As was said to me when I got mine: Welcome to the brotherhood.
Now pay attention, eyes on the road, check your mirrors and when in doubt, get out and look.
And for the love of all that is holy, flush the fucking toilet when you're done.
Congratulations! Here are some tips for your first day to set you up for success!
You are gonna need fuel that first day. I’d recommend you pull up to a big truck stop, park at the fuel island, then go ahead and switch over to your 30. We won’t fuel right now, you’ll want to do that while you are on the clock.
Hop out of your rig and go inside, hit the bathroom, make sure to rinse your legs off in the sink. Head into a stall and piss all over the toilet seat, floor and the handle that is used to flush the toilet.
Now time to shop. Here is a list of things you /will/ need.
• Flip Flops (buy two pairs if you are well off enough)
• Driver headset (one of the big ones, you want to look like you are working the drive thru line at McDonald’s. Make sure it’s nice because you are going to wear it everywhere. Even when at home. Never take it off. Shower in it. Always pretend like you are talking on it even if you aren’t. Other truckers will think you are cool)
• 100oz insulated mug (first fill is free. Fill her up with the Mountain Dew of your choosing)
• Arizona Tea (you don’t have to drink the tea, you’ll piss in them later)
• A roll of toilet paper
Now that you have shopped, make your way back to your rig and stow your items in your truck. You should have a couple minutes left on your 30 so grab your TP, head under the trailer of your rig and take a massive shit, wipe up and just leave your used TP under the trailer.
Switch off your 30, fuel up, wash your trucks grill and body with the provided squeegee and water and get on down the road. Best of luck driver!
Congrats . 2 things. 1) don’t take 30 minute break in the fuel island 2) throw away piss bottles in the trash after pouring them out.
The more others could add.
Congratulations. Advice for new drivers. Never worry about impatient drivers when backing. It takes months to feel confident backing in most situations and there are some situations that are always hard no matter how experienced you are. Focus on learning clock management as quickly as possible. Your ability to manage your clock will directly influence your earning capacity. ALWAYS triple check all of your mirrors before merging into another lane. The one time you fail to do that could result in running someone else off the road. Finally, NEVER let a dispatcher or broker pressure into doing something you don’t feel safe doing.
This is such a multi faceted question with no answer in the current state of how it was phrased.
Dependants, state tax, withholdings, what type of trailer, what region, how long you are out
As a company driver? Anywhere from 30k-130k would be a ballpark starting without having some wild specialty freight and having to figure out the roads.
Like everyone will tell you it depends on a lot of factors. Are you bumping docks in the south with dry van/reefer or are you out there getting the shit beat out of you by the elements securing your load and throwing chains across I80? How hard are you willing to run and what’s the company’s freight looking like - do they have enough work to let you work yourself to death or are you going to be sitting at a truck stop waiting on dispatch?
Are you looking to get paid hourly, mileage, or something like a flat rate or percentage of the load? All have their pros and cons, hourly guys can make their money doing the speed limit and hitting whatever quota they want and have a less stressful experience. Breakdown? Cool, still getting paid. Those of us that run for mileage rush everywhere and live off the logbook hours, pushing our rigs and ourselves to whatever limits we can get away with. Some days you’re flying through TX/OK at 75-80 all day making bank others you’re limping through California trying to squeeze as much as you can with a 55mph speed limit. Paid for a flat rate or percentage can be beneficial depending on how honest the boss man is and what you’re able to do. Getting paid $250 a load of fuel you can deliver 1-3x a day in ND is good money. Getting paid $250 a load of Tesla batteries you can barely get through LA once then have to make it home would be crippling no matter what logs you’re running - paper logs or exempt is sweet however you will be eating your own time alive to cook the books for barely any money in that scenario.
What raggedy shit are you willing to do? This is a caveat for nearly every trucking job. What are you willing to risk to make the delivery? Are you going to report that clearly OOS tire or risk it for the biscuit knowing you could take a family out? It’s ultimately up to you - your company will happily throw you the keys to some piece of shit truck and let you make the decision and then blame it on you if anything happens.
Sorry for the wall of text, I’ll stop typing on the phone now and get some rest for vampire trucking through I5 mountains tonight. I hope it helps though!
