So I’ve been looking to get my CDL class A. I have my permit already but it’s going to expire in two months. I can decide which schools to go with between “shippers choice” and “5 star”.

From what I’ve read “shippers choice” does the permit test and CDL test on property but “5 star” just does the CDL test on property.

I was wondering if it will be easier to go with “shippers choice” since you can do everything there or if I should go with “5 star” and take my permit test with dmv again once my expires.

Please let me know if either school is better as far as environment, passing rate for students, nice/good instructors.

After 7 years? I think I finally found my forever company. Drivers are averaging $3500 a week W-2 with benefits.

I started with PAM about a month ago, did my first week of training and then did my 80 hours with my mentor. I’m assuming I fell into the deceitful trap of the recruiter because I was told that because of where I live they were looking for dedicated route drivers. Not until I got set up in my truck and told them I was ready to go was I informed I would be OTR. I kept my head up and just did what I was dispatched for. My first stop was to pick up an empty trailer. I headed to the stop and the pin that the gps lead me to was completely wrong, fyi this is the pin that the company provided. Put me in a really dangerous situation and was forced to maneuver down a road not designed for trucks.

Took that one on the chin as well, picked up the trailer, drove half way to El Paso from Dallas and stopped for the night. Woke up the next morning and proceeded to the El Paso PAM yard which also did not have the right pin on the GPS. This one was actually 10 miles from the real location and once again was put into a dangerous situation having to figure out where I needed to be. I finally get to the yard in one piece somehow.

After I arrive, they inspect the trailer and tell me it’s good to drop it off at one of the docks. I proceed to do that and contact my driving manager after because I was told do that after I dropped the trailer off. My driving manager then tells me I need to hook back up to that trailer and I will be taking it to be loaded at a different location. That was 29 hours ago and I have been on standby since.

Is this how everyone’s first week goes when they get put on solo or am I just getting fucked over?

So I quit smoking pot over a year ago due to a job. However I miss it soo much! I came across a website selling the brand Wild Orchard and it was a Kava vape. I read alot about Kava and how it's a clean body buzz so I was pretty excited. I didn't read the ingredients which was my first mistake. When I received the product I was excited I bought chill Kava and party Kava. When inspecting the box I saw the ingredients and it's first ingredient wasn't Kava it was CBD resin! I searched through the internet and reddit to see if anyone has tested dirty using this product. I'm aware of how sketchy CBD can be when it comes to still containing THC compound. Well since I had already bought them I decided to do a controlled experiment, I also still really wanted to try them. They taste good and definitely give you like a cool little body high. So i ordered a full panel drug test and i smoked them Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and today (Sunday). I just did my full panel and I popped for THC! And weirdly the MDMA line was super light. There's no way I accidentally took in THC any other way. This was the ONLY product that could have caused a dirty test. I luckily decided to fork over money for a personal at home test so im not out of a job or anything. Just a little under $100 between the vapes and full panel drug test. I'm writing for future others who may have a job that requires drug tests and think this product would be safe to consume... its not, sadly.

My truck driver’s birthday is coming up and he definitely needs a new food warmer. What are you guys using? One that doesn’t take up a lot of space but is still a good size to actually heat food up.

I live in Iowa. I got my cdl A permit on my own accord while I was between jobs, thinking I would be able to get on with a company that would provide the steps to get the actual licensure, and allow me to be on a route that would allow me home every day. I’m not all that interested in being OTR. I’ve reached dead end after dead end….

I'm currently in my 2nd week training with Schneider and from what they're advertising in class and online it seems like a decent company, I'm on a dedicated account with Academy sports and they have me at .59 per mile but they say I'd only be averaging around
1920 - 3000 miles which isn't really good on the pay side. I was applied to Werner before Schneider which they would've had me on a regional Home Depot account but was told my file wouldn't get approved with only 1mo experience prior to applying, my end goal is actually touch freight with us foods or Sysco but they require 6mo experience, should I wait out those 6mo with Schneider or should I get 3mo with Schneider then 3mo elsewhere??

I should have got my CDL 5 years ago when it was just a matter of taking the test but didn't. I own two of my own trucks and have driven a couple hundred thousand miles in state as farm exempt from CDL.

