Greetings all… I’ve been working in the computer industry for about the last eight years now and things are really going south, fast… For the month of November we only sold 6 systems; and our hours are getting cut back… so less pay, and now I’m having problems making my bills, debts are starting to build up….

So I am now researching potential ideas for a change of career.

A family member suggested that I look into getting a CDL and try Trucking; and at first I had my doubts. I didn’t think I would be able to handle such a large vehicle but then the more I thought about it, the more it seemed possible. After all, I was one of those who grew up obsessed as a child, over all things BIG; trains, trucks, planes, etc… and I still find myself admiring some big nice looking rig passing me on the highway. Plus I love the open road. As I said I currently work for a computer company. I am on the road often with them running our little company van between distributors, etc… but most times I am sitting here in our shop staring at a computer screen on my desk, as I am now.

But heck; I’m 34 years old and I want to get out there and see this great country of ours!

So anyway, I started reading several various websites on the Trucking Industry, and eventually found this one, and have spent quite some time browsing around your Forums, reading different threads of interest to me, and trying to learn what I can about what questions or concerns I’d have.

I would probably prefer to start out on my own, as a solo driver. However I’ve read quite a few negative posts about several (seemingly?) reputable companies who run big fancy, flashy websites to recruit new drivers. Perhaps they advertise top pay, great working hours, etc, etc… But then drivers who have worked for them come here and post about how bad they really are and how they frown on solo drivers, but prefer their teams instead; give teams more loads then the solos, and so on…

So I am now at the point where I suppose the best answers can only come from actually posting and asking.

Let me start with my biggest concern.

I have a slight handicap in the ankle of my left foot due to a combination of…


1) A traumatizing childhood accident 20 years ago, almost resulting in the loss of my foot, thank god for modern day medical science however and and continued to walk on my own two feet after recovering from that … and then, however more recently…

2) A nut job driver losing control of their car one evening in 2005, and slamming into me head on at 75mph. Thankfully I was driving a ’98 Dodge Truck at the time, at 40mph, and he was in little Honda… full impact with no time to brake but I still pushed his car back 20 – 25 feet. He’s in jail now. ...but it broke my leg in almost the exact same spot as it had been broken 20 years ago, totally messed up my ankle and I've since lost significant mobility with it... meaning I can maybe only bend or pivot my ankle about 20 - 25% of what I can on my right foot... so about 75% loss in what I can do with that ankle now... this in turn has led to some minor knee problems.


So with that in mind, Clutching is somewhat out of the question for me. Sure I could probably manage it on a very limited basis; but constant clutching over and over? Out of the question. Also for the same reasons, I would prefer to be less involved in having to deal with the loading/unloading of the trailer.

So anyway, I’ve been reading about newer, late model Tractors advertised with Automatic Transmissions, and also reading about something called “Auto Shift” transmissions. I have read that some trucks have an Automatic but still have a Clutch, and read that other trucks with Automatics don’t have any clutches at all.

So first question, are those the same thing on a tractor truck; Automatic Transmission and Auto Shift Transmission, or two different types of transmissions?

I’m sure some age old veterans who grew up driving Manual Trans trucks likely really frown on those automatics and the “newbies” who start out with them, probably call them lazy or what have you… But hey, I at least have a good reason for preferring such a transmission.

Anyway, Second Question; I have researched and read about a lot of companies who will pay to train a new Driver; going through some sort of school and such (and yes I’ve even read threads here about peoples experiences at said schools); so second question…

How would someone such as myself, avoid having to train on a Manual trans Truck, at one of these schools?

I imagine they do not exactly give one the choice in truck to learn how to drive. I mean hell if they stuck me in a manual transmission truck for me to pass some test, I’d likely flunk out right there cause I just won’t drive a truck like that.

So; there’s all these companies that advertise having Auto Shift Fleets and “we’ll pay to train you”, etc… So do they actually train you, on that automatic?

Now third Question…

Say I’m on some long haul, crossing 5 or 6 States.

How difficult would it be for me to say, when I stop for a night somewhere, have my own personal Laptop Computer with me, and have internet access, and send a quick email off to some family member saying “hey guess where I am now?” or for that matter, a better question would be… How often do some of you guys have Internet access while out there on the road; and how limited is that access? Is it company controlled in some way, limiting you from accessing certain sites, or would I still be able to say for example log in to my personal Gmail account and fire off a quick email while gasing up the truck in some truck stop somewhere? I suppose that last one depends on whether or not that truck stop would offer wireless access, so with that in mind, have many of you found that to be a convenience at many places, or not?

