Show me the Money

I wanted to start this entry by saying how much I appreciate the Katlaw driving school for providing me with everything required to get my CDL.  They truly care about you learning not just how to drive a truck but how to do it safely.  They were always willing to spend the extra time with Students that needed a little extra coaching.
Now, onto the company I chose to work for.  I basically had five companies that interested me.  I looked at pay, benefits, hometime and newness of their equipment.  All five companies were pretty good overall.  Some paid more than others, some only had automatics (not for me) and some put you on the road for long periods of time.  I wanted to be home majority of the weekends, so the extended OTR companies wouldn't work for me.  Here is a list of companies I looked at:  Werner, Stevens Transport, TransAm, Shepard Watkins and TMC.  Of those five I chose to go with TMC.  They are a "flatbed" only company that offers majority of weekends home and they offer "cent per mile" or "percentage of load" pay.   Lastly, they drive new Peterbilts!  Check them out on the web.  I'll update once I've started orientation after the Holidays.  Merry Christmas and Thanks for following my blog. 
Dano

Proof is in the Certificate

As stated, I graduated and received the "Top Dog" award for having the highest GPA for my class.  I wasn't trying to win an award.  I just wanted to do the best I could and make sure I learned everything being taught.  The award is just the "cherry on top" for me.  One thing to remember is that every prospective company wants to know what your school grade was.  They don't care what you made when you took the State exam (just as long as you pass), but the school grade is very important.  My next blog will cover the companies I sent applications to and why I chose the company I decided to go with.  Until then,  Dano.

Graduation Day

After two more days of practice on Monday and Tuesday, we were ready to head toward the State DDS testing ground at 4:30am on Wednesday.  I was scheduled as the third person to test.  My nerves were stressed to the max.  To make matters worse, it poured down rain the whole day.  That made the backing skills portion of the test more difficult because the mirrors were covered in rain drops.  By the grace of God, I was able to pull it off and passed without any problems.  The icing on the cake here is that I found out I'm receiving the "Top Dog" award as having the highest grade for this training session.  I'll update the blog with photos after I receive my award and certificate today.
Until then,
Dano

Pre-Trip Inspection Test

Friday was day 7 of my training and we were tested on the Pre-trip inspection list.  I lucked up and made 100 on it.  It is funny how nervous you get when someone is standing there with a clip board grading you.  They told us on day one of class that people usually mess up because of nervousness.  I believe it now.  My advice is to take deep breathes, think about what you are doing and go slow.  You will have plenty of time to perform what they ask of you. 
Monday and Tuesday are the last two days of class and then we leave @ 4:45am Wednesday to head to Dalton, GA to test.  It is going to be a long stressful day. 

Highway Time

Well I just finished day 6 of my skills training in Trucking School.  My shifting is getting pretty good and I feel really comfortable behind the wheel.  I drove about forty miles on the highway today.  It is much easier to drive on the highway than the backroads.  My nerves are less stressed on the highway.  I'm including some photos of the rig I'm training in (1998 Volvo) and my instructor, Dan Odum.  He is an excellent instructor with 41 years experience.  He has logged 4.3 million miles without any accidents.  If you are as lucky as I was to get him as your instructor, then you will see just how good he is. 
I've got three more days of training and then we go to the Georgia DDS to take the tests.  Wish me luck!

Start your Engine

Just finished day two training in the big rig.  I'm still trying to learn the "pre-trip" inspection list and the "in cabin" inspection.  There is a lot to remember, but repeating it everyday helps.  Yesterday we practiced straight backing and learned how to couple and uncouple the trailer.  Today we did offset backing  and were able to drive around the complex and actually shift gears.  The double clutching takes a little to get use to, but is fun once you get the hang of it.  I'm still trying to get use to the brakes.  There is a slight hesitation when you apply them....and then they come on strong.  The funny thing is I felt a little nervous waiting for my turn to drive, but as soon as I got into the drivers seat it all felt right.   Another seven days of practice, then the skills test.  Updates to follow,
Dano

GOAL - Pass Written Test - Check!

Just finished up with my written portion of the training and passed with flying colors.  My instructor kept stressing the importance of slowing down and reading each question two times, then the answers twice.  Man was he right!  You may know the CDL training book forwards and backwards, but what will get you is the way the State words the questions and answers.  They are looking that you fully understand the concepts and aren't just memorizing the correct answers.  I told the DDS guy that the questions were really tricky.  He asked if this was my first time taking it.  I said yes.  He said that majority of the people don't pass it on the first time, and that I should feel lucky and proud that I did.  I honestly think that my brain hurts right now.  I'm glad that the stress for this part is over.  Now to concentrate on the skills training.  The only let down for me today is finding out that the first available seat time to start my skills training is next Thursday.  Oh well....I'll take what I can get.  Updates to follow,
Dano  

First Week of Training

I've just completed day 2 of training.  The first week is classroom training so I can get my Class A permit.  Week two and three are actual driving in a big rig.  So far so good.  Class is scheduled from 7am til 5pm.  I'm learning a lot more about this industry by talking with several other students that have been in the industry.  This particular school offers refresher courses for those that have been out of the driving seat for several years.  Lucky me, I can pick their brains about the goods and bads.
Like anything, I'm learning that you must ask questions and do your homework.  There are a lot of variables you need to know about when researching what company you want to work for after training.  Determine what is important to you and then weigh that against what the company will offer.  Money isn't everything, but for me it is a big part.   Just know that you should plan on staying with your first company for at least 2 years, otherwise it can look bad on you as an employee.   I'll update again once I've taken my written test scheduled for this Saturday morning.  Wish me luck. 

Dano 

Time to Begin

Well, time is here.  I start my CDL school tomorrow morning and I'm excited about it.  My girlfriend (Becky) and I watched the movie "Larry Crowne" the other day.  It is an inspirational movie and kind of reminded me about my situation.  It stars Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts.  Hanks (Larry Crowne) lost his job and decides to go to College to open the doors to possibilities.  Larry Crowne shows you that even though there are bumps in life....you get up and look for other oppurtunities that are out there. 
I'll update the blog next week and let you know how my first week is going. 
Dano

Decision Time

I've just decided to become a Trucker.  I've talked it over with several friends in the industry and decided it was the choice for me.   My name is Danny McKee (my friends call me Dano)  and I've gone thru what most of the USofA has gone thru.  I've done the office job for 15 years....and I've been in business for myself for 5 years.  I've always dreamed of driving across America and being paid for it.  This blog is for anyone that would be considering the trucking industry, and want to know what to expect.   I'm scheduled to be in class for my CDL training the week after Thanksgiving (2011).
Stay tuned for what I experience...and what you might expect.
I haven't chosen a company yet.  I'll let you know who I choose...and why.
Stay tuned.
Dano