I'd like to get some info on tricks of the trade from the more experinced guys out there like anything to do with truck driving, something maybe that newbies can benefit from in some way or another.

 

This link may be a good reference when seeking information and talking to recruiters about jobs:
http://www.ooida.com/Swimming_sharks...o_drivers.html

As far as tricks of the trade go……… I like the idea of searching a shipper/receiver address on Google Maps to see if there is parking available at my destination. Of course this requires a laptop and internet connection.

Good luck

 

All these experienced drivers on these forums and only one reply? So from what I get is Drive, Log,Sleep?

 

Don't work cheap. BOL

 

Not really sure what your asking....May take a little more thought on our part to come up with "tricks"...

 

Well I mean like things to make the most money, like trip planning, just tips on logs, driving habits etc....

 

What is your background?

Do you already have a CDL or are you looking at schools/carrier training programs?

What do you hope to learn/earn by driving?

Do you want to run local or OTR? Vans or flats?

Answering these questions might help the people here to help you.

The OOIDA link is a good place to start. Have you looked at it? What do you think of it?

 

Alredy have a class a, noexperience except local and looking for OTR vans and I have not looked at the OODIA website yet.

 

Okay.

If you're thinking about Schneider, I respectfully suggest that you call them and ask about training in your area (and any other things you can think of: home time, pay and benefits, equipment, etc).

Do a search here at CAD on CR England -- a good one to avoid. Swift? I don't know, lots of negatives posted, but it works for some people. I don't believe Werner pays well, but I might be mistaken.

Wow, there's so many carriers. For home time questions, I'd grab a local phone book and start calling. All any of them can say is "no' (for whatever reasons they have), but sooner or later you'll probably find someone who'd like you to fill out an application.

Tips: run legal, do pretrips, really learn the job (it ain't that hard).

You've already got some behind-the-wheel experience and that's good, so you're not as green as someone who's only ever driven a car. That's in your favor.

Most carriers will probably insist that you go out with a trainer. Your trainer may be a ditz, but try to get through that. There's threads here on trainers. The thing to remember is what YOU want: to get out on your own and to make your kids proud of you. I can't think of anything else right now. Good Luck. I mean it.

Oh -- talk to drivers at truck stops. Most guys will give you the straight scoop about their company and the life, but beware: some companies pay "bounty" to drivers who refer new guys, so some BS will be par for the course.

And spend A LOT of time here at CAD.

BOL / Safe trip

 

I forgot: I see you're asking a lot of questions. More people should do that before they jump in. The more you ask the more you know.