Last question now…

What are my chances of getting recruited and trained by a company that can fulfill those basic needs of mine; and what companies are there out there that might potentially meet those needs? I would like to go and research them as well, while I am ponderously considering my various future options…

That’s it for now and thanks for your time in reading and responding for those who do!

 

Well I knew from a lot of my research that this would be a tough industry to get involved in and learn about; but didn't think it'd be all that hard to get a couple questions about it answered...

Basically; I just want to know the following:



1. What is the difference, if any; between an "Auto Shift" truck, and an Automatic Truck?

2. Are there, if any, Companies out there who bring on Trainees and Train them with Automatic Trucks; if anyone knows of any?



Basically I just want those two questions answered, I've pretty much found answers to most of my other concerns/questions already...

Oh and yes, I know what an automatic transmission is, its all I've driven for the last 15 years. However, my confusion here comes from the fact that I've never heard of the term "Auto Shift" and I see a lot of companies who advertise "Auto Shift Transmissions" on their equipment listings on their websites.

Oh and, yea I know my posting handle here may sound/or look stupid to some of you, but it pretty much sums me up at this point. Perhaps if I get involved in the industry though; I'll likely be changing that handle to something else that's a little more appropriate!

...and for the record, there is a local trucking company near me whom I'm interested in talking to. But I figured I could learn a lot first, from a public Web Community such as this one, before approaching them, with yet more questions. Kinda like, wanting to know a little more about what I could be getting into, before I go to them...

 

An "auto-shift" truck still has the clutch pedal where it belongs.

A "full-automatic" truck just has throttle and a brake pedals installed.

All the companies that will hire you, will train you on the truck they operate. Especially if you get your CDL training through them.

If you get your CDL on your own, which is what the majority of the more exoerienced drivers here recommends, you will learn to drive on an older truck with either a 9 speed or a 10 speed, standard shift tranny.

 

in your first paragraph you said bills are pileing up, FYI trucking isn't a 9-5 job that you just jump into. After you get out of a school WITH your cdl your still looking at 4-12 weeks of on the job training with a trainer at LOW pay( read $500 a wk at best) so keep that in mind. It takes awhile to start makeing $$ and alot of guys NEVER get there. Why do you think the industry has such a huge turnover rate? Now is a poor time time to try getting into driving, co. are hireing but being very picky on who they hire (tickets,accidents)
Can you stay working in computers and buid some on the side? Set up websites ect? you might be better off
Just letting you know, if you do decide to drive AVOID company paid training if all possible, DO read post here about co. your interested in AND DO NOT SIGN A LEASE
BOL

 

I'm looking to get back into trucking after about a 15 year absence. --and no I wasn't in jail. :lol: So the auto transmission thing is new to me.

But I can say you should have no issues taking a laptop with you. Wifi is an option but will be hit and miss. Sure most truck stops offer it but it is usually poorly maintained or over taxed with users. The best solution is to get an "aircard" from a cellphone carrier. I like Verizon. I hear good things about Sprint too. The two companies use the same EVDO technology so it makes sense that both would be popular. It's seems pricey but if you consider the coverage area and services offered it's a steal! And if you buy day passes from the hotspots more then a few times a month the aircard will probably be cheaper. You may be able to tether your cellphone to your laptop and use it for access. But for a few bucks more I prefer the aircard. Use the computer/aircard to access weather forecasts once in awhile or send emails to your employer every now and again and the whole setup would be a legitimate tax write-off.

Oh and also; Might as well start your new career schooling now... You don't "gas up" the truck you would "fuel it". Gas is different then diesel. You probably knew that but it is those kinds of slips that drivers like to ride the new guys about. :lol:

 

I have a Sprint wireless internet card with me where ever I go, so I have internet access 24/7. It's $60 a month for unlimited access. In some states it just doesn't work that fast, but if I need to check or send an email I can usually do that. Now if I am near a big city I get broadband speeds, so I can look at what ever I want.

When you are in that truck you are free do do as you please for the most part. When you are on your mandatory 10hr break after 11hrs of driving or 14hr clock runs out, you can do what you please.

I think US Express has all automatic trucks. They might be able to fulfill your needs.

