Ready to drive

You won't have much say in who your trainer is. It's whoever is available when your ready for the driving part of the training.Most will try to put females together but it's not always possible. Most trainers are always on thier best behavior.I've never heard of any problems for female trainees. As far as micros and fridge goes, you will have to invest in a dc to ac inverter for a small microwave. As far as a fridge,you can get an electric cooler from many stores like Walmart or at any truckstop.These work great.I have been using them for 10+ yrs. They come in many sizes. As far as what I like about trucking is the freedom. No boss looking over my shoulder. As long as I make pickups and deliveries on time the boss doesn't really care what I do in between. Most drivers are willing to answer your questions. But if you come around with a know-it-all attitude,expect to be treated like garbage. Always listen to what is being said. You may hear something that may help you in the future.

Comment By:
Roadhzrd on Thu, May 17 2007 @ 7:20 PM [MST]

No matter how long you've been out here you can always learn something. Once you get that know-it-all attitude your bound to get in trouble. I've been at this for more years than I care to remember and I still pickup ideas to try.In earlier blogs, we weren't trying to scare you off.Just trying to let you know what to expect. As a team with the right company you can expect well over 200,000 miles/yr. Just don't let anybody talk you into buying or leasing a truck until you have at least 2 yrs put in.I know many drivers that jumped right into a truck of thier own and lost everything they had. Running your own truck is a whole different level of headache.

Comment By:
Roadhzrd on Thu, May 17 2007 @ 7:34 PM [MST]

Thanks so much for all the comments, they are really appriciated and it is nice to know what we're in for.

Comment By:
JAsP on Thu, May 17 2007 @ 9:20 PM [MST]

I have not driven Interstate now for,.. what now?...4-5 years and local is a different ballgame altogether..But, its the same ten gears long truck w/o a sleeper. If you get paid by the load your boss doesn't care what you do in between as long as you make it there safe and on time. If you get paid by the hour the boss wants to know why it took you an extra 15 minutes to do a load. As far as trainers,..you never know who your gonna get. You might get an excellent teacher or a complete madman. I already know what Rdhzrd gonna say "Nice comments from a pencil pusher!" and yes I push a pencil now but they let me out once and a while just to prove to my drivers I can still hang. You don't have to go OTR right off the bat if you don't want to. There are many local companies that hire straight out of truck school.!!!MUCH TO MY DISMAY!! my company now does. Which means they wash out here...Because some people are not cut out to drive a truck..And I tell management who stays and who goes..VM

Comment By:
VM on Sat, May 19 2007 @ 6:18 AM [MST]

What I like about trucking?...Sipping on a cold soda..smoking a cigarette..listening to the radio and getting paid...VM-out!

Comment By:
VM on Sat, May 19 2007 @ 6:20 AM [MST]

When dealing with seasoned truckers its usually your attitude that determines theirs. If you come off as a know it all rookie then they won't give you the time of day. But, if you come off humble MOST truckers will help you out as much as they can and give you advice. Lets face it, some truckers 5% are just nuts..95% are good people..VM-out!

Comment By:
VM on Mon, May 21 2007 @ 12:55 AM [MST]

Me make a pencil pusher remark??

Comment By:
Roadhzrd on Mon, May 21 2007 @ 4:22 PM [MST]