So, you want to get a CDL?

[QRTRHRS]

Thought I would pass this on.



I know from some of the other posts, some of you folks out there are out of work and thinking about driving for a living. I thought this might be informative.



I just finished up my first week of CDL class. This is how it worked. You start by going to the DMV and getting a permit for the permit so to speak. You tell them what class and endorsements you want. Then, we spent the last four days sitting in class for ten hours going over the rules and regs, taking practice tests, etc. Today, we went to the DMV and took the general knowledge tests along with any endorsements. Passing them will get you the CDL learner's permit. Now, we get to practice driving for four weeks prior to the CDL road test. This school is licensed to conduct testing rather than going to the state site. The course is ~4000



In PA, you must hold the learner's permit for 30 days prior to the road test. I don't know if this is nationwide or not.



Of the total of ten people in my class, perhaps only one is somewhat mechanically minded (other than myself, toot toot). The others were just your normal everyday kind of people and struggled. It was not an easy week. Bear in mind, I did this before but it took me a few days to get into the swing of things. Everyone did get through the tests though. Me? I got to gloat over this. I took all the possible endorsements and aced it in about an hour. (Like I said though, I had to do some serious studying. ) Been there, done that, just never got the CDL. I never thought I would have to drive for a living again.



Most importantly though, there are jobs out there depending on where you live and what you want. There are several recruiters that will hire out of school with no road time. Most do not pay squat. There are some that do. For instance, there is one that does pay 32 cents/mile but you will spend a month in training/orientation. For this perticular outfit, they claim to have you home every weekend.



Hope I did not bore anyone.

 

[MMeier]

32 CPM?, that ain't squat in my book! Exactly what's wrong with the industry, people willing to work for next to nothing!! No wonder the economy is so **** up!! Before I type away all night I best shut up now!!

 

[illflem]

32¢/mile comes out to $17. 60/hr driving at 55 mph, not bad for a starting wage in my eyes.

 

[nixter]

Too bad that $17 per hour gets eaten up rather quickly when you figure in some other items. Such as waiting to get unloaded, lumper fees, truck breakdown, bad traffic, waiting for a load, the list goes on.

Roughed out my wage per hour for the short time I was on the road once. Didn't include meal time or sleeping just drive time and unloading (basically on-duty time). About 6 bux an hour. Not real impressive.

I'm still in the truck though, just not over the road. I love my job, and I say that with all sincerity.





Nixter

 

[QRTRHRS]

Originally posted by MMeier

32 CPM?, that ain't squat in my book! Exactly what's wrong with the industry, people willing to work for next to nothing!! No wonder the economy is so ***** up!! Before I type away all night I best shut up now!!

Your right, it is not squat but that is more than the norm for newbies base in the mid atlantic area. It also does not take into account the bennies. Sometimes you need to look at the total package. There are some where you may as well stay around home and drive a dump truck.

 

[QRTRHRS]

All true. I hauled steel for awhile way back when. I got 33% of the load pay but had to much deadheading and to much sitting time waiting for a load. Pumping gas would have payed more. You live and learn. I stayed two months while looking for a better deal.



Last time I did this, I had a run up to Ottawa, about 400 miles from where the company was in NJ. I would get up there around midnight, sleep, load, come back. Load time could be up to six hours. Did that two three times a week with occasional side trips which would take all week. Sometimes I would gypsy loads going north for 33%. That's the kind of thing I want to look for.



I wish I could just run my horse farm but there just is not enough income to cover my bills. But, you gotta do what you gotta do.

 

[E7mack96]

and what is wrong with that?

There are some where you may as well stay around home and drive a dump truck.

What is wrong with that?



I own dump trucks, and pay the drivers well. At least they are home every day, and most weekends they are off.

 

[EricBu12]

. 32 c / mile?? That is good for a newbi, not good for making money... . It costs like $100/week to "live" on the road. (eating at restaurants, getting stuff, snaks, drinks, etc. ) I bought a ARB chest fridge. It is expensive ($900) but it has run flawlessly for 2 yrs, 24 hr/day running... It paid for itself in 3 months... . I put drinks and buy frozen dinners then use the micro at the truck stops to heat them up. The fridge can keep the item as cold as you want. I keep it like at 32 deg. just above freeze... . that makes me spend like $32/week for stuff and I don't eat in the TS restaurants. Maybe a Fast food joint now and then.....