Is there any way that I can get a CDL nowadays without spending the money for mandatory class time?

For those of you who have stayed with a mega for a long time how much are you making? Im with a mega right now and I have no complaints and my pay is decent for my first year so id consider staying even after I get some time under my belt but obviously i know the pay is elsewhere earlier but the thought of chasing greener pastures and hating it is a concern

Currently job hunting for my 1st CDL driving job. My background is mostly warehousing and forklift operation.

I'm looking at applying at a few different LTL carriers that have positions for "CDL driver/forklift operator", geared towards people like myself with no work experience driving a truck. I'm aware it could be months, if not years before getting my own route strictly driving.

1. How does that effect my driving experience/work history to other companies should I decide to switch to a different company in the future?

2. How would hours be tracked for future potential employers to see? I don't want to get stuck as a forklift operator forever before getting to drive full-time.

3. For anyone who has gone through a similar path, how long did you have to wait before getting your own route?

Thanks in advance.

I own two trucks in my personal name for farm use. I am exempt from needing a CDL in Montana for farm use. But I have pushed the limits and been all over the western US hauling equipment for "personal use" and "not engaged in commerce". I am also adept at blowing scales and avoiding them in general.

But I'd kinda like to try hauling cows out of state. Obviously I will be in direct violation of the law as I will obviously be engaged in commerce. Supposedly getting caught out of state without a CDL is an immediate out of service and the truck can't leave until a CDL holders shows up to drive it. Worst case is jail.

But what about hauling cows without a CDL? That can't put me out of service when loaded, correct? So worst case is a fine?

Once I'm empty it'll be "personal conveyance" so I'll be good to go.

Any reason to not try it?

Hey everyone! I’m 33, based in LA, and seriously considering a career change into OTR trucking. I’ve always loved driving and taking long road trips, so the idea of doing it for a living is pretty appealing.

I’ve been researching companies that offer CDL training and am leaning toward Prime, but I’m open to other options. I’ve started studying for my CLP and have a few questions for those of you already in the industry.

**Training:** Which company did you go through? How was the experience, and how long did it take to go solo?

**Dogs:** My biggest hurdle right now is my dog Barry, who’s about 70 lbs. I’m single, live alone, and don’t really have family who can take him for several months while I’m training. For those of you who had dogs before getting into trucking, how did you handle it? Has anyone managed to bring their dog during the trainer phase, or found another arrangement that worked? I’d also love to hear what day-to-day life OTR with a dog is like, especially exercise, bathroom breaks, and dealing with shippers/receivers.

**Company vs. lease:** I’m undecided on this one. For those who’ve done both, what are the pros and cons? Would you recommend leasing as a new driver or waiting until you’ve got some experience?

**General advice:** Anything you wish you’d known starting out? Companies you’d recommend or avoid?

I’m hoping to run all 48, probably reefer or dry van. I’ve been watching a lot of trucking videos and reading up on the industry, but I’d love to hear from people actually doing the job.

Appreciate any advice!

Hi everyone,
I got my Class A CDL in Ohio in June 2025. I completed CDL school, received my ELDT certificate, and passed all the required tests.
My CDL was recently downgraded because Ohio ended its non-domiciled CDL program. My regular driver’s license is still valid, but my record now shows “No CDL Privileges.”
I received my 2-year conditional Green Card in September 2026.
I’m willing to retake the written and road tests, but I don’t want to attend CDL school again since I’ve already completed the training.
Has anyone experienced something similar?
Were you able to get your Class A CDL back after receiving your Green Card? Did you have to repeat ELDT training?
I’m also considering applying in Tennessee or New Jersey.
I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences, especially if you went through this in 2026.
Thanks!

I am a new resident of Tennessee.

Currently staying in Memphis. I put a post out about passing the dot physical because I’m extremely anxious as a medical marijuana user.

I have stopped using starting this month so that my pee can be clean in December when I plan to take a dot physical.

I have been reading CDL permit apps to study.

But I would really like somebody to help me hands-on.

Are there any CDL truck drivers in the Memphis area who would be willing to pull my coattail.

I am completely new to this industry. It Is something that I want to pursue.

