Truck Driving Schools and Best CDL Training

[cdltpx]

Truth is this the single most important thing you can do is inspect your truck. When you pick up another trailer at a dropsite inspect that trailer I got a trailer in Denver headed to La you know the mountians we gotta cover there? I had a habit of hand adjusting every brake when I got a trailer I got under and the brakes would not budge on 3 of the 4 brakes took it to the shop I was at a rail yard nothing to pay but my time waiting. They had to take a cutting tourch to get 2 of them off.

[ShipRightNow]

Great video. I would like to ask you to join the completely free StrikeRightNow com forums. We are in need of moderators and people who can help us effect positive change in the trucking industry. I look forward to hearing from you, Bill

[truthabouttrucking]

@ShipRightNow have you seen the truck driver convention video?

[ShipRightNow]

@truthabouttrucking I have not. I will look it up. I would be honored if you would join our site and tell all the people you can, I really think we can make a positive difference if we stick together. Thank you, Bill Strikerightnow com

[schneiderjobs]

We're hiring recent driving graduates at Schneider. Join our team! Search for jobs at schneider on facebook!

[jdmarcus59]

do you know anybody that will hire a felon for long haul? iv been to truck driving school

[ibanez860]

I passed my CDL tests, this was definately one of the toughest areas. i have some stuff that helped me study for the tests. Email me at Schecter860 @yahoo.com or message me on youtube and ill help you figure out some of the answers to help you study for your upcoming CDL tests.

[truckdawg43]

I started driving then moved to truck mechanic then went back . When i did the pretrip the inspector had to stop me ask me if I was a mechanic and when I told him I was,he signed my sheet .I have since then trained 9 drivers who all passed first try and one driver was completly deaf. He now drives for a trash sevice roll off

[morningbirdfeeder]

I'm curious about is it better sometimes to drive for companies that use their own trucking line (example: companies like Target, O'Reilly Autoparts, Dollar General, Tractor Supply Co.) who all use their own trucks or is it better to go with freight hauling companies like Prime, Swift, etc. ? I know years ago when I was a kid my buddy's dad worked for Gould Batteries and drove a truck for them. I was just curious about your thoughts on that.

[truthabouttrucking]

@morningbirdfeeder - My personal opinion? I would prefer to hook up with companies such as these, i.e. private motor carriers such as WalMart for example. Driving for a "chain" like the ones you mentioned seem to be a better opportunity for most drivers.

[morningbirdfeeder]

@truthabouttrucking Thanks, I'm going to download your book too, it looks like it would be good information.

[marionhunt70444]

@morningbirdfeeder

Dollar General doesn't use their own trucks, they contract out to the larger companies (Werner pulls a lot of their trailers).

[marionhunt70444]

@morningbirdfeeder

Dollar General doesn't use their own trucks, they contract out to the larger companies (Werner pulls a lot of their trailers)

[truthabouttrucking]

This guy is just trying to get everyone riled up, that's all. Probably tried to be a trucker once, but couldn't hack it .... so now he posts things like this .... don't let him get to ya' !! ... Allen

[TruckerRedbeard]

@robertjohnson487 - By the way, given the amount of Highway Use Taxes, fuel taxes, heavy vehicle registration fees, tolls, etc. that we pay (not even counting income taxes), we have paid for the Interstate Highway System. Several times over. By all rights, we should own it, and be able to prohibit your whiny bitch ass from using OUR highways.

[TruckerRedbeard]

@robertjohnson487 - Did you eat today? Wear clothing? Sleep in a house or apartment? Use a computer? Until a railroad spur is built up to the loading docks of every store in the country, everything you own, eat, or rent was transported by a truck at some point. So go ahead and ban the trucks. Hope you like being cold, wet, naked and hungry.

[mirk1500]

@TruckerRedbeard As a faggot, the punk would probably enjoy being cold, wet, naked and hungry...

[Mamatiger85]

@ The haters: Think about this when you're BBQing this weekend...whatever meat you've got on your BBQ, the chips, the ice, and your beer...everything you're putting in your filthy mouth...was delivered by a TRUCK!

[robertjohnson487]

TRUCKERS SHOULD BE BANNED FROM PUBLIC ROADS. TRUCKERS ARE A NUISANCE AND A SAFETY HAZARD.

