Becoming A Truck Driver - The Truth About Trucking

Don’t Let the Little Things Bother You….Just Roll On

truckermike — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:20:38 +0000

In the past few months that I've been driving, I've learned one major thing. Trucking can destroy you if you let it. Truck driving can literally drive you to madness....if you let it. So don't.....

CDL Training Begins

Brett Aquila — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:39:44 +0000

At a time when school ends for many, mine begins anew. Back to CDL training - back to the road.

Returning To Trucking After Vacation: Part Two

Rhonda — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:36:54 +0000

Backing was a tough issue for me back when I was new to driving, and a situation like this one was a nightmare for me!

Returning To Trucking After Vacation: Part One

Rhonda — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:03:21 +0000

I am just thrilled to know about this and the new adventure given to me. Soon I am on my way and not looking forward to this blocking of a busy 4 lane highway while I back into a dock. Backing is still not my best thing. I'm going to have lots of 4-wheelers upset with me. That's OK as they upset me daily too!

One Electric Ride

truckermike — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:52:10 +0000

There are some nights when you don't want to be in the truck. Then there are some nights when you wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world at that paticular moment.

You’ll Know You Can Drive When……….

Brett Aquila — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:02:27 +0000

When you make a wrong turn onto US 119, and keep going!! The new drivers here will get road experience. I hope it's not similiar to US 119, as I really hope you never have reason to be there.

Oh Where, Oh Where Did the Wolfie Go?

Brett Aquila — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:46:46 +0000

After many long weeks, a minor back injury, and some trouble with one of the tests, my CDL schooling is coming to an end and it appears I've landed my first truck driving job. Oh happy days!

The Long Road Back

Brett Aquila — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:18:31 +0000

I first went to driving school in 1995. I went from a business enviornment right to the road. I was in real estate for many years, but I am, at heart, a truck driver though, and even though I have helped get many people into their own homes, driving is what I truly enjoyed. Like many drivers, I only came off the road to try and save a failing marriage.

You’re Worth More

Brett Aquila — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:07:32 +0000

Truck drivers, to me, deserve more because I’m watching them make it all happen by transporting freight from one point to another every day. So with that, please know that I’m praying for every one of you, and wanting the best for all of you because to me...YOU’RE ALL WORTH MORE!!!

Women Truck Drivers

Rhonda — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:23:10 +0000

The American public sees more and more women behind the wheel of a big rig and they must surely think this is a new thing for the women to branch out of the traditional boundaries set for women. Actually women have been branching out for many years--longer than you may think, too.

The Best Trip for a Truck Driver – Home.

truckermike — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:09:27 +0000

After being away from home for about 10 weeks, I finally got home. What I did while I was there wasn't as important as who I did it with....

Surviving a Company Trainer

truckermike — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:37:42 +0000

Wow, it's been two months since I hit the road with my trainer. I can't believe it's already been that long. Time is really flying out here. As I stated in one of my earlier posts, my training period is much longer than most companies, so I probably won't be done for at least another 6 weeks or so. But since I've put in quite a bit of time with a trainer already, I thought I'd share a few of my thoughts on how to survive your company trainer.

Now Where Did I Put My Red Shoes?

Brett Aquila — Mon, 18 May 2009 10:31:48 +0000

In the movie classic "Wizard of Oz" the good witch Glenda tells Dorothy to click the heels of her red shoes together three times and say "There's no place like home". The movie ends with Dorothy waking up in her bed surrounded by worried family members...well, my training time is over, and I'm going home.

The Trailer Behind The Truck

Rhonda — Sat, 16 May 2009 11:23:22 +0000

The trailer behind the truck is something that you may never think about in great detail, and it looks simple enough, but there's a lot more to it than you may think.

Trucking Company Orientation: Not Much Fun

Brett Aquila — Sat, 16 May 2009 11:18:19 +0000

Basically, when going to orientation, prepared to be bombarded with videos, tested on your skills, and grilled about your past. I’m looking foreword to getting the heck out of this hotel, and getting on the open road. Hopefully, my trainer will show up in the next day or two. If not, it looks like I’m just going to have to wait.....

In This Economy, The Cream Is Rising To The Top

Brett Aquila — Mon, 11 May 2009 12:59:59 +0000

Unemployement offices may be encouraging people to look outside of trucking. Why? Truck driving jobs are available, but many trucking companies have been able to be more selective in this slower economy than they have in the past.

Preparing for Truck Driver Company Training – Things to Pack!

truckermike — Sun, 10 May 2009 11:39:51 +0000

What should I pack? This has to be the number one question amongst newbies. First of all, pack as little as possible. Only the necessities....

The Time Has Come: I’m Heading To Orientation

Brett Aquila — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:03:00 +0000

It's finally here! Time for me to hit the open road, see the country, and see how many people I know are shocked when they see me hauling ass in an eighteen wheeler.

Week 3, Day 1: Double the Trouble, Double the Fun.

Brett Aquila — Thu, 07 May 2009 10:51:07 +0000

We had some interesting things today, including pulling doubles, 45 degree sight-side backing, and a new instructor for the road trip.

Love or Infidelity? It’s Your Responsibility!

Brett Aquila — Tue, 05 May 2009 10:07:31 +0000

There’s a comfort in knowing that all is ok while being in the same room with the one you love in total silence. Never forget how lucky you are. Stay true, always.

Truck Driving School – Week 2, day 4 – The Truck demands a sacrifice!

Brett Aquila — Tue, 05 May 2009 09:35:44 +0000

Day four (4/30) of my journey towards becoming an Over the Road driver was rather exciting. As with the rest of the week, we started out in the yard today. We had a different yard instructor, so things were slightly different....

Stormy Weather In Trucking

Rhonda — Mon, 04 May 2009 09:48:07 +0000

Spring is something that everyone looks foward to after driving in the winter. The snow and ice and cold just wear a person out. Dealing with coats and boots and frozen brakes has worn out its welcome. Driving in the winter is not “easy” like it is in the spring and summer months. You eagerly look forward [...]

On The Road Again: Week 2, Day 3 of CDL Training

Brett Aquila — Mon, 04 May 2009 09:31:02 +0000

Today there was a variety of activities, including speaking to a few recruiters, pre-trip inspections, two types of backing, and a short trip on the highway.

It’s Time to Ride

Brett Aquila — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:56:05 +0000

Waves from the beautiful state of SC to all out there who are reading this! Thank you for stopping by my little peace of cyberland and taking a look at my path into a career as a professional truck driver. I hope to present my journey in a logical and well written blog so that you, the reader, can see in your mind's eye the path I have taken.

Beginning Week Two Of CDL Training: What Do You Mean, ‘Don’t Hit That Car’?

Brett Aquila — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:02:17 +0000

Day two of week two dawned (if you want to call it that) chilly and rainy. Of course, that's typical for the Pacific Northwest at this time of year. Our truck driver training is advancing into new stages.