the military. Like driving jobs, you can be a driver or a steering wheel holder. Military doesn't want holders.

[GI Joe]

Another typical idiot.
"Everyone tells me going into the military as an alternative is a death-wish, even more dangerous than driving a truck."

On another forum, I've rebutted this notion. We're just over 4k deaths in Iraq since 2001. Lets see. In the USA, about 16k murders a yr. about 38-40k traffic fatalities a yr. 200k + injuries from traffic accidents / yr. You know what? Military looks like a safe place to be.

Re-enlistments were at an all time high 1 year ago. that was b4 economic down turn.

[TomB985]

Do me and your nation a favor. Stay out of the military. Like driving jobs, you can be a driver or a steering wheel holder. Military doesn't want holders.

Wow, you sound like a recruiter!

I disagree. Much of the US military is an example of mediocrity at it's finest. There are many good men and women serving, but there are also many more who do the minimum amount of work possible to get by.

Much like truck drivers!!!

I have lots of respect for the military and those serving today, but let's not put them on a pedestal and use it to beat others up on the forums.


Please get off your high military horse....

[Cyanide]

Much of the US military is an example of mediocrity at it's finest. There are many good men and women serving, but there are also many more who do the minimum amount of work possible to get by.

Tell you what Tom, let's go back in time so you can see how many of the Marines in my infantry squad sandbagged doing the minimum required while doing a combat patrol in Kuwait or Somalia. Or my ordnance crew on the flight deck of a carrier hand loading eight F/A-18s for missions over Bosnia and Iraq. Answer is ZERO!

I agree and see your point, especially considering younger people in m.o.s.'s that aren't extremely stressful and/or life-threatening, but those that do the minimum will not stay since they'll never make it past the required courses that are mandatory with higher rank and responsibility. If they try the instructors will simply weed them out, and if they somehow manage to slip through the cracks there, senior NCO's in the command will adjust their work ethic and attitude accordingly.

[TomB985]

Ah, Carlo...see how I worded that? I said "much" of our Military. I certainly believe that there are many great units with great people...but in my 4 years, from '04-'07 including one year in a combat zone, there are at least as many folks who are in it to do the bare minimum as there are who have any pride in their job.

May have been different when you were in. I wasn't around back then!

[Cyanide]

Which is why I wrote that last segment in my previous post. I saw it as well but wouldn't personally allow it in my unit. Was I a hard-azz? 110% but, so were all of the guys I was in charge of. We all believed in work hard, play hard and pulled our weight be it when as grunts or Ordies. And oh, some of the playing we did when work was done!!!!

But yes, there are many who can't grasp the concept of the sayings that I have in my signature as well as the following...

"The more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war!"

Ttyl

[telcobilly]

Well, gee whiz Mr. Skywalker...I apologize for offending you. But with your first post calling me a liar and telling me to pull my head out of my butt, I think it was well deserved. If that is 'advice' then it seems to me that you pretty much personify what is wrong with this industry. The point I was trying to make in my previous post was that even if a driver has a great attitude and comports himself in a professional manner, he is still a trucker and gets grouped with all the negative, trashy stereotypical ones. And oh yeah, it seems to me that anyone who 'has been around here' and established a 'modicum of credibility' would know that taking a company truck into a private shop on your own dime results in immediate termination, especially under the circumstances.

Anyways, enough BS. Today was a good day, as I got my CDL back! Passed all my written tests last week, rented a truck, and passed the road test today. So soon I will be back on the road and undoubtedly living up to the "menace to the driving public" reputation that has been so deservedly bestowed upon me by some of my fellow brethen. LOL

And big thanks to everyone who found it possible to offer constructive criticism (positive and negative). I appreciate it. Maybe there is hope after all.

Congrats on getting your CDL back and I appreciate your frankness in telling your story. I think you took responsibility and were just looking for honest advice, not sympathy. As a new trucker myself, I definitely try to learn from other's experience/mistakes, as we don't live long enough to make all of them ourselves!

[steve38]

UPDATE: Good news! I started my new driving job yesterday! After only a week of job hunting, i found a company that would look at my whole record and not just the few black marks on it. The best part of all is that it's actually a better company than my previous one (not just my opinion either). So maybe this will serve as an example and inspiration to those drivers out there looking for work. There ARE jobs out there, but it takes a bit of effort to find them so you have to stay positive and be persistent. So today the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and I'm headed north out of Texas. Peace everyone, and see ya on the road!

[Creek Jackson]

UPDATE: Good news! I started my new driving job yesterday! After only a week of job hunting, i found a company that would look at my whole record and not just the few black marks on it. The best part of all is that it's actually a better company than my previous one (not just my opinion either). So maybe this will serve as an example and inspiration to those drivers out there looking for work. There ARE jobs out there, but it takes a bit of effort to find them so you have to stay positive and be persistent. So today the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and I'm headed north out of Texas. Peace everyone, and see ya on the road!

Good Luck, Steve! Be Safe!

[bentstrider]

Nice.

It's good to read messages that will either lay the naysayers to rest, or fire them into "we're all gonna die" mode.

Other than that, stay safe and log those "million"