When you get a year under your belt, Come to Watkins motor line. We haul doubles and in the west, tripples, but you have to work here for a year to do tripples (105' long and up to 105K lb. ) We drive team from terminal to terminal and don't touch a bit of freight so no going to shippers and recievers. (once you get some experience in this, you will see the benefit).....



We drop and hook and split the milage 50/50. Right now we are splitting . 48 c /mile and if there is no freight and go to a motel, they pay us for that and of course all the holidays and even your birthday is a paid holiday.



You gain up 6 2/3 hours of vacation per month and 4 hours of "personal days" per month. This is for anything you want so 2 months get you 1 day off..... In the first year, you can build up about 3 weeks vacation and use a few days at a time or not use them untill you want like 2 or 3 weeks off. I go by the standard 5 day 40 hours per week vacation rule.....



I made almost 60K last year and we get raises every year about $1000/ yr.

Oh and another thing, unlike the national companies where you are gone for like 2,3,4 weeks at a time, The normal is 1 week, 7 days then you head for home or if you want, your option, to go 2 weeks then head for home. at the 2 weeks part, you get 3 days off straight.

Right now I drive with a partner and we have a dedicated rout to go to Las Vegas and back to Salt Lake City 5 times a week and we are at the house for 8 hours a day. We do 4200 miles a week. That NETS me $1300 every 2 weeks.

The only labor you will have to do sometimes is to hook and unhook the sets, thats it.



So when you get fed up with the shippers and recievers, call watkins at the central dispatch to find a place near you at 1-800-444-4611

Sorry to make this sound like a recruitment but I am very happy here and make good money.



Eric

 

[RonaldLarson]

Sage advice

A CDL is a valuable tool in your pocket. After retiring, I earned my B1 CDL, and drove transit bus, school bus and charter luxury coaches. The pay is good and the hours are right. I have to add this though, some time in a community college earning an associates degree is an investment in a future better job. The biggest mistake we make is accepting our current predicament.

The economy is rebounding fast, and those whom are prepared won't be left behind.

Ron (been there, done it all).

 

[QRTRHRS]

Re: and what is wrong with that?

Originally posted by E7mack96

What is wrong with that?



I own dump trucks, and pay the drivers well. At least they are home every day, and most weekends they are off.

I did not mean to insult anyone. Generally speaking, your not going to get rich driving a dump. You will be home for the kids soccer game, whatever. I personally have done a fair amount of tri-axle and "local" dump trailer work. The tri was tied to the quarry hours. The dump trailer was max hours each day. Time to sleep and go again.



ol ron, just where is it that the economy is rebounding? Only thing I see in my neck of the woods is distribution work, nursing or trucking.

 

[Hammer]

QRTRHRS...

As they have said up higher and you already know,being a "newbie" CDL driver is a really tough sell nowadays. Poor pay packages,lots of broken promises(like the we get you home on weekends),benefits lacking,over dispatching and waaay to much freight handling are more the norms of the industry. My advice to you as a new driver would be this... .



1st... Find a company where you can be paid for the work you do. Unloading,loading,delay times,breakdowns should be part of your considerations.

2nd... Do not feel intimidated by them and make sure whatever you ask is put on paper>Do not allow them to say your being paid for delay time without having any record of it for example.

3rd... Remember as a newbie to not allow the other dictate to you how to drive. Its your truck and operate it to your ability and do not allow someone else to make you hurry,most mistakes will happen then.

4th... No matter how long you plan on being in this career ALWAYS take each day as a learning experience. The day you cease to learn is the day you become a danger to yourself and the others around you.

5th... A old school driver who was a very good friend of my family and who helped me get started said this to me as a golden rule and its words today I still drive by... ... "You are the knight of the road and the biggest thing always in the publics eyes. Remeber to practice safe driving tatics and always... LEAD BY EXAMPLE !!. If we are ever to change the publics poor opinion of us it will be by showing them professionalism, good safety practices and lots of safe driving.



Take your time,gain your seat time and experience,stay out of ticket trouble and you'll find it will open avenues to most any big freight company like I and others here drive for. I started young, running in state at age 18 and still drive now at age 43. 25 yrs of credited safe driving,3 million miles no accidents or citations with 5 companies is where I am at now. I enjoy the job,but the industry is getting tougher and thats a fact. If there is anything I can do to help let me know. Good Luck... ..... Andy

 

[EricBu12]

BRAVO Andy!!!

I agree. Although I don't have 3 million, I do have over a million in 10 years. I have had a few ticket but no accidents. The truck we drive now don't go over 65 so the only place to get a ticket is in lower speed limits.

