CDL A and 18 wheels.

[Eric1]

I just recently went through a CDL school, got my licence with a few extra endorcements, got into a reputable company and half way through my training began to realize that a big rig may not be for me. Now hours of operation happened to be over night having to sleep during the day, so my body not wanting to adjust to this lifestyle was the primary reason for this change of heart. I wanted to know if there are other people out there who have experienced a similar deal out there other them myself, and if so what did you end up doing with your CDL, surely there has to be a wide range of opportunity with such a license, I just wanted to see if there are others out there that feel my pain..lol... Thanks for listening.....

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[BigCat]

Most local and normal operating hours require 1 year experience.

It takes time to adjust to wierd hours but you can do it.


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[paullud]

You need to put in some time running the junk shift before you start running during the day. It is actually a lot better so you get the chance to learn with less traffic. You should also be aware that this being an expedite site it is unlikely you will get much sympathy since they run at night. I liked running at night since there was much less to deal with. How much experience do you have?

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[BigBusBob]

so you are only half way thru your training? which means you're probably with a trainer- who drives during the day, and sleeps at night... like many trainers do. Why? Because there's less traffic at night, so you won't have to deal with as much on the road. and that's a good thing. If you decide to stick it out and actually keep a credential that will always grant you work so long as you keep you nose and record relatively clean, eventually you'll find you will be able to make your own schedule once you decide to go solo- or you can run team and let the other driver run at night so you can be cozy in bed all night. However, I must warn you- in trucking, you've heard the term "without trucks, America stops", well- it's true. Which means from time to time you'll find yourself working some oddball hours. Look at the positives though- no supervisors watching you, no time clock, relaxed dress code system, and you can travel and get paid for it. You have a wide choice of food to choose from, and a wide range of sceneries you wish to wake up to- day or night. You'll also have the chance to, should you take advantage of it; visit places and attractions you might otherwise not be able to if you were home every day. The schedule takes some getting used to, however- once you're done training- it'll be a bit easier. With a Class A license though, you'll need to gain some experience OTR before you can grab some of the gravy hauling jobs that pay better and keep you closer to home more often.
BigBusBob