Have cdl with all endorsements

Hey Lennut, Rdhzard...Don't we get this question over and over again? Maybe we should post some time of guide or something. Well, you have to start somewhere and Werner would probably be more or less like the rest of them. Keep your CDL clean and your work record clear then once you get a year or two in you can go wherever you want. You probably won't have much of a choice starting out but give it time. VM-out! Been driving, dispatching for what now 6-7 years.

Comment By:
VM on Thu, Aug 16 2007 @ 6:28 AM [EST]

Well,it has been awhile since we covered this. VM is right. Regardless of where you go,you will probably have to run all over until you get experience. Doing regional work can be real tough. Dedicated work is hard to come by for a newbie.The more experienced drivers get those. Get your time put in with a big company and then start checking out companies from your area. The only problem with Werner is the paperless logs.You will be watch real closely by the company.Told when you need to stop for the day and if your sitting too long they want to know why the truck isn't moving. When your 10 hr break is over they expect you to be up and ready to roll. As a new driver though you will be watched closely by any company you go to. I can promise you that before your first year as a solo is over your going to want to quit. Don't give up. If you know somebody in this business, call them when you get frustrated. Having someone to talk to can really help or get on here and ask what to do

Comment By:
Roadhzrd on Fri, Aug 17 2007 @ 10:28 PM [EST]

You can always blog on here for advice. I hate to say it but Roadhzrd knows what he is talking about. I would have to agree 110% with what he said. I hate saying that. Lennut our fellow blogging buddy is also very wise and knowledgeable about the business listen to him too. I could tell you horror stories but when I take a step back and analyze it I really don't help people complaining about a company I hate in particular so I won't do that. The first year will be the roughest but once you have that under your belt its smooth sailing. Its expensive to live on the road its like living in a 7-11. Sure, companies will reimburse you for some things but it becomes a cash flow problem down the line. Don't stress about it they call me the "Melusso" aka jack of all trades at my job. I just learned how to do it all by jumping in headfirst sometimes hitting my head at the bottom but always learning, hell I am still learning and when I am done learning its time to hang it up. VM-out!

Comment By:
VM on Sat, Aug 18 2007 @ 7:06 AM [EST]

I appreciate the info fellas! I just want to get on the road.....i know i'm going to make hella mistakes as far as getting lost and the whole 9.But i'm ready for that experience to come.The money issue.....i do't have any kids no wife collecting child support.Sleeping in the berth.....i figure i would be able to stack my money up.I don't have many bills here at home.Give me some feedback. One more thing too.......are there any companies who would take you with 6 points on the license(i know that's a lot but some will be off at the end of this year).

Comment By:
Jewel on Sun, Aug 19 2007 @ 12:09 PM [EST]

Most good companies won't. If Werner is willing to take you on then go for it. I think your in the gray area. Some places will take you with no problem and others might if you make a real good impression. But one thing is for sure, absolutely no tickets for the next 5 or 6 years. Not even a parking ticket. Any company that takes you on will tell you that right at the start.

Comment By:
Roadhzrd on Sun, Aug 19 2007 @ 6:01 PM [EST]

6 points? You better watch your P's and Q's because being a trucker is seen as a rolling ATM to law enforcement. So, follow the law to a T until the points drop off. Watch your speed in the 55mph states. Don't worry too much. I am here to help you anyway I can, Lord knows I needed it when I first started. True truckers look at it as a Brother-Sisterhood. I have been helped along the way by experienced truckers and I am tickled pink if I can be of any help to you. So don't hesitate to ask questions. If I don't know an answer to a question I know who to ask. VM-out!

Comment By:
VM on Mon, Aug 20 2007 @ 4:54 AM [EST]

Listen to Rdhzrd. I despise saying that...Vm-out!

Comment By:
VM on Mon, Aug 20 2007 @ 4:56 AM [EST]

Oh come on VM I know you better than that! It's worse than despise!! Jewel,in case you haven't noticed VM,Lenutt,and I are regulars on here and enjoy getting our digs in on each other.If you read any of our posts you will see we enjoy giving each other as much grieve as possible

Comment By:
Roadhzrd on Mon, Aug 20 2007 @ 9:39 AM [EST]

Who me? I would never insult my "good" friends like that. Jewel, listen to these guys because they can tell you how it is in the real world after getting out of a driving school. Personally I started driving back in the stone ages when you didn't have to attend driving school. My driving school was a hit up to the side of the head by my dad when I missed a shift or made some kind of mistake. I learned to drive by starting out pulling heavy loads on the road. When I made a misshift, I just pulled over and started from the beginning again. It took a long time to make it from point a to point b. Seriously I am an owner/operator and I can tell you a lot from my viewpoint but it wouldn't necessarily help you. Listen to VM and Roadhzrd.

Comment By:
lenutt on Sat, Aug 25 2007 @ 11:52 PM [EST]

Go to Richtruckdriver.com

Comment By:
Troy Dudenhoefer on Sat, Sep 29 2007 @ 8:00 AM [EST]

try knight transportation i work for them if you want to stay up there they have lots freight orignation in chicago i was stuck for 9days last mounth just going from chicago to cleveland and cincinati

Comment By:
pj on Tue, Dec 04 2007 @ 7:45 PM [EST]

Hi Guys Intresting reading, I am about to start Driver School up here in Maine 53 years old so bit of a change trying this out, always wanted to drive a big Yank truck since i was a kid back in scotland. I have lived here (USA) for 6 years now and love it, even managed to learn to drive on the wrong (right) side of the road, I have the same deal as Jewel got a pre employment with werner, done a lot of internet company reserch, a lot look ok but hey i have been around a bit to know wait and see, Been a hard slog getting into school Career center B**T but its ok am not put off yet and if all goes well will give it my best shot, dont expect a fortune $ after all got some learning to do and get some miles in to learn the ropes eh guys still looking forward to the challenge Also just wanted to thank you guys for your imput advice words of wisdom ect us new guys (and truck drivers to be) appreciate it Drive safe Guys and maybe see you on the road some time Celtic Biker

Comment By:
Celticbiker on Sat, Apr 26 2008 @ 2:46 AM [EST]