[sndreit]

@robertjohnson487 Truckers are trained much more than the average driver.  Most accidents involving a semitruck are usually the fault of another driver's error. I've been in school for three weeks now and it's amazing how other drivers on the road react when they see a truck coming. Oh, and by the way your a complete moron!

[truthabouttrucking]

Semi trailers have air brakes which will release the springs for braking. The spring brakes will come on when the air pressure drops into the range of 20 to 45 psi. It would be difficult to find a trailer these days without the springs.

Semi trailers made before 1975 that are equipped with air brakes often do not have spring brakes.

[bretonc7]

how do you know if the trailer has spring brakes or not?

[SilverFox466]

Trucking was not right for me. I was misserable and missed my wife. The dispatchers were always lieing to me. I found the best way to get home when I wanted was to tell them I had a medical appointment.

[monkey083192]

@SilverFox466 

[keystrucker]

Allen, As a veteran of the road for 10 years i wish I would have had your information before i started my trucking career. Yes it did take a long time to get to "know the ropes" and a shortcut like this would have been just what the doctor ordered. Everyone shoud have this knowledge before starting a trucking career..

Jim

[truthabouttrucking]

Jim,

Thank you for the kind words. The book was written with a lot of compassion because I was seeing too many new drivers out on the road disillusioned with what "they thought" was going to be a perfect career. If people have a "heads up" before they get into trucking they will have a much better chance of success. Also, after reading the book, many who who thought trucking was for them....realize it's not what it was cracked up to be.

[mesquiteguy1221]

I am Looking at P.A.M. here in Texas. And am considering taking up trucking by Summer. I have a job interview in the field I am in (security) currently and want to see how that goes. Before I take the next step, and change careers completely

[RDIGlobal]

Youtube Video "So In Love" HD Video Copyrighted and Produced by R&D International This movie is a tribute to all of the good truck drivers out there it is also a demonstration of the Transportation Industry utilizing multimedia in order to present their services in a dynamic manner reaching a larger and diversified segment of the job market.

[larkh1981]

Percentage is better when you own a truck like me.

[truthabouttrucking]

Yes, Watkins Shepard is a very good company - one we recommend also ..... Allen

[Baker3939]

my grandpa works for Watkins :]

[truthabouttrucking]

Think you're exaggerating just a bit? Perhaps? lol

[RUSH1200]

CNN Just Reported That ALL Truckers In USA Are Serial Killers And FBI Watching You All...HUH?

[nutnpretty]

CNN also said that hunting rifles are assult weapons

[Tr2u1ck]

@RUSH1200

are there any facts to prove that? none that i see...

CNN= CRAP NOT NEWS

[truthabouttrucking]

Thanks for the advise and recommendation to our viewers and followers.

This could help others on our AskTheTrucker blog also, if you wouldn't mind posting your comment there.

Students and New Career Seekers are desiring advise from people that are willing to give it.

Thanks,

Allen & Donna

[montanastranger]

For anyone who wants a great truck drivin school that gives a dang whether u learn anything or not look up Watkins-Shepard outta missoula/helena montana. They actually dont "graduate" peeps if that said person doesn't take truckin seriously. Getta job right outta the school as well. GREAT company. I dont drive for them anymore. Left the road for a great state/snowplow job but i miss the road alot. My best advice for those starting is be single when u start so u can absorb the road and stay gone.

[truthabouttrucking]

The sluggish economy is effecting all industries, but there are certain industries that will be effected less than others. Trucking is one of them because trucks keep the country moving. The key is to get in with a good company and then stick with them. The luxury of drivers moving from company to company is no longer a reality, and only those who ride it out will benefit within the industry.

[X23109]

give me an ungoverned truck where I can make the most miles in a day OTR and then it will be worth it. working for Swift for two years from '02-'04 was bull, however I did get to see more of Canada through them. Also my CDL cost me $1,250 training through the Sparks, NV terminal in northern NV back in 2002. I paid up front and never financed the tuition. Still have my CDL to this day, but considering that this economy is tanking, I'm thinking the industry will be sucking for awhile.

[truthabouttrucking]

Everything is sluggish now....but there will always be trucking...or America stops!!

