Thinking About Getting My CDL At NETTTS In North Andover, MA. Questions..

Your driving ability is only one piece of the puzzle, you have to learn about regulations and such that apply to you as a driver. I suggest the longer course because there is a lot of information most new drivers don't seem to have but really need. Also understand that almost any CDL program out there exists to get you to pass the test. When you sign on with a company and go out with a trainer is where you start to understand what the job is really like. If you get a trainer that wants you to just drive the nights and not bother him/her, ask for another trainer. That person is there to teach and instruct you, if they can't or won't you would benefit from someone different who will. Remember that this is your training for what you want your career to be, try to get the most out of it that you can. Also remember that there are many experienced drivers here willing to answer any questions you have. use your resources to put yourself in the best situation you can be in. Also research any company you think of signing on with. Read reviews and whenever possible, talk to drivers. Trucking recruiters are not your friends! Most will do everything short of tossing hookers in your bedroom window to get you to sign with them. Hope to see you out there, be safe and keep the rubber side down.

 

Moved to New Drivers.

 

Do the 160 hr. course. There's no use or need for the 540 hr. course.
Get all the endorsements while you're in school; this qualifies you for more choices of companies.
As soon as you get a class start date, you can start submitting job applications.
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Leonard's Express
Calex Logistics
are a couple of companies that will probably hire you. Saw a Leonard's Express truck a few days ago in California & Calex Logistics runs there also. Have seen both companies trucks here in Las Vegas also.
Leonards Express - Official Site
https://www.leonardsexpress.com
Calex Logistics - transportation and warehousing in NEPA
https://www.calexlogistics.com

 

If you're smoking weed, stop right now because you'll be drug tested either in school or for sure at your first driving job. The trucking company will test you within a couple of days and if you test positive, you'll be sent home; fired.

 

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You won't fail! The school doesn't want the bad press of a student not passing or being hired by a trucking company. It's extremely rare for a student not to graduate from a cdl school.
As soon as you get a start date for school, contact some companies about jobs. The school has job placement, but most of the time you can do much better by asking questions on this forum about decent trucking jobs.

 

Prepare for your DOT physical that will be required for cdl school.
No coffee, soft drinks, big breakfast of pancakes with syrup, etc.
Your blood pressure can fail you and high sugar levels are a red flag also.
Google : "How to lower blood pressure for DOT Physical exam"

 

Dude, the test is so easy my teenage kids passed it with no problems.

The thing that you need to know is that the 540 hour thing is just not that important, 160 will get you a job and that is where you learn much of your skill set but not always by a "trainer" (I can't help but laugh every time I type that ... trainer ... too funny).

Anywho the thing is you have to be observant, patient and not bs around.