I love driving, and I drive a long trip even on vacation I try so see things that are interresting to see. A wierd mountain or whatever, It is almost like being on vacation when you are driving through pretty country but you don't lose your concentration. Don't be distracted by the CB. If it is just too much junk, TURN IT OFF! I have heard 2 guys cussin and shouting at eachother going down the road and all one has to do to end it is twist the dial. I drive short runs now so I don't put the CB in the truck at all anymore. I don't miss it..... I listen to books on tape and radio. much more interresting... .

Bravo on the comment of learning everyday... . I do. It is imperatie to be patient and drive defensively, give plenty of space and don't ride the tail of a car. Thats the best way to get a bad view of us.



Qrtrhrs, take what I and Andy above said to heart. It is not important to be the biggest and fastest truck around, take things one at a time and go to the next. Learn the "pulse" of the trade from shippers and receivers to schedules.



BIG THING!!! take this to heart. DON't let anyone dictate when you have to be there. Do the best you can but don't jeapordize your life or the safe operation of the truck. The load is not worth your life OR you license. If you lose a job because of being late despite your efforts, good, find a better one. Don't let anyone try to tell you how to cheat a log or run 2 logs. Run legal or don't run at all. I learned the hard way and tried running hard, it just kills your energy and makes you make mistakes.



If you haven't heard yet, there are going to be new rules to the log. right now it is 10 hrs with 8 off and no more than 15 on and driving... .



January it is going to change 11 drive and 10 off and 3 hourson duty for a 24 hr day. Another thing is if you are off for 36 hrs straight, the recap is reset to 0 hours. A wierd thing on that but not bad. Had times I wish I had that option... ...

Anyway, good luck in your new career, that CDL is a golden thing. only 3 million CDL holders in the whole country. thats 2% of the population of the USA.

Keep on trucking!!

 

[Doc Tinker]

How can you figure in eating into the equation? You have to eat whether you're on the road or sitting at home.



Doc

 

[FATCAT]

How much is the CDL course???

QRTRHRS ... in your post you said "... The course is ~4000 ... "



you mean $4,000 for the 4+ weeks?



Just curious ... that seems like a lot of dough.



I always though it would be nice to have a CDL (at least a CDL-B), just incase I decided to get into the dump driving business (either owner-operator or driver). But wow! thats alot of $$$$.

I never knew it cost that much!



No wonder the driving schools' web-sites never mention the cost of the courses ... just talk about tuition assistance.



I figured that when my old '97 rattle-trap finally goes out to pasture, I'd like a small single axle International, KW, Pete, Sterling, etc... to do my weekend worrier wood/dirt stuff.

 

[EricBu12]

A $4000 course is for the semi's and tractor trailer stuff. I did a community college course that takes longer, like a reg school year but is next to free.

a CDL B is just a different endorsement for the reg license. Maybe a fee to get it or whatever.



I figure the eating money on what I take on the road. drinks, snacks or that kind of stuff. when you are on the road, if you ate at restaurants every meal, say you did only breakfast and dinner at the truckstops,..... you can EASILY spend at least $20-30/day in reg meals, not including if you get soda, coffee, snacks or whatever. Thats over $100/week. I spend less than $30 a week for everything using frozen dinners and micro at the truckstops. faster too, no waiting for the waitress. Eat and go in 30 minutes..... no tip, no buffet (thats the fat maker)and more efficient of your time.

 

[PaulCreamer]

FatCat!

Check to see if you qualify for a Gvmt. grant. From my experience, the community colleges turn out a better driver. The "for profit" schools are just interested in making money and don't appear to care about the end result.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I am taking this at a community college. They used to run it themselves but sub contracted it to All-State Career. I know some of the students were sent by the state but only because they are low income. I had 5k available for schooling from my former employer. I also qualified for TRR or whatever that federal program is but there is no money for this state. That would be for a two year program anyway, ugh.



This is one of the better schools in this area. They have several well known recruiters coming in all the time. You still need to go through their training or whatever and run with an experianced driver.



Andy, Eric and others: Thanks for the input. I know what your saying having done this before. I don't remember if I ever topped 1 million miles but I had a lot of 125k + years. I got out to go back to school for electronics in 1980. I was doing okay but the company I was with was shaky do to having overextended themselves and I still had Army money coming so what the heck.



So, as usual, I am in a grey area. Experianced but not recent.