New Future Truck Driver

[fjcola]

I want to thank the moderators for letting me join the forum

And I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. I'm 43 from Maine I have always thought of driving for a living. Last year I looked into a CDL School. Classes there are full time for 4 weeks. I backed down for 1 more season to think about this befoe I quit a job I had for many years.

I purposely chose to quit in early spring so I can get my learning in after all the snow has fallen and get a little experience before next winter. I start class in 2 weeks and I am both excited and nervous. I'm single and have no children so I think this is going to be a really good change of lifestyle for me.

A question I do have is this ....I do have a german sheperd and I've seen some truck companies allow pets.... I have friends that can watch her from time to time and can use local kennels to help care for her but it would be great if I'm able to bring a pet companion on long otr layovers. Can anyone give me any advice on this topic? Is this realistic? or am I setting myself up for more than I can handle?

This dog is my only family so she is like a child to me, putting her up for adoption is not an option. Are there any other pet owner's who can give me any tips? I'd appreciate any feedback, Thank you FJCOLA

[TeamCaffee]

fjcola! When we picked our first company to drive for they had to have a pet policy. When you start researching the companies you would like to go with ask them this question. Your dog will be miserable always being left and it will not take you long to figure out you have done the dog a dis service. Our Cocker Spaniel has many many miles on her and loves the truck. She is great company and always ready to go.

[fjcola]

Thank You TeamCaffe

I agree I think leaving the dog behind isn't a good idea and I will make having a pet policy an important factor in my choosing a company when I get out of school. She has always been very good in vehicles and would make a good companion.

I start school in 2 weeks, to prepare for it I have been studiyng the DOT CDL Manual. Is there anything else I could be doing to make getting through school easier, or getting hired afterwards a little easier.

Again I can't begin to say how excited I am. I was answering phones for a long time and most of the time I could tell when I was speaking to a trucker. Usually they would say things like "I'll be on the road" or " I'm not home all the time". Thats when I would ask them their opinions about trucking and starting a career in trucking, all were friendly and very helpful. They all said its not for everyone and its a very hard to transition at first but if you stick with it a while you would used to it and it would be easier. I remember one lady trucker saying you never know what can happen in the field so be ready, but it beats sitting in an office all day. I really agree with that. Most agreed that after school I should do long haul or OTR to get experience. So I spent a lot of time thinking about this and finally decided to go for it.

If there are other future truck drivers reading this thread I hope some of this advice helps you as much as it did me.

Thanks again TeamCaffe and too all the other experienced truckers I've had the privilage to speak with, I hope to join you all on the road sometime soon.

[TeamCaffee]

fjcola Wish you all the luck in the world! We also started about the way you are. We at one point decided we just didnt think we like the road anymore so we quit for a year! I just rode with Bob thinking some day I will drive but I hated that trailer! We both knew we wanted back on the road and found that a straight truck and expediting is just our cup of tea. We love it.