[rjm522]

Is it possible to do a ride along with a driver before I apply to a CDL school/company? I am thinking that if I can ride with an experienced driver I will get a 'feel' for what the day to day job - and life on the road - is really like and not what a recruiter or advertisement tells me. Do companies do this? Does anybody do this? Am I crazy for thinking I can find a driver willing to do this? I don't want to walk up to a driver at a truck stop and ask for a ride bacause he might think I am some kind of nut or something.

I was thinking the ride would last a week, maximum.


Any input would be great.

[YoungZ.W.]

You can pretty much forget about it!!! I've tried to do it myself making arrangements with the company and all with no such luck. Unless you know someone in the industry that can arrange for you to do it with their company.

[Jimbpard]

That is a pretty good idea, but it has little chance of being put together, unless you know an owner operater that is willing to take you with him...But be ready for him to ask you WHY you want to do this, and have a better answer ready than "i want to travel the country & make a good living", because for the most part, some of these supertruckers dont believe thats really part of the job. Do I agree? No, but then again, I dont think I'm part of the "majority". I love my job. I wouldnt do it if I didnt. You can do & be anything you want in this country. Nobody assigns you a job. I wish more people would understand that..............

Soon comming replies of..........................

"Yeah your right, but how can I quit now and pay my bills while I'm in the process of obtaining a new career? I'm stuck now" uh huh. sure.

[Uturn2001]

Unless you know a driver, preferably a family member, who is willing to take you along it is pretty much a deal that will not happen.

[BanditsCousin]

Pay me, and we'll talk 8)

[heavyhaulerss]

if you were in my part of the woods.. i would take you along for free.

[BanditsCousin]

But we don't know what neck of the woods he's in. Blank profile.... :lol:

[rjm522]

Yeah......sorry about the blank location. I am in Atlanta Georgia. I added my avatar also.

[jayburd]

well jimbpard....my cuz looked at me like I had booger hanging outta my nose when I asked him about riding along and stuff.His wife said I was stupid and of course mine agreed.
He likes the life,I guess so after 30+ years,but said there are better ways to make a living.

[heavyhaulerss]

i am on the a/ tn line.