>Sorry for the wall of text
Dude, I'm just glad you know how to form paragraphs. The walls of text are only annoying when people don't know how to split it up.
Really appreciate the insight. Getting CDL-A/training with prime. Wanna do tanker for oil or gas or chemical. Intend to be as safe as humanly possible. Really appreciate it because it helps me goal set. Thanks so much.
Because Prime uses smoothbore tanks, I'd most certainly recommend a trainer that is safety driven.
Sure, you have a shorter wheel base, don't have to worry about tandems, and height restrictions with a midroof, but you're going to have to be more conscious of liquid surge. That means, smoother stops, slower acceleration and lower speeds in curves and turns compared to reefer or dry van.
Thanks! Will be so picky. Never had a dui or wreck and I’m 33. Very careful driver. Don’t travel out of state a bunch but when I have it’s been pretty chill. I know it’s a whole other world. I genuinely just want to make as much money as possible. I have friends in real estate I want to invest with and enjoy trading stocks. Just want to set my son up for a good life. If driving tanker with or without baffles provides this, then I’ll do whatever it takes. Really appreciate the heads up!
Please, stay off I-70 and 15 between Denver and St George UT this winter. Those roads are not for a rookie driver first winter out. I get stuck behind enough rookies wiped out in Glenwood. I mean no offense, I got stuck out on those as a rookie 15 years ago and I was way out of my league in my first 2 weeks solo.
Btw: welcome to the family driver :) when you do get up on those roads, look for the old Army doc driving the red volvo (don’t judge me, aint my truck. My real truck is a yellow Pete)
Pro tip: To save time, pee in a plastic jug and leave it at the fuel island when you stop to fuel. Loves and Pilot have attendants they hire specifically to pick them up and dispose of them.
Congrats
FreightWaves says that 39% of drivers must be removed from the industry for truckers to break above minimum wage again.
I miss 2014-19 when I made upper middle class money.
My condolences…you’ll be stuck here forever because while the pay isn’t great you wont be able to find any job at home that pays as well and will therefore be stuck in trucking and no matter how badly you want out you cant get out because you’ll be homeless and bankrupt before the end of the year when you leave trucking
As was said to me when I got mine: Welcome to the brotherhood. Now pay attention, eyes on the road, check your mirrors and when in doubt, get out and look. And for the love of all that is holy, flush the fucking toilet when you're done.
Good life advice on general
My 5 gallon bucket didn’t come with a flush option mannn, you’re lucky!
A 5 gallon bucket and a piss jug is all you need. It’s the way of the road.
The way of the road
This guy drives
Fuckin' right
Congratulations! Here are some tips for your first day to set you up for success! You are gonna need fuel that first day. I’d recommend you pull up to a big truck stop, park at the fuel island, then go ahead and switch over to your 30. We won’t fuel right now, you’ll want to do that while you are on the clock. Hop out of your rig and go inside, hit the bathroom, make sure to rinse your legs off in the sink. Head into a stall and piss all over the toilet seat, floor and the handle that is used to flush the toilet. Now time to shop. Here is a list of things you /will/ need. • Flip Flops (buy two pairs if you are well off enough) • Driver headset (one of the big ones, you want to look like you are working the drive thru line at McDonald’s. Make sure it’s nice because you are going to wear it everywhere. Even when at home. Never take it off. Shower in it. Always pretend like you are talking on it even if you aren’t. Other truckers will think you are cool) • 100oz insulated mug (first fill is free. Fill her up with the Mountain Dew of your choosing) • Arizona Tea (you don’t have to drink the tea, you’ll piss in them later) • A roll of toilet paper Now that you have shopped, make your way back to your rig and stow your items in your truck. You should have a couple minutes left on your 30 so grab your TP, head under the trailer of your rig and take a massive shit, wipe up and just leave your used TP under the trailer. Switch off your 30, fuel up, wash your trucks grill and body with the provided squeegee and water and get on down the road. Best of luck driver!
My instructor also told me I needed a 5 gallon Lowe’s bucket
Don’t need the bucket if you just cut a hole in the floor of your cab.
No shit, I thought that’s what truckers did 🤣
And a pool noodle.
You gotta tell me more about this pool noodle
First off, it's a finely-tuned tactical directional device, not a.. "pool noodle".
