GOT MY CDL!!!!!!

[bockhold]

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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10-4

[RRonning1984]

Congratulations Cory. I am sure you will do fine. Post a pic of your first rig!

[RadarRider]

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!

Originally Posted by RRonning1984

Congratulations Cory. I am sure you will do fine. Post a pic of your first rig!

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!

[CoalRollinRoosterCruiser]

Originally Posted by JK23112

[color=blue]


"You can take the driver out of the truck, but you'll never get the truck out of the driver." -- Anonymous

Amen!!!!!



Congrats cory!!!! It's addictive.

[wriott]

congrats!!!!!

[RadarRider]

Originally Posted by CoalRollinRoosterCruiser

Amen!!!!!



Congrats cory!!!! It's addictive.

Thanks a lot, John! I hear you on trucking being addictive.....I've been to the school all week to hang out with my classmates that are getting ready for their test, & I think I'm actually having withdrawal from not being able to drive!

Originally Posted by wriott

congrats!!!!!

Thanks, Will!

[6point0damn2004]

Originally Posted by RadarRider

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!

I'm gpnna have to do that too good idea

[RadarRider]

Originally Posted by 6point0damn2004

I'm gpnna have to do that too good idea

Ooooooooooooh the memories!

[JakeLewis79]

So, how are you dealing with all the ****ing four wheelers on the East coast? Still enjoying the driving gig?

[RadarRider]

Originally Posted by JakeLewis79

So, how are you dealing with all the ****ing four wheelers on the East coast? Still enjoying the driving gig?

I'm loving it! All this week I was driving doubles up to NY & the traffic isn't so bad. I do, in fact, have to deal with the 4 wheelers on the way home though. Depending on what time I get out of the NY terminal deciphers how many idiot 4 wheelers I'll be dealing with on the way home!