new at this

truckergirl · Nov 5, 2006

Hey ya'll,
Its the female half of Zak and Holly. We have been busy, Zak finishing school and me with a new job. One thing I have found out, I am not meant to sit behind a desk all day! It is driving me nuts, I want to be out there on the road...I am now working on getting my Class B CDL but I do need help with the actual driving part. I think I have the written mostly down. I know there are a few ways to get training on the driving. I don't want to drive a bus, I don't have the time or money to go to a 3-4 week school. Hopefully someone on here will know of a better way...Anyone live in central Texas or have any tips? My next plan may be to go rent a UHaul and drive it around...

terryandrene · Nov 5, 2006

Holly:
Pleased to have you on the forum. Many of us have followed the enthusiasm and adventures as presented by Zak, but haven't heard from him since after the Dallas Truck Show. Stay tuned as someone in your neighborhood should be able to help you make some decisions concerning this career path.

Terry

Crazynuff · Nov 6, 2006

Most U-Hauls have automatic transmissions and aren't maintained very well . Check with Ryder . You can practice with a non-CDL straight truck but after you have rented that from them ask if they have a truck of sinilar size over 26,000 lb. GVW you could rent for the road test .

greg334 · Nov 6, 2006

just rented a truck from ryder.

it was a 33K air brake 26 foot box truck GMC 7500. If you get a chance, rent a GMC newer than 2003, it drove just like my GMC van - actually same steering wheel and dash layout.

A flatbed would be better.

I rented it for personal use only (which it was) and estimated I will need 150 miles to practice and test (which came to 151 actual miles used)

oh they are not cheap.

truckergirl · Nov 6, 2006

Thanks for the tips! Yeah, it was pretty soon after the truck show that school started, and he is driving a bus too so he is busy a lot. But we did enjoy the truck show. It was cool to get to see some straight trucks up close and get more information.

Holly

Tennesseahawk · Nov 6, 2006

If Zak is also getting into this, I'm sure he can sign on with an o/o with the understanding that you'll be driving also. Ta-da... free training vehicle.

"If I claim to be a wise man, it surely means that I don't know." - Kansas

TeamCaffee · Nov 6, 2006

Holly glad to hear you and Zac will be team drivers! You will have a lot of fun out here and see lots and lots. Good Luck on getting your class B! Keep us all updated on how you two are getting along. If you can make plans to attend the Louisville Truck show in March, there will be lots of expediters there for you two to meet and talk to.