I am from Atlanta, Duluth to be exact and the ATL has a lot of options when it comes to the trucking industry. The only drawback to that is in your situation you need an automatic, so that cuts it down to maybe 1-2% of the trucking industry you are looking at.

With that being said, I would find another career choice because the odds are not in your favor. Of course everyone told me the same thing a few years ago and I like my job.....

 

Gwinnett Tech has a great CDL program. You may be able to qualify for the HOPE grant and it will be 100% paid for free.

 

Thanks for those Answers! That is pretty much what I thought/expected.... but wanted some clarification on that.

Now if perhaps someone can give me a basic explanation on how an "Auto Shift" works. Do I understand it correctly that this is basically an Automatic that still has the Clutch? If this is the case, why and when would a driver need to use that Clutch?


As for getting my CDL on my own. Yes. I would very much prefer to do that, rather then go through some "company paid training program" ...

But on the downside, my options are sort of limited, as BHG0069 pointed out further below, which I'll address in a moment...



500 per week, at the moment, is more then double what I am currently making. My last paycheck was only 350 for two weeks! Normally, I only make about 550 per two weeks.

This is because....


The computing industry right now has hit rock bottom. For the month of November alone my company sold a total of only... 6 computers.

The problem is, people want it cheap, and they want it fast... and most out there are too ignorant of the facts regarding computers. Most get their new computer, and just turn it on, and they expect it should work the moment they push that power button, and that it'll do everything they want.

Thats what we in this industry call, the ID10T Error. Thats.. I.D. 10 T ... or, Idiot Error, for short.

When it comes to wanting it cheap, thats where the real ignorance comes into play. No one takes the time to consider the fact that, no matter who builds the computer... the cheaper it is, the crappier the internal parts are going to be.

It is amazing how that fact plays out in every other industry and everyone is more aware of it in every other industry... its the aged old term, "You get what you pay for." ...but when it comes to computers, no one thinks about that; so no one bothers to educate themselves on what all the quality brand names are in the computer "Parts" industry. But alas, when it comes to computers, it has to be cheap, and it has to be perfect, and oh my gosh if you ever download a song from the internet and it causes your computer to get a virus then oh my gosh is all your computer builders fault, they sold you a bad computer, it doesnt work right, it gets viruses and... OH MY GOD ITS THE END OF THE WORLD I CAN'T LIVE WITH OUT MY COMPUTER! What do you mean its going to take 4 business days to fix!! I have to have my computer! I can't live without my computer!

Get a life... we say, if you can't live without it, then go buy a second one, and stick it in your closet and use it to back up all your important data...

Oh but... "oh my gosh.. oh gosh thats just... thats soooo much work!"

/me facepalms

Add to all that, we got companies out there such as DELL for example, who take advantage of most peoples ignorance and just sell them the 0.99c "cheese burger" of the computing industry; you know, that burger thats been sitting on the burger rack at McDonalds for the last half hour? They just take it back into the kitchen and zap it in the microwave and then say its fresh.

Yea, thats DELL. They're the "Fast food" of the computer industry and they build em cheap, and sell em cheaper, and most people don't even know and don't care, and then my company gets to deal with their ignorance when the machine breaks and they're tired of sitting on hold with some DELL C.S. "expert" somewhere in India whose using flip cards to diagnose their issues. But its the monsters like Dell, whose running the small timers like my company, out of business...

Ok. Sorry for the little computing rant there, not directed at anyone in particular but just a rant in general; but suffice it to say, eight years in this business professionally, and I'm getting tired of it. Add to that, business sucks so bad I'm having to cut my work hours down almost by half and am only pulling in 350 per two weeks when my monthly expenses top out at around 1400 - 1500...

So, yea, 500 a week, even 400 a week... thats a dream to me.

Bottom line, I am interested in Trucking because I am nearly 34 years old and I'm tired of sitting at a desk all day long, and I want to get out there and see this beautiful country of ours.

That and I always find myself admiring these big Trucks hauling down the road; sorta grew up fascinated by them... used to watch "B.J. and the Bear" with my Dad, when I was real little, and when I got older, Optimus Prime was my hero and damnit, he's just become my hero all over again now that he's been reborn out of a beautiful Peterbilt 379!

Don't get me wrong, none of that has influenced me into believing that Trucking is anything like how its depicted. I know its not a typical 9-5 job, and I know it can sometimes, be a lonely job, riding out there, somewhere on some open stretch of some empty road with naught but a few voices on the radio...

