Hello, I go by BigRed, I am 47 and have a change in my job status in which I worked in an office, wearing office attire, etc. and now I am ready for a BIG change. I have always loved to travel and have always said that my next career would be a truck driver. I am looking into truck driving schools or getting hired in as a newbie to go through their training school and that is how I found this site. I would really like to find somewhere I can work driving that doesn't need a CDL because I heard they are out there but haven't seen anything. Any helpful hints or words of advice on training schools or if you know of where to look for non CDL driving positions, please let me know... I would really appreciate it!!

 

Hey everyone!
Ryan from South Dakota. Grew up on farm/ranch. Started driving truck at the age of 16. I've pulled hopper bottoms, flat beds, and live bottom trailers. Now I'm getting into hauling cattle. I start on Monday for a company out of Central South Dakota. I am wondering if there is anyone on here from South Dakota that I can talk to and give me some tip or pointers? Or anybody at all on here for that matter.
Thanks,
Ryan

 

Welcome to the forum. The only driving job that I can think of where you would not need a CDL is with a van doing expedited. You would likely need to buy your own van in order to be able to do it, because I don't see enough profit for someone to put you in a van as a driver. If you want to drive a truck, you may as well go ahead and get your CDL. With the CDL you can drive anything. I would check with local community colleges. Many offer CDL training. The cost will be much less than with a private school, but will take a little longer to complete. Another option would be to go with one of the major carriers who offer training. Most carriers who offer this type of training will require that you commit to working for them for a year after completing your training. If you fail to stay for the year you will be responsible for repaying them for the cost of your training. If you decide to go with a private driving school, make sure that they are accredited. It can be a little bit of a pain to get your CDL, but if you want to drive for a living, it is the only way to go.

 

Congratulations on the new job and welcome to the forum. We are around. Not everyone who checks in will post.

 

Hey thanks GMAN. I have a couple questions for you. I never got a chance to ask my employer about a fuel card or a company credit card for expenses on things like washing the trailer out and wood chips and things like that. Do cattle companies give the company drivers these things? In my last driving job i had a fuel card and a company credit card. Just thought if you or anyone else had any thoughts or answers to this.
Thanks

 

Hello Truck Lovers

Just joined to see if I can solve my current mini crisis and got so engrossed in reading peoples stories I got an idea for a book !
Yes I am a writer living on the Jersey Shore and needing to rent out my spare room
Thinking of people who have to drive thru here and have a layover it would be cheaper than a motel, very private, and get meals instead of the 7/11 or pizza .
If anyone is interested or knows people who pass thru here please let me know.
Rent would be set by how long and there is a near spotless shower and patio out back for smokers.
happy trucking!

 

Hi everybody,

My name is Christian. I'm brand new on here. I been driving school buses for six years and I think it's time for me to haul cargo that doesn't misbehave or talkback. lol. My wife is also thinking about going to driving school with me, and do team driving after our training periods. I'm really excited about it.

 

Hey y'all, my name is Mike, I drive for USFoods, for WAY too many years. But, what the hey, it pays.

I've been on the road since I was like two months old, courtesy of my Grandfather, who I still miss. I guess you never stop missing a lost father figure. I always feel like he's riding with me, like I always did with him.

I'm 47 y.o. w/ 2 girls and 1 boy, now all grown, and no grandkids yet, phew! I hope that means we did somethin' right! LOL!

I'm hoping too, that someone on here can send or direct me to a shot of a newer Western Star draggin' a drop deck, I'm putting together a tribute backpiece(tattoo), to my Grandparents, who raised me, and all of the drivers that never made it home. I'm trying to find a driver side shot so his name can be seen on the sleeper. Seen from above, the tractor hopefully, will be at about the 11:00 position. Any help or direction would be greatly appreciateD, THANKS ALL!! Nice to be here.

 

If you are still with us Debbie.... please repost or reply in the "Anything and Everything" section and I'll respond with some info that might help you.

 

hey all my name is tom and i've been a trucker for bout 20 years 18 otr . I found this site searching for answers to my ordeal and the sleepless nights .(Its a long story) I hope that maybe I will meet friends and maybe offer up advice also. there aren't many sites where truckers can just be truckers without all that sissy street radio rambo talk going on. I hope that this site has better members and legit folks. It seems to so far. I broke my back 7 months ago unloading a truck and had to have surgery . My x boss kicked me to the curb and left me with half paychecks from workers comp. ( i have a good lawyer) My doctor says i might never be able to drive again . that scares me a little but im trying to stay hopeful . i have a good wife and a 12 year old son that are the light of my life. I didnt really know what i was going to say to anyone on here, but i think i could at least tell the nightmares of the guy i worked for and the low down dirty things he did to me.Maybe that would help someone else from getting taken advantage of, and let me get some of it off my chest. I dont know where on here to post it or if anyone would even care to read it, but if your a percentage payed driver or considering a job as one then u need to hear my story. I have been there and suffered for trusting someone who acted trustworthy, only to get burned and it took me 6 years and a spinal injury to figure it out. I just want to make sure he never gets away with it again.