US Trucking Schools?

[GrandpaJohn]

I'm retired and seriously considering OTR Truck Driving as a new career. US Trucking Schools has a new school in my town so that would be very convenient.

Anyone have any experience/stories to share with me about US Trucking Schools?

Thanks for the help.

[Trukrswyfe]

yeah Santa,

1)I have a list for you. First I would like my husband home for good before Christmas. I know that I may be on the naughty list but it is a Good naughty. :wink: oh and my back is still pinching if there is something you can do for that, that would be GRReat
2) The youngest would like his two front teeth as he has just lost both of them and eating has become a challenge.
3) Then well you know Ethan he is a good boy and he wants a car. No he isn't quite old enough to drive but you know teenagers.
4) Aaron he is easy, could you pre pay for his flight lessons atleast till he pass his FAA written.
5) Then there is Kurt well his wants never end but he would also like a job at home and maybe a months paid vacation to start so he can catch up on family stuff.

Thankx Santa we will remember your cookies. Please take care of these before retirement

[GrandpaJohn]

Hi Trucker's Wife,

Sorry, Santa IS NOT a miracle worker. <HO HO HO>

However I am keeper of the N&N List (Naughty & Nice). Visit my website at www.longmontsanta.com for pics of Santa, North Pole, Reindeer and more fun.

[Trukrswyfe]

Soo Sorry Santa,

Husband forbade me from visiting your North or South Pole. Thanks for the invite anyway

[GrandpaJohn]

Soo Sorry Santa,

Husband forbade me from visiting your North or South Pole. Thanks for the invite anyway

Sorry, I can't even go there. Being / looking like Santa 24x7x365 there are always small ears around. But over the past 8 years it has been a wonderfully rewarding experience bringing joy and happiness to many, many children.

Now, can we get back to my original questions? Can you help me?

[Trukrswyfe]

Sorry Grandpa John,

I just couldn't resist your picture. Have no opinion on US trucking school. My husband was sitting in Aruara, CO when I typed that response. He is a trucker so .. sorry it gets into me once in awhile.

As far as the school goes could be important but seriously I think it is up to the driver. If you want to learn nothing is going to stop you. If the gov. will pay for it, even better. What you really should ask yourself is do you want to be a trucker??
Honestly I think it is a job that you and hear and question to death but until you try it for yourself you won't know if it is for you. This time of year can be have it's own challenges in and of itself. But hey you look like you can handle the snow. Hope you can handle chains. Is there any other questions? My husband is a trainer so I have heard a lot. Shoot

Oh I saw no other responses so I did think I was atleast drawing attention to your post.

[GrandpaJohn]

Hi Trucker's Wife,

Thanks for the nice reply and info.

I think you are right about just having to try it. Maybe I should ask a friend to let me ride along on a trip. Can that be done?

I've done a lot of things from cleaning sewers to driving taxi's to consulting in England. Been poor. Been rich. Right now need a job and this looks interesting and something I can do. My wife and I have discussed it and we can handle it.

Any good companies you want to recommend for me to talk to?

Ho Ho Ho -- Only 30 days to Christmas Eve.

[Trukrswyfe]

Unless your friend is an independant or owner your probably won't get to go with him while working. They may let you inside or a ride around. My husband started on the bottom with the bottom but has work himself into a sweet gig that brings him home quite often. That is almost unheard of in OTR trucking.

If you and your wife want to do this that is great, but I like my own bathroom and non public showers. If she can handle that go for it. I here good things about CFI on this board. Have your wife read the women in trucking section for pointers I can't give. I have been on one truck with my husband it was probably eight hours round trip and that was enough for me.

I am the brains at home for husband holding down the fort. Will your wifes schooling be paid for as well? Just remember that training is a commitment that should be fininshed. I think a lot of the guys my husband gets are trying trucking like you would a meal and think they can stop if it tastes bad. See things through is my advise to you. Count the costs and make sure you can finish. BOL

[GrandpaJohn]

Sorry, misunderstanding.

My wife will stay home and help out with our 10 grandkids. I'll be on the road by myself.

[Trukrswyfe]

Oh in that case my husbands friend went to work for Knight and they get you home often so not so much of a shock to be away from family. He is very happy with the company and their equipment. See if there is a terminal near you. I am sure there is being not too far from Denver,CO. Not sure if the do schooling but if husband approves I will pass along your site to his friend so he can give you the inside scoop.

Should you go that way. Not my husbands company so no pressure from me.

[Trukrswyfe]

Dear Santa,

I hope you are getting closer to getting your own 18wheeler sleigh. How the job hunting going?

[GrandpaJohn]

Getting closer. I'm signed up to start US Truck Driving School on 12/31 -- 3 week course. I have applications out to Swift, Navajo, Werner, CFI, May and Schneider. Any comments on any of these?

In the meantime, busy season. I have 24 Santa Visits this year. This afternoon I'm training my 9-year old granddaughter to be my Elf Assistant. Great Fun!

Guess I'll have to negotiate 3 weeks off (no pay) next December so I can continue. <grin>

Merry Christmas

[Trukrswyfe]

Thank you Santa,

I am no expert, but here goes. I read better things about CFI than Swift and Werner, Schneider down the middle and nothing about Navajo. May , I have also read good about.

Truth .... one way or another you gotta do some grut work for any company till you start making the good money. They will want to know you can get the job down, ontime, in any circumstances( traffic, weather, inspections, just a few) and make the customer happy. You should be good at that, you know about deadlines huh Santa. So pick a company and unless it is illegal or out right terrible suck it up the first couple of months, Then your like gold.

Another good tip: once you start training, get phone numbers, You never know when and where you will be when you have a question( usually middle of the night) after hours has fallen asleep and you have truck problems. Seriously take as many numbers as people will give you especially the night trainers and drivers as they will be awake to answer your questions in a pickle. For late calls send out a quick text to see if they are up or asleep.

Once you are on your own you will remember what I said.

[GrandpaJohn]

Thanks for the GREAT advice. I understand about the first few months. Actually most jobs are like that but I can see where truck driving especially you've got to suck it up, prove yourself and get the job done -- correctly, on time and with a happy customer.

The suggestion about phone numbers is one I hadn't thought of but really makes good sense. I'll start building my phone list. Fortunately I have a good friend who has been driving for 14 years and I can call her anytime. BUT I'll also collect other numbers.

Hope you get what you want under the tree on Christmas.

Ho Ho Ho