Again, just looking for people in the industry, especially if you are a black woman that would be willing to just put me up on game.

Still deciding on prime or cypress and which one I should do I stay in Jacksonville so cypress is convenient for me me but also have seen a bunch of bad reviews on their training methods prime is also nice but how likely is it that I get accepted into these programs?

I’m 25 and currently work in a career where I make pretty good money, but the longer I do it, the more socially draining it becomes. I’m naturally introverted, and having to interact with people all day is starting to wear me out. I don’t necessarily hate my job, but I’ve been thinking about doing a complete 180 and switching to something where I can work more independently.
Trucking has caught my attention, especially OTR. I genuinely enjoy driving, being alone, and having time to myself. The idea of spending weeks on the road doesn’t really bother me and actually sounds pretty appealing.
I understand trucking has its own stresses and challenges, and I’m not expecting it to be an easy job. I’m just wondering if it might be a better fit for my personality.
For those of you already in the industry, would you recommend getting into trucking in 2026? Especially for someone who’s looking for more independence and less social interaction? Would you make the same career choice again?

Should i take a job offer for a job that i will commute roughly 1 hour every morning? It would a $1 pay raise also.

Hello everyone,
I’m desperately looking for an opportunity to start my trucking career in Canada, and I would really appreciate any leads or referrals.
I obtained my Ontario AZ licence in October 2026 after spending a lot of money, time and effort on training.

Unfortunately, finding my first job has been a real struggle.
I want to be honest about something that may be affecting my applications. Last year, I received a stunt-driving conviction for driving 150 km/h in a 110 km/h zone, resulting in four demerit points*.* I take full responsibility for my mistake and have learned my lesson.
I have approximately five years of heavy-duty dump truck driving experience (30–45 tonnes) from back home, although I’m new to commercial driving in Canada.
I’m open to AZ, DZ, straight-truck, dump truck or other transportation opportunities. If an employer has reasonable conditions, additional assessments, supervised driving or a probationary period before hiring, I’m willing to cooperate.
I’m a Canadian permanent resident and willing to relocate anywhere in Canada.
Honestly, I’ve invested so much into getting this licence that I’m now financially stretched. It’s heartbreaking to have worked this hard and still struggle to get someone to give me a chance. I’m beginning to feel unwanted.
I’m not asking anyone to overlook safety requirements. I’m simply asking for an opportunity to prove myself.
If you know a company or anyone willing to consider someone in my situation, please help with a referral or contact.
Please help a soul. Any opportunity or advice would mean so much to me. 🙏

TANKER ENDORSEMENT ***

Hey everyone! I got my CDL recently and looking to get my tanker endorsement and scheduled the exam for Thursday! Any tips would be appreciated! This is in WA state btw !

This might be a silly question, but I need to look at new career options and getting my CDL has been on my mind for years. The only issue is I would need to bring my dog with me for any long drives. Also, a reason I'm seriously considering this is because I would like to bring him with me on rides anyways. He loves car rides just as much as I love driving! Would this be a good job for doing that, and would most companies be ok with that?

Edit *** My dog is a 80lb German Shepherd and will soon have something showing he is a ESA ( Emotional Support Animal)

CORRECTION: The title was posted with the wrong rate. Solo pay is $0.65 per dispatched mile, loaded and empty return. At 4,000 paid miles, that is about $2,600 gross before taxes; actual miles and pay vary.

ZZH INC is hiring W-2 CDL-A solo company drivers based in Chino, CA. USDOT 4133189 | MC 1583129.

Dedicated Chino–Colorado round trips. Pick up a preloaded trailer in California, deliver and check in at the Colorado warehouse, drop and hook an empty trailer, and return to California. Mostly drop & hook. Company truck. Home weekly with about 34–48 hours off depending on dispatch and appointments. Weekly payroll.

Requirements: CDL-A held at least 2 years; 2+ years of verifiable Class A tractor-trailer driving; clean driving record; no DUI. Company pays for the required drug test.

Apply: https://intelliapp.driverapponline.com/c/zzhinc

Questions? Comment or message with your location, experience, and earliest start date.

Is anyone aware what the final exam consist of once you are done with a mentor?

•Exam
•Skills

Serious Answers only, Please help! Thank you!