Riverman's Spankin' New RoadBlog

(I hate the term Newbie... but oh well.)

Having already decided that driving was something I want to do for the long term, I have been doing some research and planning my next steps. I have learned a lot and would like to pass some of what I've learned along to others who may be interested in starting a new career as a driver. Pros, by all means, please chime in and correct me if I have made any errors or left anything out.


First of all, I think you really have to be sure this is what you want to do. It's a big step and not a decision to be made without some thought. Like everything in life, better planning results in a better experience. We are fortunate to have the internet, where almost anything you want to know can be found- if you know how to look for it. It's as simple as "Googling". Try "truck driving blogs", "trucking jobs", or just "trucking for beginners"... you'll find a lot of sites, and those sites usually have a "Links" page... so just follow the links, and so on and so on, and that will keep you busy for a long time! I will give you some good links, too, at the end. (I know that was pretty basic, but I want to cover anyone who might be new to the internet.)

So, a good first step is, find out what it's really like to be a driver. One good way is to read the drivers blogs on this site, and others. I have read some really good accounts of life on the road here and elsewhere. And talk with a driver or two, every one I've met has been real helpful. It has been a revelation, too. I have come to realize it isn't as easy as sitting behind the wheel, grabbing a gear, and heading out down the Interstate. There is a lot of waiting, loading and unloading challenges (depending on what type of trucking you do), dealing with bad drivers, bad dispatchers, bad weather, keeping up with rules and regs, being away from home for long periods of time, breakdowns, and more. Of course, there are good things, too- getting to travel and see our great country, meeting great people, not having a boss breathing down your neck, no time clock, job security, and possibly even decent money.

The important thing is- whether it's this or anything else in life you do- be HONEST with yourself. It's easy for us to lie to ourselves in life- better to keep it real. Once you get a feel for 'the life', ask yourself, 'Can I really do this and be happy and successful?' More importantly- 'Can I be safe?' If you are a bad driver, innattentive, sloppy, easily distracted or angered, not co-ordinated, irresponsible, or prone to modifying your consciousness with drugs or alcohol, the truth is neither I nor your family nor anyone else wants you on the road behind the wheel of an 80,000 lb rig with us. Self-control has a bearing on controlling a truck or anything else. It's a good quality to cultivate.

So, for now, the point I am making is, Step One should be making an informed decision on whether trucking is something you really want to do. Be honest about your abilities, or lack thereof. Do some serious research- it'll pay off. Next time I will go into some details about my own research. I am learning a lot, and I would like to share. I have a long way to go, to be sure, but life is a journey and not the destination, right?

Thanks to the person who said I would make a good journalist- I'm flattered, but I'm too honest to work in the press! :) I would be happy as a blogging trucker- that would be just fine. I will check out the link you gave me, too.

More links for those thinking about a trucking career:

http://www.newbiedriver.com/index.htm -TONS of good info, and excellent place to start!

http://www.angelandcroc.com/ -Check out his Driver's Diary and Dash Cam, pretty cool site.

http://drivndad.tripod.com/links.html -Many good links.

http://www.truckschoolsusa.com/ -Good list of schhols.

There are many more, of course, and I will put them up as I go along. I encourage your comments, but please don't flame me unless I deserve it!

Till later, ~R~

Category: General

Hello there~

This is Riverman from Buffalo saying hello. I could use some advice from the Pros out there. Any words of wisdom will definitely be appreciated by this 'Greenie'!

At age 36 I have decided to become an OTR driver. I feel I am very qualified despite my lack of experience in driving heavy trucks. That is, I think I have the Raw Materials to make it. But before I really start speaking with recruiters, I have a couple of issues which concern me:

1) About 5 1/2 years ago I was involved in a traffic accident that was ruled to be 100% the other person's fault. A 16 year old from out of town out with her friends after curfew thought she had a 4-way stop and pulled out suddenly in front of me. I'm happy to say there were no major injuries.(However, my black T-bird was totalled...waah!) That has been the only incident I've ever had as a driver and in fact I don't even think it's on my record. The 'Po-lice' took my statement and I never heard from them since.

2) About 4 years ago, I came down with a serious illness. I had a birth defect in my pancreas which basically caused chronic pancreatitis. It has caused me to be out of work and on Disability for a long time with chronic pain. Incidentally, because of this I cannot touch alcohol- one less concern! I recently had a stent placed in my pancreas and it has essentially cured my condition- I feel better than I have in years. But, obviously, since I have been out of work for so long, I am worried that the gap in my work history is an obstruction to my being considered for employment at the major trucking companies. Before I got sick, I was a lab technician at a food plant, a job I had for almost 3 years. It was a demanding, high-pressure, and high-responsibility job and I did very well. I could, in fact, go back to that, but I really want a change, and have always loved to travel, and feel stifled by a rigid routine. Besides, I have always secretly wanted to drive a truck!

3) While I was distracted with my recent surgery and an episode of pain prior to that, my insurance company cancelled my auto insurance on me without my knowledge. What happened was I authorized them to automatically deduct the montly payment from my checking account, but for some reason they neglected to do this. Unfortunately, my license was suspended as a result of this. I didn't get the notice of this until after the fact, because I recently changed my address. Things were a little topsy turvey over the summer for me, but thankfully things have settled down. The license has been fully restored, by the way. I have no moving violations.

From what research I've done so far, I get the impression that some people come to potential trucking employers with far bigger issues than mine. I'm hoping that the issues I raised are not enough to automatically disqualify me from working for a good company. My question is- do they? Any thoughts on which companies are the best to approach? I would really like to work for a high-quality company, and I feel I would be a very valuable employee. I am leaning towards long-distance dry-van work. It is important that they pay for my CDL training- I can't afford it on my own. I am NOT an ex-felon, a substance abuser, or otherwise have any legal issues- I am, have been, and always will be a productive, law abiding member of society. I have no family dependants or obligations, and am highly responsible, alert, intelligent, and stable. I am clean-cut, presentable, ethical, honest, a competant and capable driver, and would make a good representative of any company. Plus, I have already made the decision to start a new life as a driver, so I don't have to be 'sold' on the idea. I have a deep respect for professional drivers and I aspire to be a knowledgeable and competant professional myself. I would relocate for the right company. Also, for what it's worth I have made many long-distance trips by car back and forth from Florida to New York, and other trips, on my own, to visit relatives. So, I am not unfamiliar with driving long hours and many miles, if only in a car. Finally, I happen have a lot of experience with various trailers attached to pickups or cars- I can honestly say I am pretty good at backing into tight spots with a small trailer. I know it doesn't compare, but it's gotta be worth something...:)

Now you have the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly...Still awake? I know that was long, but if you have made it this far and have any words of wisdom, I would be grateful for any advice. I will keep the blog up, too, to document my adventures as a wannabe, then a trainee, then a "FNG", and... you get the idea.

~Best, Riverman~

Category: General