Quote:
Originally Posted by JK23112
Congrats.....and welcome to my highway, trucker!
I also have a Class A with the 'T' (doubles), 'H' (Hazmat) and 'N' (tanker) endorsements - even though I don't need them where I am now (dry vans). Having all of the endorsements (except bus/passenger) is my "security blanket" if something goes awry or my company mistreats me worse than they do now.
Treat that CDL like gold - as it is your meal ticket; and don't forget to get a valid medical card (DOT physical exam) and carry a laminated photocopy of it with you in your wallet. Leave the original at home somewhere, as it will get all torn, stained and nasty within a few months of riding around in your wallet.
Even if you leave the transportation business to do something else (as I did several years ago), you never know if you'll want to go back -- so do not let your CDL lapse or expire.
Finally, treat each day as a new chance to learn something or gain some additional knowledge. If you encounter a driver who "knows everything" and claims to have never made an error, turn and walk the other way - because you are talking to a liar!
Good luck to you, brother trucker! Be sure to stay in the right-hand lane unless you are overtaking another vehicle -- and always, always, always use your directional signals. Don't be a stinker; use your blinker!
"You can take the driver out of the truck, but you'll never get the truck out of the driver." -- Anonymous
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Thanks a lot, man, I appreciate your words of advice!
I fully agree with everything except the laminated health card. You see; Rhode Island, Mass, & Connecticut are very funny states. If you carry a laminated health card with you, it's null & void. Why these 3 states made this a law is beyond me, because we all know how that flimsy piece of paper holds up after time in one's wallet. I carry the cardboard carbon copy with me instead of the paper one because it holds up better & is still legal tender with the smokies. I'm dead-on with the rest of your advice(blinkers, right hand lane, etc.)because I've just always had respect for big rigs, & now finally being able to drive one, I want to be one of the many safe drivers to keep people & children safe, drive more efficiently, save myself money in fines, & just to rid regular drivers of the old stereotype that all truck drivers are stupid & tractor/trailers on the road are a nusiance. Thanks again, man, & I hope cross paths with you somewhere on the road!
Quote:
Originally Posted by RRonning1984
Congratulations Cory. I am sure you will do fine. Post a pic of your first rig!
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Thanks a lot, Ryan, I will! I'm gonna start a scrapbook of rigs I get to drive. As a matter of fact, I'm gonna start with the school truck soon!