But I like that. I like to be out there, out on that open road where my thoughts tend to wander, and are my own...




I've read plenty of posts here regarding various company paid training programs, and most of what I've read have been of the negative nature; especially ones regarding several of the larger, mega corporations out there who train dozens and dozens at a time, just so they have a "pool" of drivers to keep on reserve even though they don't have any trucks actually available.

I would honestly prefer to avoid such a program. It doesn't seem like the type of program that would really give one any real, true hands on experience; and in the end there is always the potential of the worst happening when it comes to come lazy corporate trainer... who for example might prefer to be sleeping in the back, while the student is driving through the late hours of the night on some unfamiliar stretch of road... But eh... I'll address these types of training programs some more a little further below with my answer to BHG0069 on the same topic... He pretty much it the nail on the head regarding my situation.

I wouldn't sign anything unless I know and am satisfied with it, and whatever agreements I make, I prefer to have in writing. So yea, if some company out there, hypothetically, were to give me some grand offer, then I'll ask for it in writing with their signature rather then mine on that page!


...and that, LOL, is exactly why I like these sort of online communities. Yea I know its Fuel and not Gas, and I deserved to be joked at about like that

...and thats good advice to consider on the internet "aircard" idea there.

That is pretty much what I thought/suspected as well. Its good to hear it though from someone in the industry.



USEx is actually one of the few companies I've read about here that seem to gotten a lot of praise from various posters. Certainly an option to consider and look into.


Yes; ATL has a lot, but I am aware I've limited my choices. I'll be honest and state that one of the companies I'm most intrigued about, is KTI.

Kennesaw Transportation Inc... up in White Georgia off Hwy 411; Ext 293 off 75.

They got a nice fleet of Pete 387's and I think I read somewhere that Automatic is an available option on those... I do not know if that is true about those Pete 387s, but if it is, then I would not be surprised if KTI had some automatics; especially if they're constantly running up through the Blue Ridge.

KTI also has a Hiring Sign out on the side of Hwy 411 seeking solo drivers and I found an internet job ad from them claiming that they have no preference over experience.

I've also read tons of praise for them. The only down side is, I've heard they prefer night runs as opposed to running in the daytime; and they specialize in running Reefers, and carpetting. Ironically, I used to work in the flooring business, ran a warehouse and know all about forklifting (via 12 ft pole in place of forks) carpet rolls on and off a trailer...

I have family off 411 up in Tennessee, so I drive past KTI's main Depot off 411 at least 5 - 6 times a year I am always impressed every time I drive past them. Their fleet appears to be very well maintained and they certainly do not look like their hurting for business.

However, as stated in a prior post of mine. I want to learn as much as I can on my own, before I approach one of these companies.


Which is my biggest concern. Yea, obviously I have my own personal reasons for my preferences, and as much as I would prefer to avoid some Company Paid Training Program, as many here frown on...

I may not have much other choice though, if I'm going to be wanting to hook up with a company running Automatic Trany's on their Trucks. As Orangetxguy pointed out above...

That limits my options even further because then I am looking for some independant CDL training program that'll give me the chance to learn on the type of equipment I prefer to learn on.

It is highly possible that, if I chose to go this route as my next career, that I may not have much other choice other then to go through one of those company paid training programs just so I can learn on their own trucks running automatics...



You are absolutely right. This may not be the best decision for me, or then again it could be the best decision of my life.

I have a lot of options I am considering and this is only one of them.

...and that right there is likely some of the best information anyone could have given me. I had no idea that Gwinnett Tech had any such program and it will be something I'll be looking into and gathering some details about.


Thanks for all the posts and answers guys, you've all been a great help in my considerations here!

 

Hey man I'm sorry it is DeKalb Tech not Gwinnett tech that has the CDL course. My bad.

here is the lin to the Dekalb CDL: Regional Transportation Center - DeKalb Technical College

here is the link to the hope grant: Grants & Scholarships - DeKalb Technical College

 

Whatever you do, keep up the research before you make the jump. Lots of us have blogs, pictures, video and the like that will give you a lot of the flavor and background of what it is actually like (as much as you can find out without experiencing it in person, of course) out on the road.

I spent 20 years in IT before switching over in 2006 after 18 months research on the industry, ways to get trained and companies to drive for.

Good luck,

Jim