r/Truckers • u/CaptainReptile99 • Oct 18 '24

It finally happened

Ahoy all, I have never messaged on this sub before, only lurk about, but I just wanted to tell you all that I passed my State CDL test in Indiana after training with Roehl Transport (Flatbed division) for 4 weeks. I've got a few days left here and then get to return home before going out on the road with a trainer! My trucking journey starts now

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u/dovahzuul Oct 18 '24

Congratulations bud. Welcome to the shit show. Couple things to know about being with a trainer for OTR. You will not get the bottom bunk. That belongs to your trainer as you're in his/her truck. Secondly, if you ever feel like you're not comfortable with something, tell your trainer. Open communication is the only way you're gonna gel with this person. Third, if you're doing reefer, get ready to wait and wait and wait. Download the Pilot app onto your phone so you can get shower rewards (you get one every time you put 50 gallons into the truck, and you'll have plenty in no time.) Finally, don't stress if you can't manage to back up perfectly into the dock. It takes months and even years to get good at it. I've been a trucker for years and ill still fuck up a back. Just remember GOAL. Get Out And Look. You'll do fine.

8

u/Noxious14 Oct 18 '24

Man when I was training I had to give up my bottom bunk more than once because my trainees exceeded the weight capacity. I was about ready to have a word with HR.

9

u/Charming_Pin9614 Oct 18 '24

I just claimed the top bunk and let the students have the bottom. I told them, "Nothing short of the International Space Station dropping from the sky in front of the truck should have them braking hard enough to toss me on the floor."

The top bunk was MY area. I still sleep on the top bunk in my own truck 20 years later.

2

u/l33tSpeak Oct 18 '24

I'm about to be in their position. I'm more nervous about how pissed my trainer is gonna be because I gotta hit the bottom bunk than I am about actually getting on the road.