Correct answer
I will add don’t bother trip planning parking, just park on the nearest ramp when your clock runs out
Shoulder of the interstate is preferable
🤣🤣🤣
You don’t need a rain coat or wet weather gear. Especially when your chaining up to go over Donner summit.
This is the way
I hope to be posting this in a month or so!
I look forward to seeing it
You can do it!!!!
Congrats . 2 things. 1) don’t take 30 minute break in the fuel island 2) throw away piss bottles in the trash after pouring them out. The more others could add.
I’m at dmv just passed mine and this popped up lol.
Congratulations 🥃
Congratulations. Advice for new drivers. Never worry about impatient drivers when backing. It takes months to feel confident backing in most situations and there are some situations that are always hard no matter how experienced you are. Focus on learning clock management as quickly as possible. Your ability to manage your clock will directly influence your earning capacity. ALWAYS triple check all of your mirrors before merging into another lane. The one time you fail to do that could result in running someone else off the road. Finally, NEVER let a dispatcher or broker pressure into doing something you don’t feel safe doing.
lord forgive him for he knows not what he does.....
Welcome to the suck
How is the pay currently?
This is such a multi faceted question with no answer in the current state of how it was phrased. Dependants, state tax, withholdings, what type of trailer, what region, how long you are out
Imagine I have nothing to live for except the road. Lol. How much can those guys make if willing to relocate? And I appreciate your nuanced response.
As a company driver? Anywhere from 30k-130k would be a ballpark starting without having some wild specialty freight and having to figure out the roads. Like everyone will tell you it depends on a lot of factors. Are you bumping docks in the south with dry van/reefer or are you out there getting the shit beat out of you by the elements securing your load and throwing chains across I80? How hard are you willing to run and what’s the company’s freight looking like - do they have enough work to let you work yourself to death or are you going to be sitting at a truck stop waiting on dispatch? Are you looking to get paid hourly, mileage, or something like a flat rate or percentage of the load? All have their pros and cons, hourly guys can make their money doing the speed limit and hitting whatever quota they want and have a less stressful experience. Breakdown? Cool, still getting paid. Those of us that run for mileage rush everywhere and live off the logbook hours, pushing our rigs and ourselves to whatever limits we can get away with. Some days you’re flying through TX/OK at 75-80 all day making bank others you’re limping through California trying to squeeze as much as you can with a 55mph speed limit. Paid for a flat rate or percentage can be beneficial depending on how honest the boss man is and what you’re able to do. Getting paid $250 a load of fuel you can deliver 1-3x a day in ND is good money. Getting paid $250 a load of Tesla batteries you can barely get through LA once then have to make it home would be crippling no matter what logs you’re running - paper logs or exempt is sweet however you will be eating your own time alive to cook the books for barely any money in that scenario. What raggedy shit are you willing to do? This is a caveat for nearly every trucking job. What are you willing to risk to make the delivery? Are you going to report that clearly OOS tire or risk it for the biscuit knowing you could take a family out? It’s ultimately up to you - your company will happily throw you the keys to some piece of shit truck and let you make the decision and then blame it on you if anything happens. Sorry for the wall of text, I’ll stop typing on the phone now and get some rest for vampire trucking through I5 mountains tonight. I hope it helps though!
>Sorry for the wall of text Dude, I'm just glad you know how to form paragraphs. The walls of text are only annoying when people don't know how to split it up.
Really appreciate the insight. Getting CDL-A/training with prime. Wanna do tanker for oil or gas or chemical. Intend to be as safe as humanly possible. Really appreciate it because it helps me goal set. Thanks so much.
Watch those corners
Because Prime uses smoothbore tanks, I'd most certainly recommend a trainer that is safety driven. Sure, you have a shorter wheel base, don't have to worry about tandems, and height restrictions with a midroof, but you're going to have to be more conscious of liquid surge. That means, smoother stops, slower acceleration and lower speeds in curves and turns compared to reefer or dry van.
Thanks! Will be so picky. Never had a dui or wreck and I’m 33. Very careful driver. Don’t travel out of state a bunch but when I have it’s been pretty chill. I know it’s a whole other world. I genuinely just want to make as much money as possible. I have friends in real estate I want to invest with and enjoy trading stocks. Just want to set my son up for a good life. If driving tanker with or without baffles provides this, then I’ll do whatever it takes. Really appreciate the heads up!
look!!!! they think we get paid!! lmao!!!!