[X23109]

yeah I still have my CDL, but I learned to develop my skills in other areas. If lucky, I may be going back into telecom work and relocating to TX. I might consider driving a truck in TX only if I do relocate. That is the area I really want to drive instead of doing OTR. It is obvious though that general freight trucking is not the way, but I've heard local or companies with established lanes is where it is at. But can't pass up TX intrastate :)

[bulldog0046]

From what I have heard I am going to get your book, cd. Me personally I went through Prime Inc. in Springfield, Mo. Great company great training and did not cost me a cent. I was with them for 8 months and did not spend a cent on training. The training was spot on, I come from a family of truckers so I new a little going in. But again a great school good company I would say to anybody looking for a great school to check them out. I am no longer with them as I went to a local job in my home town.

[truthabouttrucking]

Thanks for your comment and your input about Prime. People are searching for opinions like this and it really helps them when they're at a crossroads in their career choices.

[msjr777]

owner operator is the best as a trucker.you control your life and are stuck on the road when you need to be home.

[msjr777]

that 's not stuck out on the road when you need to be home.lot's of company pull a con to get you to work for them.then you become like a slave.the best way to learn the business is by a friend that is in the trucking field.

[truthabouttrucking]

Thanks for the input...you're right on!

[patriotsmo]

Hi Im Charlie and i am 17 yrs old and when i reach 21 i want to take my CDL Licesence Test. I Just want to know like what school to go to. there are local schools around me that have the CDL Program. for around $2500 i can go to the CDL Program they have at the School. So Basically what i wanted to know is like is trucking really a good Career and is there many trucking jobs out there right now ???

[truthabouttrucking]

Hi Charlie,

Trucking is a career and a lifestyle. It's a great career for some, but for others it can be a nightmare. Depends on the individual.

THere aren't as many jobs as there were, but many schools will help you find a job.

The CDL program you talked about for $2500.00, what kind of school is it? Is it certified? You can post on my AskTheTrucker blog if you want. There's a lot of answers to questions on it.

Allen

[rvrjr7]

hey great information but before i got started i asked my friends and family alot of those questions and knew before i went to school what to expect my friends and family i asked were drivers with alot of experience in the industry

from what i have been told and heard on the xm this book is a must for anyone considering trucking

[truthabouttrucking]

Thank you for your comment...Just curious,,,,who on XM said that? I'd like to thank them for their support too.

Allen

[truthabouttrucking]

Hi Melanie...Female drivers only make up 5% of the driver population, so you will more than likely have a male trainer. Desiree's experience, I believe is very uncommon for the most part. Generally, these guys are very professional and will treat you with respect. There are thousands of female drivers operating everyday and enjoying the trucker life...chances are in your favor that your trainer and training experience will go fine.

Allen

[melaniestevens]

Hey I am reading your blogs and especially Desirees. She's pretty awesome. Anyway, I plan to go to my local community college/ROP for school. I am concerned about a trainer when I find a company that I want to work for. I would not want to be stuck in a truck for 2 weeks with a criminal (ex criminal) or worse.

[TETOYVIENDO]

Hi there, Im gonna be honest, I dont know anything about trucking, I just wanna start but I have many many questions about this new carrear I want to take... like, How u know whish street or highway you have to take if you never have been before in that place?, when you have your money, before or after you have the merchandice in your truck?, who pay the gasoline me or the persone who hire me? has u can see I have many questions, is all explained in your book and cd?, will wait your soon anwer

[truckerwannabe14]

most of the trucks will have gps or u can buy gps with the truck. you get your money when the load is deliverd.if your an owner operater then you pay it. if your a company driver will pay all of it or most will do 98 percent of it. they teach you at school

[CMLovejoy]

Do you know how I can get my CDL without having to sign a contract and spending 1000's$ through a CDL mill? Is there any other way then signing your life a way through a contract?

I've spent a lot of time trying to get around and I haven't found a way.

[ianlondeo]

maybe con-way/CFI

[CMLovejoy]

They require you to have you CDL before hire.

[EthicsCommission]

Most state schools can be paid for through grants.

[4638JL]

10-4.

[truthabouttrucking]

Thanks, We've got a really "cool" one coming out next. A Real Truck Driver's Video...You're gonna love it.

[4638JL]

I really appreciate this video.I have enjoyed reading your book,"The Truth about Trucking".I have benefited from the materials even though I've driven all these years now. Thanks.