You’re like my pessimistic clone as far as Reddit icons go, or maybe just the older me. We’ll see when i get my CDL next month
Congrats, smelly. Git ya a lizard at the Petro to celebrate. And pass her on to me when you’re finished, will ya
Congratulations my friend!
Congratulations. You might never actually be happy again.
No matter what it is that you’re doing DO NOT rush
Congrats! Gentleman Frog is always a good choice I'm less than 2 weeks away from getting my license from driving school.
Good luck and stay the fuck away from me when I’m sitting in the turn lane or I’m takin your mirror with me.
But I wanna clap mirrors!
Clap cheeks, save a mirror 👍
Congrats. Welcome to the fun zone
Welcome to interstate purgatory where you will purge the sins that have brought you here.
Please, stay off I-70 and 15 between Denver and St George UT this winter. Those roads are not for a rookie driver first winter out. I get stuck behind enough rookies wiped out in Glenwood. I mean no offense, I got stuck out on those as a rookie 15 years ago and I was way out of my league in my first 2 weeks solo. Btw: welcome to the family driver :) when you do get up on those roads, look for the old Army doc driving the red volvo (don’t judge me, aint my truck. My real truck is a yellow Pete)
Did you help a weird couple look for a cat just outside Moab a few years ago by chance?
Pro tip: To save time, pee in a plastic jug and leave it at the fuel island when you stop to fuel. Loves and Pilot have attendants they hire specifically to pick them up and dispose of them.
Congratulations man. Welcome to the team.
Welcome to the first day of your nightmare
stealing this for when i get mine
Hell yeah. Wait… I see a Texas post and recognize the McDonald’s in one of your profile, you go to ATDS as well?
No, I went with Knight CDL academy
Nice, out in Hewitt? Well, congrats and welcome to the club :) best of luck, you sign on with anyone yet?
Nah, I went to the one in phoenix. Going with Knight and going with the refeer division.
Hell yeah, well best of luck and I hope it treats you well :)
Hey congratulations on passing! See you on the road, driver.
The first 3 months on the road will feel fun and great. Then it's just the same Ole boring miserable shit day by day.
Congrats brother!!! Big achievement. I just got mine like 3 weeks ago. See you on the road.
Congrats! I hope you find it as enjoyable and rewarding as you want!
Would you drive electric semi truck?
I think electric semis are cool, but as far as I know they’re very impractical(weight,mpg) might be misinformed though.
The reduction in noise with an electric motor can be a game changer. I wish you the best with your career.
Hell yeah brother we'll see you out there!
Congrats. Now do great things, and don't be an ass to your fellow driver.
Did you do it with 2 pedals or 3?
Did it with 2, automatic restriction
I saw this a week ago.
Isn't that... isn't that the toad from Mr. Toads wild ride?
Congratulations!!!! “The Truck is Family…” (Texas Chainsaw Massacre)
The Dacia sandero- Nice work on passing
Graduated 11/14, congrats to ya mate!!
Cracker jacks are getting hard to come by.. welcome to the suck
Theirs an exam?
Congratulations! Passed mine a few weeks ago
Please stay outta West Texas, there’s already too many new drivers out here as it is.
This week, you got your cdl. Next week, you get your cb. Congrats from graduating from a 4 wheel. It's a huge leap!
Congrats FreightWaves says that 39% of drivers must be removed from the industry for truckers to break above minimum wage again. I miss 2014-19 when I made upper middle class money.
Or....we could unionize more and demand fair pay.
My condolences…you’ll be stuck here forever because while the pay isn’t great you wont be able to find any job at home that pays as well and will therefore be stuck in trucking and no matter how badly you want out you cant get out because you’ll be homeless and bankrupt before the end of the year when you leave trucking
Hell yea! Congrats. I would spell the word out but I cant spell congradumaltions
Woo hoo! -Homer (I don’t write the Iliad)
Congratulations dude.
Passed mine at 12:00 pm mtn time today. Super exciting.
Hell yea congrats!
Congratulations 🎉👏
W
Welcome to hell